Broome (Kimberley) to Cairns

A pearling town celebrated for its Indian Ocean sunsets and rugged beauty, Broome also serves as gateway to the grand wilderness of the Kimberley region. The town is surrounded by lush green mangroves and mudflats along Roebuck Bay, but the interior is dry and rugged. Ships dock at Broome cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Broome:

• visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm
• ride a camel on Cable Beach
• take a scenic flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago and the Horizontal Falls
• visit Gantheaume Point at low tide to see dinosaur footprints

Talbot Bay, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is famed for its stunning natural beauty and unique marine phenomena. The bay is best known for the Horizontal Falls, a natural wonder where powerful tidal currents create the illusion of waterfalls flowing horizontally. These tidal falls are a highlight for visitors, offering thrilling boat rides through the rushing waters.

Surrounded by rugged cliffs and pristine wilderness, Talbot Bay provides ample opportunities for adventure and exploration. The bay is home to diverse marine life, including turtles, sharks, and numerous fish species. Scenic flights over the bay offer breathtaking views of the dramatic landscape, showcasing the untouched beauty of one of Australia's most spectacular natural attractions.

Montgomery Reef, located off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia, is a remarkable natural phenomenon that covers over 300 square kilometres, making it one of the largest inshore reefs in the world. As the tide recedes, the reef dramatically emerges from the ocean, creating cascading waterfalls and revealing vast expanses of sea grass, marine life, and isolated lagoons.

This dynamic environment provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the reef's transformation and explore its rich biodiversity. The area is teeming with sea turtles, manta rays, and various species of sharks, offering an unparalleled marine experience. Montgomery Reef is not only a spectacular sight but also a vital habitat for wildlife, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Word count: 120

Jar Island is situated within Vansittart Bay and is famous for its outdoor art gallery of Gwion Gwion rock paintings, believed to be among the oldest in the world. These intricate artworks provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient Indigenous culture, inviting visitors to contemplate the lives of those who lived here thousands of years ago.

The bay's landscape is characterized by dramatic red cliffs, sandy beaches, and clear turquoise waters, offering a serene environment for exploring by boat or on foot. The area is also a hotspot for spotting diverse wildlife, including sea turtles and numerous bird species, enhancing the sense of adventure for all who visit.

Koolama Bay, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is steeped in both natural beauty and historical significance. This secluded bay, named after the SS Koolama ship that was bombed during World War II and subsequently beached here, offers a poignant reminder of Australia’s wartime history amidst a landscape of dramatic coastal wilderness.

The bay is part of the larger Cambridge Gulf, known for its rich marine life and significant tidal movements, which sculpt its striking mudflats and mangroves. Accessible primarily by boat, Koolama Bay serves as a gateway to exploring the rugged Kimberley coast, with opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and soaking in the untouched natural scenery. Its isolation and pristine environment make it an intriguing destination for those exploring one of Australia’s most unspoiled regions.

Wyndham, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is the state’s northernmost town and a gateway to some of Australia's most rugged and spectacular landscapes. Known for its historic significance as a port town during the gold rush era, Wyndham offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

The Five Rivers Lookout provides breathtaking views where five major rivers meet and flow into the Cambridge Gulf. The nearby Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring an array of bird species and stunning wetland scenery. Additionally, the town's giant saltwater crocodile statue is an iconic landmark. With its rich history, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Wyndham offers an authentic outback experience.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Nestled on the rainforest-cloaked Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory are the historic ruins of Victoria Settlement. Founded in 1838 as a re-supply post and to bolster British territorial claims, the settlement’s weathered brick chimneys hint at a civilisation carved from the wilderness. However, it stands as a monument to the folly of colonial expansion in a harsh environment.

The settlement was abandoned after 11 years due to the suffocating climate, fever, isolation, and lack of reinforcements. Now part of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, the peninsula boasts diverse wildlife, including six marine turtle species, dugong, and wild banteng cattle. Recognised as an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention, the park is jointly managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Iwaidja-speaking traditional landowners.

Yirrkala is an aboriginal community in northeastern Arnhem Land with a population of roughly 800 residents. The Yolngu have been in the area for more than 40,000 years, but they only congregated here in larger numbers when the township was founded after a Methodist mission was started in 1935. This small coastal settlement became famous in the 1960s as the Yolngu opposed the opening of a bauxite mine on their land, writing (and sending) the Yirrkala Bark Petition to the Australian House of Representatives.

Yirrkala is renowned for Aboriginal art, housing the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and Museum. Just 10 kilometers south, Wurrwurrwuy features a mid-19th-century stone arrangement depicting praus, canoes, and sea cucumber boiling spots, reflecting the Yolngu's knowledge of non-Aboriginal items related to the Macassan sea cucumber trade.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Discover the distinct Torres Strait culture of this remote island and its people, who follow a traditional lifestyle. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and expansive views over the Torres Strait. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the port.

Top Things to Do in Thursday Island:

• fly over Thursday Island in a helicopter
• take the ferry to Horn Island
• visit the Kazu Pearl Farm on Friday Island
• visit the Green Hill Fort
• enjoy fresh seafood in delightful waterfront settings.
  

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Nestled on Australia's northeast coast, Cairns is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Dive or snorkel to witness its vibrant marine life, or opt for a scenic reef cruise. For a land-based adventure, explore the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can walk among ancient trees and spot diverse wildlife. The Cairns Esplanade offers a relaxed stroll with stunning views, public art, and a swimming lagoon. Don't miss the chance to sample fresh local seafood and tropical fruits at Rusty's Markets.

Nestled on Australia's northeast coast, Cairns is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Dive or snorkel to witness its vibrant marine life, or opt for a scenic reef cruise. For a land-based adventure, explore the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can walk among ancient trees and spot diverse wildlife. The Cairns Esplanade offers a relaxed stroll with stunning views, public art, and a swimming lagoon. Don't miss the chance to sample fresh local seafood and tropical fruits at Rusty's Markets.