Expeditions
The Kimberley is an ancient and pristine land. The coast’s dramatic red cliffs, white sandy quays and river canyons are highlighted by the turquoise sea. This land has been landscaped by the forces of nature over 1,800 million years. The vegetation is unique and sparse from the mighty boab to the spinifex. All vegetation and animals have adapted to the arid conditions of the dry season and the torrential rains of the wet.
The unexploited seas abound with life. During “the springs” tidal rips distributes nourishment and creates a basis for the food chain from microscopic plankton to the hump back whales that come to this area from the Antarctic waters to give birth every year. Near the estuaries the famous barramundi abound and further up river the massive salt water crocodiles are the dominant species.
The C-Quest experience is to show you and explain these unique wonders that bring visitors from around the world. Each evening the crew explain and highlight the next day’s adventures. With 10 passengers and 5 crew these are personal briefings and discussions that allow guests to be fully informed and appreciate the wonders they are seeing and experiencing.
Most of the time C-Quest will be gently meandering near the coastline. Here the best view is from the helideck which offers shaded 360 degree views with the gentle breeze created by the slow motion of C-Quest investigating the coast or other wonders. Guests are welcome to join the Captain on the bridge where they will see the array of electronics that C-Quest can use to probe the depths in temperate waters during the summer months when she, as the mother ship to the submersible, Deep-C, is based in the South West of Australia. From the couch behind the helm guests can view the seven monitors that display the safety information including high definition radar, forward seeking sonar, magnetometer display (if deployed), satellite navigation, video fed from cameras in the engine rooms and stern of the vessel. We also have sea bed sonar, an automatic information service that locates ships and includes their type, speed direction and other information, and augments the radar imagery.
Dinners are served either in the main dining room or on the rear main deck. Meals on board are fresh and centre around the fresh seafood that is so abundant and include barramundi, mud crabs, oysters, golden snapper and other quality fish. There are also the renowned Kimberley steaks, chicken and pasta augmented with fresh fruit and salads. We aim to make your quest not only relaxing and informative but also a fresh and healthy culinary experience.
Guests are welcome to hot and cold drinks as well as snacks throughout the day and night. The C-Quest is licensed with a selection of beers, fine Western Australian wines, champagnes, mixers and spirits. Should a guest have a special favoured drink, these can be pre-ordered and will be supplied privately to them.
Guests can personalise their experience by choosing from our library and DVD collection as all staterooms have DVD players with their plasma screen TV’s as well as reading lights and bedside dressers. Alternatively you can sit back in the lounge and enjoy a documentary or movie with other guests and staff or view the live feed which displays the navigational information directly from the bridge deck displays.
Fresh linen is supplied as well as towels, hand towels and face cloths. There is a washing machine and clothes dryer on board for your convenience. The climate is conducive to light weight drip dry clothing which is not only functional but will help you to comply to the 10kg luggage limit per person. We would suggest that such baggage could be in a soft case that is easily stored. On board passengers should either be bare foot or using white soled runners and sandals. Relaxed sensible clothing is all that is required and will help to create the camaraderie between fellow guests and crew.
Guests are reminded to detail any medical conditions or risks so that the crew can ensure that its strict policy on safety, especially when adventuring away from C-Quest, is maintained. This also allows us to determine which activities are recommended as during the day different passengers are welcome to carry out various itineraries that will be offered and some will be more strenuous than others.
Please be sensible with regards this policy and ensure the Captain is immediately informed of any medical ailment or accident that has occurred. C-Quest’s helipad ensures that should there be a problem then evacuation to the Broome Regional Hospital is only hours away.
We would prefer to use our helipad however to allow you to take helicopter flights over such famous land forms such as Mount Trafalgar, the Mitchell Falls, myriads of islands, coves and even breaching whales. These flights are extra and are conducted in jet helicopters only. Cost per hour start at around $500 per person and will be conducted by our own Long Ranger helicopter (C-Seeker) or other helicopters based near these locations. We would suggest that you budget for at least one trip as it is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to safely view such incredible landscape from the air.
The Captain and Crew of C-Quest invites you aboard for an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. Let’s review and summarise important aspects of C-Quest Kimberley Cruises.
C-Quest Cabins
Forward on the main deck - Queen sized walk around bed, individually air conditioned full view windows, ensuite, bedside tables, plasma TV, DVD, King sized cabin on the bridge deck.
General Areas
Main dining room galley and lounge including library and DVD store. Towards the stern on the main deck, laundry and general rear toilets, barbecue, drinks cabinet, outdoor dining furniture.
Bridge Deck
Bridge accessible to guests with sofa seating, behind a rear viewing deck with spa and general toilet. The helipad, while not in aviation use, this fully ballustraded and shaded area is used for awesome viewing. Communal email and satellite phone.
Briefings
Each evening discussing the day’s adventures and the choice of tomorrow’s itineraries. These are important times to reflect and learn what differentiates between a traveller and a tourist.
Luggage
Luggage is limited to 10kg per person. This needs to be strictly adhered to due to the transfer from Mitchell Plateau to Broome via air at the start or finish of the cruise. Heavy items including pre-ordered drinks or special meals or other items can be sourced for guests and placed aboard by the crew pre-departure from Broome. Please Note: every second departure is from Mitchell Plateau so these items need to be placed on board a week prior to the guest’s arrival
Please Note: The boat has 30+ sunscreen and insect repellents, so these do not need to be included in your personal toiletries.
We cruise in balmy days and mild nights so only one sweater/cardigan is required. Remember linen, towels and face cloths are not required and there are washing and drying facilities on board.
Prescription medicines requiring refrigeration should be pre-packed in clearly labelled plastic containers. Don’t forget spare batteries for your cameras, videos and your rechargers. (Many 240v domestic outlets are available while only a few 12v outlets are on board.)