Cruising the Kimberley in comfort

The Kimberley coast is one of the most rugged and beautiful wilderness areas in the world. There are remote inlets, isolated beaches set beside earthy red rock, majestic waterfalls, intriguing tidal pools, unexplored islands and hundreds of rivers and creeks spilling through rocky coastal outcrops.

What better way to appreciate it than aboard a boat meandering along the shoreline carrying with it all the comforts of home? No need to negotiate rough, near-impassable tracks in a 4WD vehicle, no pitching of troublesome tents or cooking canned corned beef on a campfire.

On board, passengers have soft, clean beds to sink into at night, good wholesome food prepared each mealtime and the expertise of experienced crew who know the best places to explore, have the necessary equipment to get you there and a detailed knowledge of the flora, fauna and sites of scenic and cultural significance. 

The prime time for a visit here is between May and October each year. This is when the flora and fauna are at their best and the weather is ideal for walking and exploring the most remote and tranquil of locations.

Here are some of the cruising options available.

True North

When most people think of cruising the Kimberley coast, the first vessel that generally comes to mind is True North. And for good reason. True North is a veritable nautical masterpiece with the latest and greatest in passenger amenities combined with absolutely luxurious cabin furnishings, five-star service and top-notch cuisine.

A 50-metre luxury cruiser, it has its own helicopter to take guests to any number of out-of-the-way places such as remote waterfalls, incredible fishing spots, isolated islands and sacred locations to discover Aboriginal rock paintings. The boat carries a maximum of 36 passengers (and 16 crew), who can choose between three cabin types, all with their own ensuites.

On board are several comfortable vantage points, including a sundeck, a forward observation lounge, a ship’s lounge and an indoor/outdoor bar. There are two huge plasma screens and an internet cafe enabling communi-cations with the outside world.

The lower deck dining room provides guests with uninterrupted viewing of the wild and scenic vista through large panoramic windows while enjoying their sumptuous meals featuring the freshest local seafood in a relaxed fine dining setting. Several expedition boats are available to take passengers to explore the upper reaches of remote shallow river systems, inaccessible by any other means.

The six-night ‘Kimberley Wilderness’ cruise starts from $7,995 per person, the 13-night cruise starts from $12,995 per person and the 14-night ‘Over the Top’ Darwin to Cairns voyage costs from $12,995 per person. Phone: 9192 1829.

There are a number of other options to choose from including larger cruise ships, smaller luxury cruisers and purpose-built catamarans. Each provides its own unique itinerary and onboard facilities as well as a number of variously priced cabin choices.

Orion

The 103-metre MV Orion provides comfortable and casually elegant surroundings for its 100 guests in a range of well-appointed staterooms and suites (all with ensuites) and offers a number of interesting cruise options in the Kimberley region and beyond.

On-board amenities comprise a glass elevator, a spa and sauna, a jacuzzi, the Constellation Restaurant with single unassigned seating and casual alfresco dining area, a lecture hall, a masseuse, a hairdresser and boutique.

An excellent range of exploration and recreation equipment includes two jet-propelled tenders, 10 heavy-duty motorised Zodiac inflatable boats, kayaks and windsurfers.

The 11-night Darwin-Broome-Darwin cruise starts from $7,550 per person and the 10-night Kimberley and East Timor cruise leaving from Darwin to Dili and back costs from $6,500 per person. Phone: (02) 9033 8700.

Oceanic Princess

This 63-metre cruiser provides the ultimate in adventure style touring for up to 72 passengers and 20 crew. Well-versed expedition leaders and guest lecturers ensure travellers are fully informed about all aspects of their shore excursions undertaken with the help of a large shaded tender, capable of accommodating all passengers at the one time, and two zodiacs.

On board, there is a range of well-appointed cabin choices, all air-conditioned with ensuites, a large sundeck and spa pool, a reference library, a lecture lounge, two cocktail bars, an internet booth with phone and fax facilities, and a boutique and dive shop.

Meals made from the finest local ingredients are served buffet-style at regular times in the dining room and are part of the tariff. There is an extensive wine selection featuring Australian and New Zealand choices.

The 10-night cruise from Broome to Darwin or reverse starts from $6,950 per person and the 11 night ‘Across the Top’ cruise from Darwin to Cairns or reverse costs from $6,950 per person also. Phone: 1300 880 835.

Coral Princess

The Coral Princess is 35 metres in length and carries just 48 passengers, who can choose from four different levels of accommodation, all spacious, air-conditioned and incorporating private ensuites. The vessel carries a specialist crew, which may include a marine biologist, ornithologist or local historian.

There is a comfortable buffet-style dining room, two air-conditioned lounges, a sundeck and spa pool, an extensive reference library, phone and fax facilities, a fully stocked cocktail bar and a dive shop.

Excursion boats used to carry passengers ashore include the specially designed aluminium Explorer, capable of getting to the far reaches of rivers and tributaries, and two Zodiac inflatables, which can land directly onto remote beaches.

The 10-night Broome-Darwin cruise or reverse begins at $5,950 per person. Phone: 1300 880 835.

