Kimberley: The Amazing Prince Regent River

 Prince Regent River was up to 98 m deep on our way in and anchoring near St Patricks Island had us worried as it was still 30 m or more right into the bay.  Eventually we found 8 m to anchor in, sheltered from the westerlies, and had a calm night.  

Setting off again in the yellow-orange glow of the morning twilight, the towering rocky escarpments were just beginning to show their array of ochre colours.  A pod of dolphins with several young calves, was feeding nearby.

 The Coral Adventurer cruise ship was anchored in the main river, the longest straight river of 70 nautical miles.  Small gorges emerged on either side as we motored up with the tide to Purulba Creek, where Peter found Chestnut Rails strolling on the muddy bank, a new bird for us!

following Reef Prince upstream

Reef Prince offered to show us his track up the river, dodging sandbars, islets, reefs and rocks.  We were thankful as we zigzagged past all the hazards.  

visible hazards

The climb to the top of Kings Cascades was challenging for little legs, but awesome views and picturesque rock pools surrounded by shady paperbarks and pandanus.

Up the river, where cruise boats don't venture, is another beautiful waterfall,  Cathedral Falls.  

Might as well try for a barramundi along the way...

 

Coming out of the big river was just as challenging as going upstream, with huge tides and a massive flow of water.  At Strong Tide Point we had 3 knots of current with us and as we sailed up to Whirlpool Point we were reaching 11.5 knots speed over ground with 4 knots through the water!

11.6 knots - a new record for Heatwave!