Aerial view of the Kimberley region, Western Australia

Destination Guide

The Kimberley

One of Australia's last great wildernesses — ancient gorges, thundering waterfalls, rich Indigenous culture and some of the world's most spectacular coastline.

Why cruise the Kimberley?

The Kimberley is a remote and rugged region in the far north of Western Australia, covering an area larger than Germany. Its coastline is a labyrinth of drowned river valleys, towering red cliffs, hidden beaches and tidal waterfalls that can only be reached by sea. A cruise is the only practical way to experience the full breadth of this extraordinary landscape.

From the iconic Horizontal Falls and the cascading tiers of Mitchell Falls, to ancient Wandjina rock art and the chance to swim in pristine gorge pools, a Kimberley cruise delivers experiences that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else on earth.

420,000 km²Region size
12+Vessels available
4–14Days duration
Apr–SepBest season

What to expect

Ancient Gorges

Ancient Gorges

Swim in crystal-clear gorge pools carved over millions of years.

Iconic Waterfalls

Iconic Waterfalls

Witness Mitchell Falls — one of Australia's most breathtaking multi-tiered waterfalls — and the tidal King George Falls, accessible only by sea.

Indigenous Culture

Indigenous Culture

Encounter ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art, some of the world's oldest, and learn from Traditional Custodians about their deep connection to Country.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Spot saltwater crocodiles, dugongs, manta rays, humpback whales and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife in one of Australia's most biodiverse regions.

Best time to cruise the Kimberley

The Kimberley cruise season runs from April to September — the dry season — when the monsoon has passed, the rivers have settled and the region is at its most accessible. But within that window, each month offers something different.

March – April

Early Season

The tail end of the wet season. Rivers are still running high and waterfalls are at their most spectacular — some of the most dramatic flows of the year. Humidity is high and the weather can be unpredictable, but the payoff is extraordinary waterfall volume. Fewer vessels operate this early, so availability is limited.

  • Waterfalls at absolute peak flow
  • Lush green landscapes
  • Fewer crowds
  • Higher humidity & some rain possible

May – June

Peak Season

The sweet spot for most travellers. The wet season has cleared, the air is crisp and dry, waterfalls are still flowing strongly from the recent rains, and temperatures are comfortable — typically 25–30°C during the day. The full range of vessels is operating and itineraries are running to schedule.

  • Waterfalls still flowing well from wet season rains
  • Comfortable dry-season temperatures
  • Full vessel fleet operating
  • Excellent wildlife activity

July – August

Peak Season

The heart of the dry season and the most popular time to cruise. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool, and the skies are reliably clear. Waterfalls begin to ease off as the wet season recedes further, but iconic falls like King George and Mitchell are still impressive. Humpback whales arrive in numbers from July.

  • Humpback whale watching from July
  • Warm sunny days, cool nights
  • Reliable clear skies
  • Most popular — book well in advance

September

Late Season

The final month of the main season. Temperatures begin to climb as the build-up approaches. Some smaller waterfalls have reduced to a trickle, but the major falls remain impressive. Whale watching continues and the Kimberley's colours are at their most vivid — ochre red against deep blue skies.

  • Vivid ochre and blue landscapes
  • Whale watching continues
  • Warming temperatures
  • Some waterfalls reduced

Frequently asked questions

Kimberley Cruise Routes

Every vessel, every itinerary — all Kimberley cruises in one place. All cruises depart from Broome unless otherwise noted.

Kimberley Ultimate – 13 Nights

13 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $30,995

per person

True North

The definitive True North Kimberley voyage — traversing the full northern coastline with helicopter adventures, remote river systems and the most iconic landmarks of the region.

Highlights

  • King George Falls & Hunter River
  • Prince Regent River wilderness
  • Montgomery Reef at low tide
  • Buccaneer Archipelago
  • Helicopter adventures (additional cost)

Kimberley Waterfalls – 10 Nights

10 NightsJun – AugBroome

From

From $25,995

per person

True North

Timed for peak waterfall season, this voyage focuses on the Kimberley's most spectacular cascades and remote gorge systems at their most dramatic.

