18 Aug 2024

A day of adventure in the Kimberley Coast

Our morning began with Heritage Adventurer sailing through Camden Sound to our anchorage at Freshwater Cove, greeted by whales and their calves passing by during a spectacular sunrise. 

We boarded our Zodiacs and, upon arrival at Freshwater Cove, were met by the people of the land with a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony. Before the day heated up, we walked through the rocky sandstone scene to the Cyclone Cave, where Neil, one of the people of the land, interpreted his family's stories and explained the rock art in the shade of the cave. The bird song and plant life were alive in force today. The recent bush fire meant the Woollybutt Eucalyptus trees were in full flower, which the birdlife was grateful for. 

We walked back to the beach enjoying more conversations and stories with the people of the land before returning to Heritage Adventurer. Upon return, Captain Jacek and his team spotted whales and, with a PA announcement, everyone was outside viewing or enjoying the view next to the window during lunch. A pod of about 7 Humpback Whales cruised past the starboard side, providing a great sight for all. 

The afternoon was spent at Montgomery Reef. The conditions were perfect, and the 6-metre tidal difference meant that the runoff and rapid were prevalent for all to enjoy. Reef Egrets ate off the exposed reef, an Osprey perched poised for photos and turtles popped up regularly, much to our delight. As the tide dropped the high cliff-like islands rose above us, and Heritage Adventurer seemed to disappear. The channel filled with white water, and the Zodiacs cruised along the rapids cascading off the reef. As the sun began to lower in the sky, the moon rose, and we enjoyed a bar stop on the sand bar where we indulged in a drink soaking in the spectacular view around us!

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions