Cruise the Kimberley on a Small Ship Expedition

Your fare excludes:

DAY 1: DEPART BROOME

 Arrive at the Mangrove Hotel at 3:30 pm before our transfer to Broome Deep Water Port for boarding at 4:00 pm. Settle into your stateroom before our 5:00 pm departure.

Take the time to become acquainted with the facilities onboard before joining the expedition team in the Bridge Deck Lounge for an introduction to Kimberley. As dusk falls, mingle with fellow travelers, the Captain and crew at Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

DAY 2: KING GEORGE RIVER AND FALLS (OOMARI FALLS)

Fed by the King George River draining across the Gardner Plateau, 80m tall King George Falls are the most impressive Kimberley waterfalls and the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Before reaching the mist-like spray rising from the base of King George Falls, we cruise through steep-sided gorges carved by a flooded river system that carved a swathe through the Kimberley landscape 400 million years ago.

Early in the waterfall season, we may cruise around the base of impressive King George Falls while in later months we take the opportunity to view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close.

DAY 3: VANSITTART BAY (BANJAL)

Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Aboriginal rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Jar Island is so-named after the pot shards found here, brought to the island by Makassan fishermen harvesting sea cucumbers (also known as trepang).

Nearby, on the Anjo Peninsula lays the well-preserved wreckage of a US Airforce C-53 Skytrooper aircraft, the result of a pilot losing his bearings flying from Perth to Broome in 1942 and putting down on a salt pan near present-day Truscott Airbase.

DAY 4: MITCHELL FALLS, WINYALKAN, & SWIFT BAY

Tumbling down the Mitchell Plateau in a series of tiered waterfalls and emerald green rock pools, the Mitchell Falls are the photogenic poster child for the Mitchell River National Park. Take a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) to multi-tiered Mitchell Falls where emerald-hued rock pools cascade down the escarpment and ancient rock art galleries are concealed in caves behind curtains of water.

Mitchell River National Park is inhabited by significant numbers of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and bird species which are lured by a year-round water source. Sandstone terraces beside tiered rock pools make a terrific viewing platform from which to savor the serenity of this ancient landscape.

An alternative option to Mitchell Falls is exploring the sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay or Wollaston Creek. This mass of weathered tunnels, arches, and columns form a labyrinth-like maze and was once an Aboriginal midden. Another option while anchored at Winyalkan Bay is a visit to a series of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries at Swift Bay.

In the evening we will enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean while indulging in a gourmet BBQ.

DAY 5: PRINCE FREDERICK HARBOUR AND BIGGE ISLAND (WUUYURU)

Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations at the southern end of York Sound. The harbour is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of the ochre-hued escarpment.

White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide, expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mudskippers and mangrove crabs. We will take our Xplorer tender vessels on a cruise up Porosus Creek to view some striking rock formations.

Bigge Island’s Indigenous name is Wuuyuru, and the Indigenous Group of the area is the Wunambal people.

DAY 6: PRINCE REGENT RIVER AND CAREENING BAY (WUNBUNG-GU)

King Cascade is a classically beautiful terraced waterfall and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Kimberley. Falling from a considerable height and around 50m across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone. Layer upon layer of ochre-hued and blackened rock sprouts grasses, mosses, and ferns in a sort of lushly vegetated hanging garden.

We reach King Cascade after cruising in our Xplorer tender vessels down the steep-sided Prince Regent River which is a remarkable anomaly as the river runs dead straight along a fault line.

Lt. Phillip Parker King named nearby Careening Bay after he beached his leaking vessel HMC Mermaid to effect repairs. While stranded on this remote coastline for 17 days the ship’s carpenter carved HMC Mermaid 1820 into the bottle-shaped trunk of a boab tree near the beach. 200 years later, the Mermaid Boab Tree has since split into two trunks and sports a mammoth girth of 12m. Significantly, the bulbous tree is listed on the National Register of Big Trees and the carpenter’s careful inscription now stands almost as tall as a person.

DAY 7: MONTGOMERY REEF (YOWJAB)

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km and was named by Phillip Parker King. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth 11m tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the Indian Ocean in a cascade of rushing water revealing a flat-topped reef pockmarked with rock pools and rivulets.

As the reef emerges, we get up close in our Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to witness the spectacle as our Expedition Team shares their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the emerging reef, feeding on marine life left exposed in rock pools. Turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and sawfish are also attracted to feeding opportunities as the ocean recedes.

The ocean is awash in a swirl of eddies and whirlpools as the moon’s gravitational force takes hold. Then, a few hours later the entire water-borne drama is reversed as the tide comes in and Montgomery Reef disappears below sea level.

DAY 8: DOUBTFUL BAY

Red Cone Creek flows gently downstream until it meets the small but impressive Ruby Falls. Named by local mariner Capt. Chris Trucker after his daughter, Red Cone Creek is carved through rock formations stacked atop each other like building blocks. These rock walls are great for climbing and clambering over before reaching a series of freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls. The falls may be a gurgling torrent or a gentle trickle, depending on the time of the year.

