about the kimberley coast

The Kimberley region of north Western Australia is three times the size of the UK! It is an ancient wilderness of extraordinary grandeur, colour and contrast. Blessed with a balmy climate and breathtaking scenery, this unique region is an eco-haven for travellers who want to experience Australia’s last great tourism frontier.

The Kimberley coast is a unique and diverse wilderness area. We have counted over 200 different scenic locations which are visited by the boats, including magnificent rocky gorges, waterfalls, and many world class icons. The only way to access these are by boat, as seen in this brochure. With most drawing a shallow draft of water and equipped with expedition tenders, you will enjoy calm water cruising through bays and tributaries and showering underneath waterfalls such as the King Cascade.

The Kimberley offers fantastic wildlife viewing including birds, crocodiles and whales. In 2008 a group of marine biologists discovered one of the world’s largest humpback whale nurseries in the Kimberley’s waters:

“607 humpback whales were sighted in one of the Kimberley’s largest bays, Camden Sound, within a week… Undoubtedly the Kimberley is one of the last true marine wildernesses in the world”. – ABC News

12 August 2008

With one of the world’s largest tidal ranges (up to 11m) every day presents new opportunities and no two cruises are identical. Therefore itineraries may vary from what is published. Included in your cruise cost are crew, tender boat excursions, and meals – your chef is sure to tempt with a succulent feast of the day’s catch.

The Kimberley is a semitropical region that experiences two distinct seasons – ‘The Wet’ and ‘The Dry’. However, locals also identify a third season ‘The Build Up’.

‘The dry’ apr-sep (MAJORITY OF CRUISE DEPARTURES):

The Kimberley at its most comfortable – low humidity and warm to hot balmy days, cool to cold at night; clear blue skies with hardly a chance of rain. If you cruise the coastline at the end of the Dry (August-early October) you may encounter some fantastic Humpback whale watching!

‘The build up’ oct-dec:

Increasing humidity and higher temperatures. Great Barra fishing!

‘The Wet’ Dec-Mar:

During this time the Kimberley receives 90% of its rainfall and waterfalls are everywhere. As roads close with heavy flooding, most National Parks shut down and many tour operators cease operating. Those who visit at the end of this season (March) are richly rewarded as waterfalls are at their best, the land is lush green and the Barramundi are on the bite! However, you must brave the heat and humidity!