Located in the northwest of the Kimberley region and the far north of Western Australia, Broome is renowned for its rich history and its illustrious pearling era. The captivating Chinatown district, the historic heart of the city, and the iconic Japanese Cemetery, established in 1896, bear witness to the influx of Chinese and Japanese immigrants drawn by the prosperous pearl industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Broome is also celebrated for the natural wonder known as the “Staircase to the Moon,” an optical illusion created by the Moon's reflection on the exposed sandbanks during low tide, resembling a staircase ascending toward the sky—an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature.

The Lacepede Islands, designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, are critical breeding grounds for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Western Australia. They host possibly the world's largest colony of Brown Boobies and have recorded up to 20,000 Roseate Terns. Other bird species nesting here include Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, Crested, Bridled, and Lesser Crested Terns, Common Noddies, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers. Guided Zodiac tours led by our expedition team offer a chance to observe this abundant wildlife. Landings on the Lacepede Islands are prohibited due to the delicate nature of the environment.

Located east of the Buccaneer Archipelago, Collier Bay boasts ancient landscapes sculpted by the region's renowned, massive tidal movements, offering a paradise for photographers. With tidal ranges exceeding 14 meters, observed near Yule entrance at the bay's southern end, these are among the largest in the world. This daily ebb and flow of water creates unique phenomena found nowhere else on Earth. Montgomery Reef, positioned in the bay's centre, is the world’s largest inshore reef system. As tides recede, water cascades off the reef top, forming turbulent ‘rivers’ and miniature waterfalls. At the bay’s southern edge, Talbot Bay hosts the world's sole 'Horizontal Falls,' hailed by Sir David Attenborough as "One of the greatest natural wonders." Numerous ancient rock art galleries lie within the myriad caves and grottos of this ancient landscape, showcasing impressive examples of the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles.

Careening Bay received its name from Lieutenant Phillip Parker King after he brought his ship, the HMC Mermaid, to the bay during his third voyage of discovery in 1820. King undertook a survey of the western coast to finalize the map, which had been started by Flinders two decades earlier. Due to severe leakage on the Mermaid, King sought a shallow sandy bay where he could beach the ship for repairs. On a warm September afternoon, King intentionally ran the Mermaid aground on the sandy shore during high tide. Over the next ten days, the crew worked tirelessly repairing the vessel before refloating it. The ship’s carpenter commemorated this event by carving the vessel's name and the year into a prominent boab tree. This famous boab tree now measures 3 meters in width and is listed as a National Heritage site, serving as a poignant reminder of an era of exploration long past.

Arguably one of the most breathtaking stretches along the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River feature ancient rainforest patches, unspoiled mangroves, and mosaic sandstone cliffs. These areas are renowned for hosting some of the world's most pristine mangrove forests, harbouring up to 18 species and supporting diverse wildlife. At the river mouth, the towering sandstone escarpment known as “Kampamantiya” rises over 200 metres high, leading to extensive mudflats and mangrove habitats that are home to numerous bird species and the iconic saltwater crocodile. Led by your expert expedition team, you will explore this pristine mangrove ecosystem by Zodiac, which offers constant opportunities to observe wildlife. Additionally, you can opt for a helicopter ride from Naturalist Island Beach to reach the majestic Mitchell Falls.

The Bonaparte Archipelago is a rugged labyrinth of islands spanning nearly 150km along the remote Kimberley coast of Western Australia. Its vibrant colours and immense scale combine to create an awe-inspiring spectacle. Its remote location has preserved it as an unspoiled and remarkably pristine destination for exploration and discovery. Phillip Parker King named “Swift's Bay” after Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), the author of Gulliver’s Travels. This ‘T’ shaped bay features heavily fractured sandstone cliffs, offering numerous rock shelters. Adorning these shelters' walls are examples of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion-style rock art. Join your expedition team on a guided walk ashore to explore these captivating rock art galleries showcasing these distinctive artistic styles.

Jar Island features ancient rock art galleries displaying the unique Gwion Gwion style, which is distinctive to the Kimberley region. Historically overlooked by early European researchers of Aboriginal culture in favour of the more dominant and dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has recently gained global recognition. This art is believed to date back over 30,000 years, representing the first wave of seafaring colonisers of the Australian continent and showcasing some of the world's oldest detailed depictions of human figures. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a brief walk through captivating rock formations to explore the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

The voyage up the King George River is truly awe-inspiring. The towering 80-metre-high walls of the gorge showcase varying degrees of weathering on the ancient Warton sandstone. As you progress further upstream, the colours and textures of the gorge shift with the changing light, creating a continuously evolving scenery that is nothing short of breathtaking. The journey reaches its pinnacle at the King George Twin Falls, the highest single-drop falls in the entire Kimberley region, standing at 80 metres (260 feet) tall. These falls are fed by runoff from the wet season, resulting in varying water levels cascading over them each year. Your Expedition Team will guide you in zodiacs or ship tenders to the base of the Twin Falls, offering insights into the fascinating geological formations of the canyon along the way.

During your voyage, take full advantage of the various services and activities available on board. Indulge in a relaxing moment at the spa or maintain your fitness routine at the gym. Depending on the season, you can unwind by the swimming pool or sunbathe. This part of the cruise without port calls also offers opportunities to attend onboard lectures or shows, depending on the schedule, shop at the boutique, or meet with PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. For those who cherish the open sea, a visit to the ship’s upper deck offers a chance to marvel at the spectacle of the waves and perhaps catch a glimpse of marine wildlife. It's an enchanting interlude, blending comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Darwin is situated in Australia's Northern Territory, often called the "Top End." It serves as both the capital city and the largest populated area in the Northern Territory. Known for its tropical beauty, Darwin is a vibrant city that embraces a diverse community of over 50 different cultures, fostering a unique and welcoming laid-back lifestyle. Discover the city's recent history through its iconic landmarks, such as the new Parliament House, which opened in 1994 and showcases magnificent tropical architecture. Another notable site is Admiralty House, a heritage-listed tropical-style residence perched on stilts, surviving two cyclones and numerous air raids.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here