kimberley cruising & broome - sunlover hotels...as well as flights, cruises, car and campervan...

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KIMBERLEY CRUISING & BROOME

2015/16

HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY

For the best times of your life!

Above Photo: Wildflowers, Aoraki, Mt Cook.Main Cover Photo: Yet to be decided

Above Photo: King George FallsCover Photo: True North, King George River, Northern Kimberley Coast

Cruise The Kimberley and see Broome – the Sunlover Holidays way!It takes a lifetime of experience to create the experience of a lifetime and for over 30 years, Sunlover Holidays has been creating great holiday experiences for families, for couples, for friends and for adventurers right around Australia.

From Cape York to Kangaroo Island, from the Gold Coast to Margaret River, from the Kimberley to Hobart and everywhere in between our travel experts are here to help design and book your perfect holiday.

Our fourteen Sunlover Holidays brochures have something to suit all tastes and budgets and are the perfect planning tool for your next family holiday, romantic getaway, self-drive adventure or island escape.

Inside you’ll find our ‘Essential Experiences’ with ‘Must Do’ activities plus ‘Our Local Secrets’ section designed to enhance your holiday experience. Our Free Wi-Fi feature makes it easy to stay connected on holiday, just look for the properties displaying the Free Wi-Fi symbol.

We have a huge range of stay/pay and other special deals to make your holiday dollar go further as well as a fabulous selection of value add offers which are listed throughout the brochure.

Use this brochure for inspiration, then let our travel experts assist you to experience Australia your way – happy travelling!

Andrew BurnesCEO, Sunlover Holidays

Pearlers Row, Broome

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Valid 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2016.

ContentsPlanning Your Holiday 4

Travel Tips 6

Essential Experiences 8

Kimberley Cruising 10

Coral Princess Cruises 12

The Great Escape Charter Company 14

Kimberley Quest 16

MS Caledonian Sky 18

North Star Cruises Australia – True North 20

Silversea Expeditions 22

Holiday Packages 24

Self Drive Holidays 26

Exploring The Kimberley and Broome 28

Car Hire 28

Extended Tours 30

Broome and Surrounds 35

Kununurra and Surrounds 42

Kimberley Stations and Wilderness Camps 46

Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek 49

Accommodation Index 50

Important Booking Conditions 51

4

Planning your Holiday

LET SUNLOVER HOLIDAYS INSPIRE YOU TO DISCOVER MORE OF THESE FANTASTIC DESTINATIONS.

The Sunlover Holidays DifferenceFantastic prices, a diverse range of Australian holiday destinations, the widest choice of products and unmatched service, combined with over 30 years experience – that’s the Sunlover Holidays difference!

We’re committed to offering an extensive range of holiday options and our team of product experts regularly travel throughout Australia to bring you the very best holiday experiences. They are passionate about Australia and personally select each product, providing you with the greatest choice at the most competitive price.

Our team of travel experts are here to help, offering advice and information. They can tailor-make your dream holiday from hundreds of fantastic hotels, apartments and resorts as well as flights, cruises, car and campervan hire, extended touring, self drive holidays and a huge range of sightseeing tours and attractions.

100% Australian OwnedSunlover Holidays is a division of The AOT Group, one of Australia’s largest travel companies. We are 100% Australian owned and proud to employ over 300 staff located in our

offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. A booking with Sunlover Holidays ensures your dollar stays in Australia and helps generate jobs for Australians!

24 Hour ServiceWe know your holiday experience doesn’t end until you are safely home. That’s why our Customer Care Team is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should you require any assistance during your Sunlover holiday. All the necessary information will be provided with your travel documentation and you can contact the team at any time during your holiday. We’re with you on the journey.

Offering You Value for MoneyThroughout our brochures you’ll find amazing offers including free nights, room upgrades and food and beverage credits to name a few. Just look for the ‘Bonus Offer’ box.

We have also put together some fabulous Holiday Packages starting on page 24, which offer exceptional value for money. These packages include a choice of accommodation options to suit all budgets together with ‘must do’ tours and attractions, exclusive to Sunlover Holidays.

