Cruise the Kimberley on a Small Ship Expedition
This 11-day Kimberley cruise will take you on an unforgettable expedition from Broome-Darwin or vice versa. You will feel like a true adventurer as you retrace the steps of past explorers along this magnificent coastline! New release of 2024 dates!
Expert guides interpret 40,000-year-old rock art and retrace the history of Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline 200 years ago.
Board a Zodiac and touch the spray from the magnificent King George River and its towering 80-metre twin falls. Join an expert guide to learn about the history of the ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock paintings.
Witness waterfalls cascading off Montgomery Reef as it rises out of the ocean on the ebbing tide, whilst discovering the reef’s diverse marine life. Later in the season, witness Humpback Whales on their migration north to breeding grounds along the Kimberley coast.
Did you know? Every year, around 40,000 humpback whales make their way to the Kimberley’s warm tropical waters to mate and birth, in places such as Camden Sound. This pod of humpback whales, the largest in the world, is growing in part due to the Kimberley’s safe haven and ideal breeding grounds. On your Kimberley voyage, you may spot these majestic creatures breaching and slapping the surface in playful displays around the ship while our Expedition team keep you informed with fascinating facts about them.
What's included?
- All excursions and sightseeing›
- Use of Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels
- Daily lectures and briefings
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- Showcase wines, selected beers, juices, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
- 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
- All entrance fees to National Parks, Ports and Traditional Owner fees
Expedition highlights
- Experience the Horizontal Falls, created by a unique tidal phenomenon
- Witness waterfalls cascading off Montgomery Reef, and discover the reef’s diverse marine life.
- Experience King George River and get in close to the soaring 80m high falls
- Cruise the Prince Regent River to the 'hanging garden' King George waterfalls
- Learn from expert interpretation of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion Rock art
- Watch out for sightings of crocodiles, tawny nurse sharks, sea turtles, humpback whales and rock wallabies
- Optional scenic flight to Mitchell Falls (additional cost)
- Indulge in drinks and canapés as you watch the sunset from the beach
ALL-INCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS
A Coral Expeditions cruise is not about just passing through a region and seeing it from the ship’s deck. Instead, each day you will travel ashore and fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, fascinating history and colourful cultures of these remarkable locations.
On most days during your expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in two included shore excursions or activities (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), along with onboard briefings and presentations. The vast majority of excursions are included in your cruise price and in key locations, you will have the opportunity to enhance your experience through participation in optional activities such as a helicopter flight over the Kimberley’s spectacular four-tiered Mitchell Falls.
Your fare excludes:
- travel insurance & airfares
The Itinerary: Key Destinations
Embark: Board at Broome Wharf at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure.
Disembark: Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 08:00am.
The below itinerary is indicative. No two Kimberley cruises with Coral Expeditions will be the same, with each expedition crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders around the astounding 10+ metre tidal range, weather and sea conditions. Below is a selection of the key destinations we visit.
DAY 1: DEPART BROOME
Board your Coral Expeditions ship at 4.00pm where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as we cruise northwards towards Cape Leveque.As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
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.
HORIZONTAL FALLS AND BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
The Horizontal Falls are 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. Naturalist David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.’
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.
DOUBTFUL BAY & RAFT POINT
Raft Point guards the entrance to Doubtful Bay, a vast body of sheltered water which harbours significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries, considered some of the finest in the Kimberley. There may also be an opportunity to meet the Worrora people and experience the wonderous Wandjina art of Raft Point.
MONTGOMERY REEF
Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km. Named by Phillip Parker King, this marvelous reef is home to several species of marine turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and crocodiles. As the reef emerges from the sea at low tide, we get up close in the Xplorer and inflatables to witness the spectacle. Our guides will share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife here.
PRINCE REGENT RIVER AND CAREENING BAY
Running on a fault line, this straight river is a haven for native species. If the tide is right, there may be an opportunity for swimming at Camp Creek (Note: swimming at freshwater swimming holes is subject to group size and local conditions), and here we visit the beautiful King Cascade.
See the National Heritage Listed ‘Mermaid Tree’ at Careening Bay. It still bears the name carved by the crew of Phillip Parker King’s ship HMS Mermaid when the ship was repaired here in 1820.
PRINCE FREDERICK HARBOUR & BIGGE ISLAND
At the southern end of the York Sound lies one of the most spectacular locations in the Kimberley: Prince Frederick Harbour. It is home to many islands, mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of steep red escarpment. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide expansive mudflats reveal large populations of various mudskippers and mangrove crabs. Cruise up Porosus Creek, visit art sites, and marvel at rock formations.
MITCHELL FALLS, WINYALKAN, & SWIFT BAY
Carved through layers of sandstone, Mitchell Falls descends over four tiers, creating pools of emerald green on each level. The option to take a scenic helicopter flight will give you a breathtaking view, or alternatively explore the sandstone caves of Hathway’s Hideaway or enjoy a catch and release fishing excursion*. Swift Bay reveals a series of fine Wandjina art galleries.
VANSITTART BAY
Vansittart Bay contains many sites of cultural and historical significance. Here we have opportunity to view the remarkable Gwion Gwion galleries and Macassan sites at Jar Island. On the Anjo Peninsula, discover the wreckage of the downed C-53 Skytrooper, well-preserved since it crashed in 1942.
KING GEORGE RIVER AND FALLS
At over 80 metres, King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Feel humbled by nature’s awesome force as thousands of tonnes of water cascade over the ancient sandstone cliffs. Early in the season, you may cruise under the mist of the falls, while in later months we get up close to the sandstone walls to view the honeycomb erosion patterns.
DAY 11: ARRIVE IN DARWIN
Our incredible adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Darwin this morning at 8:30am. Bid farewell to new-found friends and the Captain and crew. Post cruise transfers in Darwin included.
Special offer - No Single Supplement on selected departures in April, May or June 2024 on Coral Adventurer & Coral Geographer in Promenade & Explorer Deck Staterooms Only.
2024 -25 Departures & Fares for CORAL DISCOVERER:
- Shoulder Season – April (Waterfalls), August & September (Whales)
- 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*
2024 -25 Departures & Fares for CORAL GEOGRAPHER:
- Shoulder Season – April (Waterfalls), August & September (Whales)
- Bridge Deck Suites from $27,700 pp twin share*
- Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom from $20,600 pp twin share*
- Promenade Deck Stateroom from $15,500 pp twin share*
- Coral Deck Stateroom from $12,800 pp twin share*
2024-25 Departures & Fares for CORAL ADVENTURER:
- Shoulder Season – April (Waterfalls), August & September (Whales)
- 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 $20,600 pp twin share*
- Promenade Deck Stateroom from $15,500 pp twin share*
- Coral Deck Stateroom from $12,800 pp twin share*
Above prices are all based on Shoulder Season departures
Call 1300 414 198 to check pricing on other departure dates between April - September 2024 & 2025.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at 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.
CORAL 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.