Broome to Darwin

Day 1: Depart Broome

Your Kimberley cruise from Broome kicks off today in the charming pearling town of Broome. We’ll arrange a charter bus to pick you up between 8 AM and 9 AM, transporting you to one of the beaches where you’ll board the vessel, depending on the tide and wind direction. This marks the beginning of many beach landings and tender rides throughout your 12-day expedition.

Upon boarding, our crew will welcome you and introduce themselves before we set off from Broome. During our journey north, we’ll conduct a safety briefing, enjoy morning tea, and provide a vessel induction. After lunch, there will be an opportunity for a fishing session, using the two game fishing chairs at the rear of the Reef Prince. We’ll target species such as Spanish mackerel, queenfish, and tuna. If you’re traveling between July and September, whale watching may also be an option.

Your trip director will discuss the itinerary in detail, ensuring you’re informed and excited for the adventures ahead. Overnight, we’ll cruise up the Dampier Peninsula and into the breathtaking Kimberley region.

Day 2: Yampi Sound, Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls

We’ll begin our day with breakfast and a fascinating geology talk at Myridi Cove, where you can marvel at the stunning geological features of Yampi Sound. Nestled within the Buccaneer Archipelago, which boasts over 800 islands, this area is a visual feast.

Next, we’ll embark on a scenic 25-minute tender ride to Croc Creek, making several stops along the way. Upon arrival, we’ll hike to a beautiful waterfall system and enjoy a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear freshwater pool, surrounded by unique fauna and vibrant birdlife.

After lunch, we’ll cruise past the iron ore mining operations on Cockatoo and Koolan Islands before navigating through the “Gutter” and entering Talbot Bay. This area is a sensory delight, and many guests choose to stay outside to soak in the breathtaking vistas.

In the afternoon, prepare to experience the incredible power of the Horizontal Falls, often described as the 8th wonder of the natural world by David Attenborough. The remarkable geology here will captivate your attention.

Nearby, we’ll take a scenic tender tour through Cyclone Creek, showcasing some of the region’s most impressive geological formations. The S-bend in the creek system creates a tidal phenomenon reminiscent of the Horizontal Falls.

As the day winds down, we’ll gather for sunset drinks and a delightful cheeseboard on the bow or top deck as we depart Talbot Bay. We’ll continue cruising into the night toward Raft Point.

Alternatives in the area may include Dugong Inlet (ideal during high tides and earlier in the season with its three waterfalls), Silver Gull Creek, and Nares Point, each offering unique experiences.

Day 3: Raft Point, Montgomery Reef & Ruby Falls

Day 3 begins with an early start as we rise at dawn to witness the Kimberley’s vibrant colors come alive with the sunrise over the iconic Raft Point. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll board the tenders for our first of three excursions: a 75-minute tour around Bird Rock, Steep Island, and Raft Point. These areas are important bird rookeries and hold cultural significance for the local Indigenous people.

Next, we’ll head to Montgomery Reef, where you’ll see the reef “rise” out of the ocean as the tide ebbs. Get ready for an extended reef cruise to explore the rich marine life of Turtle Gully before we navigate deep into the Montgomery Reef system. Many guests consider this to be one of the most unforgettable moments of the journey.

Following our reef adventure, we’ll spend two hours transiting back past Raft Point and into Doubtful Bay, arriving at the stunning Red Cone Creek and Ruby Falls. This 2.5-hour excursion will take us on a tender tour up the creek to view the picturesque keyhole and Ruby Falls. We’ll then embark on a rope-assisted climb up the rock face, followed by a 300-meter rocky walk to a refreshing freshwater swimming hole. This unique spot is long and narrow, featuring a rock race at the end, perfect for wallowing while enjoying the surrounding wildlife and flora.

Please note that the itinerary may be reversed depending on the tides—low tide is required for Montgomery Reef, while high tide is necessary for Ruby Falls.

Other alternative options in the area may include the Kingfisher Islands, the 3-Ways (ideal for excellent fishing and crabbing), or a scenic exploration of Sale River.

