04 Aug 2023

Trekking the Immersive Surrounds of Bigge Island and Careening Bay

This morning we had the chance to sleep in, enjoy some more birding or get our photos in order as Heritage Adventurer sailed towards Bigge Island. Following a cryptic briefing last night we piled into our Zodiacs bound for adventures unknown as we cruised along stunning coastline of Wary Bay on Bigge Island.

Here the imposing rough and tumble blocks of sandstone of the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, the oldest sedimentary rock in the Kimberley, were joined by heron, kite and osprey along the calm crystal blue waters edge. We were then whisked off to a small lagoon and ushered into a spectacular cave locally known as Cathedral Cave where the unmistakable sounds of a yidaki (didgeridoo) bounced off the cave walls as guest presenter Michael Butler serenaded us from a ledge above. After exploring this remarkable cave, we headed back to our trusty expedition vessel where Phil gave a presentation on Phillip Parker King, the Great Australian Navigator, a preamble to our afternoon excursion to Careening Bay.

Careening Bay offered a fantastic and relaxing excursion where we meandered at our own pace to explore what the beach had to offer, while our Expedition Team were stationed at key highlights to provide valuable interpretations on everything from the beach's geology, endemic cycads, the famous Mermaid Boab Tree, a Bowerbird's bower, beautiful flora, and of course any birds and insects discovered along the way.

We arrived back on board in time for sunset cocktails and wrapped another delightful day of discovery on the Kimberley coast.