The rugged and spectacular Kimberley coast of Australia’s north-west is truly one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. Remote and defiant, her many secrets have been kept from all but a select few.

Vast stretches of rusty cliffs are punctuated by plunging waterfalls and lush patches of tropical rainforest. Countless fresh water creeks soothe the thirsty landscape, where a refreshing swim in your own secluded spa-pool is a moment to be savoured for life. Watchful crocodiles rule the mangroves where eagles, jabiru and kingfishers fly. Massive seabird colonies thrive in splendid isolation and thousands of nesting sea turtles landscape the beaches of offshore islands. Wise, reticent Boab trees stand guard throughout the landscape, giving the still bush its personality.

The Kimberley landscape has been used as a canvas by Aboriginal artists for the last 40,000 years. Shrouded in mystery, the dynamic ‘Bradshaw figures’ are companion to the vibrant and sometimes shocking style of the ‘Wandjina’, in hundreds of rock art sites along the coast. Nearly every bay and island tells a compelling story of the struggle of early explorers, pioneers and pearlers.

The phenomenal power and rhythm of the Kimberley’s twelve metre tides have given birth to several unique spectacles. The ‘Horizontal Waterfalls’ are a living, breathing wonder, where the rampant tide is funnelled through two narrow sandstone gorges creating tidal rapids with a sharp drop of up to four metres. The enigmatic Montgomery Reef is plundered by the tide twice daily, rising five metres out of the ocean at low tide and producing a wall of cascades in the middle of the ocean.

For the fisherman, the sea is alive with opportunity. Prized Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and Spanish Mackerel are prolific and the catch of the day has never tasted better than with a side of freshly caught Kimberley mud crabs and juicy black-lipped oysters. Hike up to an inland waterfall, take a thrilling helicopter flight to a secret oasis, shoot the tidal rapids in our trusty tenders or just relax with a drink on the bow and take in the glorious scenery.

The expert guides you will travel with on our Kimberley voyages are the most experienced and respected guides of the region. With a collective Kimberley experience of over 100 years, our knowledgeable lecturers will add dimensions to your understanding and enjoyment of this remarkable area.

Expedition Cruise Ship: True North

Kimberley Cruise Schedule, 2008: