The ultimate luxury Kimberley cruise, discover the vast Kimberley coastline with Ponant and enjoy Zodiac® and heli experience options to all the key sites from Broome to Darwin

Walk into Luxury exclusive
Private chauffeur airport transfers with Ponant bookings
Broome & The Kimberley
From A$11,010 pp
10 Night Expedition Cruise
1Overview
Overview

Your 10 Night luxury Kimberley cruise from Broome to Darwin takes in bucket-list Kimberley sites including Horizontal Falls and Hunter River, and the mighty Twin Falls on the King George River - the highest falls in Western Australia. The islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago are another highlight with the opportunity to set foot on pristine white sand beaches on your journey toward Darwin, and there is a chance to view ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at several Aboriginal rock art sites visited. This is small-ship cruising at its finest with less than 100 cabins onboard Ponant's expedition cruise ships, Le Laperouse and Le Soleal. This 11 day, 10 night journey is sure to be a highlight of your time in Western Australia, with modern suites, fine dining and generous Ponant inclusions.

L1000830 R120719 Broome Darwin Kimberley Emblématique Ponant Nick Rains copie
L1000099 R120719 Broome Darwin Kimberley Emblématique Ponant Nick Rains
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2Trip Highlights
Highlights

Luxury Kimberley small-ship cruising

Discover Aboriginal Rock Art dating back 30,000 years

King George Twin Falls and Horizontal Falls

Hunter River, Bonaparte Archipelago and Montgomery Reef

Gourmet dining, open bar and in-suite mini-bar replenished daily

Optional heli experience to Mitchell Falls (cost applies)

3Rates & Inclusions
What's Included
  • Gourmet meals on board including freshly baked pastries for the early risers, breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s cocktail welcome reception and farewell gala dinner
  • Open bar including free-flowing Charles Heidsieck Champagne, wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Complimentary in-room mini bar restocked daily, and 24-hour room service
  • Small group Zodiac® excursions and landings with Expedition Guides
  • Informative lectures, talks and entertainment in theatre
  • Complimentary access to wellness area: fitness room, sauna and heated pool
  • Complimentary access to multi-sensory underwater lounge Blue Eye (Le Laperouse only)
  • Complimentary Unlimited Wi-Fi
  • Butler Service in select Suites

Special offer: Book your Ponant cruise with Walk into Luxury for complimentary private chauffeur transfers to and from the airport in Australia and New Zealand (within metropolitan areas)

            4Location & Access
            Location & Access

            This journey runs from Broome to Darwin. Reverse journey available. Direct flights to Broome are available from Darwin, Kununurra and Perth, plus select capital cities in Australia.

            View cruise map

            6Season & Departure Dates
            Season & Departure Dates

            April to October departure available - view all dates below. For more date options view the reverse journey from Darwin-Broome.

            7Itinerary
            Day-by-Day Itinerary

            Day 1

            You'll embark your Ponant cruise in Broome, boarding mid-late afternoon in time for a sunset drink onboard as you set sail at 5.00pm. Get to know new friends over your first dinner in the Panoramic Restaurant tonight. If it's a warm night, the back deck pool bar is the place to be for ocean views as you commence your journey.

            Included: Dinner

            Ponant Luxury Cruise Ship champagne on deck N242

            Day 2

            As the ship heads north from Broome, you'll discover the important habitat of the Lacepede Islands, one of the most important breeding areas for the Green Turtle and a variety of birdlife. The breeding colony of Brown Boobies here is possibly the largest in the world, and up to 20,000 Roseate Terns have been recorded here. Other birds breeding on the islands include Masked Boobies, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Crested, Bridled and Lesser Crested Terns, Common Noddies, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, among many others. You can join the expedition team for a closer view of the wildlife from a Zodiac® or relax onboard for your first full day of cruising.

            Included: All meals and beverages

            Lacepede Islands birdlife Ponant Cruises

            Day 3 & Day 4

            Today we arrive at Montgomery Reef, the world's largest inshore reef system, nestled in Collier Bay. For the next two days we discover the landscape to the east of the Buccaneer Archipelago, that has been shaped by the huge tidal movements of this region which range as high as 14 metres. The massive daily movement of water here creates a unique natural phenomena where water cascades off the top of the reef creating mini waterfalls and rivers. At the southern end of the archipelago is Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls; once described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world". There is the opportunity to discover more spectacular examples of the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art too, hidden in the caves and grottos of this water wonderland. *Today's activities are subject to tides and weather conditions.

