12 Day Kimberley Coastal Expedition

Darwin to Broome

Day 1: Darwin

Your Kimberley cruise begins today in the vibrant capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin. We’ll arrange a charter bus to pick you up between 8 AM and 9 AM for transport to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll board the vessel.

Upon arrival, our crew will warmly welcome you aboard. After a crew introduction, we’ll set sail, with a safety briefing, morning tea, and a vessel induction to ensure you’re comfortable and informed.

After lunch, your trip director will share details about the exciting itinerary ahead. In the afternoon and overnight, we’ll cruise across the stunning Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, making our way into the magnificent Kimberley region. Get ready for an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences!

Day 2: Berkeley River

Day 3: King George River, Pangali Gove & Glycosmis Bay

In the early hours of the morning, we’ll depart from the Berkeley River and make our way along the coastline to Koolama Bay, arriving just in time for breakfast. If we’re waiting for the high tide to enter the King George River, we’ll have the opportunity to explore Cape Rouliare, Tranquil Bay, Pangali Cove, or a combination of these stunning locations.

Once the tide is right, we’ll cross the shallow sandbar into the mighty King George River system. Thanks to the Reef Prince’s shallow draft and jet engines, we can navigate the entire river, a privilege not all cruise boats can enjoy. As we approach the twin falls, prepare to be awestruck by the spray mist from billions of liters of water cascading nearly 100 meters down.

Afterward, we’ll hop into the tenders to get an up-close view of the falls and explore smaller side tributaries, all while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife both above and below the water. We may also visit the smaller offshoot known as the Fountain of Youth, where crocs can often be seen floating nearby. For those interested in more adventure, there are options to check out the Glycosmis Bay waterfalls if conditions allow. It’s a day full of natural wonders and unforgettable experiences!

Day 4: Vansittart Bay

By the time you wake up, we’ll have rounded Cape Londonderry overnight and will be anchored in the beautiful Vansittart Bay. This area is rich in activities and opportunities, especially for fishing enthusiasts—Spanish mackerel often cruise around the edges of nearby pearl leases.

We’ll start the day with an easy walk across the mud and salt flats to explore the site of a crashed WWII DC-3 airplane. Your guide will share the story of the fateful day in early 1942, bringing history to life amidst the stunning Kimberley landscape.

Next, we’ll make a short cruise across the bay to Rocky Cove, where you can venture ashore to witness fascinating rock art. Here, you’ll find remarkable examples of the ancient Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings, thought to be some of the oldest indigenous art in the world, dating back over 20,000 years. The cove also features a cave adorned with more contemporary Wandjina rock art, and you might spot some large resident tawny nurse sharks in the waters.

In the late afternoon, tide and weather permitting, we may have the chance to stop for a walk at Woku Woku Island. This area is home to a massive Boab tree on the mainland and a large grove of Boabs on the opposite shore. Rich in Macassan history, it was once a prime location for fishermen harvesting sea cucumbers, and you can still see the remains of many hearths from that era.

Day 5: Swifts Bay & Prudhoe Island 

When you wake up this morning, you’ll find yourself in a completely new location! We’ll begin the day by exploring a series of fascinating art sites in Swifts Bay. Over a 3-hour tour, we’ll visit 2-3 sites, showcasing the incredible diversity of rock art in the area, including both the ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) art and the more contemporary Wandjina art.

After our morning of exploration, we’ll enjoy lunch while transiting for about two hours out to Prudhoe Island, a continental island rich with activities and sights. One of the highlights is a walk to Petroglyph Point, where you can marvel at ancient stone carvings.

Around the corner, we’ll discover a beach teeming with turtle tracks and nests, especially active during the nesting season. Inside the bay, you’ll find another beautiful beach perfect for leisurely walks and shallow swims. For a special treat, we’ll explore a crystal creek filled with large clumps of quartz crystals—a favorite spot for many!

The area is also an excellent location for reef fishing, with species like snapper, coral trout, emperors, and sweetlips waiting to be caught.

As the day winds down, we’ll set sail around 5 PM, heading south towards the stunning Prince Frederick Harbour. It promises to be another adventurous day in the heart of the Kimberley!

Day 6: The Andadan Islands, Hunter River & Porossis Creek 

This morning, we wake up at the Andadan Islands, ready to explore this remarkable area that has taken four years to map and study. We’ll embark on a scenic tender tour that covers about five miles, showcasing the region’s stunning highlights. Expect to see incredible rock formations, explore multiple sea caves, and enjoy various beach and sand spit swims. The small, winding waterways and large overhangs add to the beauty, and we’ll even have the chance to view rock art and a crystal island! This 3+ hour tour was a favorite among guests during the 2023 season.

In the afternoon, we’ll shift our focus to the renowned Porossis Creek and Hunter River systems. This area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, where you might spot the majestic Great Billed Heron or the elusive Chestnut Rail, along with an abundance of Kingfishers. Fishermen will have the opportunity to try their luck at catching various species in the Hunter River, all set against a backdrop of jagged mountain ranges and high rocky escarpments.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather for a drinks cruise, taking in the breathtaking views while keeping an eye out for the local sharks and crocodiles. If time allows, we can also consider visiting nearby Dolphin Island with its inviting swim beach and Wandjina art site, Naturalist Beach and its surrounding waterways, the Roe River, or the historic Careening Bay, home to the famous Mermaid boab tree. It promises to be an unforgettable day in this stunning part of the Kimberley!

For those seeking an extra thrill, there’s an option to take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Naturalist Beach, located at the mouth of the Hunter River and just 15 minutes from Porossis Creek. This flight, operated by Helispirit Tours, offers breathtaking aerial views of the Hunter River, the Mitchell River, the Mitchell Plateau, and the stunning Mitchell Falls.

Once we land at the plateau, you’ll have 90 minutes to explore the area with the Reef Prince’s Cruise Director, who will guide you to the falls. The return flight will take you back over another set of falls and along Porossis Creek before landing back at Naturalist Beach.

Expressions of interest can be submitted during your booking, and our Kimberley Expeditions team will reach out 60 days before departure to confirm availability. Please note that there are minimum numbers required for the flight, and pricing for the 2024 season was $780 per person, with potential increases for the 2025 season. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the Kimberley from a unique vantage point!

Day 7: St George Basin & Prince Regent River

We’ll kick off the day with a stunning sunrise tour, watching the morning rays illuminate the islands within St. Georges Basin. Famed explorer Phillip Parker King once declared this area to have “the most impressive scenery anywhere along the WA coastline,” and you’ll see why!

After enjoying the breathtaking views, we’ll gather on the foredeck as we cruise through the picturesque St. Georges Basin, passing the iconic flat-topped mesas of Mt. Trafalgar and Mt. Waterloo.

Mid-morning, we’ll enter the mighty Prince Regent River system, where there’s so much to see and do. The highlight will be the spectacular Kings Cascades Waterfalls. Adventurous guests can hike to the top of the falls, where a beautiful swimming area awaits, fringed with blue gums and pandanus. There are also multi-layered rocky areas with mini waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip.

As we navigate this river system during high tide, the itinerary may vary, allowing us to explore other scenic locations such as Camp Creek and Cathedral Falls, the highest in the region at 50 meters. You’ll also have the chance to visit two rock art sites and enjoy fantastic bottom fishing for species like fingermark, golden snapper, and mangrove jack.

If time permits, we can explore alternative options in the area, including Hanover Bay’s beautiful scenery, brolga rock art, and Rothsay Waters with its excellent fishing spots. This day promises to be a highlight of your Kimberley adventure!

Day 8: Sampson Inlet, The Slate Islands & Deception Bay

Day 9 begins with an early start, as we rise at dawn to witness the stunning sunrise over the iconic Raft Point, where the vibrant colors of the Kimberley come alive. After breakfast, we’ll board the tenders for our first excursion—a 75-minute tour of Bird Rock, Steep Island, and Raft Point. These areas are not only beautiful but also significant as bird rookeries and culturally important sites for the local Indigenous people.

Next, we’ll set off to witness the breathtaking spectacle of Montgomery Reef as it seemingly rises out of the ocean during the ebbing tide. We’ll jump back into the tenders for an extended reef cruise through Turtle Gully, where we’ll have the chance to observe the incredible marine life. Many guests describe this experience as one of the highlights of their journey!

