Discover Bali, Darwin & the Kimberley Coast

Your adventure begins in Bali, where you’ll board your luxury Emerald yacht and set sail to explore the captivating waters of Indonesia. Known for its lush landscapes, iconic temples, and vibrant local culture, Bali offers an enchanting introduction to the country’s rich heritage, tropical beauty and unforgettable experiences that await on your voyage. 

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

Saleh Bay is a vast, sheltered inlet surrounded by Sumbawa’s volcanic landscapes and rich in marine biodiversity. The bay is occasionally visited by whale sharks, and you could be lucky enough to see them. However, sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed, as they depend on natural conditions and local fishing activity. Its calm waters and dramatic landscapes nonetheless make it a striking and rewarding natural setting.

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

A World Heritage-listed site, Komodo Island is famous for its ancient Komodo dragons, rugged savannah landscapes and crystal-clear waters. The island offers a rare combination of wildlife encounters and dramatic natural beauty. In the afternoon, you’ll visit one of only a few pink-sand beaches in the world, Pink Beach, defined by soft blush-coloured shores, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs just offshore, making it a stunning location for photography and marine exploration.

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

Crowned by its iconic panoramic viewpoint, Pulau Padar offers sweeping vistas over curved bays made up of contrasting sand colours. Its dramatic hills and rugged coastline make it one of Indonesia’s most photographed landscapes.

A culturally rich coastal town on Flores Island, Ende blends local heritage, volcanic landscapes and historical significance. It also has a fascinating connection to Indonesia’s early history of independence.

A peaceful coastal town with strong Catholic traditions and a picturesque waterfront, Larantuka offers a unique cultural atmosphere framed by volcanic peaks and tranquil seas.

A world-renowned marine sanctuary, Wakatobi is celebrated for its extraordinary coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Don a snorkel and dive in to explore one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet.

Enjoy a second day exploring Wakatobi Marine Park.

Remote and largely untouched, Alor Island is a place of dramatic landscapes, traditional villages and vibrant underwater biodiversity. Go ashore today to enjoy an authentic and unspoiled island experience.

Kupang is a coastal city on West Timor that serves as the main gateway to the region. While the wider island of Timor is known for its drier landscapes and rugged interior, Kupang itself is a largely urban and maritime hub, set along calm coastal waters with a more functional port setting. It offers a unique insight into everyday life in Indonesia’s eastern frontier.

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.

Welcome to Darwin, Australia’s vibrant tropical capital and the gateway to the Northern Territory. This morning you’ll be transferred to the Hilton Garden Inn for your overnight stay. 

Included Excursion
Discover Darwin’s historic landmarks and tropical charm on a scenic city tour through Old Darwin and the Botanical Gardens. Explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, featuring Aboriginal art and fascinating natural history exhibits. This enriching experience offers a wonderful introduction to the culture, history and landscapes of the Northern Territory.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

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.

Today board your your luxury Emerald yacht before you embark on your Kimberley expedition.

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 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.