            Included: All meals and beverages

            Horizontal Falls Ponant Kimberley Cruise

            Day 5

            Today the ship enters Carreening Bay, which has an interesting history dating back to an 1820 voyage by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King to survey the western coast and complete the map initiated by Flinders. After running aground, King's crew worked hard for 10 days to repair and refloat the vessel. Today there is a three-metre high boab tree at the site with the vessel's name carved into it, said to be the handiwork of the ship's carpenter. The National Heritage listed site is a reminder of fascinating era of exploration.

            Included: All meals and beverages

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            Day 6

            Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley, Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River are lined with ancient rainforest, pristine mangroves and towering sandstone cliffs. Today is all about the wildlife and scenic cruising. Spot saltwater crocodiles and a variety of bird species as you explore the river and mangrove environment by Zodiac®.

            If the Mitchell Falls is on your Kimberley bucket-list, today is the day. There is an option to fly by helicopter from Naturalist Beach to Mitchell Falls and experience the three-tiered waterfall from above; a fee applies for this experience.

            Included: All meals and beverages

            L1000099 R120719 Broome Darwin Kimberley Emblématique Ponant Nick Rains

            Day 7

            The Bonaparte Archipelago is a network of islands stretching along 150km of WA's remote Kimberley coast. You'll discover more Aboriginal rock art today as you cruise the remote archipelago and explore the fractured sandstone landforms and rock shelters of Swift Bay. On the walls of these shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art, which you'll visit on a guided walk with the expedition team.

            Included: All meals and beverages

            L1000470 R120719 Broome Darwin Kimberley Emblématique Ponant Nick Rains copie

            Day 8

            Arriving into Vansittart Bay today, guests have an opportunity to discover the ancient Aboriginal Gwion Gwion rock art of Jar Island. Unique to the Kimberley, Gwion Gwion art has gained world prominence in recent years and is thought to date back over 30,000 years and be the oldest detailed depiction of human figures in the world. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk past fascinating rock formations to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

            Included: All meals and beverages

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            Day 9

            Today is a highlight for many, with a journey up the King George River passing between the 80-metre-high sides of the gorge walls. The colours of the gorge change with the light as you travel further upstream culminating at Twin Falls; the highest single-drop falls in Western Australia. Fed by the Kimberley wet season run-off, the level of water cascading over the falls varies from year to year and throughout the season. The Ponant Expedition team will lead you Zodiacs® or the ship's tenders to the foot of the Falls, allowing you to get up close to this stunning geological formation.

            Included: All meals and beverages

            DJI 0264 R120719 Broome Darwin Kimberley Emblématique Ponant Nick Rains

            Day 10

            Today is a leisurely day onboard and a great chance to enjoy the facilities, food and wine. You may like to visit the wellness area today for a spa treatment or perhaps to use the sauna, which has a great view. Other options include time with the Ponant crew at a conference or show in the theatre, to enjoying some shopping in the boutique onboard. There is time to relax on your balcony or on the main deck this evening for one last Kimberley sunset before your final journey toward Darwin.

            Included: All meals and beverages

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            Day 11

            After an exceptional journey along the vast Kimberley Coast, you'll arrive into Darwin this morning. Farewell the crew and new friends before disembarking at 7am for your onwards transfer.

            Included: Early breakfast

            Le Soleal cruise boat Ponant cruises

            Select departure times

            Departure Date
            Return Date
            Price (per person)
            Availability
            31 July, 2024
            10 August, 2024
            A$12,030
            20 August, 2024
            30 August, 2024
            A$12,030
            09 September, 2024
            19 September, 2024
            A$12,030
            21 September, 2024
            01 October, 2024
            A$12,030
            29 September, 2024
            09 October, 2024
            A$12,030
            11 July, 2024
            21 July, 2024
            A$12,030

            Frequently asked questions

            Which is the best Kimberley luxury cruise?

            Choosing the best Kimberley luxury cruise is a bit like picking a favourite child. Walk into Luxury is fortunate to have access to a number of exceptional local Kimberley cruise operators and some of the world’s best expedition boats. Select one of our partners for your luxury Kimberley cruise for a guaranteed great time. But first, let us share a few insider tips and thoughts to help narrow your choice.

            When is the best time to cruise the Kimberley?

            The best time to cruise the Kimberley is from late March to September, with the season in the offshore Rowley Shoals – known for exceptional scuba diving - running into October.

            Get in touch

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