22 Aug 2023

Immersive Historical WWII Experiences at Vansittart Bay

This morning we awoke to clear skies and clear blue water as Heritage Adventurer arrived at Vansittart Bay. Our excursions started with a short Zodiac cruise to a sandy beach where the expedition team were waiting for us. After a short climb up a sand dune and across a salt pan we spotted brilliant-coloured Fiddler Crabs doing their waving displays and several Ibises feeding, 10 minutes later we entered an open woodland filled with beautiful wild flowers, Screwpine Pandanus, Paperbark Trees, Grevilleas and a lone Boab tree.

Within the scrub lies the remains of a plane wreck, a Douglas DC-3 (C-53) Skytrooper which made an emergency landing here during WWII. Remarkably all 6 on board survived, and we were able to examine the crash site up close and immerse ourselves as we learnt about their story. We also stopped at a termite nest where our on-board entomologist told us about the fascinating life of termites.

Back on board Heritage Adventurer for lunch, we then set sail for Ashmore Reef. Our Expedition Leader Steve shared a presentation on WWII in Darwin and Broome, and during his talk we broke to enjoy great views of a Humpback Whale and calf. Following a snorkel briefing for our planned visit to Ashmore Reef tomorrow, we enjoyed another incredible dining experience courtesy of our wildly talented galley team.

Image (c) by: C.Finch