What and where is the Kimberley? And why go? Learn from our experts who’ve experienced this rugged region on small ship cruises in Australia, and why it’s a standout among expedition travel.
ON THIS PAGE – Kimberley Cruises:
What & Where are Kimberley Cruises?
Why Take a Kimberley Cruise?
– Remote Beaches & Wildlife
– Coastal Beauty & “Horizontal Falls”
– Aboriginal Rock Art
Cruise the Kimberleys in Luxury
Best Time to Cruise the Kimberley
Kimberley Cruises 2024 – 2025
View Kimberley Australia Cruises
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What & Where are Kimberley Cruises?
Kimberley cruises are guided small ship expeditions along northwest Australia’s remote coastline. They feature secluded spots with a mix of hardened landscapes and lush locales. Travelers head to the Kimberley for its mix of modern and ancient culture; abundance of birds, reptiles and marine mammals; fascinating waterfalls and tidal flows; winding rivers and gorgeous coastline.
According to AdventureSmith traveler Chris Harter, the Kimberley is the Alaska of Australia. Like Alaska, the Kimberley is a vast territory considered the “last frontier.” This territory is incredibly remote, with little infrastructure due to its location, climate and topography. Travelers here find both year-round, modern settlements and ancient indigenous populations with rich cultures and histories.
The Kimberley is the Alaska of Australia.
The environment features prolific and varied marine and terrestrial wildlife populations, many of which are dwindling or absent entirely from their previous ranges due to disappearing habitats elsewhere. Like Alaska, the Kimberley should make your must-see list, yet it can be a challenge to truly see and experience in a comfortable manner. That’s where small ship cruises come in. Kimberley cruises by expedition ship are the perfect way to access these remote lands. And the journey is well worth the reward.
FIND YOUR KIMBERLEY CRUISE
See the best cruises through this rugged region.
Why Take a Kimberley Cruise?
Kimberley cruises provide off-the-grid adventure in remote and unique places. Spot galloping rock wallabies, sun-loving saltwater crocs and eagles catching fruit bats in mid-flight. Hike to crashed World War II era cargo planes and 40,000-year-old Bradshaw rock art galleries. Experience 200-foot waterfalls and bumpy skiff rides in the geologic oddity known as the “Horizontal Waterfalls.” Following are some highlights that our experts gush about.
Remote Beaches & Wildlife
If you’re looking for classic Australia landscapes and animals, the Kimberley delivers. For example, the mining and pearling outpost of Broome offers fantastic seafood, a jog on the famous 10-mile Cable Beach and brief a wander through the charming downtown for a look at the aboriginal and frontier influences. The next day, Cape Leveque is the last road-accessible location you will see for a full week.
Cape Leveque greets travelers with endless white-sand beach and incredibly playful and inquisitive bottlenose dolphins. Go for a jog, swim in the calm azure waters, snorkel along a rocky outcrop, or simply sleep in the sun. For the remainder of your Kimberley cruise, trade the ability to swim for sightings of large and abundant saltwater crocodiles, Australia’s famed dangerous creatures.
Kimberley cruises offer one of the most prolific bird breeding habitats in the world, the Lacepedes Island group. Here you can witness the largest resident brown booby population on the planet, measured in the hundreds of thousands, with abundant sightings of Australian pelicans, lesser frigate birds, sooty oyster catchers and roseate terns all in the mix as well.
Coastal Beauty & “Horizontal Waterfalls”
Kimberley cruises show off red sandstone mesa formations, including at Raft Point and Montgomery Reef just offshore. The vistas here are reminiscent of the American Southwest desert, but the Kimberley coast adds productive mangrove, reef and tidal river ecosystems—as if the ocean flooded into the mesas, canyons and buttes of southern Utah and northern Arizona. The contrast of these two habitats directly next to each other is truly incredible to witness.
The severe tides at Montgomery Reef can rise and fall as much as 33 feet, causing a virtual waterfall of ocean water cascading off this reef system at low tide. With so much water and life moving, the area becomes a vibrant food chain with birds and predator fish all waiting for food to present itself.
Famous Aboriginal Rock Art
If the Kimberley is on your bucket list, you’ve likely already heard of the region’s rock art. For one AdventureSmith traveler, a hike from Raft Point left him speechless, as an Aboriginal art expert guide discussed the significance of this particular gallery with its depictions of the creation story and wildlife reverence.
Cruise the Kimberleys in Luxury
Want to cruise the Kimberley in the utmost style? Look no further than the Paspaley Pearl, a super yacht combining decades of experience by both its pearl farming owners, Paspaley, and its luxury expedition cruise operator, Ponant. On various routes, explore secret spots scouted from years of native pearl operations, while enjoying attentive service and unique cuisine that takes advantage of local meats and freshly caught fish.
Best Time to Cruise the Kimberley
The Kimberley cruise season runs March through October, providing a large window to travel during the austral winter season, when temperatures are a bit cooler (between low 60s and high 70s Fahrenheit, peaking in March). The best Kimberley cruises are those timed for what you want to see, as there are distinct seasons.
Waterfall Season, March to May, comes at the end of the wet season with opportunities to experience rushing waterfalls and creeks, abundant wildlife and lush greenery. Peak Season, May to July, is the most popular time to see the Kimberley due to optimum weather (cooler temperatures and no rain), abundant wildlife and a vibrant landscape. Whale Season, July to October, is when humpback whales migrate to Kimberley waters and may be spotted; weather is hot and dry, with beautiful sunsets.
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Kimberley Cruises 2025 – 2026
While Kimberley cruises in 2024 have wound down, the 2025 season is coming fast. AdventureSmith’s options to cruise the Kimberley grow in 2025 with the addition of three itineraries aboard the luxury ship Paspaley Pearl. We also recommend the seasoned itineraries from Australian-based operator Coral Expeditions; read about our expert’s time cruising the Kimberley aboard Coral Adventurer.
