Shore excursion

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This was published 10 years ago

Shore excursion

The Bradshaw Aboriginal rock art is in a remote area of the Kimberley.

The Bradshaw Aboriginal rock art is in a remote area of the Kimberley.

Malcolm Longstaff, of Sydney, was enthralled by West Australian Aboriginal rock art on his ninth cruise.

WHAT
Seeing the famous Bradshaw Aboriginal rock art, left, in a remote area of the Kimberley.

WHERE
Vansittart Bay, off the northernmost coastline of Western Australia, while cruising from Broome to Darwin.

Malcolm Longstaff in the Kimberley.

Malcolm Longstaff in the Kimberley.

THE SHIP
Malcolm cruised with his wife Margaret on Orion (orionexpeditions.com), an expedition ship that carries 106 passengers and 75 crew. They cruised for 10 nights. Kimberley expeditions operate from May through to September.

THE EXPERIENCE
"We went ashore by Zodiac, landed on a beach and walked to an outdoor gallery of Aboriginal art, which is believed to have been created at least 17,000 years ago.

"The images there are particularly noted for their depictions of highly decorated figures with headdresses and jewellery, which is unusual in Aboriginal art.

"The art is called Gwion Gwion but is more commonly known as 'Bradshaw art', after Joseph Bradshaw, who was the first European person to record it in 1891.

"The expedition leaders on Orion were very knowledgeable, able to discuss the geology, ecology and plant life and give detailed answers to any questions they were asked. We also had pre-excursion briefings and were given plenty of written information.

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"The excursion was also very well organised, with staff on the beach offering refreshments, towels and sunscreen.

"With the exception of Broome and Darwin, there were no port facilities at the places we visited, so the ship would anchor and we would go ashore in a fleet of Zodiacs. Getting in and out of the Zodiacs with the help of the ship's staff proved no problem."

VALUE FOR MONEY
Shore excursions are included in Orion expeditions, with prices for 10-day Kimberley cruises starting at $7965 a person.

Malcolm says while the cruises are in the upper price range, they offer an excellent way to visit remote locations in comfort.

"The ship's facilities, meals and service were all of a high order and the service was very personalised," he says.

As told to Jane E. Fraser

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