7 landscapes Australians saved for their grandkids

Pat yourselves on the back, Australia – your children will thank you. Congratulations, you have saved some of the most stunning landscapes in this wide, brown land for the following generations.

Even in the midst of the all-powerful resources boom, sometimes communities put their collective feet down, taking on governments and industry to defend and conserve these stunning areas. Of course, there are still many battles being fought and to be fought. But in the meantime, here are seven triumphs – landscapes of great environmental, cultural and sentimental significance (and, of course, commercial value) that your grandkids and their grandkids can will be able to experience and enjoy.

1. Koongarra, NT

Kakadu National Park’s boundaries were declared in 1979, but an area near the famous Nourlangie Rock (famous for indigenous rock art) was excluded from the park because of a large uranium deposit there. For years Jeffrey Lee, the senior Djok traditional owner of Koongarra, was courted by mining companies to use the land but he insisted it be incorporated into Kakadu. Finally, in 2013, the Kakadu Project Area Act was repealed and this extraordinary part of the region was included in the National Park and World Heritage Area.

2. Franklin River, Tasmania

Probably Australian environmentalists’ most famous battle and one that was ultimately successful. In 1982-83, 1272 people were arrested at Warner’s Landing, 6km from the junction of the Franklin and Gordon, during protests against the Tasmanian government’s plan to dam the Gordon. These concerted protests (during a federal election campaign) meant the river was saved in 1983 after actions by the Hawke Government and a High Court decision.

3. Arkaroola, SA

This wilderness reserve in northern Flinders Ranges, about 600km north of Adelaide, was described by Dick Smith as one of Australia’s finest arid landscapes. Sir Douglas Mawson also often brought his Adelaide University students here on field trips. Until 2011 the area was under threat from uranium mining, but after a community campaign in July of that year, the government announced that mining would be banned in Arkaroola, aiming eventually for a World Heritage listing.

4. Hattah Lakes, Victoria

Hattah Lakes wetlands, part of the Murray-Darling river system, did not experience a proper flood between 1996 to 2010. Too much water, mostly for irrigation, was being taken out of the wetlands (one of Australia’s most significant) for the natural floods, which are vital for the area’s birds and animals, to occur. Recently an environmental works program is bringing Hattah’s river redgums and animals back to life in this stunning series of freshwater lakes.

5. Mary River, Queensland

The Queensland government wanted to flood the Mary River Valley at Traveston Crossing, near Gympie, to shore up Brisbane’s water supply. The plan threatened the habitat of Australian lungfish, Mary River cod and Mary River turtle, and would have flooded large tracts of farming land. After a community campaign, then Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett invoked Commonwealth environmental powers to stop the project.

6. James Price Point, WA

A plan to build a gas processing plant at James Price Point, 50km from Broome on the Kimberley’s coastline, faced opposition from environmentalists, who said the plan posed risks to whales, dugongs, bilbies and dinosaur footprints in the area. There was also a strong opposition from the land’s traditional Goolarabooloo owner Richard Hunter. But in mid 2013, after protracted court action, the gas project was shelved, the companies opting to obtain the gas from a floating platform out at sea instead.

7. Mt Everard, Harts Range and Fishers Ridge, NT

Some of Australia’s most arid landscapes, Mt Everard and Harts Range (near Alice Springs) and Fishers Ridge (NT, near Katherine) had been shortlisted as possible radioactive waste dump sites. But all three sites, of great environmental and cultural significance, have since been removed from consideration after various community campaigns.

Thanks to the Australian Conservation Foundation for use of information and resources.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com