Kimberley Explorer

Kimberley Explorer 11 Days

Prices From £5,390pp
June to August | 10 nights

Up To 10% Discount!

Single Cabins Available

Kimberley Explorer 11 Days

Aboard: Heritage Adventurer

Set sail for one of earth's most pristine and untouched wildernesses as you join this thrilling in-depth exploration of Australia's world-famous Kimberley Coast. Sailing in the company of a team of expert naturalists, you will enjoy a full immersion into the wonders of this wild and remote coastline which is home to a treasure trove of towering, fractured iron-tinged red cliffs, torrential waterfalls, azure waters, hidden coves and caves, secluded white sand beaches, magnificent reefs and rare and endangered wildlife. Combined with a rich history, indigenous customs and connections to an ancient land, this is one of the finest places on earth to explore.

Discover an ancient landscape like no other and experience the truly epic scale of this magnificent region as you explore by ship, on foot and via Zodiac boat.

Various departures available. Some departures may operate in reverse. Please enquire for full details.

Highlights

  • Enjoy an in-depth exploration of Australia’s spectacular Kimberley Coast
  • Experience the unforgettable spectacles of King George Falls and Horizontal Falls
  • Visit the outdoor galleries showcasing the ancient Aboriginal rock art of the Gwion Gwion and Wandjina people
  • Discover historically rich sites including World War II relics, and learn about historical explorers
  • Marvel at Montgomery Reef, the world's largest inshore reef system
  • Enjoy astounding wildlife encounters and observations; from the iconic saltwater crocodiles to an incredible array of birds
  • Optional helicopter excursion over Mitchell Falls
  • Enjoy memorable Zodiac cruises and shore excursions

What's Included

  • All meals on board ship, and drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Landing fees
  • Post-cruise transfers
  • All shore excursions shown in itinerary
  • Programme of expert lectures and talks by noted naturalists

Up To 10% Discount!

Book 2027 departures by 30th June and receive a 10% discount! Or book 2026 departures and get a 5% discount! Rates shown include discount.

Offer applicable when booked before 1st July 2026

Full terms & conditions apply. New bookings only, subject to availability. Discount applies to voyage cost only and does not apply to landing fees that are included in the trip cost. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Darwin
1Day

Darwin

Arrive independently to Darwin, Australia and make your way to the glittering harbour of Darwin Port to board your expedition vessel. Make yourself comfortable in your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship before meeting your expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as you set sail for the Kimberley.

King George River
2Day

King George River

Make your way to the observation deck as we approach King George River gorge past the towering 2,000 million-year-old Warton sandstone cliffs, a spectacular sight. Here we will hop into the Zodiac boats to explore this incredibly scenic stretch of water, passing the ever-changing eroded rockfaces as we venture deeper into the gorge marvelling at the untouched beauty surrounding us at every turn. Reaching the end of the gorge, prepare to be astounded as we witness the grand scale spectacle of the Kimberley’s highest single-drop falls. Watch in awe at one of Australia’s most impressive natural wonders as the King George River plummets 80 metres over the edge of towering of ancient red sandstone cliffs into tidal waters. While we’re here, your team will offer insights into how this wonder was created and how it holds a special place in indigenous lore.

Vansittart Bay
3Day

Vansittart Bay

Next up, we head for magical Vansittart Bay where pristine white beaches lapped by turquoise waters, beautiful islands and secluded coves create the most unforgettable backdrop. This wonderfully scenic area is also the location of a historical World War II site and incredible ancient Aboriginal rock art. Named after the Chancellor of Exchequer by early explorer Rear Admiral Philip Parker King, this striking, naturally protected bay is framed by scattered jagged sandstone monoliths and the final resting place of the preserved skeleton of a WWII Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) which crash landed onto the saltpan after running out of fuel during a mercy mission to evacuate four Dutch citizens from Java. On Jar Island, the location of ancient outdoor Aboriginal Gwion Gwion art galleries set among fascinating caves and rock formations, much of the rock art tucked under ledges and featured on cave walls is estimated to be up to 40,000 years old and remarkably preserved, protected from the elements. The island is also home to some interesting flora and fauna including the Golden-backed Tree Rat, echidnas and birdlife. Discover a bounty of anthropological and historical wonders in Vansittart Bay.

Ashmore Reef
4Day

Ashmore Reef

Today we make our way to Australia’s most remote marine park where we will find three beautiful tropical islands surrounded by pristine coral reefs. Closer to Indonesia than mainland Australia, Ashmore Reef is home to more than 500 species of fish, 225 reef-building coral species and 100,000 nesting sea birds and is a designated important bird area (IBA) and mostly Sanctuary Zoned. Consequently, access here is strictly controlled. In compliance with Australian Government regulations, we may be allowed the opportunity for a Zodiac cruise near West Island.

Bigge Island & Careening Bay
5Day

Bigge Island & Careening Bay

Today we delve deeper into Australian history as we explore Bigge Island to see its sites of ancient Aboriginal rock art. We will also visit the historic Mermaid Boab Tree, which bears the name of the HMC Mermaid which was famously carved into it while the ship was beached there undergoing emergency repairs during Philip Parker King’s third voyage of discovery of the region in 1820. This National Heritage listed tree now measures a huge 3 metres wide and offers a glimpse into Australian colonial history. And then there's the rugged beauty of York Sound's sandstone coastline, with its sea caves and diverse wildlife. Exploring these formations and encountering the unique creatures that inhabit them must be a truly awe-inspiring experience. It's places like these that remind us of the extraordinary diversity and wonder of the natural world.

