Darwin to Broome Cruises

DARWIN, KUNUNURRA

After a morning flight from Darwin to Kununurra you’ll be met at the Airport and shuttled to your accommodation. Early next morning you’ll enjoy a seaplane flight from Kununurra to the Berkeley River where you’ll meet the crew and board the boat. Your-13 night cruise begins.

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.

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.

KING GEORGE RIVER

The magnificent 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 reaches up to 500 metres down the gorge and the thundering noise of the falls adds to the excitement.

YORK SOUND & 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, 200 years later!

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.

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.

SAMPSON INLET

Sampson Inlet 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.

MONTGOMERY REEF

Located at the beginning of the Buccaneer Archipelago, is Montgomery Reef. This 400 sq km reef can emerge up to 4 metres above the waterline at low tide, creating a visual spectacle of waterfalls and sea life. Several small islands dot the reef and support numerous bird species, crocodiles, turtles, and fish life.

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, the water gushes through creating whirlpools, boils and raging currents. In Cyclone Creek, the incredible marine life includes impressive Tawny Nurse sharks which often come to greet us.

SILICA BEACH

Silica Beach, on Hidden Island, 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.

DERBY & BROOME

This morning you wake up in Derby as your exceptional adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes. A bus will be waiting to take you to your chosen destination in Broome.

DARWIN, KUNUNURRA

After a morning flight from Darwin to Kununurra you’ll be met at the Airport and shuttled to your accommodation. Early next morning you’ll enjoy a seaplane flight from Kununurra to the Berkeley River where you’ll meet the crew and board the boat. Your-13 night cruise begins.

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.

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.

KING GEORGE RIVER

The magnificent 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 reaches up to 500 metres down the gorge and the thundering noise of the falls adds to the excitement.

YORK SOUND & 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, 200 years later!

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.

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.

SAMPSON INLET

Sampson Inlet 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.

MONTGOMERY REEF

Located at the beginning of the Buccaneer Archipelago, is Montgomery Reef. This 400 sq km reef can emerge up to 4 metres above the waterline at low tide, creating a visual spectacle of waterfalls and sea life. Several small islands dot the reef and support numerous bird species, crocodiles, turtles, and fish life.

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, the water gushes through creating whirlpools, boils and raging currents. In Cyclone Creek, the incredible marine life includes impressive Tawny Nurse sharks which often come to greet us.

SILICA BEACH

Silica Beach, on Hidden Island, 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.

DERBY & BROOME

This morning you wake up in Derby as your exceptional adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes. A bus will be waiting to take you to your chosen destination in Broome.

KUNUNURRA, MITCHELL PLATEAU & HUNTER RIVER

After a morning flight from Darwin to Kununurra, an airport shuttle will take you to your accommodation. Breakfast is provided the next morning before you’ll board a plane and enjoy a scenic flight over the mighty Mitchell River and its majestic Mitchell Falls and then onto the Hunter River. Your 9-night cruise is about to begin.

YORK SOUND & 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.

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.

SAMPSON INLET

Sampson Inlet 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.

MONTGOMERY REEF

Located at the beginning of the Buccaneer Archipelago, is Montgomery Reef. This 400 sq km reef can emerge up to 4 metres above the waterline at low tide, creating a visual spectacle of waterfalls and sea life. Several small islands dot the reef and support numerous bird species, crocodiles, turtles, and fish life.

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, the water gushes through creating whirlpools, boils and raging currents. In Cyclone Creek, the incredible marine life includes impressive Tawny Nurse sharks which often come to greet us.

SILICA BEACH

Silica Beach, on Hidden Island, 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.

DERBY & BROOME

This morning you will arrive in Derby, say your goodbyes and board the coach to your chosen destination in Broome.

These itineraries list all the places you can reasonably expect to visit on your cruise from Darwin to Broome. 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.