Have questions? We're here.
The unusual red color of Broome, Australia

Iconic Kimberley: Darwin to Broome

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard L'Austral
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Australia trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Join this 11-day Darwin to Broome expedition aboard the sophisticated and refined L’Austral. Explore Kimberley's wild lands, falls, abrupt gorges, savannah, calm waters, and desolate mountain chains. Visit the Hunter River, one of the most picturesque parts of the region, and home to wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds. Discover the King George River and the majestic Twin Falls, a highlight of this cruise, and visit the Montgomery Reef, home to vast expanses of lagoons and immense coral reefs.
Rock formations along the coast of KimberlyNorth Australian bushThe unusual red color of Broome, Australia
Highlights
  • Enjoy Zodiac outings and shore visits to Kimberley's iconic locations
  • Discover billions of years old landscapes & ancient rock art on Jar Island
  • Encounter the world’s largest population of migrating humpback whales
  • Swim in Silica Bay's crystal-clear shallow waters
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Darwin | Embark

Begin your cruise adventure in Darwin, the Capital of the Northern Territory. Darwin stands on the shores of the Timor Sea on Australia’s North Coast. Its lush urban areas exude a tropical, multicultural atmosphere. You can also soak up aboriginal culture at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or take in colonial heritage as you walk the historical discovery trail around the harbor. Pristine nature surrounds Darwin with waterfalls and virgin forests welcoming you to Litchfield National Park. Board the L'Austral in the late afternoon and depart for Koolama Bay.

Day 2: Koolama Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning be transferred ashore to Pangali Cove for a short walk through mangroves and across a shallow creek to the site of the Koolama survivors’ camp. If wind, tides, and time permit, undertake a short zodiac tour into tranquil cove. 

Koolama Bay was formerly known as Rulhieres Bay prior to 1942 when the state ship Koolama was beached at the location after being attacked by Japanese bombers from Kupang. The King George River flows into the southern end of the bay. This bay has historic significance as a World War II site, indicating the impact of World War II in northwest Western Australia and the strategic significance of shipping and the northwest port of Wyndham. It is also the site of the first aerial attack by Japanese forces in the Kimberley area. The MV Koolama stranding site and survivor camp at Koolama Bay and Pangali Cove is significant to the Kwini people who helped the 180 passengers and crew reach safety.

Day 3: King George River Falls

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today enjoy a breathtaking navigation experience as you sail up the King George River. The 80m-high sides of the gorge display varying degrees of weathering of the ancient Warton sandstone. The colors and textures of the gorge change with the light as you travel further up the river. The reds, pinks, and oranges within the sandstones, together with the weathering and erosion patterns, give a continual changing wallpaper of passing scenery that is simply stunning. The journey culminates at the King George twin falls, the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley (80m or 260ft). Fed by wet season run-off, the level of water cascading over the falls varies from year to year. For many, the trip up the King George River is the highlight of their Kimberley Coast experience.

There are multiple trips on offer to experience the King George River and falls. You have the choice of undertaking a Tender or zodiac tour to the foot of the twin falls. Tours vary in length so you may choose how long you wish to spend in the gorge. Accompanied by an expert expedition team, learn all about the stunning geological formations and wildlife that resides within the gorge. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, take a hike to the top of the falls and have the opportunity to enjoy the views and a swim. This is a very steep, difficult hike with lots of loose uneven ground and large boulders to scramble over. All participants need very high levels of fitness and mobility.

Day 4: Vanisttart Bay | Jar Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning visit Jar Island and take part in a short relatively easy walk to a number of overhangs and caves that display the various styles of Gwion Gwion rock art. Some of the cave entrances are narrow and require good flexibility and full movement of joints.

Captain Phillip Parker King named Vansittart Bay after the longest serving Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nicholas Vansittart, and Jar Island after Malay earthenware jar fragments he found on the beach in 1819. 

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 favor of the dominant and more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence. It was originally named “Bradshaw” style after the exploring pastoralist Joseph Bradshaw who first recorded these enigmatic human figures near the Roe River in 1891. It is generally thought that this art may extend back to over 30,000 years BP and represent the first wave of sea-going colonizers of the Australian continent. As it is, these are the oldest detailed depiction of human figures in the world and their detailed array of ornaments, weapons, and accruements provides a fascinating insight into a rich early culture whose legacy has extended to the current Aboriginal culture across Australia.

Day 5: Hunter River | Mitchell Falls

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy zodiac tours to the mangrove environments in the lower reaches of the Hunter River and Porosus creek. The Expedition Team shares their knowledge as you explore the area keeping a constant lookout for wildlife. Stunning geology can be found near the opening of the Hunter River and the mangroves of Porosus Creek are home to saltwater.

Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, the Hunter River is lined with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves, and mosaic sandstone cliffs. The Kimberley Coast contains more than a quarter of the world’s mangrove species, and some of the largest stands of mangroves in Australia. They are considered to be some of the most pristine mangrove forests in the world, forming closed forests in discontinuous chains along thousands of kilometers. The mangrove forests of Prince Frederick Harbour contain up to 18 different mangrove species, supporting a rich and diverse fauna.

After a short Zodiac ride land on Naturalist Island and board the helicopter for a 20-minute flight to the stunning Mitchell Plateau. Local experienced pilots give you commentary en route. After landing next to the falls enjoy approximately 50 minutes to explore the area before the return flight. There are a number of great spots to photograph the triple drops of Mitchell Falls. Guests can also take a refreshing dip in surveyor’s pool, well above the saltwater crocodile habitats the Kimberley is renowned for. The Mitchell Plateau is one of the most scenic and biologically important areas of the state. Small patches of rainforest grow around the margins of the plateau, where they are protected from fire and receive additional moisture. Up to 50 mammal species, 220 bird species, and 86 kinds of reptiles and amphibians occur in the area.

Day 6: Freshwater Cove

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Be transferred ashore by the ship’s zodiacs for a wet landing onto a sand beach. Take part in a traditional ochre “Welcome to Country”, and be introduced to the area and learn the cultural history of Wijingarra Bard Bard. Enjoy a guided bush walk to various significant sites in the area, including cyclone cave. On returning to the beach, enjoy some refreshments and meet with the artists and peruse their paintings. These are available for purchase from the artists. Be farewelled with a traditional smoking ceremony on the beach.

Wijingarra Bard Bard is home to a number of significant rock art galleries including cyclone cave where guests are captivated by the rock art and the fascinating story of the Eye of the Sea. It is a special place to the Worrorra people and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to hear the stories of the Lalai (creation) and gain an understanding of how country and culture intertwine in this beautiful landscape.

Day 7: Montgomery Reef | Raft Point

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take part in a zodiac expedition to the exposed Montgomery's reef system with its cascading mini-waterfalls to witness the amazing tide-induced phenomena first hand. (Landing on the reef is prohibited). Montgomery Reef is a spectacular example of the impact of the tidal movements as the entire reef appears to rise from the ocean on a falling tide. As the tide drops a raging torrent of water cascades off the top of the reef. The phenomenon is due to the tide dropping faster than the waters trapped on top of the reef can escape. At just under 400km2 in size it is Australia’s largest inshore reef, containing large areas of shallow lagoon, seagrass beds, and corals.

After a Zodiac ride ashore to a beach near Raft Point, an Expedition Team leads you on a challenging walk to visit the rock art gallery. The walk is approximately 40 minutes uphill over rocky uneven ground with several difficult sections. Sturdy footwear and good levels of fitness and mobility are required to successfully undertake this walk. This region of the Kimberley coastline is the heartland of the Worrorra people. Their intricate, traditional lifestyle and intimate knowledge of the tides allowed them to access the nearby rich hunting grounds of Montgomery Reef, after launching from Raft Point. ‘Ngumbre’, as it is known to the Worrorra, is the site of the most spectacular Wandjina gallery on the Kimberley Coast.

Day 8: Talbot Bay | Horizontal Falls

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Zodiac cruise to view the Horizontal Falls and the surrounding geological features of Talbot Bay and cyclone creek. The zodiac expedition does not pass through the horizontal falls during strong flow. Guests may undertake an optional “fast boat” ride through the falls to experience the thrill of this exhilarating ride.

The Horizontal Waterfalls are a pair of stunning breaks in the McLarty Range approximately 300m apart. The McLarty Range itself is approximately 1.8 billion years old, comprised of sandstone, quartzite, siltstone, shale, and dolomite with abundant stromatolites. The first and more seaward of the gaps is approximately 25m wide, whilst the second gap is approximately 15m wide. With massive tidal differences of up to 10.8m on a spring tide in Talbot Bay, the Horizontal Waterfalls (technically termed “pinch rapids”) are a natural phenomenon created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 4m high on a King tide. With each change of tide the direction of the fall reverses, creating vast tidal whirlpools on the outgoing side. 

Day 9: Yampi Sound | Silica Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Yampi Sound is located within the King Leopold Mobile Zone. Approximately 1,800 million years ago the Kimberley basin collided with the Australian land mass. The collision caused massive heating along the boundaries of contact – effectively welding the two landmasses together. The collision caused a great deal of folding and buckling of the sedimentary rocks along the welded boundaries. Have the opportunity to undertake a zodiac expedition to view the amazing geological features of the bay. At the right time of the year it is possible to see Australian humpbacked dolphins and the elusive snubfin dolphin in the bay.

Afterwards, transfer ashore by zodiac for a wet landing onto a soft sand beach. Here you can enjoy swimming in the shallows. The beach is just as safe as cable beach for swimming. The expedition staff and ship’s crew are strategically placed to keep a watch out for crocodiles in the water. The clear water and white sands make them easy to spot. Silica Bay on Hidden Island is a favorite swimming spot for Broome and Derby residents that regularly travel the coast on fishing and adventure holidays. The white silica sand and crystal-clear shallow waters provide welcome relief from the Kimberley heat.

Day 10: Lacepede Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Zodiac cruise in and around the Lacepede Islands to view the prolific birdlife. There is also the chance to spot some of the large turtle population that resides in the lagoon contained within the Islands. The Lacpede Islands are a group of four islands lying 120km (75miles) to the northwest of Broome and separated from the mainland by the Lacepede Channel. East, West, Middle, and Sandy Islands are all small, low spits of coarse sand and coral rubble, lying on top of a platform reef and total 180.2ha. The islands are an A Class Nature Reserve administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

The Islands are Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for green turtles (Chelonia mydas), and have been named by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because they support over 1% of the world populations of brown boobies and roseate terns.

Day 11: Broome | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Today disembark in Broome, Western Australia’s coastal gateway to the magnificent wilderness region of the Kimberley. It’s also home to the world-famous white sands of Cable Beach, making it one of the State’s most popular holiday destinations. Situated 2,240 km (1,390 mi) north of Perth with a permanent population estimated at 14,436, it grows to over 45,000 per month during the tourist season.

Ship/Hotel

L'Austral

Enjoy a gourmet meal at the Gastronomic Restaurant.
Stunning views from the bar and lounge
Relax on the sun deck.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,060
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Superior Stateroom
Select a Date
Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
Deluxe Stateroom
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
Prestige Suite
Select a Date
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Prestige Suite
Select a Date
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Owner's Suite
Select a Date
Owners Suite
484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By