Kimberley Quest II

The Kimberley Quest II is a 25-metre luxury vessel custom built for the remote and pristine Kimberley coastal region. Accommodating 18 passengers in four different cabin types, all with private ensuites, it is fully air-conditioned and equipped with a helipad for optional scenic flights over the Mitchell Plateau.

Other features include welcoming and comfortable dining areas, state-of-the-art communications and navigation equipment, satellite phone and fax facilities, four excursion tenders for closer exploration of the coastline in small groups, and a large spa bath to soak your cares away.

There are four different cruise options lasting either seven or 14 days between Broome and the Mitchell Plateau in the southern Kimberley region, or between Wyndham and the Mitchell Plateau in the northern Kimberley area.

Prices start from $6,570 per person for a seven-night cruise and from $9,475 per person for a 14-night cruise. Phone: 9193 6131.

K2O

Kimberley 2 Ocean (K20) is a 26-metre well-appointed catamaran, which accommodates up to 12 passengers (and four crew) in three different cabin types. Its shallow draft enables it to get really close to some of the most intriguing and inaccessible places along the way and there are plenty of comfortable vantage points on board to view the majestic scenery.

Three excursion craft allow passengers to get even closer to some of the most remote coastline within this vast wilderness region. And at the end of the day, why not kick back with an icy glass of wine or beer and enjoy the delicious fare presented by the onboard five-star chef?

Tariffs start at $3,240 per person for a seven-day fishing tour and from $7,480 per person for the Kimberley Ultimate 14-night excursion. Phone: 9192 7185.

Great Escape

Another of the fully air-conditioned, luxury catamarans cruising the Kimberley Coast is the 26-metre MV Great Escape. This boat has seven cabins accommodating up to 14 passengers with a crew of five.

All cabins are queen-size with en suites and facilities on board include an eight-person spa, satellite phone and internet equipment, a helipad, three five-metre tenders, the latest audio-visual equipment and an extensive collection of games and books.

The creative talents of the onboard chef are greatly appreciated by passengers, who are advised that “this is not a good time to start a diet”.

The four day ‘Taste of the Kimberley’ cruise costs $3,800 per person, the eight-day ‘Southern Kimberley’ cruise costs $7,900 per person and the 13-night ‘Kimberley Classic’ costs $12,500 per person. Phone: 1800 677 830.

Matrix

This 24-metre catamaran accommodates up to 12 people and cruises the coastline between Broome and Wyndham from April to October each year.

Cabins are comfortably appointed with queen-size beds and en suites. The sundeck has an eight-person spa and the interior features a large plasma screen television and plenty of space for relaxing or entertaining.

Daytime activities include fishing, swimming in beautiful and remote billabongs and underneath waterfalls and exploring some of the intriguing Aboriginal rock art sites that dot the Kimberley coastal area.

Tasty, top-quality meals are prepared by the onboard chef. Special dietary requirements are catered for and drinks are available from the licensed bar.

The seven-night Kimberley Adventure cruise starts from $6,900 per person and the 13-night Kimberley Ultimate voyage begins at $12,100 per person. Phone: 1800 677 830.

Kimberley Odyssey II

An affordable Kimberley cruise option is offered by the crew at Odyssey Expeditions, who proudly cater for the special needs of seniors while still providing an excellent eco-tour experience.

Catering for up to 20 guests at a time, there is a mix of twin-share single cabins and deluxe double cabins with air-conditioning and bar fridges and shared bathroom facilities close by. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas and three other outdoor viewing decks.

State-of-the-art satellite communications, DVD entertain-ment systems and audiovisual presentation equipment are available, and there is an extensive library of fiction and non-fiction books.

Meals make use of fresh and healthy local produce, especially seafood, and their 10-day expeditions start from $4,400 per person. They also provide a 10-day Mitchell Plateau fly/cruise package from $5,100 per person, including charter flights. Phone: 0428 382 505.

Kimberley Escape

This is a 23-metre air-conditioned luxury cruiser accommodating up to 14 passengers (and four crew) in twin and double cabins with shared bathrooms. High quality audiovisual equipment and an extensive video and book library are available to guests and three tender vessels are used for daily shore excursions.

Food is tasty and interesting and the cost of the eight-day ‘Southern Kimberley’ cruise is $5,600 per person. The 13-night ‘Kimberley Classic’ voyage is $9,395 per person. Phone: 9193 5983.

Red Sky At Night

If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate then Red Sky at Night may be the ideal choice. It is a 12.5-metre motor sailing catamaran catering for only two couples in two spacious guest cabins with queen size beds.

Its shallow draft maintains excellent stability and allows for exceptional accessibility to many secret far-flung Kimberley locations.

The spacious deck area is ideal for viewing or relaxing and the covered cockpit is the perfect place for relaxed, open-air dining and sunset cocktails.

The seven day/six night ‘Buccaneer Exploration Cruise’ costs $6,940 per person, the six day/five night cruise costs $5,950 per person, the 11 day/10 night ‘Adventure Cruise’ costs $11,900 per person, the 11 day/10 night ‘Northern Adventure Cruise’ (including two nights at the bush camp at Faraway Bay) costs $13,125 per person, and the three-night ‘Kimberley Gourmet Getaway’ costs $2,900 per person. Phone: 0407 739 738.