We do not arrange flights or additional accommodation beyond what is included in your cruise package. You will need to organize your own travel to and from the starting and ending points of the cruise. However, we are happy to provide pick-up and drop-off services to and from your chosen accommodation.
Yes, we offer a $500 per person discount if you book two or more cabins on the same cruise. Bookings do not need to be made at the same time. If friends or family wish to join your booking, please have them notify our booking office and include the surname of the group they are joining on their booking form. The $500 per person credit will be applied to the final account.
Yes, we are pleased to work with independent travel agents, tour operators, and activity-based groups interested in chartering a cruise. Charters should be arranged well in advance. To discuss charter or group opportunities, please contact Rose at our booking office at bookings@discoveryone.com.au or call 1800 996 717. We would love to have you on board!
We recommend the following options for accommodation and vehicle storage:
- Broome Caravan Park on Wattle Drive (Summerstar) – (08) 9192 1776
- Kimberleyland Waterfront Caravan Park in Kununurra – (08) 9168 1280
Please contact the parks directly to arrange your stay and vehicle storage.
Your safety is our top priority on Discovery One. We follow strict safety protocols and evaluate every aspect of our operations to ensure a secure environment. Our crew undergoes comprehensive training, and we conduct mandatory safety inductions and drills for all passengers, in full compliance with AMSA regulations. Rest assured, we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards throughout your journey.
Our bar prices are similar to what you’d find at a pub, offering great value for your onboard experience.
Our Captain carefully plans the itinerary on each cruise to ensure you experience the Horizontal Falls at their most impressive, based on the tides and weather. There isn’t a particular month that’s better than others, as the tides shift twice daily, year-round. For an up-close experience, an optional powerboat ride through the Falls is available, weather and tide permitting. The Captain, will arrange this for you onboard, and the cost in 2025 is approximately $120 per person, charged to your boat account. Please note that powerboat rides do not operate during Neap tides.
Your cruise package includes all transfers and accommodations as specified in each itinerary, along with all meals and excursions operated by us on the boat. Exclusions are bar purchases, souvenirs, and optional excursions offered by third parties. A Boat Account will be kept for any purchases made during the cruise, which can be settled at the end of the trip using Visa or Mastercard.
A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking online, processed securely through the Eway payment gateway. The remaining balance is due 10 weeks (70 days) before your cruise departure and can be paid via BPAY.
If you wish to have a cabin to yourself, a 50% single supplement applies. However, if you’re happy to share with another same-sex guest, you can book at the standard rate, and we’ll help find a suitable roommate for you.
Our Kimberley expeditions are designed for those with a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. This is an active cruise, with stairs between decks on the boat and excursions involving climbing in and out of tenders and short hikes over rocky terrain. While the cruise is not designed for children, it offers an exciting and engaging experience for those young at heart.
Prepare to be awe-struck! The Kimberley is a breathtaking, vast wilderness, home to over 1,000 islands, each more stunning than the last. Your journey will take you to iconic locations like Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, Silica Beach, and King Cascades, along with many hidden gems waiting to be explored. Experience the thrill of short hikes through untouched islands, cruise through winding rivers, and discover some of the world’s oldest rock art. Dive into crystal-clear freshwater rock pools, and marvel at ancient cliffs that tell the stories of time. Along the way, you’ll encounter incredible wildlife – from crocodiles and whales to turtles, sharks, dolphins, and a host of unique bird species. The Kimberley is one of the last true wilderness frontiers on Earth, and you’ll be left speechless by its raw beauty.
Discovery One, originally built in 1984 on the Gold Coast and christened Matilda II, began her journey as a ferry for Captain Cook’s Cruises in Sydney. Renamed Discovery One, she has been cruising the pristine waters of the Kimberley for the past 24 years. Over this time, she has been carefully fitted with modern systems, while preserving the charm and history of her classic design.
A 25-metre steel catamaran, Discovery One is designed for comfort, stability, and adventure. With four spacious levels, she provides a luxurious yet intimate setting for just 22 passengers. The vessel offers an abundance of recreational space, including a comfortable, air-conditioned lounge with a licensed bar, an alfresco dining area, and a rooftop sun deck that provides panoramic 360-degree views of the Kimberley’s breathtaking landscape—complete with a rooftop spa for ultimate relaxation.
Thanks to her shallow draft and exceptional stability, Discovery One can navigate hidden gems and remote areas that larger vessels simply can’t access. This includes inland waterways and some of the Kimberley’s most secluded coastal treasures. Her unique design also allows us to hug the coastline, sailing through smooth, sheltered waters that ensure a comfortable journey and easy access to extraordinary land excursions. The result is a truly personalized and intimate exploration of one of the world’s most pristine wildernesses.
Each cabin accommodates up to two people. Our options include external cabins with windows or central cabins featuring either a double bed or two single beds.
There is no phone reception or internet available while we explore the Kimberley. However, in case of an emergency, friends and family can contact the boat at 0494 190 699 or via our 1800 number. Rest assured, you’ll be able to reach your loved ones if needed.
Our season runs from March to September, with carefully crafted itineraries designed to showcase the Kimberley’s breathtaking natural wonders. Early in the season, our Waterfall Packages (March–May) take you between Darwin and Broome, highlighting the region’s stunning waterfalls. Mid-year, the “Explore the Kimberley” journey combines scenic flights and a coastal cruise, offering a truly immersive experience from Broome to Broome. For nature enthusiasts, the “Great Rivers Bird and Wildlife Cruise,” led by renowned guide Malcolm Roberts, is the ultimate adventure, offering rare bird and wildlife sightings as we travel from Broome to Darwin.
Each cruise visits iconic destinations, including Montgomery Reef and Horizontal Falls, ensuring unforgettable experiences in this pristine wilderness.
While our daily itineraries are packed with exploration and adventure both on land and water, there simply isn’t enough time for fishing. We’ve designed our cruises to offer the most immersive and enriching experience of the Kimberley, ensuring you make the most of every moment discovering this stunning region.
At Discovery One, your safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety protocols, ensuring every aspect of our operations is carefully evaluated for safety. In addition to comprehensive crew training, we conduct mandatory safety inductions and drills for all passengers, in line with AMSA regulations. You can relax knowing that we are committed to providing a secure and safe environment throughout your journey.
Pick-up times vary based on tides, transfer flight schedules, weather, and other factors, but they are typically early in the morning from Broome or Kununurra. You will receive the exact pick-up details via SMS from our booking office. Please ensure your mobile number is listed on your booking form to receive this information.
While we can’t provide an exact return time until we’ve reviewed the tide charts, we typically return before 6 p.m. For more specific details, please contact Rose at the booking office.
Our cruise packages have a 10 kg per person luggage limit (camera bag plus duffel bag). To help reduce luggage weight, we provide many essentials onboard, including high-quality linen, soft towels, beach towels, Salus Organic shampoo, conditioner and body wash, as well as soap, hairdryers, and sustainable sunscreen from Feel Good Inc. We also supply insect repellent from Good Riddance and walking sticks for your comfort.
For a full list of recommended items to bring, please refer to the Cruise Guide located at the footer of our website. To make your journey even more convenient, we offer a complimentary daily laundry service onboard, provided by our friendly and professional hostesses.
Yes. If you are an Australian citizen, you should purchase Domestic Travel Insurance when you pay your deposit. This ensures you are covered for the cost of the cruise (either partial or full payment) in case you need to cancel, leave the cruise early, or if we need to cancel the cruise (please refer to our Terms & Conditions for our refund policy).
You also have the option to contribute $50 to our Evacuation Fund. If needed, this ensures you will be airlifted off the boat free of charge. For international guests who contribute to the Evacuation Fund, you will be airlifted to the nearest Australian medical facility at no extra charge. However, from there, you will need to have suitable travel insurance to cover any further medical emergencies.
Yes, if you don’t require the flight between Kununurra and Darwin (available on Early Waterfall, Waterfall, and Great Rivers cruises), we will provide you with a $250 credit. This credit can be applied toward booking your own return flight to your vehicle.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to deliver unforgettable travel experiences that inspire and enrich. We are driven by a commitment to sustainability, a deep respect for people and planet, and a passion for adventure. Our goal is to craft journeys that not only delight our guests but also foster positive change for the environment and the communities we explore.
What makes Discovery One different from other cruises through Kimberley Coast?
An Unforgettable Adventure Discovery One offers a truly immersive Kimberley experience. Unlike larger cruise ships, our 25-meter catamaran has a shallow draft, allowing us to explore closer to shore, venture up rivers, and navigate between the 1,000+ islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. With two adventure boats on tow, we take you on daily excursions — 2 to 3 times a day, depending on weather and tides. Our goal is to engage all your senses as you experience the stunning sights, sounds, aromas, and tastes of this unique region.
A Passion for the Kimberley As a family-owned business with over 24 years of Kimberley-only cruising, we’re passionate specialists dedicated to showcasing the hidden gems of this remarkable, remote region. Our perfected 11- to 14-night cruise packages focus on quality time exploring the coast. Unlike other cruises that navigate rough open waters, we fly you directly to the boat by scenic helicopter or seaplane — a deluxe experience included in your package.
The Discovery One Difference The Kimberley is vast — twice the size of Victoria, three times the size of England. Our focus on intimate exploration brings guests back again and again, with many on their third or fourth expedition. Most of our bookings come through word-of-mouth from previous passengers, a testament to the unforgettable experiences we deliver. Onboard, our dedicated crew — including a Captain, Engineer, Coxswain, Cook/Chef, and two Hosts — work hard to make your journey special. Many of them have been with us for years, committed to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our Discovery One family.
Commitment to Sustainability Certified as a Green Travel Leader by EcoTourism Australia, Discovery One has been a sustainable tourism operator for over a decade. We believe responsible tourism supports conservation; by sharing this pristine wilderness, we foster appreciation and protection for the Kimberley’s rich natural and Aboriginal heritage. Here, we follow the simple yet powerful rule: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs.