Australia’s Kimberley Coast: Broome to Darwin

A protected haven for wildlife, the Lacepede Islands are one of Australia’s most important breeding grounds for seabirds and marine turtles. These remote islands offer exceptional wildlife viewing in a pristine and highly protected environment, which you’ll get to experience as you travel between Middle and West Island by zodiac. 

Witness the awe-inspiring Horizontal Falls^, often described as one of Australia’s most remarkable natural phenomena. Powerful tidal currents surge through narrow coastal gorges, creating a dramatic and unforgettable natural spectacle.^Please note, guests will have the opportunity to view this natural phenomena however will not cruise through the Horizontal Falls.

Witness the extraordinary natural phenomenon of Montgomery Reef, which is dramatically revealed as tides recede, exposing vast coral terraces and creating rushing channels and cascading waterfalls. Nearby Freshwater Cove may offer opportunities for cultural insight and connection with Indigenous heritage in this remote and pristine setting. 

Step ashore at Careening Bay, known for the historic ’Mermaid Boab Tree’, carved by early explorers in 1820. This peaceful bay offers a glimpse into maritime history and is surrounded by untouched wilderness. 

Sail through the beautiful Hunter River, lined with lush mangroves and rugged escarpments. This region is rich in wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and diverse birdlife. Optional helicopter flightseeing excursions may reveal the tiered Mitchell Falls, a spectacular series of cascading waterfalls set deep within the Kimberley wilderness.

Swift Bay offers another remarkable opportunity to view ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries set among striking sandstone escarpments. The area’s natural beauty is matched by its deep cultural significance. 

Located far offshore in the Timor Sea, Ashmore Reef is a remote Australian external territory known for its exceptional marine biodiversity. This pristine marine sanctuary features crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral ecosystems, and important habitats for seabirds and marine life, offering a rare glimpse into one of the region’s most isolated and protected environments. We will be stopping at Ashmore Reef for technical clearance. There will be no opportunity for guests to go ashore.

Discover Vansittart Bay, a remote and culturally rich region home to ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Aboriginal rock art. Explore rugged sandstone landscapes and uncover stories etched into rock that date back thousands of years. 

Cruise into one of the Kimberley’s most dramatic landscapes, where towering red cliffs rise above the winding King George River. At its end, the spectacular King George Falls cascade into the river below, forming one of the Kimberley’s most impressive twin waterfalls. 

Conclude your expedition in Darwin, a vibrant tropical capital known for its laid-back atmosphere, cultural diversity, and proximity to world-renowned national parks. A fitting gateway between Australia’s wilderness and modern frontier life. Please book your flight to depart out of Darwin after 12:00 PM.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.