Our product team is always sourcing special deals throughout the year, so make sure you ask your travel agent for the latest Sunlover Holidays specials when making your booking.

Exclusively For YouWe’re always on the look out for ways to enhance your holiday experience. Throughout this brochure, you’ll find deals marked Exclusively For You . These are free bonus offers exclusive to Sunlover Holidays customers.

TripAdvisor This brochure is a great source of advice and has all the information you’ll need to create your dream holiday. We are now partnering with TripAdvisor to offer you (where available) hotel reviews. TripAdvisor rates real travellers’ experiences, giving you an unbiased and impartial point of view on the product we feature to assist you with your holiday planning. TripAdvisor ratings and reviews are available to view on our website at www.sunloverholidays.com.au.

The information on the following pages is designed to help you plan your dream getaway. You’ll find in-depth Travel Tips as well as a Calendar of Events on page 6. We’ve detailed our Essential Experiences on page 8 and share ‘Our Local Secrets’ on page 9.

2015-16 Signature Collection Unique Australian Experiences

Signature Collection

UNIQUE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES 2015 – 2016

ONE&ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND

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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLANDINCLUDING OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

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QUEENSLAND ISLANDS & WHITSUNDAYS



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SUNSHINE COAST & BRISBANEINCLUDING FRASER COAST AND CORAL COAST

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GOLD COAST

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SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALESINCLUDING CANBERRA AND LORD HOWE ISLAND

For the best times of your life!HOTEL REVIEWS PROVIDED BY

2015/16

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MELBOURNE & VICTORIA

2015/16



TASMANIA

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ADELAIDE & SOUTH AUSTRALIA

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PERTH & THE WEST COASTINCLUDING PERTH, MARGARET RIVER, NINGALOO REEF AND GOLDEN OUTBACK

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NORTHERN TERRITORY

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GREAT AUSTRALIAN RAIL HOLIDAYS

2015/16


NEW!FULLY ESCORTED

RAIL TOURSsee page 6

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NORFOLK ISLAND

2015/16



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Accommodation RatingsSTAR and Diamond ratings are used throughout the brochure to describe the standard of accommodation.

STAR RATINGS Properties featuring the Star symbols are independently assessed by Star Ratings Australia (SRA). SRA is a stand-alone accreditation business and a subsidiary of Australian Motoring Services (AMS). The Stars and the Star Ratings are a registered trademark of AMS. We have no input into the assessment process.

DIAMOND RATINGS Properties featuring Diamond symbols do not participate in a recognised rating scheme. The rating is supplied by the individual property based on their own assessment. We recommend they be used as a guide only.

HHH Comfortable standard of accommodation ¿¿¿

HHHH Superior standard of accommodation and ¿¿¿¿ facilities

HHHHH Deluxe standard of accommodation and ¿¿¿¿¿ facilities

I Denotes additional half rating ¯

Apartment Style AccommodationIn general, self-catering apartments feature cooking facilities with a minimum of microwave, hot plates, saucepans, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Laundry facilities will be located either in the apartment, or in a guest laundry within the property. Most apartments are serviced every 7 days and do not provide hotel facilities such as porterage, room service or mini bars. Most apartments provide an initial supply of items such as tea, coffee, toilet paper and soap.

Pricing GuidePrices featured in accommodation listings are per room for the period specified unless otherwise stated. The “from” price in the property heading has been calculated using the cheapest nightly rate available, ie. in the lead-in room type, in off-peak season using the longest stay (eg. 7 nights). If a free night offer is available, even if for part of a season, this has been included when calculating the “from” price. A minimum stay is generally required. Where prices for more than a one night stay are featured, the prices refer to stays of consecutive nights.