Other sites we aim to visit in Doubtful Bay include the mighty Steep Island and Ruby Falls at Red Cone Creek.

DAY 9: HORIZONTAL FALLS (GARAANNGADDIM) AND BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO

The Horizontal Falls are one of Kimberley’s biggest attractions and are a result of the mammoth 11m tides the Kimberley is renowned for. Naturalist David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.’

This natural phenomenon has been created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids on our Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of our Kimberley expedition cruises.

Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated at over 2 billion years old. At Cyclone Creek, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.

DAY 10: THE LACEPEDE ISLANDS

The Lacepede Islands are a protected class-A nature reserve and are significant as a seabird nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted at the Lacepedes include Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets, and gulls. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles.

If weather and tide conditions are suitable, we will explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.

As our incredible Kimberley adventures draw to a close, on our last evening aboard we enjoy the Captain’s farewell drinks amongst new-found friends.

DAY 11: ARRIVE IN DARWIN

Our incredible adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the Captain, and the crew.

Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 08:30 am. Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.

(This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and the activities on offer. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximize your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.)

Waived Sole-Supplement: Available for new bookings made on 2025 - 2026 departures in a Promenade or Explorer Deck Staterooms aboard Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer, and Promenade Deck aboard the Coral Discoverer. Subject to availability.

2025 - 2026 Departures & Fares for CORAL DISCOVERER:

• April 2025 - August 2026
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom from $18,550 pp twin share*
• Promenade Deck (Category A) from $14,950 pp twin share*
• Promenade Deck (Category B) from $12,950 pp twin share*
• Main Deck (Category A) from $12,450 pp twin share*
• Main Deck (Category B) from $11,850 pp twin share*

2025 - 2026 Departures & Fares for CORAL GEOGRAPHER:

• April 2025 - August 2026
• Bridge Deck Suites from $27,700 pp twin share*
• Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom from $15,900 pp twin share*
• Promenade Deck Stateroom from $12,900 pp twin share*
• Coral Deck Stateroom from $10,700 pp twin share*

2025 - 2026 Departures & Fares for CORAL ADVENTURER:

• April 2025 - August 2026
• Bridge Deck Balcony Suite from $28,900 pp twin share*
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom from $22,500 pp twin share*
• Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom from $15,900 pp twin share*
• Promenade Deck Stateroom from $12,900 pp twin share*
• Coral Deck Stateroom from $10,700 pp twin share*

Call 1300 414 198 to check pricing on other departure dates between April 2025 - August 2026.

Please note that prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change without notice.

Experience your Kimberley cruise aboard Coral Adventurer, Coral Discoverer or Coral Geographer. Cruise departure dates will determine the ship, please see travel date for more information.

CORAL ADVENTURER

Launched in April 2019, Coral Adventurer is a tropical expedition ship purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores in Australia and internationally, that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Coral Adventurer embodies our Australian philosophy of adventure, relaxation, generosity, storytelling, and appreciation for the great outdoors. Carrying a maximum of 120 passengers –  Coral Adventurer is purpose-built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style, and safety.

CORAL DISCOVERER

Coral Discoverer is the smaller expedition yacht, designed to take you to destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Her shallow draught and manoeuverability make her highly versatile. She boasts ocean views from all public spaces, all outside-facing staterooms (some with balconies), and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. Her Xplorer bar and adjacent sundeck lounge with 360-degree views are much-loved features. Carrying only 72 passengers, she offers an intimate expedition experience larger ships cannot replicate.

C​ORAL GEOGRAPHER

Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to the fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Sister ship to Coral Adventurer (launched in 2019), she has over 1000 square metres of open deck space, multiple bars, majority balcony staterooms and suites, and public areas featuring a collection of Australian Indigenous art. Coral Geographer explores the hidden nooks and crannies of Australia’s Kimberley Coast, Australia’s West and South coastlines and international voyages including to New Zealand, Sulawesi, Mauritius, and Zanzibar. Coral Geographer carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.

Is there a Doctor or Nurse onboard?

While senior crew are trained in remote area first aid, it is important to note that we do not employ doctors or nurses on board our cruises. As our itineraries cover remote regions, they are not suitable for those with serious medical conditions. Any ongoing medical issues should be disclosed to reservations staff at the time of booking.

Where do we board and what time?

BROOME: Boarding is at Deep Water Port, 401 Port Dr, Broome WA 6725. Boarding commences at 4:00pm for 6pm departure.

DARWIN: Boarding is at Fort Hill Wharf, 2 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800. Boarding commences at 8am for 9am departure

What should I pack?

We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

Do I need to bring spending money? What might I need to pay for onboard?

Upon embarkation, we will automatically open your personal shipboard account. We operate a chit system and for your security, ask that you sign each chit as you order from our bar, shop or make any other on board purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in Australian dollars cash, and by American Express; Visa; MasterCard or Diners Club.

Can I get my laundry done during my trip?

Laundry services are available on board Coral Adventurer, Coral Discoverer and Coral Expeditions I, however the service is limited. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by your cruise attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account.