Highlights

  • Waterfall season at peak flow
  • Remote gorges & river systems
  • Ancient Wandjina rock art
  • Wildlife encounters daily
  • Six adventure boats included

Kimberley Snapshot – 7 Nights

7 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $20,595

per person

True North

A perfectly curated introduction to the Kimberley's most iconic highlights aboard Australia's premier expedition vessel.

Highlights

  • Montgomery Reef at low tide
  • Prince Regent River
  • Hunter River & King George Falls
  • Onboard helicopter adventures
  • Six adventure boats

Kimberley Untold – 13 Nights

13 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $30,995

per person

True North

Venture beyond the well-known landmarks into the Kimberley's most remote and rarely visited wilderness areas — a voyage for the truly adventurous.

Highlights

  • Hidden gorges & secret river systems
  • Rarely visited remote wilderness
  • Ancient rock art & cultural sites
  • Helicopter adventures (additional cost)
  • Six purpose-built adventure boats

Kimberley Ultimate – 13 Nights

13 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $23,995

per person

True North II

The full Kimberley experience aboard True North II — covering the entire northern coastline with helicopter adventures and remote river exploration.

Highlights

  • King George Falls & Hunter River
  • Prince Regent River wilderness
  • Montgomery Reef at low tide
  • Buccaneer Archipelago
  • Helicopter adventures (additional cost)

Kimberley Waterfalls – 10 Nights

10 NightsJun – AugBroome

From

From $19,995

per person

True North II

Peak waterfall season aboard True North II — witness the Kimberley's most spectacular cascades at their most powerful.

Highlights

  • Waterfall season at peak flow
  • Remote gorges & river systems
  • Ancient Wandjina rock art
  • Wildlife encounters daily
  • Five adventure boats included

Kimberley Explorer – 10 Nights

10 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $19,995

per person

True North II

An in-depth exploration of the Kimberley's spectacular waterways, ancient rock art sites and remote coastal landscapes.

Highlights

  • Spectacular waterways & waterfalls
  • Ancient rock art sites
  • Wildlife encounters
  • Remote coastal landscapes
  • Helicopter adventures (additional cost)

Kimberley Untold – 13 Nights

13 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $23,995

per person

True North II

Explore the Kimberley's most remote and rarely visited wilderness areas aboard True North II.

Highlights

  • Hidden gorges & secret river systems
  • Rarely visited remote wilderness
  • Ancient rock art & cultural sites
  • Helicopter adventures (additional cost)
  • Five purpose-built adventure boats

13 Night Kimberley Dream Cruise

13 NightsApr – SepBroome

From

From $26,500

per person

Ocean Dream

The ultimate Ocean Dream voyage — traversing the full Kimberley coastline from Broome to Wyndham aboard this intimate 12-guest luxury vessel.

Highlights

  • Montgomery Reef
  • Horizontal Falls
  • King George Falls
  • Berkeley River
  • Broome to Wyndham

8 Night Northern Kimberley Dream Cruise

8 NightsMay – AugBroome

From

From $19,500

per person

Ocean Dream

Explore the remote northern Kimberley coastline — ancient river systems, towering falls and pristine wilderness accessible only by sea.

Highlights

  • Remote river systems
  • King George Falls
  • Ancient rock art
  • Scenic flights

8 Night Southern Kimberley Dream Cruise

8 NightsApr – SepBroome

From

From $19,500

per person

Ocean Dream

Discover the iconic southern Kimberley highlights — from the tidal spectacle of Montgomery Reef to the thundering Horizontal Falls.

Highlights

  • Montgomery Reef
  • Horizontal Falls
  • King Cascades
  • Scenic flight connections

6 Night Southern Kimberley Dream Cruise

6 NightsApr – SepBroome

From

From $14,795

per person

Ocean Dream

A compact luxury Kimberley experience focusing on the most iconic southern highlights aboard the intimate Ocean Dream.

Highlights

  • Horizontal Falls
  • Montgomery Reef
  • Swimming & fishing
  • Remote coastal exploration

12 Night Ultimate Kimberley Cruise

12 NightsMar – AugBroome

From

From $19,900

per person

Lady M

An immersive 12-night voyage covering the full breadth of the Kimberley coastline — from Horizontal Falls to the Berkeley River and beyond.

Highlights

  • Horizontal Falls & Talbot Bay
  • Montgomery Reef at low tide
  • King George River & Falls
  • Casuarina Falls, Berkeley River
  • King Cascades, Prince Regent River
  • Silica Beach & Ruby Falls

8 Night Kimberley Highlights Cruise & Fly

8 NightsAug – OctBroome

From

From $12,900

per person

Lady M

Combine a scenic helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls with a cruise through the Kimberley's most iconic landmarks — including whale watching in season.

Highlights

  • Scenic helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls
  • 2-hour scenic fixed-wing flight
  • Horizontal Falls & Montgomery Reef
  • King Cascades, Prince Regent River
  • Whale watching (Jul–Oct)
  • Fishing & mud crabbing

12 Day Kimberley Cruise

12 DaysApr – SepBroome

From

From $15,595

per person

Reef Prince

A comprehensive 12-day Kimberley cruise aboard the purpose-built Reef Prince catamaran, available in both directions between Broome and Wyndham.

Highlights

  • Montgomery Reef
  • Horizontal Falls
  • King Cascades
  • Cathedral Falls
  • Available both directions

13 Night Kimberley Cruise

13 NightsMay – Sep 2027Broome

From

From $14,699

per person

Eco Abrolhos

An in-depth 13-night Kimberley expedition aboard Eco Abrolhos — exploring the full coastline from Broome with a focus on wildlife, culture and natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Horizontal Falls & Talbot Bay
  • Montgomery Reef — largest in southern hemisphere
  • King George River & highest single-drop falls in WA
  • Berkeley River gorge
  • Wandjina & Bradshaw rock art
  • Fishing, mud crabbing & wildlife encounters

Waterfall Cruise – 14 Nights

14 NightsMar – May 2027Broome

From

From $13,990

per person

Discovery One

A 14-night voyage timed for peak waterfall season — exploring the Kimberley's most spectacular cascades and remote river systems.

Highlights

  • Peak waterfall season
  • Remote river systems
  • Ancient rock art
  • Wildlife encounters
  • Scenic flight included

Explore the Kimberley – 11 Nights

11 NightsJun – Aug 2027Broome

From

From $13,990

per person

Discovery One

A circular Broome to Broome voyage exploring the full Kimberley coastline with two scenic flights and access to remote river systems.

Highlights

  • Broome to Broome circular route
  • Two scenic flights included
  • Montgomery Reef & Horizontal Falls
  • Remote river systems & gorges
  • Buccaneer Archipelago islands

Kimberley Highlights – 7 Nights

7 NightsAug – Sep 2027Broome

From

From $7,990

per person

Discovery One

A compact 7-night introduction to the southern Kimberley's most iconic highlights, including a scenic flight from Cygnet Bay.

Highlights

  • Broome to Broome
  • Horizontal Falls & Montgomery Reef
  • Pearl farming history
  • South West Kimberley rock formations
  • Scenic flight from Cygnet Bay

The Kimberley Classic – 10 Nights

10 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $12,990

per person

Coral Adventurer

Coral Expeditions' flagship Kimberley itinerary aboard the Coral Adventurer — a classic Broome to Darwin voyage taking in the region's most celebrated landmarks.

Highlights

  • King George River & Twin Falls
  • Montgomery Reef tidal spectacle
  • Ancient Wandjina rock art galleries
  • Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago
  • Lacepede Islands seabird colony

The Kimberley Classic – 10 Nights

10 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $12,990

per person

Coral Geographer

The Kimberley Classic aboard the Coral Geographer — Broome to Darwin exploring the region's most iconic coastline, gorges and cultural sites.

Highlights

  • King George River & Twin Falls
  • Montgomery Reef tidal spectacle
  • Ancient Wandjina rock art galleries
  • Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago
  • Lacepede Islands seabird colony

The Kimberley Classic – 10 Nights

10 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $12,990

per person

Coral Discoverer

The Kimberley Classic aboard the intimate 72-guest Coral Discoverer — a boutique expedition experience from Broome to Darwin.

Highlights

  • King George River & Twin Falls
  • Montgomery Reef tidal spectacle
  • Ancient Wandjina rock art galleries
  • Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago
  • Lacepede Islands seabird colony

A Lens on Nature: The Kimberley – 7 Nights

7 NightsJul – SepBroome

From

From $9,400

per person

Coral Discoverer

A specialist photography expedition through the Kimberley aboard the Coral Discoverer, led by Australian Geographic photographers with expert-guided dawn and dusk outings.

Highlights

  • Expert-led photography workshops with Australian Geographic
  • Dawn & dusk outings timed for best light
  • Lacepede Islands & Adele Island birdlife
  • Montgomery Reef & Buccaneer Archipelago
  • Pre-cruise stay at Cable Beach Club Resort included

14 Day Ultimate Kimberley Expedition

14 DaysMar – JunBroome

From

From $13,290

per person

Odyssey Expeditions

The most comprehensive Odyssey Kimberley voyage — 14 days exploring the full coastline aboard a purpose-built 20-guest expedition catamaran with the dedicated 12m tender Homer.

Highlights

  • Full Kimberley coastline
  • Expedition vessel Homer for creek & gorge access
  • Uunguu & Dambimangari Country
  • Ancient rock art & cultural sites
  • Wildlife encounters daily

12 Day Southern Kimberley Expedition

12 DaysJulyBroome

From

From $9,190

per person

Odyssey Expeditions

An in-depth exploration of the southern Kimberley coastline, visiting spectacular gorges, waterfalls and remote anchorages rarely accessible to larger vessels.

Highlights

  • Southern Kimberley coastline
  • Spectacular gorges & waterfalls
  • Remote anchorages
  • Expedition vessel Homer
  • Dambimangari Country

9 Day Kimberley Cruise and Fly

9 DaysJul – SepBroome

From

From $10,190

per person

Odyssey Expeditions

Cruise the Kimberley then fly home — a 9-day expedition combining the best of the coastline with a scenic flight between Mitchell Plateau and Broome.

Highlights

  • Kimberley coastline highlights
  • Scenic flight Mitchell Plateau to Broome included
  • Expedition vessel Homer
  • Ancient rock art
  • Wildlife encounters

Ultimate Kimberley Expedition Charter

8 Nights / 9 DaysMay – SepBroome

From

Enquire for Pricing

per person

AKIKO Superyacht

An exclusive private superyacht expedition through the Kimberley's most remote rivers, waterfalls and ancient landscapes aboard the 34m AKIKO — fully customisable for your group.

Highlights

  • Exclusive private charter
  • Prince Regent River & Berkeley River
  • Remote gorges & waterfalls
  • 7.5m tender for creek & gorge access
  • Gourmet meals by private chef

Tailor-Made Kimberley Private Charter

Custom DurationMay – SepBroome

From

Enquire for Pricing

per person

AKIKO Superyacht

Design your own Kimberley adventure aboard AKIKO — work with the crew to craft a bespoke itinerary tailored entirely to your group's interests and schedule.

Highlights

  • Fully bespoke itinerary
  • Remote waterfalls & freshwater swimming holes
  • Wildlife, fishing & rock art experiences
  • Private chef & dedicated crew of six
  • Exclusive vessel hire

Iconic Kimberley Expedition – 7 Nights

7 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $12,950

per person

Eclipse

An intimate 7-night Kimberley expedition for up to 8 guests aboard the Leopard 50 sailing catamaran Eclipse — combining the freedom of sail with access to remote anchorages.

Highlights

  • Horizontal Falls & Talbot Bay
  • Montgomery Reef
  • Remote beaches & gorges
  • Two expedition tenders
  • Freshly prepared meals included

Kimberley Islands Explorer – 7 Nights

7 NightsMay – SepBroome

From

From $11,760

per person

Eclipse

Explore the remote island chains and hidden anchorages of the Kimberley coast aboard Eclipse — a voyage focused on the region's most spectacular island scenery.

Highlights

  • Remote island chains
  • Hidden anchorages
  • Snorkelling & fishing
  • Two expedition tenders
  • Up to 8 guests exclusively

Not sure which cruise is right for you?

Our Broome-based team has sailed these waters and can match you to the perfect vessel and itinerary.

Talk to a local expert