Coral Expeditions Announces ‘Art of the Kimberley & Tiwis: Special Edition’. Australia’s pioneering cruise showcases the unique art sites of the Kimberley coast and Tiwi Islands
On 2 September 2022, “Coral Adventurer” will sail from Darwin to uncover the rich artistic heritage of the Kimberley and the Tiwi Islands on a one-off expedition, ‘Art of the Kimberley and Tiwis: Special Edition’.
Coral Expeditions are pleased to offer guests a unique voyage that combines the old and the new – explorations of ancient rock art sites dating back 40,000 years, connections with traditional elders on country and visits with some of the vibrant art and cultural communities of the region.
‘We have seen strong demand for our art-themed expeditions to Cape York & Arnhem Land and New Guinea in recent years,’ says Commercial Director, Jeff Gillies. ‘The Kimberley region is significant in the history of Australasia with ancient art sites that are well preserved due to their remote and inaccessible nature. We will have an exploration of these sites with visits to the vibrant art and cultural communities of the nearby Tiwi Island region. This is a different lens when compared to our classic Kimberley voyages.
The 9-night expedition will be led by an experienced team who will help guests discover and interpret rock art hidden in natural galleries amongst islands and escarpments of the Kimberley.
Coral Adventurer will then travel deep into the King George and Berkeley River systems to witness a landscape carved by the powerful forces of tides and annual monsoon rains. Cross the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf to discover the rich modern culture of the Tiwi Islands by visiting a co-operative gallery at Munupi Arts Centre where guests can purchase art at the source, participate in craft workshops and view performances.
Voyage Highlights
> Be immersed into the remote Tiwi Islands on a cultural walking tour in the company of a local guide
> Visit Munupi Arts and Tiwi Design to view examples of both traditional and contemporary Tiwi art and experience these artistic traditions firsthand in a workshop with a local artist
> Walk amongst ancient Indigenous rock art galleries at Swift Bay, Bigge Island, Wollaston Bay and Vansittart Bay and learn about Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art history
> View striking rock formations and intricate honeycomb weathering patterns up close on Xplorer tender cruises at the King George and Berkeley River systems
> While exploring these remote locations, encounter native wildlife in their natural habitat
