Embrace the Magnificence of the Kimberley

Scenic Eclipse II provides guests with the most expansive helicopter^ program in the region, to explore further than any other cruise operator. By Lucy Jones

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It’s one of the world’s truly most remote wilderness areas, with a vast swathe of pristine country across the northwestern corner of Australia. From turquoise bays to rugged red gorges; thundering waterfalls, to deserted sandy beaches and pockets of lush ancient rainforests, the Kimberley will take your breath away.

In its inaugural season in 2024, Scenic Eclipse II will be the only ship sailing in the Kimberley with two on board helicopters^. That means guests can take off directly from the ship every day of the cruise (subject to weather conditions), with flightseeing tours, remote island landings and exclusive curated experiences for unrivalled access to the wonders of this ancient land. This is the ultimate in ultra-luxury exploration, taking you to places few other cruisers will ever get to visit.

Exclusive helicopter experiences

On each voyage, the Scenic Eclipse II flightseeing program will be complemented by up to 11 exhilarating helicopter excursions. Highlights include:

Darwin Aviation Museum

Discover the azure waters and striking landscapes that surround the Northern Territory's capital. Before your departure or on the last day of your voyage, travel by helicopter directly between the ship and the excellent Darwin Aviation Museum. You'll enjoy a private guided tour there, admiring rare vintage aircraft and learning about Darwin's pivotal role in WWII, followed by a champagne reception.

ABOVE: Aviation Museum, Darwin

Talbot Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls

More than 800 islands are scattered off the coast of Derby, making up the spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago. Take in the full panorama of this technicolor marvel from above, flying over the startlingly blue sea, dotted with green outcrops and sandy beaches. A highlight is the famous Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay, a unique natural phenomenon that’s the only one of its kind in the world.

ABOVE: Horizontal Falls, Kimberley

Lacepede Islands and Pearl Farm

The Kimberley region has a rich pearling history dating back almost 150 years. Fly over the sparkling Lacepede Islands for a private tour of Willie Creek Pearls, a family-run pearl farm just north of Broome. Take a boat ride along the oyster leases on Willie Creek, learn what makes the perfect pearl and open your own oyster to see what could be inside.

ABOVE: Willie Creek Pearl Farm

Helicopter Fishing

Are you keen to catch a legendary Kimberley barramundi? Set out on a helicopter with an expert fishing guide to explore the pristine waters of the region’s most remote areas. Expert anglers and absolute beginners alike can find the perfect spot to cast their line in the picturesque rivers, lakes and mangroves.

ABOVE: Fishing, Kimberley

King George River

The only way to access the stunning 100m wide King George Falls, the highest twin waterfalls in Western Australia, is by sea or by air. Take a helicopter flight via the sandstone gorge that flanks the King George River and soar above this thundering natural wonder, for an unforgettable bird’s eye view.

ABOVE: King George Falls, Kimberley

Hunter River and Mitchell Falls

Take off from the ship close to the mouth of the Hunter River for a thrilling wilderness flight along ancient escarpments and past patches of tropical rainforest, to reach the four-tiered Mitchell Falls. Flying over the Mitchell Plateau, look out for wildlife like osprey and saltwater crocodiles.

ABOVE: Mitchell Falls, Kimberley

Remote Beach Landing & Picnic

Live out your desert island fantasies in an untouched corner of the Kimberley. Following a short scenic flight from the ship, you’ll land on a secluded stretch of sand for a picnic, complete with delicious food and chilled drinks from the Scenic Eclipse II galley. Water equipment such as snorkels and kayaks will be available, or you can spend a couple of idyllic hours relaxing in absolute seclusion.

ABOVE: Beach Picnic

General Flightseeing

Enjoy the many opportunities to get a unique perspective on the ever-changing Kimberley landscapes. Book a flightseeing tour to explore deeper into your destination and experience places beyond the itinerary. This may include heading inland in search of secret waterfalls, spotting humpback whales frolicking offshore or admiring that perfect sunset from the air.

ABOVE: Scenic Eclipse and Helicopter, Broome

Aircraft Charter

If it’s a thrilling exclusive adventure you seek – then charter the helicopter for a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary, or just to indulge in the most exclusive of adventures. Depending on the location, charter options include flightseeing, photography tours and remote landings.

ABOVE: Scenic Helicopter

Why should you experience the Kimberley by helicopter?

Hear from Jason Flesher, Director of Discovery Operations, about what makes the Scenic Eclipse II helicopter program so unique. Having personally designed the excursions, he shares an insight into these exclusive experiences and his personal favourites.

What are some of the most unique experiences among the helicopter excursions you've developed for the Kimberley?

We’ve truly pioneered exploration with the ways our guests can experience their destination. While I was scouting in the Kimberley, we mapped out an incredible selection of what we’re calling VIP heli tours. For example, guests can be flown directly off the ship to a remote location where we will have local artists doing wonderful crafts with them. Or taking them to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm for a guided tour and to learn about the process of pearling. And what’s amazing is that all our guests on that tour will receive an oyster and might be able to find their own pearl inside.

