15 Kimberley cruises to experience for the adventure of a lifetime

Leah McLennanBy Leah McLennan
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Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Cruising in the Kimberley serves up eye-popping beauty at every turn.

A rarely visited, ancient and pristine coastline, this slice of Western Australia is often referred to as one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. It’s a wonderland of secret waterfalls, rare birds and confetti-like islands.

Accessible by boat from Broome, Wyndham (via Kununurra) Darwin and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula, the epic journey is worth the effort. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated atmosphere with butler service or an action-packed activity focused itinerary, there are a bunch of excellent Kimberley cruises out there.

1. The Great Escape Charter Company

Family-owned and run, The Great Escape Charter Company  has a custom-built 26-metre luxury catamaran, MV Great Escape, which caters to just 14 lucky guests across seven stylish staterooms.

The Great Escape Charter Company during a Kimberley cruise
Sail by the majestic falls of the Kimberley with The Great Escape Charter Company.

Each suite has a queen bed, real-time TV, personal fridges and private bathroom. Importantly, a helicopter sits on the deck, providing access to those hard-to-reach places. On board you’ll find fine dining, a spa on the front deck, wi-fi and seven friendly crew members.

a cosy cabin inside The Great Escape Charter Company ship
Settle into one of the cosy cabins.

2. True North

Highly regarded True North crafts itineraries with the goal of being “life changing" for guests. The family-owned company has two vessels that are purpose-built for the Kimberley and can journey to the upper reaches of shallow river systems.

an aerial view of True North cruising along the Kimberley
Cruise the Kimberley with the highly regarded True North.

True North hosts 36 guests, while True North II whisks away 22 folks. Multiple adventure boats take guests in small groups to experience wilderness up close, and a helicopter helps explorers investigate hard-to-reach corners.

People gather on the deck under King George Falls in the Kimberley on a True North cruiise
Get whisked off to the remote coastal wonders of the Kimberley like King George Falls. (Image: True North/ Tourism Australia)

Rooms feature king-sized, queen or twin single beds, original artwork, small fridges, private bathrooms with twin basins and TVs. Choose from shorter, seven-day cruises, longer 13-day events or specialist expeditions focusing on coast and coral.

a cabin for two onboard True North, Kimberley
True North Cabins can fit solo, duo or group cruisers.

3. Silversea Cruises

Embarking from either Broome or Darwin, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Cloud delivers the ultimate big boat luxury experience over 10 days. For the 200 passengers on board, all suites have butler service and ocean views. Twenty zodiac boats ferry guests to fishing spots and narrow waterways. Helicopter excursions to the four-tiered Mitchell Falls can be arranged, and historians, naturalists and geologists travel on board.

a luxury cabin in Silversea Cruises
Make yourself at home in the luxurious cabins.

In between adventures, dine at one of the four restaurants or head to the fitness centre, beauty spa, photo studio or the lounge dedicated to cognac and cigars.

4. Scenic

Scenic’s luxurious Scenic Eclipse II hosts 228 guests and offers 10 dining experiences, a beauty spa, state-of-the-art theatre, a large oval-shaped pool (swim jets allow you to swim “laps") and butler service (relax, they’ll guide you through the pillow menu). Choose from eight cabin types, including the opulent spa suites with four-poster king beds, jacuzzi overlooking the private verandah, and oversized steam shower. If you need more space, snap up the 247-square metre two-bedroom penthouse suite.

Women swim in the Vitality Pool onboard Scenic Eclipse II.
Take advantage of the vitality pool onboard Scenic Eclipse II.

Helicopters and zodiac rides are at your fingertips, as is French champagne, on this 11-day itinerary from Darwin to Broome (or vice versa) that includes stops at the remote Buccaneer Archipelago and the Lacepede Islands.

5. Kimberley Expeditions

Step on board the 36-guest Reef Prince and find yourself cruising through towering gorges, zipping ‘down river’ in the excursion tenders and sneaking into secluded bays.

