The towering waterfalls, rugged outback, Aboriginal art and plentiful wildlife make the Kimberley Coast quite unique, and the best way to explore is to sail from Darwin and Broome aboard a small ship.
Starting out from Darwin, this exceptional trip opens with a stay at a luxury lodge on the edge of Kakadu National Park, renowned for its teeming wildlife. This is followed by a ten-day cruise aboard a comfortable expedition vessel along the deeply indented coastline of the Kimberley region, to take in its immense natural beauty and considerable animal and bird life. The experience concludes with an opportunity to relax and wind down at an exclusive ecolodge on the idyllic coast south of Broome.
Join the Coral Discoverer to discover all the iconic spots of the Kimberley Coast. In the north, discover the majestic King George River with its towering 80-metre twin falls and the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) Paintings of Bigge Island. Explore the Mitchell Plateau and cruise the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers before experiencing beautiful King Cascades, remarkable Montgomery Reef and the amazing natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in the south.
This is a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and the legends of Australia’s pioneering past. Travel ashore to view the world’s oldest known indigenous rock art, the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings and soak up the history of early explorers such as Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline almost 200 years ago. With two landings most days, you will enjoy more opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Kimberley. Aboard the unique ‘Explorer’ excursion vessel and fleet of inflatable zodiacs, and with the expert local knowledge of experienced guides, you are assured of making the most of every minute of your expedition, and do it all in total comfort and unrivalled style.
We also offer a cruise-only option of this itinerary. To find out more contact our team.
Read about travel consultant Chris Smith's trip to Australia's Northern Territory.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
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Day 2:
In flight
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Day 3:
Arrive Darwin
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Day 4:
Fly to Bamurru
This afternoon, transfer back to the airport in time to check in for your 30-minute charter flight to Bamurru. On arrival transfer to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Bamurru Plains Safari Camp, 3-nights
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Days 5-6
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Explore Kakadu National Park
Bamurru Plains offers an extraordinary safari-style bush experience on the edge of Kakadu National Park. The coastal floodplains of Northern Australia are home to prolific bird and wildlife (Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta), while Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartland of its indigenous culture. With a focus on environmental sustainability, this wilderness camp and its passionate hosts showcase Australia’s unique style of sophisticated, barefoot, experiential luxury.
Enjoy twice-daily guided wilderness safaris shared with other guests. These may include airboat safaris, open-top safari drives, crocodile spotting river cruises, and bird watching. In dry season, when the water recedes, the floodplains of Mary River become accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles, and a guided safari with one of the guides provides a unique insight to this fragile yet important environment. The catchment area of the Mary River is home to 236 bird species, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains, which is a breeding ground for many – including the iconic magpie geese. Even in dry season the floodplains still retain large areas of water where birdlife congregates in numbers rarely seen elsewhere in Australia.
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Day 7:
Fly to Darwin
The day is free until it’s time to fly back to Darwin aboard an afternoon chartered flight, then transfer back to the same accommodation as before. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free to relax.
Accommodation: Mindil Beach Casino Resort, 1-night
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Day 8:
Depart on your 11-day Kimberley cruise
Transfer to the jetty in Darwin harbour in time for embarkation. Bidding farewell to Darwin harbour you cross Cambridge Gulf and head into Western Australian waters. This afternoon join the expedition staff in the lounge for an informative introduction to the Kimberley, before meeting your fellow travellers and the crew at the captain’s welcome reception.
Accommodation: The Coral Discoverer, 10-nights
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Days 9-17
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Explore The Kimberley Coastline
This flexible Kimberley wildlife expedition adapts to weather, tides, and wildlife, with each journey shaped by the conditions and opportunities encountered along the way.
Likely stops include:
King George River - Cruise through vast sandstone gorges, exploring ancient rock formations, honeycomb cliffs and spotting freshwater crocodiles along the riverbanks. Aboard the ship’s specially designed tender, explore scenic gorges and cruise to the base of the magnificent King George Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Western Australia, which towers some 80 metres above the river.
Ancient Rock Art Galleries - Discover remarkable Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art, with expert insight into one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Ashmore Reef - Snorkel pristine waters among rich coral systems, seabird colonies, and nesting marine turtles in this remote marine reserve.
Scott Reef - Explore vibrant coral ecosystems and crystal-clear waters along dramatic reef walls on the edge of the continental shelf.
Montgomery Reef - Witness the reef emerge on the tide, creating cascading waterfalls as turtle, dolphin and birds gather to feed.
Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago - Cruise through the Buccaneer Archipelago, which has more than 800 islands. In Talbot Bay, the region’s 12-metre tides create an amazing spectacle – the unique Horizontal Falls, described by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world”. The amazing power of the falls is revealed when the tide turns, forcing millions of litres of water through the narrow gaps between the cliffs. Aboard the Zodiacs you’ll take an exhilarating ride through the falls.
Lacepede Islands - Visit a vital seabird and turtle sanctuary, home to pelicans, boobies, frigatebirds, and nesting green turtles.
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Day 18:
Disembark in Broome; & transfer to the south coast
When the vessel docks this morning, you disembark and a private transfer takes you 1.5 hours further south for a final stay at a comfortable eco-resort that makes an ideal base for whale watching (July to September). On arrival check in to your luxury eco-villa, then take a late afternoon beach walk to explore the caves and blowholes. Round off the day relaxing on your deck with a million stars overhead and the sound of waves lapping the shore.
Accommodation: Eco Beach Resort, 3-nights
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Day 19:
Optional whale watching trip, guided birding bush walk
After an early morning bushwalk, followed by breakfast, spend the morning exploring Jack's Creek, go fishing or take an optional whale watching tour (not included). After lunch you can indulge in an afternoon massage or relax in a beach hammock. Surrender to sunset drinks by the pool before dinner at Jack's Bar, then join the guides for a night trip to monitor flatback turtles (Oct-Dec only).
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Day 20:
Optional guided birding bush walk & other activities
Wake to a complimentary yoga class overlooking the Indian Ocean before breakfast. Treat yourself to a optional guided bushwalk (not included) with the resort’s indigenous guide, then jump into a kayak and go for a paddle to explore Cape Villaret from the sea. There’s plenty of time to wind down at the end of your trip.
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Day 21:
Transfer to Broome & depart
After breakfast depart for Broome airport, completely rejuvenated after three days of pure relaxation. Fly to Perth to connect with an international flight to the UK.
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Day 22:
Arrive UK
LUXURY VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