Why did you want to introduce the pre or post-cruise excursion in Darwin?

I was fascinated by what took place in Darwin during World War II and wanted the chance to immerse our guests in this history. So, one of the special things we're going to do is take guests on a 30-minute flightseeing tour and then land at the Aviation Museum. After a private tour of the museum, we’ll fly you to Scenic Eclipse II, where your luggage will be waiting. If it's at the end of the cruise, we'll do this in reverse (whereby guests will be flown off the ship). After the scenic flight and tour, you'll be taken by luxury car to your hotel or the airport, where your luggage will be ready when you fly out.

LEFT: Jason Flesher

What are some of the most unique experiences among the helicopter excursions you've developed for the Kimberley?

We’ve truly pioneered exploration with the ways our guests can experience their destination. While I was scouting in the Kimberley, we mapped out an incredible selection of what we’re calling VIP heli tours. For example, guests can be flown directly off the ship to a remote location where we will have local artists doing wonderful crafts with them. Or taking them to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm for a guided tour and to learn about the process of pearling. And what’s amazing is that all our guests on that tour will receive an oyster and might be able to find their own pearl inside.

Why did you want to introduce the pre or post-cruise excursion in Darwin?

I was fascinated by what took place in Darwin during World War II and wanted the chance to immerse our guests in this history. So, one of the special things we're going to do is take guests on a 30-minute flightseeing tour and then land at the Aviation Museum. After a private tour of the museum, we’ll fly you to Scenic Eclipse II, where your luggage will be waiting. If it's at the end of the cruise, we'll do this in reverse (whereby guests will be flown off the ship). After the scenic flight and tour, you'll be taken by luxury car to your hotel or the airport, where your luggage will be ready when you fly out.

ABOVE: Jason Flesher

Why should guests book a helicopter flight to better explore the Kimberley?

The wonderful thing about flying over these spots, like the twin waterfalls of the King George River or Mitchell Falls, is being able to gain a unique perspective. We're in these locations throughout the whole day, so guests will have the opportunity to both fly and do the Zodiac excursion. For example, they can join the Zodiac excursion in the morning and then, later in the day, be able to fly above, which gives an aerial perspective of the place they stood earlier. It provides a unique experience for our guests from above and on the water.

If guests were to book only one helicopter flight, which one should they choose?

Montgomery Reef would be a great choice, as this is one of those true ‘pinch me’ moments in a lifetime of travel. Seeing it from above, from the helicopter, left me speechless. It is magnificent and hard to believe it is not Photoshopped. This is the only reef system in the world that can be seen from space when it is low tide and it completely disappears at high tide. If you must choose just one place to do a flightseeing tour, for me personally, this is the day.

What is special about the helicopters on board Scenic Eclipse II?

We have two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters which are amongst the best flightseeing aircraft in the world. To make them even better, we've customised them so they're even quieter, so in addition to providing more comfort for guests, we also avoid disturbing the wildlife below.

RIGHT: Montgomery Reef, Western Australia

Why should guests book a helicopter flight to better explore the Kimberley?

The wonderful thing about flying over these spots, like the twin waterfalls of the King George River or Mitchell Falls, is being able to gain a unique perspective. We're in these locations throughout the whole day, so guests will have the opportunity to both fly and do the Zodiac excursion. For example, they can join the Zodiac excursion in the morning and then, later in the day, be able to fly above, which gives an aerial perspective of the place they stood earlier. It provides a unique experience for our guests from above and on the water.

If guests were to book only one helicopter flight, which one should they choose?

Montgomery Reef would be a great choice, as this is one of those true ‘pinch me’ moments in a lifetime of travel. Seeing it from above, from the helicopter, left me speechless. It is magnificent and hard to believe it is not Photoshopped. This is the only reef system in the world that can be seen from space when it is low tide and it completely disappears at high tide. If you must choose just one place to do a flightseeing tour, for me personally, this is the day.

What is special about the helicopters on board Scenic Eclipse II?

We have two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters which are amongst the best flightseeing aircraft in the world. To make them even better, we've customised them so they're even quieter, so in addition to providing more comfort for guests, we also avoid disturbing the wildlife below.

BELOW: Montgomery Reef, Western Australia

The trip of a lifetime awaits

Experience these incredible helicopter excursions on the new Discover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness itinerary, launching in May 2024. Sailing from Darwin to Broome, you’ll discover a pristine wilderness of spectacular gorges, winding rivers, vibrant coral atolls and endless beaches. Connect with the world’s oldest living culture and learn how people live today in one of the most sparsely populated corners of the globe.

CLICK TO VIEW ITINERARY

^Flights on board our two helicopters, helicopter experiences and submarine at an additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and tidal conditions.