New heights

They are also the quietest helicopters in the sky and feature BOSE noise-cancelling headsets for optimal comfort. With no need for transfers to an external operator and simultaneous landings and departures of both helicopters direct from the ship, guests have more time to spend in the air or at their destination.

On each voyage, the flightseeing program will be complemented by up to 10 exhilarating helicopter excursions, designed by Jason Flesher – Director of Discovery Operations.

“The Kimberley is truly an awe-inspiring experience,” says Flesher. “It’s the hidden tropical jewel of the world. The only way to truly encompass all it is willing to reveal is by helicopters, direct from the ship, which only Scenic Eclipse II can offer.”

The knowledgeable pilots will also be trained by a Kimberley expert who has been flying in the region for more than 13 years and will provide insightful commentary on every excursion. From flightseeing tours over the iconic King George River and Horizontal Falls to visits to remote indigenous communities.

Landings at Darwin Aviation Museum and Willie Creek Pearl Farm for VIP touring and the strikingly remote Buccaneer Archipelago and Lacepede Islands. These excursions will show guests the best of the captivating Kimberley Coast.

Throughout the voyage, helicopter barramundi fishing expeditions and private beach picnics will be on offer, complete with expert guide and delicious fare from the Scenic Eclipse II galley. Guests will also have the opportunity to create their own journeys, chartering the helicopters for private flightseeing and their own specialised tours.

Scenic has also announced that Mike Cusack will lead the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team for the Kimberley season. Cusack is an award-winning wilderness expert with a passion for Australia’s Northwest who has been guiding for more than three decades and has extensive experience in the region.

Cusack will be joined by marine biologists, wildlife veterinarians, historians, naturalists, geologists and ornithologists, making up a truly world-class Discovery Team to provide deep insights and guide guests.

Scenic Eclipse II will be the first Scenic ship ever to sail in Australia, arriving in April 2024. Catering for only up to 228 guests with a close to one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, it will be the ultimate ultra-luxury experience in the Kimberley.

The Discovery Yacht features include spacious all-verandah suites with personalised butler service, an expansive 550-square-metre Senses Spa, two Vitality pools, up to 10 dining experiences, an expert Discovery Team, two helicopters, and next-generation Zodiacs with comfortable seating and shade cover. Scenic Eclipse II will also operate its custom-designed submersible on voyages in the Great Barrier Reef, South Pacific and Indonesia.

Between May and August 2024, 12 departures of the 11-day Discover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness itinerary will be sailing between Darwin and Broome. The all-inclusive Kimberley voyages start from $15,295 per person, with savings of up to $5,000 per person*.

Scenic Eclipse II Helicopter Excursions Darwin Aviation Museum Transfer

Discover the azure waters and striking landscapes that surround the Northern Territory’s capital and enjoy a private tour of the excellent Darwin Aviation Museum. (Available for departing or arriving guests) King George River Flightseeing (30min): See the King George River from above, be awed by the twin 100-metre waterfalls of King George Falls and spot marine life in Koolama Bay.

Hunter River and Mitchell Falls Flightseeing (30 minutes)

Admire the Upper and Lower Mitchell Falls cutting through an incredible gorge system, then fly over the rainforest and vast eucalypts on the Mitchell Plateau. Talbot Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls Flightseeing (40min): Fly over the 800 islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, look for whales in Talbot Bay and hover above Kimberley’s most famous landmark, the breathtaking Horizontal Falls.

General Flightseeing

Gain a unique perspective on the stunning landscapes of the Kimberley Coast with a custom flightseeing excursion. Available throughout the voyage and includes expert commentary from the pilot and guides.

Buccaneer Archipelago Landing (2.5 hours)

Fly over the beautiful Bucccaneer Archipelago and land at the remote Ardyaloon community on the Dampier Peninsula. Visit Ardyaloon Hatchery to feed barramundi or pat green turtles.

Lacepede Islands Landing (2 hours 40minutes)

A flight transfer over the stunning Coulomb Nature Reserve followed by an exclusive private tour of Willie Creek Pearl Farm, complete with champagne and the chance to open an oyster.

Helicopter Fishing (half-day)

Catch the legendary barramundi in the pristine waters of the Kimberley. Suitable for both novices and experts and accompanied by an expert fishing guide.

Remote Beach Landing and Picnic (3 hours)

Accompanied by an expert guide, take a 15-minute flight to an isolated beach to spend 2.5 hours relaxing in superb scenery with a luxe picnic basket provided by the onboard chefs.

Helicopter Charter

Charter one or both helicopters for a private adventure. Enjoy bespoke flightseeing tours, photography expeditions, remote landings (pending permits) and special celebrations.

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