Australia’s Kimberley Coast: Darwin to Broome

Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

Your journey begins in Darwin, a vibrant tropical city and gateway to Australia’s Northern Territory. Known for its multicultural atmosphere and proximity to iconic national parks, Darwin offers a relaxed yet lively introduction before you embark on your Kimberley expedition.

Please book your flight to arrive into Darwin prior to 02:00 PM.

Vansittart Bay is a beautifully protected large bay with several islands and coves. Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. Mainly neglected by, or unknown to, the early European researchers of Aboriginal culture in the Kimberley in favour of the dominant & more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

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.

The Bonaparte Archipelago is a rugged maze of islands that stretch almost 150km along Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast. Remaining relatively unspoilt and remarkably pristine, Swift Bay is landscaped by heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art. Join your expedition team ashore for a guided walk to a number of rock art galleries depicting these unique rock art styles.

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. 

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 can reveal the tiered Mitchell Falls, a spectacular series of cascading waterfalls set deep within the Kimberley wilderness. 

Careening Bay was named by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King when he careened his ship, HMC Mermaid during a voyage of discovery in 1820. After a series of leaks onboard the Mermaid, King set out for a shallow sandy bay which to careen and carry out repairs. For ten days the Mermaid crew worked hard before refloating the vessel. The ship’s carpenter carved the name of the vessel and the year into a conspicuous boab tree. The famous boab tree is now 3 metres wide and National Heritage listed.

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.

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.

The Lacepedes are a group of four islands, perfectly nestled off the Kimberley coast. The islands are imperative to Australia’s rich wildlife as they are key breeding habitats for Green Turtles and are home to a wealth of birds such as Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds and the largest colony of Brown Bobbies in the world. Join your expedition team for a guided zodiac tour to view the prolific wildlife. Due to the sensitive nature of the environment, landings are prohibited on the Lacepede Islands.

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.

Broome, a coastal town in Western Australia, is famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located on the Indian Ocean, it boasts Cable Beach, known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and iconic camel rides at sunset. Once a pearling hub, Broome retains its multicultural heritage, reflected in its cuisine and architecture. The town is also the gateway to the Kimberley region, offering breathtaking landscapes and unique natural attractions like the Staircase to the Moon. With warm weather year-round and a laid-back atmosphere, Broome is a perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Your voyage concludes in Broome, a historic pearling town famous for its laid-back charm, Cable Beach sunsets, and unique blend of cultures. From here, you may continue exploring Western Australia or continue your onward journey, leaving with memories of your remarkable Kimberley adventure. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Broome after 10:00 AM.

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.