Day 4: Sampson Inlet, The Slate Islands & Deception Bay

We wake up in the serene Sampson Inlet, a historic site known as one of the Kimberley’s first pearling leases. After enjoying a healthy breakfast, we’ll embark on an exploration of the inlet, keeping an eye out for the elusive short-eared rock wallabies along the steep, rocky foreshores. The oysters in this area are exceptional, and fishing for mackerel and long-tail tuna is often rewarding at the mouth of the inlet.

Next, we’ll venture to the rocky Bumpas Island, a bird rookery, and the Slate Islands, where you’ll be amazed by the stunning rock formations, including the gravity-defying Colosseum. This picturesque area features several beaches perfect for swimming and exploration.

For those interested in fishing, the waters here are popular for trolling for pelagic and reef species.

Our journey then takes us to Deception Bay, just a short hour away, which is a favorite among the Reef Prince crew. This 3-hour tour includes a scenic cruise through the 3-mile-long creek system at the bay’s corner, showcasing diverse flora and fauna—from mangroves to towering gorges, culminating at Butterfly Gorge.

Butterfly Gorge features a beautiful creek system with a rock bar at the end, requiring a stunning 300-meter rocky walk to reach a secluded freshwater swimming hole, adorned with indigenous rock art on the nearby ledge.

Alternative options in the area include Hall Point for swimming and sightseeing, Wilson Point, which is a favored calving ground for humpback whales during the season, Kuri Bay—home to Australia’s first cultured pearl farm—and Camden Settlement/Sheep Island, the site of the first European settlement in the Kimberley.

Day 5: St Georges Basin & Prince Regent River

We set out for a morning tour to witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the islands within St. Georges Basin. This stunning area, celebrated by explorer Phillip Parker King for its breathtaking scenery, promises an unforgettable experience.

Once we return on board, we’ll gather on the foredeck as we navigate through the picturesque St. Georges Basin, passing the iconic flat-topped mesas of Mt. Trafalgar and Mt. Waterloo.

Next, we’ll enter the mighty Prince Regent River system. Here, adventure awaits, with the highlight being the magnificent Kings Cascades Waterfalls. For those feeling adventurous, a walk to the top offers access to a beautiful swimming area surrounded by blue gums and pandanus. Across from the swimming hole, you’ll find multi-layered rocky formations with mini waterfalls, some perfect for sitting under or behind, along with smaller splash pools ideal for a refreshing dip. Kings Cascades is a standout highlight and a guest favorite.

As the river system must be navigated during high tide, the itinerary for the day may adjust accordingly. In addition to Kings Cascades, the Prince Regent River system boasts scenic spots such as Camp Creek and Cathedral Falls, the highest in the region at 50 meters. Guests can also enjoy exploring ancient rock art sites and bottom fishing for species like fingermark, golden snapper, and mangrove jack.

Alternative options include the breathtaking scenery of Hanover Bay, with its sandy beaches, brolga rock art, and bower bird nests, or Rothsay Waters, known for its exceptional fishing locations, the Valley of the Palms, and more rock art sites to explore.

Day 6: Careening Bay, Porossis Creek and The Hunter River

In the morning, we’ll pay tribute to the legacy of Phillip Parker King at Careening Bay, where his ship, the HMC Mermaid, was careened during his pioneering voyage of discovery in the Kimberley. Here, we’ll visit the historic boab tree inscribed with “HMC Mermaid – 1820,” which remains clearly visible over 200 years later. The surrounding area is rich in interesting flora, including cycads and tamarind trees.

In the afternoon, we’ll venture into the renowned Porosis Creek and Hunter River systems, a paradise for bird watchers. Keep an eye out for the striking Great Billed Heron and the elusive Chestnut Rail, along with an abundance of colorful kingfishers. For the fishing enthusiasts, the changing tide provides an excellent opportunity to catch a variety of species in the Hunter River.

