King George River Gorge, Kimberley, Australia

Timeless Kimberley: Ancient Land, Modern Adventure

Kununurra to Broome - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Paspaley Pearl
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Explore Western Australia’s Kimberley region on an 11-day cruise from Kununurra to Broome aboard Paspaley Pearl. Navigate the King George River’s sandstone gorges and twin waterfalls, then explore the Bonaparte Archipelago and mainland sites featuring Gwion Gwion figures and Wandjina paintings. Visit Prince Frederick Harbor for wildlife viewing and Kuri Bay to learn about Australian South Sea pearl cultivation. In Collier Bay and Camden Sound, discover the tidal forces behind Horizontal Falls (Garaan-ngaddim) and Montgomery Reef (Yowjab). During migration season, look for humpback whales in these protected waters. Continue through the Buccaneer Archipelago, known for its islands, green sea turtle nesting sites and eroded sandstone coastlines, before disembarking in Broome near Cable Beach.
Saltwater crocodiles in Australia Marvel at King George Falls Explore the rugged Kimberley Coast Enjoy the beautiful Kimberley Coast King George River Gorge, Kimberley, Australia

Highlights

  • Navigate King George River gorges and view twin waterfalls
  • See Gwion Gwion figures and Wandjina paintings across Kimberley sites
  • Explore Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef shaped by powerful tides
  • Visit Kuri Bay to learn about Australian South Sea pearl cultivation

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Variable

Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.

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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Kununurra | Embark

Depart aboard the Paspaley Pearl and travel along Cambridge Gulf. Spend the first evening on deck as expedition leaders explain the region’s tidal systems and planned navigation routes. Watch the sunset over the Bastion Range.

Day 2: King George River

Navigate the King George River through gorges up to 80 meters deep, bordered by ancient sandstone walls. At the head of the tidal section, twin waterfalls descend from the Karunjie Plateau. The sandstone walls feature honeycomb-shaped formations created by erosion.

Day 3-5: Bonaparte Archipelago

For three days, explore the intricate maze of islands and islets stretching between Collier Bay and Admiralty Gulf. On the adjoining mainland, uncover sandstone caves where Gwion Gwion figures and Wandjina paintings remain preserved, with some additional sites found on select islands throughout the archipelago. These coastlines also offer rich fishing grounds, mangrove systems, and beaches accessible only during appropriate tidal windows.

Day 6: Prince Frederick Harbor

As you enter Prince Frederick Harbor, waterways are framed with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves, and mosaic sandstone cliffs. Within Prince Regent National Park, this mix of habitat supports around half of the Kimberley’s known bird and animal species. Navigation follows tidal river systems where saltwater crocodiles occupy the lower reaches

Day 7: Kuri Bay

Set within Lalang-Garram/Camden Sound Marine Park, Kuri Bay lies 370 kilometers from the nearest town in waters long used by Paspaley. With access granted by the family, you’ll step inside the operational farm to see Pinctada maxima oysters producing the finest Australian South Sea pearls, made possible by the bay’s pristine, undisturbed conditions.

Day 8-9: Collier Bay

Explore the dynamic waterways of Collier Bay and Camden Sound, where tidal ranges reaching 14 meters force vast ocean volumes through narrow gorges to form the Horizontal Falls (Garaan-ngaddim). These same tides reveal Montgomery Reef (Yowjab), the world’s largest inshore reef system; as waters recede, the ancient dolomite platform appears to rise from the sea. Between July and September, humpback whales migrate through these protected waters, part of Dambeemangarddee Sea Country.

Day 10: Buccaneer Archipelago

Stretching from the Dampier Peninsula to Collier Bay, this archipelago of 800 islands forms a labyrinth of waterways named after the English Buccaneer William Dampier. Its isolated beaches support Western Australia’s largest breeding populations of green sea turtle, while the region’s eroded sandstone terrain reveals the long geological history that defines the  Kimberley shoreline.

Day 11: Broome | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast on deck as the Paspaley Pearl approaches Broome, where red pindan cliffs meet the turquoise waters of Cable Beach. This coastal town marks your southern gateway to the Kimberley, and the point from which you farewell the region’s vast and enduring landscapes.

Ship/Hotel

Paspaley Pearl

Paspaley Pearl Ship

Paspaley Pearl

Paspaley Pearl is a boutique expedition vessel with 15 staterooms and suites, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and equipment for exploring remote coastlines. Onboard amenities include multiple lounges, a jacuzzi, expedition boats, Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment.
Paspaley Pearl Ship sailing across
Paspaley Pearl sailing at sunset
Ocean Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$14,195 2-3 travelers
Rates displayed are based on the current exchange rate from the Australian Dollar, and therefore may fluctuate
Pearl Suite
Pearl Suite
27m2 Including balcony on the Horizon Deck
Horizon Suite
Horizon Suite
20m2 Including balcony on the Horizon Deck
Ocean Stateroom
Ocean Stateroom
17.5 – 18m2 on the Ocean Deck
Ocean Twin Stateroom
Ocean Twin Stateroom
16m2 on the Ocean Deck
Ocean Stateroom
Ocean Double Stateroom
16m2 on the Ocean Deck
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
  • Shore landings and exploration vessel outings guided by a team of expert Expedition guides.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • Premium wines
  • Tips for the onboard crew are appreciated but not compulsory.

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