After our reef adventure, we’ll transit for two hours back past Raft Point and into Doubtful Bay, where we’ll visit the stunning Red Cone Creek and Ruby Falls. This 2.5-hour excursion involves a tender tour to the end of the creek system, where we’ll view the picturesque keyhole and Ruby Falls. From there, we’ll embark on a rope-assisted climb up the rock face and enjoy a 300-meter rocky walk leading to a freshwater swimming hole, perfect for a refreshing dip while taking in the local wildlife and flora.

Please note that with a low tide required for Montgomery Reef and a high tide for Ruby Falls, the itinerary may be reversed to accommodate these conditions. If time allows, we also have alternate options available, including the Kingfisher Islands, the 3-Ways for excellent fishing and crabbing, or a scenic exploration of the Sale River. It promises to be a day filled with adventure and natural beauty!

Day 10: Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls & Yampi Sound

Wake up to the breathtaking sight of the iconic Horizontal Falls! After enjoying breakfast, your cruise director will share insights about the region’s geology. Then, prepare to experience the incredible power of the Horizontal Falls, a natural phenomenon that David Attenborough dubbed the “8th wonder of the natural world.”

Nearby, we’ll embark on a scenic tender tour of Cyclone Creek, showcasing the area’s stunning geological formations. The S-bend in the creek system presents another tidal pinch phenomenon, adding to the day’s adventure.

As we depart, most guests will want to stay on the outer decks to soak in the mesmerizing vistas as we transit out of Talbot Bay. We’ll enjoy lunch during our journey, and afterward, we’ll navigate through the gutter and past the Koolan Island mine site into the picturesque Yampi Sound.

In the afternoon, we have the option to visit Croc Creek, where we’ll take the tenders up to a beautiful waterfall system. Here, you can hike to the top of the falls and swim in a crystal-clear freshwater pool, surrounded by diverse reptiles and birds.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll head to Myridi Cove for sunset drinks, followed by a special alfresco dining experience under the stars. Weather permitting, we’ll depart around midnight for a 9-hour transit to the Lacepede Islands, ensuring another day filled with adventure and stunning natural beauty!

Day 11: The Lacepede Islands

After breakfast, we arrive at the stunning Lacepede Islands, where our adventure continues. We’ll board the tenders to explore the four islands that make up this A-class nature reserve, rich in history and ecological significance. The Lacepede Islands are known as the most important breeding ground for Green Turtles in Western Australia.

This area is also a vital nesting site for seabirds, hosting about 1% of the world’s population of Roseate Terns and Brown Boobies—potentially the largest colony of these birds globally. You’ll also spot Masked Boobies, Pelicans, Frigatebirds, Egrets, Gulls, Crested and Bridled Terns, Noddies, and Oystercatchers, alongside wading birds like Tattlers, Knots, Sand Plovers, and Ruddy Turnstones.

As we explore the inner lagoon, particularly during high tide, you’ll find it a wildlife spotter’s paradise, home to turtles, small sharks, rays, and schools of fish. The lagoon’s edges provide great opportunities for swimming and exploration.

During mating season, the outer beaches of the islands come alive with thousands of Green Turtles, creating a breathtaking scene as they swim, mate, and bask on the sandy shores.

We’ll enjoy our last dinner together at the Lacepede Islands, soaking in the beauty around us until midnight. Then, we’ll travel the final 70 miles down the coast to Broome.

Please note that the Lacepede Islands are very exposed, requiring calm seas and low winds for safe access. If the weather turns inclement, we’ll have alternate plans to stay overnight in Myridi Cove on Day 10, exploring the beautiful areas around Yampi Sound, including Nares Point, Silver Gull Creek, and the renowned Silica Beach before departing for Broome at 2 PM.

Day 12: Broome

This morning, we’ll cruise past the iconic Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point, taking in the stunning coastal views. As we transit into Roebuck Bay, we’ll tie up alongside the large commercial wharf.

It’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers and exchange contact details. Unfortunately, this marks the end of your unforgettable Kimberley Cruise from Darwin. We’ll disembark in Broome around 10 AM, bidding farewell to the crew who have made your journey special. Guests will then be transferred by bus to their chosen hotel in the Broome district, ready to continue your adventures or relax after an incredible trip!

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.