Feature by Western Australia
Embark on an adventure like no other and cruise into the heart of Western Australia's rugged wilderness, discovering dream-like destinations that are tucked away from the beaten path. In fact, many are so tucked away that only the lucky few aboard an expedition cruise will walk amongst ancient tracks that date back thousands of years. The Kimberley region is an unforgettable place, known for its untamed beauty, raw wilderness and the world’s oldest continuous living culture.
There are many operators exploring the Kimberley coast, offering unparalleled local knowledge and access to one of the world’s last true wilderness areas. Here are five ways you can venture into the breathtaking landscapes unique to the Kimberley!
True North Adventure Cruises
No sea days on the True North means guests have more time to enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and mud crabbing. An onboard helicopter allows for scenic sunrise flights adding another dimension to the adventure. Purpose built to access those remote wilderness areas, guests need only step out of their cabins to experience the vast and otherworldly Kimberley region. Featuring a sundeck, observation lounge and alfresco bar the 36-passenger vessel offers itineraries ranging from 7 to 13 nights. With the maiden voyage of True North II this season, a more luxurious and intimate experience sets sail for just 22 guests with surroundings more akin to some of the world’s most exclusive hotels!
Waterfall showers on the bow by True North
Kimberley Quest
Custom designed to visit areas many other Kimberley cruises simply cannot reach, Kimberley Quest II offers six itineraries, ranging from 4 to 21 days. Daily excursions are carried out on tenders, shaded fast-boat and by helicopter, viewing ancient rock art, prolific marine life, and thunderous waterfalls, such as the magnificent King George Falls. Large en-suited cabins and indoor and outdoor alfresco areas, means up to 18 guests travel in comfort and style. Kimberley Quest II offers six itineraries, ranging from 4 to 21 days along the Kimberley coastline.
Golden hour aboard Kimberley Quest by Matthew Fields Photography
Great Escape
People don’t visit the Kimberley for the crowds. Accommodating just 14 guests, the MV Great Escape offers stylish accommodation, gourmet cuisine and world-class hospitality onboard a custom built 26-metre luxury catamaran. Featuring three expedition tenders and a dedicated onboard helicopter, guests can choose to spend their days fishing for barramundi, cooling off in swimming holes or meeting the colourful inhabitants of Montgomery Reef. They can even enjoy a waterfall shower on the ships bow under the cascading waters of Kings Cascades. Itineraries range from 7 to 13 nights.
Montgomery Reef by The Great Escape Charter Company
Coral Expeditions
Perfecting their itineraries over 3 decades, Coral Expeditions offers their guests a chance to truly immerse themselves in the ancient land of the Kimberley, between Broome and Darwin. Experience the exhilarating Horizontal Falls or snorkel the pristine, rarely visited Rowley Shoals Marine Park and Scott Reef, accompanied by onboard expert local guides. Coral Expeditions offers a daily program of onshore excursions, lectures, briefings and themed documentaries and movies to truly broaden your mind. For many of the shore excursions offered, guests will enjoy trademark Xplorer tenders, unique to Coral Expeditions. The fleet of 3 ships cater for 72 to 120 guests so say goodbye to queues and instead enjoy a relaxed, warm Australian hospitality atmosphere with like-minded explorers.
Exploring Nares Point by Coral Expeditions
PONANT
Bringing a new level of luxury to the 2023 seasons Ponant has partnered with Paspaley Group - world famous for its pearls. A 14-night sailing sees guests experience the Kimberley coast onboard the newly refurbished iconic three-masted sailing yacht the Le Ponant, with private access to Paspaley’s pearl operations in Kuri Bay. Ponant’s Kimberley sailing itineraries are fully flexible. With no pre-determined destinations, the crew create bespoke itineraries to showcase the best of the Kimberley landscape.
Unspoilt Kimberley with © PONANT by Tamar Sarkissian
Published February 2023.