Adventure Cruises in Kimberleys
Kimberley Cruises are among the best cruises around Australia, filled with stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife, all spread over a vast and remote area in the northwestern part of the country. Part of Western Australia, the Kimberley region shares land borders with Western Australia’s Pilbara and the Northern Territory. The Indian Ocean and Timor Sea lap the region’s northern and western shores. Named after a past Secretary of State for the Colonies, the 1st Earl of Kimberley, the Kimberley is often said to be Australia's last frontier.
Cruises to the Kimberleys take in waterfalls and beaches, gorges and mountains, and many other unique and unspoilt natural attractions. Kimberley wildlife encounters are abundant, with crocodiles, wallabies, dingos, anteaters, monitor lizards, birds, and others. Learn more about the people of Australia’s past, as you admire ancient Aboriginal rock art and walk in the footsteps of early pioneers. A spectacular land that is ripe with many discoveries, Kimberley boat cruises let you enjoy the very best of this rugged wilderness.
Top things to do and see in the Kimberley
In addition to awe-inspiring natural features, interesting wildlife, ancient rock art, and cultural experiences, the best Kimberley cruises offer a range of activities too, letting you fully immerse yourself in the Australian outback way of life. From crocodile feeding and fishing to relaxing and sunbathing, there’s never a dull moment onboard a Kimberley small ship cruise. Here are some of the best things to see and do in the Kimberley:
King George Falls - The highest waterfalls in Western Australia, the beautiful twin falls of King George Falls stand at more than 80 metres (262 feet) high, the powerful water cascading down the craggy rocks with a thunderous roar, crashing into the deep pool below. One of the region’s most breathtaking sights, you may have a feeling of deja vu if you’ve seen the movie “Australia” by Baz Luhrmann. Admire the majestic sight from the waters or climb up the rocks for alternate views of nature’s fine work.
Mitchell River - One of the Kimberleys’ “big rivers”, look out for big barramundi and fearsome crocodiles as you cruise along the Mitchell River. Soak up the scenic views and perhaps also take a trip onto the Mitchell Plateau to see the superb Mitchell Falls.
Hunter River - Experience the feeling of being far, far away from the rest of the world as your Kimberley small ship cruise makes its way along the picturesque Hunter River. Verdant rainforests stud the surrounding mountains and the waters are home to thick mangrove forests.
Prince Regent River to King Cascades - Sail along the sparkling waters of the unusually straight Prince Regent River, and peer down to see if you can spot the diverse fish that inhabit the river. Continue through the Prince Regent National Park and get ready to be blown away by the King Cascades, a wide and photogenic waterfall that you will surely hear before you see. Surrounded by vibrant flashes of colour, it looks as though the water is tumbling step by step down a red and black stone staircase.
Montgomery Reef and Horizontal Falls - Lying just off the coast and surrounded by the Montgomery Islands, Montgomery Reef is another highlight of a cruise around Australia. As the tide goes out, water gushes through the exposed reef, creating many magical waterfalls. Huge lagoons, red islets, and a mangrove island can be seen during low tide, becoming invisible again when the waters are high. You can also marvel at one of the world’s most unusual natural phenomenons at the Horizontal Falls. Created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gap in the coastline than the other, forming a waterfall up to 5m high that moves horizontally, as opposed to vertically.
Surveyors Creek - If you’re aching to cool down in Australia’s heat, the invitingly refreshing and cool waters of Surveyors Creek may be just what you need. With no crocodiles lurking in the waters, it’s a great place for a swim.
Gwion Gwion - Also known as the Bradshaws, Gwion Gwion is an Aboriginal term that refers to ancient rock art that can be found around the Kimberleys. Take a journey into the past from your Kimberley cruise and gaze upon tribal-like paintings, most of which depict humans with assorted garments and accessories.
Kimberley Wildlife Encounters - There are plenty of wildlife encounters in the Kimberley. You will certainly develop a healthy fear of the ferocious crocodile! Look out for the large dragon-like monitor lizards too, swimming through the waters and scuttling across land. Dingos, wallabies, and anteaters roam the landscapes, along with wild pigs, donkeys, and other stray animals, whilst the waters are home to dugongs, barramundi, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of other fish and aquatic life. Watch wading birds catching their dinner and look out for other bird species flying through the skies.
Adventure Activities on the Land / Boat - Your Australia adventure cruise will include opportunities for hiking in remote and scenic areas, letting you truly feel connected with the land and peoples that once lived there. Fish for your supper (or throw your catches back), or try your hand at mud crabbing,
Adventure Activities in the Water - Add another level to your Kimberley wildlife viewing and adventure activities and have a go at snorkelling or scuba diving. Spy an interesting array of creatures and a whole new underwater world.
Adventure Activities in the Sky - Some Kimberley cruises include the option to take a scenic helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view of some of the most magnificent waterfalls, rivers, and other natural landmarks.
Top Tips for visiting the Kimberley on a cruise
- If you plan to film the majesty of King Cascades make sure your microphone is on; you don’t want to miss capturing the mighty roar of the falling water!
- Whilst you’ll want your camera at many points throughout your Australia cruise, don’t miss snapping the beauty of King George Falls and the local wildlife.
- Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots, swimming gear, and sunglasses. You may also want to take your own snorkelling gear.
- Always listen carefully to any warnings and/or guidance related to crocodiles.
- Drink plenty of water in hot weather to stay hydrated.
Best time to cruise the Kimberley
There are two main seasons in the Kimberley: wet and dry. The dry season runs between May and October, with the remaining months being the wet season. The dry season is the best time to take a Kimberley cruise, with the peak tourist months in the Kimberley being June and July. The wet season can be unbearably hot and humid, whilst the dry season is generally warm and sunny in the daytime. November is generally the hottest month.
A Kimberley cruise in May is ideal for seeing waterfalls at their fullest, following the rainy season. The landscapes will look a lot drier towards the end of the dry season. There is, however, typically more wildlife around in the wet season. Plan ahead and book your Kimberley cruise depending on your main interests.
Where do Kimberley cruises depart from?
An exciting Australia cruise of the Kimberley generally departs from Broome, Wyndham, or Darwin. Each has an international airport, respectively Broome International Airport (BME), Wyndham Airport (WYN), and Darwin International Airport (DRW). Getting to the departure point for your Kimberley cruise from each airport is easy.
Australia’s main international airports are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Whilst connecting flights operate from each of these airports to the airports close to your cruise departure point, Perth Airport (PER) is often the most convenient as it is also located within the state of Western Australia.
Book your next adventure cruise to the Kimberley, Australia today. Contact our reservations team.