This area is visually stunning, characterized by jagged mountain ranges and high rocky escarpments, making it a favorite spot for our crew’s sunset drinks cruise. Sharks and crocodiles are often seen in these waters, adding to the excitement of the experience.

Alternative options in the vicinity include Ivy Cove, home to another iconic boab tree, Dolphin Island with its inviting swim beach and Wandjina art site, Naturalist Beach surrounded by tranquil waterways, and the Roe River, each offering unique exploration opportunities.

For those seeking an unforgettable experience, there’s an option for a 23-minute helicopter flight from Naturalist Beach, located at the mouth of the Hunter River, just a short 15-minute steam from Porosis Creek. This exciting flight, provided by Helispirit Tours, offers breathtaking views of the Hunter River, Mitchell River, and the stunning Mitchell Plateau, culminating in a landing at Mitchell Falls.

Once at the plateau, you’ll have 90 minutes to explore the breathtaking falls alongside Reef Prince’s Cruise Director before returning via helicopter. The return journey offers additional views of another stunning waterfall and Porosis Creek.

If you’re interested in this exhilarating helicopter excursion, please express your interest when booking. The Kimberley Expeditions team will reach out to confirm availability about 60 days prior to your departure, noting that a minimum number of participants is required. As a reference, the price for the 2024 season was $780 per person, and prices may increase for the 2025 season.

Day 7: Andadan Islands, Prudhoe Island and Swifts Bay 

If we didn’t make it to the Andadan Islands the previous day due to tides or helicopter flights, we’ll have the chance to explore this remarkable area in the morning. This site has been carefully mapped and explored by the Reef Prince crew over the past four years, culminating in a scenic 5-mile one-way tender tour that showcases the best of the region.

Highlights of this 3+ hour tour include stunning rock formations, multiple sea caves to investigate, and numerous opportunities for beach and sand spit swims. You’ll also discover intricate waterways, large overhangs, rock art, and even a crystal island. This tour was a favorite among guests during the 2023 season.

In the afternoon, we can venture away from the coast to explore Prudhoe Island, a continental island filled with exciting activities. Highlights include a hike to Petroglyph Point, where you can admire ancient stone petroglyphs. Nearby, you’ll find a beach covered in turtle tracks and nests during nesting season, as well as a lovely spot for shallow swimming and walking.

Additionally, there’s a beautiful crystal creek filled with large quartz crystals—always a hit with guests! The area is also great for reef fishing, with species like snapper, coral trout, emperors, and sweetlips.

If time allows, and if we’ve visited Prudhoe Island in the morning, we can head back to the mainland in the afternoon to explore the rock art sites at Swifts Bay. There are four main sites, two of which provide an excellent representation of Kimberley rock art, featuring both the ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) style and the more recent Wandjina style.

Day 8: Woku Woku Island & Vansittart Bay

With the tide permitting, we may begin our day with an early walk at Woku Woku Island, home to a massive boab tree famously inscribed by Phillip Parker King, along with a large grove of boab trees on the opposite shore. This area is steeped in history, having been a favored location for Macassan fishermen who harvested and processed sea cucumbers.

Next, we’ll cruise to Vansittart Bay, a vibrant area teeming with activities and renowned for its superb fishing. Here, we’ll embark on an easy walk across a salt flat to visit the site of a crashed WWII DC-3 airplane. Well-preserved in the Kimberley bush, your guide will share the gripping story of the fateful day in early 1942. Surrounding the wreck site is a stunning wildflower area, which bursts into color during the season (July-September) with a variety of small, vibrant blooms.

Afterward, we’ll make a short cruise across the bay to Rocky Cove, where you’ll find captivating rock art. This site features remarkable examples of Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings, along with a special cave adorned with the more contemporary Wandjina rock art. The Gwion Gwion art is believed to be some of the world’s oldest indigenous art, dating back over 20,000 years.

Prepare for a 2-hour, 1.4 km one-way bush walk to explore the numerous rock art panels on display. If time permits, we may also consider alternate options in the area, including Jar Island with its two art sites and rocky headlands, the Anjo Peninsula, or the Drysdale River for additional exploration.