With a focus on affordability for guests, Kimberley Expeditions offers action-packed 11-day cruises from Broome to Darwin (and vice versa). All cabins have ensuites and either queen-sized, double, or twin single beds. With plenty of fishing equipment on board, guests often are treated to fresh Spanish mackerel, golden snapper and mudcrab for dinner.

6. Coral Expeditions

From humble beginnings on the Great Barrier Reef 40 years ago, Coral Expeditions has taken its unique style of Australian expedition cruising to the far-flung lands of the Kimberley, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea and more.

Coral Expeditions sailing across Hunter River
Venture across the majestic Hunter River onboard Coral Expeditions.

Join a 10-night cruise from Darwin or Broome and jump on board either the 72-guest Coral Discoverer or the larger vessels, Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer, which both welcome 120 guests.

Coral Expeditions at sunset
Take in incredible sunset views en route to the Kimberley.

Discover the reefs, coastline and remote gorges by zodiac or glass-bottom boat, plus step ashore to explore remote locations. For down time, enjoy the spacious suites, restaurants, bars, library and daily lecture program.

an aerial view of Coral Expeditions during The Kimberley Cruise on Montgomery Reef
Montgomery Reef is a popular cruise destination in the Kimberley.

7. Ponant

Indulge your Gallic side in the Kimberley with French cruise operator Ponant , which has over 35 years of experience in luxury small ship cruising. Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse or Le Jacques Cartier, each with 92 chic staterooms and suites, a pool, several bar areas, plus The Blue Eye, a lounge located below the waterline offering undersea views.

Luxurious Hermes bath products, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and macaroons are some of the unique offerings provided to guests on board Ponant. Spend your days exploring ancient walking trails and watching the region’s most incredible wildlife before returning to the ship for massage treatments, lectures by naturalists and to relax in the library. Cruises can be booked via Aptouring.

Le Lapérouse sunset views
Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse. (Image: Studio Ponant Laure Patricot)

8. Seabourn

Those looking for a cruise line that sails to all seven continents will find that with Seabourn . The suites aboard Seabourn ships feature queen-size beds, an extra-large walk-in closet, an ocean view, and a dining area.  

Seabourn offers 10-day sailings between Broome and Darwin on the luxe Seabourn Pursuit. You’ll be joined by a team of world-renowned scientists, historians and naturalists and the expedition team will whisk you away on zodiac trips to wonders like the Horizontal Falls and Turtle Reef, home to dugongs, crocs and other sea creatures.

9. Heritage Expeditions

Join New Zealand’s family-owned and operated cruise company, Heritage Expeditions , for a Kimberley cruise aboard the luxury 140-guest Heritage Adventurer. Purpose-built for adventure, the ship is perfect for navigating the Kimberley’s intricate coast, islands and harbours and has a full fleet of zodiacs for excursions to secluded white sand beaches and remote bays.

Indulge in an awe-inducing Observation Lounge with a library and bar, or relax in the saltwater pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. Savour gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants and settle into your spacious suite each night.

10. Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

If you don’t have a week or two to spare, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures  may be your best bet for an overnight adventure. Depart from Broome or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula on a seaplane and take a thrilling low-level flight over the heart of Horizontal Falls, before landing on the water where you’ll then transfer to a power boat.

Have barramundi for dinner, snorkel in the marine viewing platform, and stay overnight on the 10-room Jetwave Pearl. Each room has its own private bathroom, air-con and a comfortable bed.

sailing across the spectacular Horizontal Falls
Go sailing across the spectacular Horizontal Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

11. Kimberley Quest

Offering intimate small ship cruises, Kimberley Quest operates four-day all the way up to 21-day extended wilderness expeditions along the Kimberley coast, cruising between Broome and Wyndham.

an aerial view of Kimberley Quest sailing across Montgomery Reef
Sail across Montgomery Reef with Kimberley Quest.

Their 25-metre Kimberley Quest II features indoor and outdoor alfresco areas, a spa and gourmet cuisine prepared by an on-board chef. Cruising with just 18 guests translates into a high level of personalised service and attention.