School Holidays 2015 – 16

Queensland 3 – 19 Apr, 27 Jun – 12 Jul, 19 Sep – 5 Oct, 12 Dec 15 – 24 Jan 16

New South Wales 3 – 20 Apr, 27 Jun – 13 Jul, 19 Sep – 5 Oct, 17 Dec 15 – 26 Jan 16

Victoria 28 Mar – 12 Apr, 27 Jun – 12 Jul, 19 Sep – 4 Oct, 19 Dec 15 – 26 Jan 16

Australian Capital 11 – 26 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, Territory 19 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16

Tasmania 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 18 Dec 15 – 1 Feb 16

South Australia 11 – 26 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 12 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16

Western Australia 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 18 Dec 15 – 1 Feb 16

Northern Territory 3 – 12 Apr, 20 Jun – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 4 Oct, 11 Dec 15 – 24 Jan 16

New Zealand 3 – 19 Apr, 4 – 19 Jul, 26 Sep – 11 Oct, 19 Dec 15 – 31 Jan 16

Room ImagesRoom images featured on property listings are the lead-in room type, unless captioned otherwise.

What the Symbols mean

The property has Free Wi-Fi available in the room/apartment. Free Wi-Fi may or may not be available in public areas. Please refer to the Property Features in the individual accommodation listing for further details.

Day spa facilities are available.

The property has one or more rooms providing wheelchair access with assistance.

A bonus is available if you are celebrating a special occasion (eg. honeymoon). Advise your travel agent when booking. The definition of ‘special occasion’ and type of bonus offered is at each property’s discretion. Conditions may apply.

Product that has been accredited under the second level of the national Ecotourism Certification scheme.

Product that has been awarded the highest level of the national Ecotourism Certification scheme.

Camping or cabin style accommodation is featured. Facilities vary – some camp grounds will have shower and toilet facilities, while more remote sites have limited facilities – e.g. a swim and a bush toilet.

Cable Beach

Home Valley Station

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Travel TipsEl Questro Homestead

Weather GuideTEMPERATURE AVERAGE

B roome Kununur ra

Summer 26ºC to 33ºC 25ºC to 37ºC

Autumn 22ºC to 33ºC 21ºC to 34ºC

Win te r 15ºC to 29ºC 16ºC to 32ºC

Spr ing 22ºC to 33ºC 23ºC to 38º

DISTANCES BY ROAD (KM) BROOME

220 DERBY395 258 FITZROY CROSSING685 547 290 HALLS CREEK1046 909 651 361 KUNUNURRA2175 2328 2509 2793 3153 PERTH612 765 940 1229 1591 1636 PORT HEDLAND

1055 917 660 369 101 3162 1599 WYNDHAM1871 1734 1476 1186 829 4041 2414 933 DARWIN

Distances should be used as a guide only.

How to Get ThereBY AIR Direct flights are available to Broome from Perth with Virgin Australia and from Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne and Sydney with Qantas. Virgin Australia Regional Airlines is the major regional airline with flights between Perth, Broome, Kununurra and Darwin. Skippers operate flights between Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. Airnorth operates flights between Broome, Kununurra and Darwin.

FLIGHT DURATION FROM / TO BROOME KUNUNURRA

Sydney 4 hrs 5 mins -

Melbourne 3 hrs 50 mins -

Perth 2 hrs 30 mins 3 hrs 5 mins

Darwin 1 hr 45 mins 1 hr

Kununurra 1 hr 20 mins -

The above table shows flight durations for direct flights via Perth. Connecting flights from other destinations are also available. Times are a guide only and subject to change.

BY CAR Take the time to explore and discover as you make your way around the Kimberley and Broome. Whether it’s getting there or getting around we recommend Avis car hire. See page 28 for details or ask your travel agent about the great specials Avis has to offer.

Broome, Derby and Kununurra can be accessed by sealed road via the Great Northern Highway in Western Australia or the Victoria Highway linking with the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory. The unsealed Gibb River Road links Derby and Kununurra.

A unique feature of travelling in the region are road trains. These can be up to 50 metres in length, so extra care should be taken when overtaking them.

Many stations in the Kimberley region are unfenced and it is not uncommon to encounter wandering stock and wildlife. Particular care should be taken when driving at dawn and dusk, and if possible, avoid driving at night. During the summer period (November to April), road closures due to flooding are common, particularly on unsealed roads.

SeasonsSUMMER (NOV TO APR) In summer the weather is hot and humid and the nights balmy. While it’s known as the wet season, the rain usually falls in heavy, short downpours in the late afternoon and evenings. Some attractions may not be accessible due to road closures and local flooding.

WINTER (MAY TO OCT) Winter is the most popular time to visit with sunny days and cool nights with fresh breezes. This is the best time to experience all outdoor activities, with most roads and attractions open throughout the season.

SwimmingThere are plenty of safe places to swim in the region, including Cable Beach. Salt and Freshwater crocodiles are found in estuaries, rivers and billabongs in the remote parts of the Kimberley, so always observe warning signs, but if you are not sure, do not swim. Marine stingers are most prevalent along the coastline from November to April.

Aboriginal Culture and PermitsTransit Permits to visit indigenous communities are granted through the Aboriginal Lands Trust and are designed to help preserve Aboriginal heritage and culture. It is best to choose a tour where operators already have permission to enter the land.

Calendar of Events

MAY

Lake Argyle Classic Swim 2nd

Ord Valley Muster, Kununurra 15th-24th

Cable Beach Polo 16th-17th

Kimberley Moon Experience, Kununurra 23rd

JULY

Kimberley Writers Festival, Kununurra TBC

AUGUST

Kimberley Cup, Broome 1st

Broome Cup 15th

Shinju Matsuri Festival of the Pearl, Broome 28th Aug-6th Sep

BROOME STAIRCASE TO THE MOONMarch 6th, 7th, 8th

April 5th, 6th, 7th

May 4th, 5th, 6th

June 3rd, 4th, 5th

July 2nd, 3rd, 4th

August 1st, 2nd, 30th, 31st

September 28th, 29th, 30th

October 28th, 29th

November 26th, 27th

TBC – Dates for this event were yet to be confirmed at the time of printing.

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FITZROY CROSSING

Lake Argyle

Cape Leveque

Buccaneer Archipelago

AdmiraltyGulf

DERBY

TIMOR SEA

LOMBADINA

BEAGLE BAY

HALLS CREEK China Wall

Palm Springs

WARMUN(TURKEY CREEK)

ArgyleDiamond Mine

WYNDHAMKURI BAY KING CASCADE

Bonaparte Archipelago

NapierBroome Bay

KingSound

YampiSound

Roebuck Bay

GREAT SANDY DESERT

Manning Gorge

Geikie GorgeNational Park

King Leopold RangesConservation Park

Horizontal Falls

Drysdale RiverNational Park

Cockburn RangesPrince RegentNature Reserve

Bell Gorge

Carr BoydRange

MirimaNational

Park

G R E A T N O R T H E R N H W Y

G R E A T N O R T H E R N H W Y

Purnululu(Bungle Bungle)National Park

Emma GorgeChamberlain Gorge

Doubtful Bay

Collier Bay

Talbot Bay

INDIAN OCEAN

Windjana GorgeNational Park

G I B B R I V E R R D

Mitchell PlateauMitchell Falls

G I BB R I V

E R R D

Dampier Peninsula

Wolfe Creek Crater

Bigge Island

TO ROWLEYSHOALS

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KUNUNURRA

THE KIMBERLEY

BROOME

Galvans Gorge

Tunnel CreekNational Park

Fitzroy River

Fitzroy River

Ord River

Prince Regent River

Mitchell River

Cars

on R

iver

Berkeley River

King

Geo

rge

Rive

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Cham

berla

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iver

King River

Drysdale River

Hunter River

CAPE VILLARET

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AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDEPERTH

BRISBANE

CAIRNS

SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

HOBART

DARWIN

KUNUNURRABROOME

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTSREGIONAL AIRPORTSNATIONAL PARKSMAIN ROADSDIRT ROADSATTRACTIONSACCOMMODATION REFERENCENO.