Swift Bay
6Day

Swift Bay

Continuing our intrepid Kimberley voyage, next up we will navigate around the scattered islands of the Bonaparte Archipelago leading us to the sandy beaches, ominous sea-worn caves and mangroves of the remote and unspoiled Swift Bay. As we take a Zodiac cruise around this T-shaped bay, we will get a closer look at this dramatic coastline whilst keeping our eyes peeled for the salt-water crocodiles that are regularly seen here. Making our way to land, we will get a good look at some more rock art galleries that display the unique Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles on a large scale, denoting the region’s cultural importance.

Hunter River
7Day

Hunter River

Today it’s time to experience what many people claim is the highlight of the Kimberley coast as we explore around the winding, 30-kilometre long Hunter River. Nestled in the northeast corner of Prince Frederick Harbour, a vast bay that showcases the immense scale of the Kimberley region, this picturesque paradise is adorned with islands and bordered by mangrove-lined rivers teeming with wildlife. It boasts savanna woodlands, lush patches of monsoon rainforest nurtured by the area's abundant rainfall, and towering red cliffs that contribute to its breathtaking scenery. At the mouth of the river, the majestic Kampamantiya sandstone escarpment, towering 200 meters high, stands as a silent sentinel, inviting us into the extraordinary realm we're set to explore today.

Our explorations here will include a Zodiac cruise around the enchanting coastline where, fed by two 90-metre waterfalls, the Hunter and the Donkin, we will find one of the largest and most pristine mangrove systems in the world. We’ll be keeping an eye out for a diverse range of wildlife and birdlife including White-bellied Sea Eagles, Osprey, Great-billed Heron, Eastern Reef Egrets, Red-headed Honeyeater, Blue-spotted Mudskippers, Fiddler Crabs and more. Boasting Kimberley’s largest population of them, there are also excellent chances of spotting the iconic salt-water crocodiles. During our time here, we'll also venture to Naturaliste Island/Wunumpurramarra, where we'll discover its extraordinary 300-meter-long beach adorned with marine snail shells.

Additionally, there's the chance to partake in an optional, exhilarating scenic heli-flight to witness the grandeur of the iconic Mitchell Falls. This exclusive experience offers the only opportunity to behold Kimberley's renowned four-tiered falls, with a landing on the stunning Mitchell Plateau, renowned as one of Australia's most scenic and biologically significant regions. Here, we'll delve into the remarkable sandstone landscape shaped by the Mitchell River.

Collier Bay
8 - 9Days

Collier Bay

We will now spend two memorable days exploring around the astounding natural attractions and the ancient land- and sea-scapes of Collier Bay, found at the eastern end of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Only accessible by sea, this area will be a joy to explore, and as we make our way to Talbot Bay we will experience the power of the region’s massive tidal movements which have shaped the landscape, most famously at the world’s only Horizontal Falls. Behold a spectacle described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world." Here, water trapped in an inland bay rushes tumultuously between two narrow chasms as the tide recedes over 14 meters on the opposite side, forming breathtaking falls, swirling whirlpools, and frothing white water.

We then move on to nearby Cyclone Creek where, as we explore the twisted geological folds of the ancient seabed, we will hope for sightings of the inquisitive Tawny Nurse Sharks that are often spotted here amongst the area’s incredible marine life. More highlights await as we reach Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system, where we will hope to capture the magic of observing this enormous reef ‘rise’ from the ocean as the tide falls creating torrents and waterfalls up to 3-metres high, and displacing marine life igniting a feeding frenzy as predators above and below the water descend. We will conclude our discovery of the Collier Bay area with a shoreline exploration of the ancient rock art galleries hidden within the grottos of Freshwater Cove.

Lacepede Islands
10Day

Lacepede Islands

Our last full day of adventure in the Kimberley region will take us to the wonderful Lacepede Islands, an incredible wildlife reserve and birding paradise that is sure to delight the nature enthusiasts among us. Designated a nature reserve in 1970 and rat free since 1986, this collection of four unassuming islands are recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and are home to what is thought to be the largest breeding colony of Brown Boobies in the world, with up to 18,000 pairs. They are also the state’s most important breeding grounds for Green Turtles.

As landings are not permitted here, we will explore via Zodiac boat along the beautifully rugged coastline in search of sightings of Roseate Terns, Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Bridled, Crested and Lesser Crested Terns, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, Common Noddies, Lesser Frigatebirds, and Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, while Grey-tailed Tattlers, Whimbrels, Bar-Tailed Godwits, Ruddy Turnstones, Great Knots and much more. If we’re lucky, we may also catch sight of some Humpback Whales which are frequently spotted here during their northern migration in winter and early spring.

Broome - Disembark
11Day

Broome - Disembark

Your Kimberley cruise concludes in the tropical beach resort of Broome where, after breakfast on board, it will be time to disembark and bid a fond farewell to your expedition team and newfound friends. A complimentary transfer will take you to either a downtown location or Broome International Airport.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Heritage Adventurer
Mid range vessel

Heritage Adventurer

Previously known as the MS Hanseatic, the Heritage Adventurer is a renowned authentic expedition ship. Purpose-built with ice-strengthened hull, the vessel combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Designed to match Heritage’s signature experiential expedition travel, the ship accommodates up to 140 guests in welcoming and spacious cabins that feature outside views, separate lounge areas, TVs, en-suite bathrooms and double or twin beds.

Communal areas include a lounge, two restaurant areas including an al-fresco bistro, gym and spa, lecture theatre, library, passenger lifts and outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Australia adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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From outside UK:+44 1625 58 11 43

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