Broome to Darwin

A pearling town celebrated for its Indian Ocean sunsets and rugged beauty, Broome also serves as gateway to the grand wilderness of the Kimberley region. The town is surrounded by lush green mangroves and mudflats along Roebuck Bay, but the interior is dry and rugged. Ships dock at Broome cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Broome:

• visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm
• ride a camel on Cable Beach
• take a scenic flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago and the Horizontal Falls
• visit Gantheaume Point at low tide to see dinosaur footprints

The Buccaneer Archipelago, located off the northern coast of Western Australia, is a hidden gem comprising over 800 rugged islands.

This secluded paradise is famed for its dramatic red rock formations and pristine white sand beaches, set against the vivid turquoise of the Indian Ocean. The archipelago is relatively untouched, offering a sense of seclusion and raw natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere.

Accessible primarily by boat, the region is a hotspot for adventurous travellers looking to explore its secluded bays and secret waterways. The tidal phenomenon known as the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay is a highlight, where rushing water creates a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Hunter River in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region offers an extraordinary blend of rugged beauty and rich wildlife. This secluded area, accessible mainly by sea, features towering sandstone cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The river's tranquil waters are perfect for leisurely cruises, providing opportunities to spot saltwater crocodiles and an array of bird species.

Explore the ancient Indigenous rock art sites that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into the region’s deep cultural heritage. The surrounding wilderness is home to diverse flora and fauna, making guided bushwalks a must for nature enthusiasts. Hunter River promises a captivating experience, combining breathtaking scenery with fascinating wildlife and cultural insights.

Ashmore Reef, a remote coral atoll in the Timor Sea off the northwest coast of Australia, is a protected marine park renowned for its biodiversity and significance as a breeding ground for seabirds and marine life. This isolated reef complex comprises several sand cays surrounded by vibrant coral gardens that teem with an array of sea creatures including turtles, reef sharks, and countless species of tropical fish.

Access to Ashmore Reef is highly regulated to protect its delicate ecosystems, with visits typically by Zodiac excursion. Experience a unique opportunity to view the natural beauty and marine diversity of the reef without disturbing the habitat; a pristine example of marine conservation in action.

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 and more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence.

It is generally thought that this art may extend back to over 30,000 years before our time and represents the first wave of seagoing colonisers of the Australian continent. As it is, these are the oldest detailed depiction of human figures in the world. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

The King George River, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and pristine wilderness. The river is famous for the towering King George Falls, one of Australia's tallest waterfalls, where twin cascades plunge 80 meters into a gorge. A boat tour or scenic flight offers breathtaking views of this natural spectacle.

The river’s untouched environment is home to diverse wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and numerous bird species. Exploring the river by boat allows visitors to appreciate the stunning red sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation.

Wyndham, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is the state’s northernmost town and a gateway to some of Australia's most rugged and spectacular landscapes. Known for its historic significance as a port town during the gold rush era, Wyndham offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

The Five Rivers Lookout provides breathtaking views where five major rivers meet and flow into the Cambridge Gulf. The nearby Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring an array of bird species and stunning wetland scenery. Additionally, the town's giant saltwater crocodile statue is an iconic landmark. With its rich history, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Wyndham offers an authentic outback experience.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Darwin:

• cruise the Darwin Harbour
• explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
• visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens