Broome to Darwin Cruises

BROOME & DERBY

After one night’s accommodation in Broome a coach will pick up guests early in the morning and transfer you to Derby Jetty. After you have been welcomed on board with a drink and some information from the Captain, you can settle into your cabin, familiarise yourself with the boat and enjoy the scenery as we cruise to the top of King Sound.

SILICA BEACH

Near the entrance to King Sound lies Silica Beach which boasts pure white sands and clear blue water. It’s the kind of beach one imagines should be found on an island paradise. It’s a lovely place to take a dip in the shallows.

TALBOT BAY & THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Talbot Bay is home to the famous Horizontal Falls (and the eighth wonder of the natural world according to Sir David Attenborough himself). The region’s massive tides create a spectacular scene, sending huge volumes of water pouring through two narrow chasms in the land formation when the tides reach peak flow in both rising and falling conditions. With up to 10m of height difference between the waters of each of the two inland bays and the sea, water gushes through the two chasms creating a mass of whirlpools and raging currents. In Cyclone Creek, the incredible marine life includes impressive Tawny Nurse sharks which often come to greet Discovery One.

MONTGOMERY REEF

North West of Raft Point and the popular Red Cone Creek and Ruby Falls is Montgomery Reef. This 400 sq km reef can emerge up to 4m above the waterline at low tide, creating a visual spectacle of waterfalls and sea life. Several small islands dot the reef and support rich mangroves, crocodiles, turtles, birds and fish.

SAMPSON INLET

Further north is Sampson Inlet which leads into a monsoonal rainforest pocket with almost permanent fresh water. Many previous passengers have called this the most beautiful spot on the Kimberley coast. Keen photographers should remember their cameras!

HANOVER BAY & CAMDEN HARBOUR

Within Hanover Bay are the pristine sands of Hanover Beach. It is here, in 1838, where Lt. George Grey unloaded his Timor ponies and began the first land-based expedition of North West Australia in search of the great inland sea. The journey soon ended when he was speared by Aborigines. Despite this, Lt Grey reported back positively describing the area as ‘lush and fertile’. This glowing report encouraged a group of optimistic farmers to establish a new settlement in Camden Harbour in 1864. This was a total disaster from the start. The ruins of that settlement, which lasted only 9 months, can still be seen and the graves of some of these tough pioneers can be found on nearby Sheep Island.

ST GEORGE BASIN & THE PRINCE REGENT RIVER

Within the St George Basin are two flat-topped hills, Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, which provide a spectacular backdrop as you cruise to the mouth of the Prince Regent River. This river is the eroded remains of the longest single straight lineament in Australia, making it yet another geological wonder. Get your camera ready as you experience some spectacular scenery, flora and fauna on our journey down this remote and pristine waterway, concluding at the majestic King Cascade Falls. This magnificent site is where American model, Ginger Meadows, was fatally attacked by a crocodile in 1987, a horror story that has been retold around the world. Keep an eye out for crocodiles as you view these magnificent falls which cascade over fern-covered tiers in breathtaking splendour.

CAREENING BAY

Careening Bay is within the southern part of Nelson Bay where, in 1820, Phillip Parker King careened the vessel HMC ‘Mermaid’ for repairs whilst surveying the Australian coastline. His carpenter carved the vessel’s name into an ancient boab tree which is still visible today.

YORK SOUND AND THE HUNTER RIVER

Prince Frederick Harbour lies within York Sound and it is here that we find the Roe and Hunter River estuaries. This area boasts sensational scenery, with cathedral-like gorges and eroded sandstone features such as the Indian Head at the entrance to the Hunter River.

KING GEORGE RIVER

The King George River flows into Koolama Bay and is bordered by wonderful sandstone coloured cliffs. It is here you will see the spectacular King George Falls; the tallest falls in Western Australia. Be prepared for a shower! At this time of year the spray from the falls reach up to 500 metres down the gorge and the thundering falls add further excitement.

KOOLAMA BAY

Originally named Rulhieres Bay, Koolama Bay was re-named for the ill-fated 340ft vessel ‘Koolama’ that was attacked by the Japanese during WWII. After the attack she made her way into the Bay, dropped off her passengers and then travelled to Wyndham where she sank after another bombing raid.

THE BERKELEY RIVER

The stunning red ochre cliffs bordering the Berkeley River dominate the scenery as we cruise through this magical region of beautiful waterfalls and freshwater pools. The Berkeley has extensive smaller creeks feeding into it and drains the Seppelt and Collison Ranges and Gardner Plateau.

HUNTER RIVER, MITCHELL PLATEAU & KUNUNURRA

You will be greeted this morning by seaplane which will ferry you to Mitchell Plateau via a scenic fly over the Mitchell Falls. At the Plateau you will change to a fixed wing aircraft and then enjoy a scenic flight to Kununurra Airport and arrive in time for your afternoon flight to Darwin.

BROOME & DERBY

After one night’s accommodation in Broome a coach will pick up guests early in the morning and transfer you to Derby Jetty. After you have been welcomed on board with a drink and some information from the Captain, you can settle into your cabin, familiarise yourself with the boat and enjoy the scenery as we cruise to the top of King Sound.

SILICA BEACH

Near the entrance to King Sound lies Silica Beach which boasts pure white sands and clear blue water. It’s the kind of beach one imagines should be found on an island paradise. It’s a lovely place to take a dip in the shallows.

TALBOT BAY & THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Talbot Bay is home to the famous Horizontal Falls (and the eighth wonder of the natural world according to Sir David Attenborough himself). The region’s massive tides create a spectacular scene, sending huge volumes of water pouring through two narrow chasms in the land formation when the tides reach peak flow in both rising and falling conditions. With up to 10m of height difference between the waters of each of the two inland bays and the sea, water gushes through the two chasms creating a mass of whirlpools and raging currents. In Cyclone Creek, the incredible marine life includes impressive Tawny Nurse sharks which often come to greet Discovery One.

MONTGOMERY REEF

North West of Raft Point and the popular Red Cone Creek and Ruby Falls is Montgomery Reef. This 400 sq km reef can emerge up to 4m above the waterline at low tide, creating a visual spectacle of waterfalls and sea life. Several small islands dot the reef and support rich mangroves, crocodiles, turtles, birds and fish.

SAMPSON INLET

Further north is Sampson Inlet which leads into a monsoonal rainforest pocket with almost permanent fresh water. Many previous passengers have called this the most beautiful spot on the Kimberley coast. Keen photographers should remember their cameras!

HANOVER BAY & CAMDEN HARBOUR

Within Hanover Bay are the pristine sands of Hanover Beach. It is here, in 1838, where Lt. George Grey unloaded his Timor ponies and began the first land-based expedition of North West Australia in search of the great inland sea. The journey soon ended when he was speared by Aborigines. Despite this, Lt Grey reported back positively describing the area as ‘lush and fertile’. This glowing report encouraged a group of optimistic farmers to establish a new settlement in Camden Harbour in 1864. This was a total disaster from the start. The ruins of that settlement, which lasted only 9 months, can still be seen and the graves of some of these tough pioneers can be found on nearby Sheep Island.

ST GEORGE BASIN & THE PRINCE REGENT RIVER

Within the St George Basin are two flat-topped hills, Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, which provide a spectacular backdrop as you cruise to the mouth of the Prince Regent River. This river is the eroded remains of the longest single straight lineament in Australia, making it yet another geological wonder. Get your camera ready as you experience some spectacular scenery, flora and fauna on our journey down this remote and pristine waterway, concluding at the majestic King Cascade Falls. This magnificent site is where American model, Ginger Meadows, was fatally attacked by a crocodile in 1987, a horror story that has been retold around the world. Keep an eye out for crocodiles as you view these magnificent falls which cascade over fern-covered tiers in breathtaking splendour.

YORK SOUND AND THE HUNTER RIVER

Prince Frederick Harbour lies within York Sound and it is here that we find the Roe and Hunter River estuaries. This area boasts sensational scenery, with cathedral-like gorges and eroded sandstone features such as the Indian Head at the entrance to the Hunter River.

HUNTER RIVER, MITCHELL PLATEAU & KUNUNURRA

You will be greeted this morning by seaplane which will ferry you to Mitchell Plateau via a scenic fly over the Mitchell Falls. At the Plateau you will change to a fixed wing aircraft and then enjoy a scenic flight to Kununurra Airport and arrive in time for your afternoon flight with AirNorth to Darwin.

BROOME & DERBY

After a night’s accommodation in Broome you will be picked up by a bus and transferred to Derby to board Discovery One. Enjoy a welcoming drink and a briefing by the Captain before you settle in, become familiar with your surroundings and relax as we cruise to the top of King Sound and the start of the Buccaneer Archipelago. You are about to begin the journey of a lifetime!

SILICA BEACH

Near the entrance to King Sound lies Silica Beach which boasts pure white sands and clear blue water. It’s the kind of beach one imagines should be found on an island paradise. It’s a lovely place to take a dip in the shallows.

TALBOT BAY & THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Talbot Bay is home to the famous Horizontal Falls (and the eighth wonder of the natural world according to Sir David Attenborough himself). The region’s massive tides create a spectacular scene, sending huge volumes of water pouring through two narrow chasms in the land formation when the tides reach peak flow in both rising and falling conditions. With up to 10m of height difference between the waters of each of the two inland bays and the sea, water gushes through the two chasms creating a mass of whirlpools and raging currents. In Cyclone Creek, the incredible marine life includes impressive Tawny Nurse sharks which often come to greet Discovery One.

MONTGOMERY REEF

North West of Raft Point and the popular Red Cone Creek and Ruby Falls is Montgomery Reef. This 400 sq km reef can emerge up to 4m above the waterline at low tide, creating a visual spectacle of waterfalls and sea life. Several small islands dot the reef and support rich mangroves, crocodiles, turtles, birds and fish.

SAMPSON INLET

Further north is Sampson Inlet which leads into a monsoonal rainforest pocket with almost permanent fresh water. Many previous passengers have called this the most beautiful spot on the Kimberley coast. Keen photographers should remember their cameras!

HANOVER BAY & CAMDEN HARBOUR

Within Hanover Bay are the pristine sands of Hanover Beach. It is here, in 1838, where Lt. George Grey unloaded his Timor ponies and began the first land-based expedition of North West Australia in search of the great inland sea. The journey soon ended when he was speared by Aborigines. Despite this, Lt Grey reported back positively describing the area as ‘lush and fertile’. This glowing report encouraged a group of optimistic farmers to establish a new settlement in Camden Harbour in 1864. This was a total disaster from the start. The ruins of that settlement, which lasted only 9 months, can still be seen and the graves of some of these tough pioneers can be found on nearby Sheep Island.

ST GEORGE BASIN & THE PRINCE REGENT RIVER

Within the St George Basin are two flat-topped hills, Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, which provide a spectacular backdrop as you cruise to the mouth of the Prince Regent River. This river is the eroded remains of the longest single straight lineament in Australia, making it yet another geological wonder. Get your camera ready as you experience some spectacular scenery, flora and fauna on our journey down this remote and pristine waterway, concluding at the majestic King Cascade Falls. This magnificent site is where American model, Ginger Meadows, was fatally attacked by a crocodile in 1987, a horror story that has been retold around the world. Keep an eye out for crocodiles as you view these magnificent falls which cascade over fern-covered tiers in breathtaking splendour.

YORK SOUND AND THE HUNTER RIVER

Prince Frederick Harbour lies within York Sound and it is here that we find the Roe and Hunter River estuaries. This area boasts sensational scenery, with cathedral-like gorges and eroded sandstone features such as the Indian Head at the entrance to the Hunter River.

CAREENING BAY

Careening Bay is within the southern part of Nelson Bay where, in 1820, Phillip Parker King careened the vessel HMC ‘Mermaid’ for repairs whilst surveying the Australian coastline. His carpenter carved the vessel’s name into an ancient boab tree which is still visible today.

KOOLAMA BAY

Originally named Rulhieres Bay, Koolama Bay was re-named for the ill-fated 340ft vessel ‘Koolama’ that was attacked by the Japanese during WWII. After the attack she made her way into the Bay, dropped off her passengers and then travelled to Wyndham where she sank after another bombing raid.

THE BERKELEY RIVER

The stunning red ochre cliffs bordering the Berkeley River dominate the scenery as we cruise through this magical region of beautiful waterfalls and freshwater pools. The Berkeley has extensive smaller creeks feeding into it and drains the Seppelt and Collison Ranges and Gardner Plateau.

WYNDHAM, KUNUNURRA & DARWIN

It is here that your exceptional adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes. A bus will be waiting to take you to Kununurra for a short tour and lunch prior to your afternoon flight to Darwin.

These itineraries list all the places you can reasonably expect to visit on your cruise between Derby and Wyndham. It is likely, however, that there will be additional places of interest visited on the actual cruise, time and tides allowing, which is why we prefer not to give you a day-by-day itinerary. The Captain aims to maximise the cruising experience for all passengers, so he will decide when and where he will take you during your cruise along the Kimberley coast. In this sense, every cruise is a little different and each passenger’s experience is unique.