Horizontal Falls from above, Kimberley Quest
Pass through the wondrous Horizontal Falls.

12. Yotspace

For something even more exclusive, cruise the Kimberley onboard one of Yotspace’s superyacht charters. The 34-metre Akiko hosts just 10 guests across five luxury staterooms each with private ensuites, while the 35-metre Paradise also accommodates 10 lucky adventurers.

Week-long itineraries can be customized, allowing guests to immerse themselves in this remarkable region in peace. In between exploring, you can enjoy the yacht’s outdoor spa, sunset cocktails and the onboard chef’s gourmet creations.

the luxury sailing Catamaran cruise with Kimberley Eclipse
Embark on a luxury Kimberley sailing experience with Yotspace.

13. Discovery One

Discovery One will take you on 10-to-14-night adventures along the pristine Kimberley coast. With just 22 passengers and a crew of six onboard Discovery One, there’s plenty of room for everyone on the 25-metre, four-level steel catamaran.

As for the off-board experiences the activity list is endless, with two tenders taking guests on excursions two to three times a day.

cave art rock scramble in the Kimberley with Discovery One
Go rock scrambling to level up your adventure in the Kimberley.

14. Kimberley Pearl Charters

Kimberley Pearl Charters offers seven, 10 and 13-night itineraries that are the perfect mix of adventure, exploration and indulgence.

the Kimberley Pearl boat passing through rock formations
Immerse yourself in Australia’s last frontier onboard Kimberley Pearl.

The newly renovated Kimberley Pearl boasts six cabins, one on the upper deck, two on the main and three below, all with private bathrooms.

the Kimberley Pearl Charters sailing
Get ready for the ultimate cruise of a lifetime with Kimberley Pearl Charters.

15. Cygnet Bay

Take a Kimberley one-day cruise from Cygnet Bay , 200 kilometres north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula. Cruise to Talbot Bay and get up close to the Horizontal Falls aboard the luxury purpose-built vessel Ohana.

Enjoy a cooked breakfast and seven-course degustation lunch and of course, a cocktail or two. If you want to stay longer, opt for the “soar, cruise and overnight stay" package.

an aerial view of ships cruising along Cygnet Bay
Take a dreamy day trip cruise from Cygnet Bay. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
For more ways to explore the Kimberley, read our guide to El Questro, choose between these unforgettable Horizontal Falls tours, and tick off these incredible wonders in Purnululu National Park.
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Your Mandurah guide: art, dining & dolphins await in WA’s coastal gem

    Monique CeccatoBy Monique Ceccato
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    Discover the perfect road trip stopover between Perth and wine country.

    Western Australia punches above its weight when it comes to coastal hot spots, but no other town or city has seen a tourism boom quite like Mandurah. Named Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2023 , it’s the relaxed, beachside break you’ve been searching for. And it’s perfectly placed, sitting between Margaret River and Perth, as it’s just a 55-minute drive from Perth’s CBD. Which is why we’ve put together your ultimate Mandurah guide.

    Aerial view of Mandurah.
    Plan your perfect coastal escape to Australia’s Top Tourism Town of 2023.

    The best things to do in Mandurah

    Wetlands and rivers, ocean and inlet; Mandurah’s laid-back lifestyle centres around the aquatic. Its waterways cover twice the ground of Sydney Harbour – measuring some 134 square kilometres in total – and form a unique environment for oceanic and estuarine flora and fauna to thrive.

    In the city’s estuary lives perhaps the region’s most famed inhabitants – a resident pod of 100 bottlenose dolphins – and the inlet’s silty bottom is home to the prized blue manna crab. Spot the former breaching and playing on an hour-long dolphin cruise through the channels, or try your hand at catching the latter by wading through the estuary’s shallows with a scoop net in hand.

    While swimming at the circular Kwillena Gabi Pool, chance encounters with the local wildlife aren’t uncommon. The sheltered estuarine pool takes its name from the traditional custodians of the land, the Bindjareb people, and directly translates to ‘dolphin waters’. Jutting out of the eastern foreshore, it’s enclosed by a ring of net-free floating pontoons, which allow the dolphins to swim freely through the attraction.

