Darwin to Broome Cruises

Embark on an unforgettable adventure and cruise the Kimberleys from Darwin to Broome with Discovery One. From scenic flights that unveil breathtaking vistas to carefully curated itineraries that showcase the mighty King George River, Horizontal Falls, the Hunter River and more! Our Kimberley cruises will capture the essence of this unique destination. Each package is designed to offer you an exceptional and exclusive exploration of the Kimberley region.

The crew were excellent and the food exceptional. The destinations were great and due to the skill of the Captain, we enjoyed them at their best. We have been on many different holidays but rate this as one of the best. We also appreciated the “small” things; an excellent laundry service; no security worries regarding valuables; the top deck was very enjoyable for views, breezes and happy hour with nibbles; the bathroom facilities were spotless.

Kimberley Cruises From Darwin to Broome

Say goodbye to the Northern Territory and hello to Western Australia’s famous gem! Immerse yourself in a world of captivating bays, serene inlets, pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, winding rivers, freshwater swimming holes and the breathtaking spectacle of cascading waterfalls. We invite you to witness the raw beauty of the Kimberley in its most authentic form with our Kimberley cruises Darwin to Broome.

The first cruise of the season captures the very best of the three big waterfalls in the top end of the Kimberley. Explore the remote reaches of far-north Western Australia where incredible waterfalls and glorious sunsets abound on this 13-night Kimberley waterfalls cruise.

Experience the waterfalls at the end of the wet season on this 13-night cruise around the Kimberley coast. Arrive to the Berkeley River via a seaplane flight from Kununurra. The aerial scenery is gorgeous! You’ll visit the majestic twin falls of the King George, Glycosmis and Berkeley Falls and more. This cruise also runs from Broome to Darwin.

Discovery One | Kimberley Cruises

A 9-night cruise travelling Derby and the Hunter River with exciting activities. Forget a scenic helicopter flight, we’ll take you up in a seaplane, landing on the Hunter River. View the stunning Mitchell Falls from the air as you fly from Kununurra to Mitchell Plateau. This cruise also runs from Broome to Darwin.

Kimberley cruises seaplane arrival

Darwin to Broome cruise - Let’s see where you are travelling!

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the North West of Western Australia’s most captivating coastal landscapes. Our Kimberley cruises from Darwin to Broome are more than voyages – they are transformative experiences that immerse you in the awe-inspiring wonders of the Kimberley. Admire curious wildlife, ancient rock art galleries, hidden reefs, stunning bays and more on this journey of a lifetime…

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.

Up-close and personal experiences with Discovery One

Step aboard Discovery One, a 25-metre catamaran that offers a unique and immersive journey on a Kimberleys waterfall cruise. With only 11 cabins, Discovery One offers an intimate onboard atmosphere. All our cabins are air-conditioned, so you don’t need to worry about the West Australian heat.

For over two decades, we've charted exceptional locations on our Kimberley cruises – Darwin to Broome. Our Captain guides you to lesser-known havens, evoking a sense of solitude amidst stunning landscapes. We craft our schedule around optimal lighting, winds, and tides, ensuring you experience all locations at their finest, with a clear view. You can gaze in awe at the beauty of the land and in wonder at the Aboriginal rock art galleries.

But you don’t just have to look. Our focus lies in venturing beyond the main boat, embarking on 2 to 3 excursions per day depending on your cruise package. This lets you immerse yourself in the Kimberley, unveiling more than you could with any other vessel.

Kimberley Map

venture this way

We move people between Darwin and Broome, or Broome to Broome, but we don’t cruise you all that way. We incorporate flights to get you in and out of the heart of the Kimberley quickly, so the time you spend with us is spent exploring and doing the exciting stuff. Follow the lines on the map to see where each package travels from/to. Note, as we are a small boat, we always hug the coast (lines are for illustrative purposes only).

Kimberley Cruise Packages

Why choose our cruises from Darwin to Broome?

After two decades of specialised Kimberley cruising, we have meticulously crafted our itinerary to ensure your Kimberley journey is nothing short of exceptional. Our Kimberley cruise packages include flights, shuttles and coach transfers to maximise your time spent in the heart of the Kimberley region.

We also offer flexible travel options, offering flight credits for you to customise your travel arrangements – for example, stay longer in Kununurra and add on a tour to the Bungle Bungles at Purnululu National Park.

The Kimberley is a truly spectacular destination which is best savoured as slow-travel. Our Kimberley tour company has welcomed many return passengers, some on their third or fourth expedition – sometimes returning for our Broome to Darwin cruises, experiencing the magic from the opposite direction. So cruise the Kimberley aboard Discovery One.

Darwin to Kimberley cruise FAQs

Private excursions are not included in our cruise packages, but our itinerary includes a variety of captivating activities and experiences that showcase the amazing Kimberley scenery.

You can reserve your spot here. Click the Book Now tab at the top of this page or contact our friendly customer service team on 1800 996 717 to ask about available dates, pricing, and any specific requirements you may have.

Absolutely. Our package offers flexibility, including optional extras and you can choose the $250/pp flight credit to make your own travel arrangements.

Your accommodation is well-tailored for your comfort after a full day of incredible adventure. Cabins onboard accommodate a maximum of two people and are either a double bed or two single beds. There are no bunk beds.

With a legacy of two decades, Discovery One has become an integral part of the Kimberley community, offering a responsible and sustainable way to experience the region’s natural beauty while supporting local economies.

While they are available, alcoholic beverages are not included in this package.

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