Day 9: Glycosmis Bay, Pangali Cove & King George River

In the morning, depending on the tide, we may explore Glycosmis Bay, renowned for its stunning amphitheater that features a series of large waterfalls, particularly impressive early in the season. Alternatively, we might visit Pangali Cove, rich in WWII history, which boasts a waterfall and a freshwater swimming hole.

Next, we’ll head to Tranquil Bay, where high cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop to a serene inner lagoon, perfect for a scenic walk and exploration.

Then, it’s on to the mighty King George River, known as one of the best ‘big’ rivers in the Kimberley! As we enter the river on the high tide, you’ll be captivated by the soaring cliffs and the twin breathtaking falls. Thanks to the Reef Prince’s shallow draft and jet engines, we can cross the bar into the river system and navigate all the way to the twin falls—a privilege that many other cruise boats can’t offer. Feel the refreshing spray from billions of liters of water cascading down from nearly a hundred meters above as we expertly steer to the base of these majestic falls.

Afterward, we’ll board the tenders to venture back into the falls area and down the river, getting up close to the waterfalls and exploring smaller side tributaries. Keep an eye out for wildlife, both above and below the water. There’s also a third waterfall in a smaller offshoot called the Fountain of Youth, which is accessible by tenders at high tide and often frequented by a couple of resident crocodiles.

That night, we’ll have a unique alfresco dining experience anchored under the twin falls, surrounded by the tranquil protection of the 100-meter-high gorge walls. It’s the perfect setting for a memorable evening, complete with celebration and camaraderie!

Day 10: Berkeley River

In the very early hours, the captain carefully guides us out of the King George River under the cover of darkness, making our way down the steep-walled coastline of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf toward our last full day in the Kimberley. We’re saving the best for last: the iconic Berkeley River! Accessible only at high tide, we navigate over the bar and enter the stunning 10-mile-long river system.

As we transit the full length of the Berkeley River on the Reef Prince, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking narrow bends flanked by towering sandstone walls. It’s a true marvel! Once we reach the end, a variety of options await, including scenic tours to the Malcolm Douglas Pools, a visit to the Amphitheatre, and the enchanting Berkeley Eye.

We’ll typically cruise back down in the tenders to explore the smaller side tributaries while the Reef Prince heads back to a midway point, where we’ll reconvene for lunch. Afterward, we can venture into the Casuarina Creek system, visit Casuarina Falls, or even try our luck at fishing one last time.

Generally, we’ll stay in the river system overnight, exiting 24 hours after our arrival during the next high tide. With calm, millpond-flat conditions and a sunset overlooking Mount Casuarina, we’re in for another sensational evening on board the MV Reef Prince. Plus, get ready for the infamous Cruise Director’s Kimberley Quiz! Don’t worry—it’s a team event with prizes and promises a lot of fun and laughter.

Day 11: Crossing the Joseph Boneparte Gulf

This morning, the captain skillfully guides the Reef Prince out of the Berkeley River, allowing us to relax and soak in the stunning coastline as it fades from view. We embark on an all-day crossing across the Bonaparte Gulf, with the gentle sway of the ocean lulling us into a tranquil state. As we sail into the Northern Territory waters overnight, take this time to reflect on the incredible adventures we’ve experienced in the Kimberley, all while enjoying the serene beauty of the sea.

Day 12: Darwin

This morning, we glide into Darwin Harbour, greeted by the breathtaking sight of the sun rising over the city skyline. As we make our way toward Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and reflect on the unforgettable journey through the Kimberley. We’ll disembark in Darwin around 10 AM, saying goodbye to the crew who made this adventure so special. Guests will be transferred to their chosen hotel in the Darwin CBD by coach, marking the end of your remarkable Kimberley cruise from Broome. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again on future adventures!

This itinerary is an indication of what destinations are usually visited and activities are usually on offer. Throughout the expedition changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise 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.