True North is truly special.Credit: North Star Cruises
Exploring the rugged coastline and intricate waterways of Australia's vast north-western wilderness area is the adventure of a lifetime, even for travellers who have seen the world many times over. Highlights include ancient Aboriginal paintings, spectacular waterfalls, the dramatic tidal flow of Montgomery Reef, giant gorges, primeval saltwater crocodiles and the sheer scale of the Kimberley's red plains and rocky mountain ranges.
Several ships and smaller vessels offer Kimberley cruises, generally running between Broome and Darwin, or Wyndham, over 10 nights. The most popular time of year is April and May, after the wet season when the waterfalls are in full flood; however, the dry season officially lasts from about April to September and cruises operate throughout those months.
Some cruises offer helicopter flightseeing as an extra – True North has its chopper onboard and Silver Discoverer's cruises include flights over the Bungle Bungles and Lake Argyle – and there are options that include accommodation at either end of the cruise and fly-cruise packages.
True North and helicopter at King George Falls, The Kimberley.
You do need to be reasonably fit to take a Kimberley cruise, because you are getting in and out of Zodiacs most days (although some ships have excursion boats which have hydraulic platforms that allow you to step from deck to deck). Good walking shoes are essential for more active land excursions and it should go without saying that you don't swim anywhere without checking that you're not intruding on crocodile territory.
National Geographic Orion is sailing its last Kimberley cruises in August and there are a few spots left but you'll have to get in quickly.
Here are five of the best-known ships cruising the Kimberley in 2015 and 2016. For a comprehensive list, contact the Kimberley Cruise Centre, see kimberleycruises.com.
The pristine waters of the Kimberley.
APT
114-passenger MS Caledonian Sky
BEST FOR Active couples, singles, groups of friends
River class cabin North Star Cruises.
ONBOARD HIGHLIGHTS Spacious suites (23 have balconies), indoor and alfresco dining, drinks included in fares, 75 crew, expedition team, Zodiacs, library, complimentary Wi-Fi, small hairdressing salon.
ITINERARIES 10 nights Broome-Darwin and reverse; June, July, August and September 2016. A companion fly free offer is available on all dates.
CRUISE DIRECTOR'S PICK MS Caledonian Sky 10-night Broome to Darwin cruise departing July 10, 2016; from $11,595. 1300 196 420, www.aptouring.com.au or see your travel agent.
True North from above.Credit: North Star Cruises
CORAL EXPEDITIONS
50-passenger Coral Expeditions I
BEST FOR Active couples and singles
ONBOARD HIGHLIGHTS Zodiacs, Explorer expedition vessel that accommodates all passengers, expedition team, spa, sun deck, library, dining room, bar, WiFi.
ITINERARIES 10 nights Broome-Darwin and reverse; departures in
September and October 2015; April, May, July, August, September and October 2016.
CRUISE DIRECTOR'S PICK 10-night Darwin to Broome cruise departing April 22, 2016; from $ $7790. 1800 079 545, see coralprincess.com.au
CORAL EXPEDITIONS
72-passenger Coral Discoverer
BEST FOR Active couples, singles, family groups
ONBOARD HIGHLIGHTS Zodiacs, Xplorer excursion vessel that accommodates all passengers and has a hydraulic platform for easy access plus glass bottom, expedition team, sun deck, spa pool, lecture lounge, two bars, dining room, open bridge, guided engine room tours, gift shop, Wi-Fi.
Itineraries 10 nights Broome-Darwin and reverse; departures in August and September 2015; April, May, June, July, August and September 2016.
Cruise director's pick 10-night Broome to Darwin cruise departing April 25, 2016; from $9390. 1800 079 545 , see coralprincess.com.au
SILVER EXPEDITIONS
120-passenger Silver Discoverer
BEST FOR Active couples and singles
Onboard highlights Zodiacs, 96 crew, expedition team, nine suites with balconies (including four that accommodate three people), butler service to all suites, two lounges, The Restaurant plus poolside grill, pool, sun deck, fitness centre, beauty salon, small gym, Wi-Fi, all-inclusive fares.
ITINERARIES 10 days Broome-Darwin and reverse; departures in March, April and May 2016.
CRUISE DIRECTOR'S PICK 10-day Darwin to Broome cruise departing May 7, 2016; from $11,950. 1300 306 872, see silversea.com
NORTH STAR CRUISES
36-passenger True North
BEST FOR Active couples, singles
ONBOARD HIGHLIGHTS 20 crew, expedition team, helicopter that seats six people, excursion boats, sun deck, two lounges, indoor/outdoor bar, internet café, dining room with panoramic windows, menu featuring freshly caught fish and local produce, fishing equipment.
ITINERARIES 7-night "Kimberley Snapshot" Broome to Wyndham, departures in August and September, 2015; May, June, July and August 2016. 13-night "Kimberley Ultimate" Wyndham to Broome; April, May, June, July and August 2016. 10-night "Wet Season Adventure" Broome to Wyndham and reverse, departures in March, and April 2016.
CRUISE DIRECTOR'S PICK 13-night Kimberley Ultimate cruise departing July 16, 2016; from $ $19,995. 08 91921 829, see northstarcruises.com.au.
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