Kimberley Expedition Cruise Review 2/8
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Silver Explorer docked in our first port of call, Wyndham, Western Australia early this morning. In fact it would be the only port where Explorer would be able to dock at a wharf, with the remaining visits and excursions all dependent on the ship’s 14 zodiacs.
Guests had the choice of two shore excursions today and both were included in our cruise fare. We could select either an Ord River cruise, or a scenic flight to the Bungle Bungles. We chose the flight, hoping that the wildlife we would miss seeing on the river would make an appearance later on in the voyage. It was difficult to pass up the opportunity of seeing this immense landscape from the height that only a plane or helicopter can provide. It’s almost impossible to comprehend the true scale of this area, but seeing it from above certainly helps.
After a short coach ride to the airfield in Wyndham, we were introduced to our pilot, Abbey of Aviair. Abbey is an exceptional pilot and commentator and guided us through the skies for some up-close views of the region’s incredible sights. We enjoyed views of Lake Argyle, and with a water volume over 20 times greater than Sydney Harbour, it’s easy to appreciate just how vast this part of the country is.
We witnessed the result of shifting tectonic plates, with layers of green-covered earth piled onto each other at incongruous junctions.
Soon we arrived at the Bungle Bungles. It’s hard to believe that this incredible range of weathered sandstone and its surrounding areas were established as a National Park in only 1987. Smooth, bulbous rock structures stand out of the ground and span for kilometres in all directions. Eroded by nature and time, the now famous bee-hive like rock formations are a national treasure. We’re told that erosion will continue to eat away at the Bungle Bungles as time draws on - but they should be with us for a few million years more at least.
After our flight, we enjoyed lunch at PumpHouse in Kununurra. Crispy fried Barramundi, a cold one, and views of the beautiful Lake Kununurra was followed by a lengthy return trip to Wyndham by coach. Driver and guide, Keith, kept us entertained the entire way with his local knowledge and wit. In what I’m now understanding is typical Silversea style, returning from a day of exploration ashore called for cool towels and trays of champagne - a terrific way to end the day.
