Why a Kimberley Cruise Should be Your Next Australian Adventure

WITH THE FIRST RAYS BRIGHTENING THE SKY, I’m stepping into an inflatable Zodiac tender boat. Chugging into the natural drainage channels of Montgomery Reef, we all stare, awestruck. Seawater cascades off the living coral and algal reef structure, which stands almost five meters proud of the ocean surface. Our Kimberley cruise is replete with instances like these.

In the channel with us, turtles grab a breath and baby reef sharks startle. On top of the reef, a beach stone curlew battles a flailing octopus, and egrets gorge on stranded fish. Beside one cascade, a motionless crocodile waits. 

The early timing of our visit is dictated by the tides. At up to 11 meters, these are the largest tropical tides in the world, and all life here moves to their rhythm. The Kimberley coast in Australia’s northwest is one of earth’s last wildernesses. Here, nature remains in charge. 

New Access 

With almost no roads or towns, most of the Kimberley coast, on the northwestern edge of the country, can only be accessed by sea; a Kimberley cruise for that reason sails between Broome in Western Australia and Darwin (or Wyndham) in the Northern Territory, with simply spectacular scenery.  

Two Australian companies, True North, with two vessels (the largest accommodating up to 36 passengers) and Coral Expeditions, with three vessels (up to 120 passengers), were the pioneers of Kimberley Cruising. Around 13 other boutique vessels also ply these waters, including Kimberley Quest (18 passengers) and Great Escape (14 passengers). My voyage takes place on the new six-star Scenic Eclipse II, with a maximum of 228 passengers. 

Before the pandemic, international cruise companies were taking interest in the Kimberley region, but in 2024, internationally flagged ships visited in new numbers, bringing unprecedented luxury to the rugged wilderness.  

With all this interest, it’s clear the destination is booming. So, what makes a Kimberley cruise so great? 

Otherworldly Landscapes and Wildlife  

The coastline here is shaped by ancient geology and massive tidal forces, making it unlike anywhere else. Take the Horizontal Falls. These are two mini-chasms, 24 and six meters wide respectively in ancient, upthrust sandstone layers. The surging tides force the ocean through these gaps creating whitewater rapids, reminiscent of an angry river.  

Elsewhere, monsoon-fed rivers plunge through orange cliffs, cutting deep gorges that stretch for kilometers. Small islands host thousands of noisy, nesting seabirds, and in the Hunter River, mighty crocodiles patrol, jiggling fish down their throats while passengers watch on with wonder. 

To complete the diverse offerings, many cruises visit a pearl farm, hike to the wreck of a World War II plane, or offer fishing for the prized barramundi.  

Indigenous Cultures  

Indigenous culture is alive and well in this part of Australia. Our Kimberley cruise introduced us to ancient rock art in two styles called Wandjina and Gwion Gwion—art styles found nowhere else. 

Cruise companies need permission to enter Indigenous-owned Country. At Swift Bay, owned by the Wunambal Gaambera people, we visit a cave, surrounded by a vast midden, a mountain of consumed shellfish. Here, the ethereal Wandjina, the wide-eyed, mouthless creation beings, have peered from the walls and ceilings for millennia.  

Lying on a tarpaulin beneath the overhang, I stare up. Slowly, I decipher the layers of images, including rock wallabies, monster spirits and handprints. The place feels sacred; we are told that tucked into a crevice are ancient human remains.  

At Jar Island, we find Gwion Gwion art: slender figures, adorned with tasseled headdresses, that appear to be dancing a ceremony. It’s an astonishing window through time, with these images dated to at least 17,300 years old. 

A highlight of any Kimberley cruise is meeting the locals, and at Wijingarra Butt Butt (Freshwater Cove) we chat with the Dambimangari Traditional Owners. Mr Gideon Mowaljarlai explains the legend of the spotted quoll, a cat-like animal that still lives here, and welcomes us by touching traditional ochre to our cheeks. Later, we’re guided to ancient paintings; stingrays, dragonflies, and the spider web-like cyclone.  

Luxury Afloat 

For many, glam new vessels may provide the impetus for a Kimberley visit. For example, Scenic Eclipse II offers veranda suites, a personal butler and two swimming pools. A dip in the pool is popular, since the crocodiles in the ocean are much too snappy.  

Two sleek helicopters offer unforgettable views of Horizontal Falls, and land guests atop Mitchell Falls for a safe, river swim. The dining is exquisite, the bar stocks a serious whisky collection, and there’s a chic, pampering spa. There’s also a team of 14 enthusiastic scientists and historians, who interpret the natural and cultural world. 

Choose your Cruise 

It can be tricky to decide who to cruise the Kimberley with, and whether to choose a boutique boat or larger ship. Here are a few points to consider.  

Boutique boats have the advantage of accessing areas that larger boats cannot, sometimes even offering a waterfall shower on the front deck. The trade-off is that you’ll forgo a choice of restaurants, a spa, gym and swimming pool. One decadence you don’t necessarily lose on a boutique boat is a helicopter, with some of the smallest even carrying a chopper.  

One thing to note is that internationally flagged ships are required by the Australian Government to include a “technical stop” outside Australian waters. Ashmore Reef, 320 kilometers north of the mainland, an external territory of Australia, ticks that box. In good weather, this reef can provide stunning snorkeling and seabird watching. When it’s too windy to use the Zodiacs, it’s just a two-day diversion. 

Another thing to consider is your mobility. The crew will assist, but can you step from a ship into a Zodiac? For those seeking more accessibility, Coral Expeditions’ Xplorer tender vessels are a good option, where guests board the tender on the ship, before a hydraulic platform lowers it into the water.  

In such a pristine environment, many wish to consider the environmental footprint. In general, newer vessels have been designed with fuel efficiency in mind, thereby reducing their emissions.  

Whichever cruise you choose, one thing is almost certain. Simply experiencing the Kimberley, with all its raw, rugged beauty, and authentic, living culture, will be a luxury you’ll never forget. 

Getting there:  

Most Kimberley cruises depart from Broome or Darwin during the months April to October. From Singapore, fly direct to Broome with Jetstar (Jetstar.com), or direct to Darwin, with Singapore Airlines (Singaporeair.com).   

Tour: 

Kimberley cruises vary in length and price. Scenic Eclipse II has 11-day departures in 2025 starting from AU$21,045 a person, all-inclusive apart from helicopters and spa treatments (scenic.com.au). 

When to book: 

Cruisers can book now for 2025 on Seabourn Pursuit and Silversea Silver Cloud, Heritage Adventurer, and APT (which charters Seabourn Pursuit). For Australian options, there are the Coral Expedition ships and a range of independent boutique boats. The dry season, from May to October, is the prime time to travel to the Kimberly.  

The writer travelled as a guest of Scenic Cruises. 

Lede and hero image by Commotion Media

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