    If that’s a little too close for comfort, book a kayak tour with Down Under Discoveries . The dolphins have been known to cruise beside the paddle-powered crafts, which are a fun, family-friendly way to explore the city’s inner waterways.

    Dolphins swimming in Mandurah.
    Watch dolphins glide by as you explore Mandurah.

    You don’t have to be on the water to appreciate the coastal city’s aquatic beauty, with 600 kilometres of cycleways and scenic walking trails traversing Mandurah’s estuary, inlet and coast.

    Follow the 30-kilometre coastal trail and you’ll come face to face with one of Thomas Dambo’s headline-making ‘Giants of Mandurah  sculptures, Santi Ikto, along the way. There are five sculptures around Mandurah in total, hidden among gum-filled reserves or sitting sentry over the water.

    Head to the Mandurah Visitor Centre to pick up a map to pinpoint their exact location and download the traveller’s companion to learn more about the sights along the way. Or join a three-hour e-bike tour from The Bike Kiosk and you’ll stop by two of the giants – Santi Ikto and Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone – as you sightsee central Mandurah.

    The towering Santi Ikto, one of Thomas Dambo’s iconic Giants of Mandurah.
    Meet Santi Ikto, one of the legendary Giants of Mandurah.

    Where to eat in Mandurah

    Mandurah’s culinary scene reflects its laid-back lifestyle, with large, honest meals and locally brewed beer. After visiting Lake Clifton’s 2000-year-old thrombolites, head to the peppermint and gum-shaded beer garden at Thorny Devil Brewery . Tuck into a platter of house-smoked meats and an ale pulled fresh from the tanks. Closer to town and right on the waterfront is Boundary Island Brewery ; here, woodfired pizza, pub-style seafood dishes and easy-drinking brews are centre stage.

    On a Murray River Lunch Cruise , the focus is as much on the environment around you as the food you’re filling up on. Help yourself to the colourful salads and freshly cooked meats on the buffet as you meander up the winding, jarrah tree-lined waterway, stopping at the heritage Cooper’s Mill for a quick walking tour along the way.

    Keep your eyes trained on the Creery Wetlands as you pass – you’ll spot much of the region’s migratory birdlife, and, as always, might see the playful bottlenose dolphins in the inlet.

    The most memorable meals aren’t necessarily always the fanciest, and lunch aboard a self-skippered Mandurah BBQ Boat is a testament to that. All food and beverage prep is left up to you as you cruise through the canals, sausages and steaks sizzling away on the central hot plate.

    If seafood is more your kind of fare, board the Wild Seafood Experience , where dolphin cruise meets long table lunch. Eight courses of crab, crayfish and scallops await.

    A table filled with plates of crab, crayfish, and scallops.
    Dine on the water with eight courses of ocean-fresh fare.

    Where to stay in Mandurah

    With so many waterways comes abundant waterside stays. Like the self-contained Seashells Mandurah on the shores of Comet Bay. The calm, oceanic outlook from the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and villas is as close to Maldivian as Mandurah gets. Families especially enjoy the property, bouncing between the protected cove and the beachfront pool for endless hours of fun.

    Seashells Mandurah; on the shores of Comet Bay.
    Stay right by the sea.

    The Sebel Mandurah , just a hop, skip and jump from the Mandurah Ocean Marina, has a different outlook entirely, overlooking the estuary and lively foreshore on the other side. It’s also within walking distance of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre , cinema and a swathe of waterfront bars and eateries.

    But you can’t get any closer to the water than on a vessel from Mandurah Houseboats . You don’t need a skipper’s ticket to hire one, nor do you need comprehensive boating experience; just a full driver’s license and your undivided attention during the pre-departure tuition will do. Then you’re free to take to the estuaries and tributaries for a few nights of peaceful rest, surrounded by the very element that makes Mandurah so special.

    A houseboat cruising in Mandurah along the river
    Captain a houseboat to explore Mandurah at your own pace.

    Plan your next WA getaway in Mandurah.