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KIMBERLEY CRUISINGPages 10 to 23

KIMBERLEY STATIONS & WILDERNESS CAMPSPages 46 to 48

KUNUNURRA AND SURROUNDS

Pages 42 to 45

BROOME AND SURROUNDS

Pages 35 to 41

FITZROY CROSSING & HALLS CREEK

Page 49

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Essential Experiences

1. CruisingTake an extended cruise along the Kimberley Coast and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, the incredible waterfalls of King George Falls and the coral reefs of Rowley Shoals. View the remarkable Horizontal Falls and witness the huge tidal movements that create this natural phenomenon. (see pages 10 to 23 for details)

2. Cable BeachOne of Australia’s most famous beaches, Cable Beach in Broome provides 22 kilometres of white sand framing turquoise waters. A visit to Cable Beach, whether riding a camel or watching the sunset, is a must-do experience on any trip to Broome. (see page 35 for details)

3. Kimberley Aerial Highway What better way to explore the untouched wilderness of the Kimberley region than with an aerial tour. Fly over some of the Kimberley’s most iconic natural wonders, from the Bungle Bungle Range of Purnululu National Park to the tidal movements of Horizontal Falls. (see pages 30, 36 and 43 for details)

4. Cape LevequeVisit an aboriginal community at Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula. Meet the locals, go mud crabbing with a guide, and be sure to see the beautiful pearl shell altar at Beagle Bay. (see pages 30, 36 and 41 for details)

5. Snorkelling and DivingIf it’s marine life you seek, the untouched coral atolls of Rowley Shoals have it all – sea turtles, whales, dolphins, manta rays and more than 200 varieties of coral.

6. Staircase to the Moon Visit Broome between March to November and witness a breathtaking natural spectacle known as Staircase to the Moon. This natural phenomenon occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay at extremely low tide creating the optical illusion of a staircase reaching for the moon.

7. Shop for Pearls and DiamondsLearn about Broome’s pearling history on a tour of a working pearl farm. Take a walk through Chinatown and browse the many fine pearl showrooms that line the streets. Tour the Argyle Diamond Mine, the largest open-cut diamond mine in the world. Then be sure to buy a pink Argyle diamond from the show room in Kununurra. (see pages 36 and 43 for details)

8. Gibb River RoadThe Gibb River Road is one of the most famous four wheel drive experiences in Australia! Marvel at the magnificent scenery on this 660 kilometre stretch between Derby and Kununurra. Make time to stop at the fresh water gorges and cattle stations as you travel through the Kimberley. (see page 27 for details)

9. Purnululu National ParkThe Kimberley has some of the largest and most remote national parks in Australia. The most well known is Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungle Range. Enjoy a day tour from Kununurra, or for a true outback experience stay overnight in the park. (see pages 27, 30 to 34 and 43 for details)

10. Kimberley StationsExperience the true seclusion of the Kimberley at a remote station. From sensational fishing, to remarkable wildlife and breathtaking gorges, you’re sure to get a true sense of the Australian outback. (see pages 46 to 48 for details)

11. Aboriginal Rock ArtAboriginal Wandijina and Bradshaw rock art is on show deep in the wilderness and can be seen in selected national parks including Windjana Gorge, Purnululu and Mitchell River. (see pages 30 to 34 and 36 for details)

2 Cable Beach

1 Horizontal Falls7 South Sea pearls

10 El Questro – Cockburn Ranges

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Purnululu National Park

5 True North, Rowley Shoals

8 Galvans Gorge - Gibb River Road 11 Aboriginal rock art

4 Kooljaman at Cape Leveque

OUR LOCAL SECRETS

For a unique seafood experience…

Head to the Dampier Peninsula and go mud crabbing with a local guide. Enjoy cooking up your catch.

For a relaxing afternoon…

Hop aboard a restored pearl lugger in Broome and laze on the deck as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

While in Broome don’t leave without seeing...

the remains of the Catalinas – Dutch Flying Boats bombed during World War II. These ruins can be seen at very low tide in Roebuck Bay.

A great place to unwind after a day of exploring is…

Matso’s Broome Brewery, a renowned microbrewery known for its specialty brews and spectacular views of Roebuck Bay.

The Kimberley’s best kept secret is…

Mirima National Park, located close to Kununurra. Beautiful sandstone ranges, cliffs and valleys, makes it the perfect setting for a morning or afternoon walk.

The best spot for Barramundi fishing is...

Ivanhoe Crossing, just a short drive north of Kununurra.

kimberley cruising & broome - sunlover hotels...as well as flights, cruises, car and campervan...

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