KING GEORGE RIVER & FALLS
Cruise down the King George River through steep gorges shaped by ancient floods. Get close to the 80-meter sandstone cliffs, observing the unique honeycomb erosion patterns.
A DAY OF ROCK ART
Land at Jar Island, Swift Bay, Wollsaton Bay, or Bigge Island. Each site features impressive Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries. Explore the sandstone structures and discover rock shelters adorned with ancient artwork.
ASHMORE REEF
The Ashmore and Cartier Islands consist of the West, Middle, and East Islands of Ashmore Reef, along with Cartier Island and the surrounding 12 nautical miles of territorial sea. These uninhabited islands serve as a prime breeding ground for seabirds, attracting approximately 100,000 seabirds each year. The reef supports over 70 fish species and 255 types of coral. To preserve this area, the Australian government designated the Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve in 1983. The islands also provide nesting habitats for marine turtles and host migratory bird populations. Enjoy birdwatching, swimming, and snorkeling in the clear waters of the reef.
SCOTT REEF
Explore Scott Reef South, Central, North, and Seringapatam Reef on the continental shelf in the Timor Sea. Conditions permitting, snorkel and dive the outer reef, experiencing diverse ecosystems with support from the Expedition Team.
ADELE ISLAND
Weather and tides permitting, visit the remote Adele Island. This pristine area, rich in breeding birds and surrounded by coral reefs, became a Nature Reserve in 2001. BirdLife International recognizes Adele Island as an Important Bird Area due to its seabird and wader populations. Adele Reef features a unique habitat with significant scientific value, serving as a link between the oceanic and inshore reef systems of the Kimberley region. Explore this exceptional environment and witness its diverse wildlife.
MONTGOMERY REEF
Montgomery Reef spans over 300 square kilometers and features rich biodiversity. Named by Phillip Parker King, this reef rises from the Indian Ocean as the tide drops by 11 meters twice daily, revealing a flat-topped structure dotted with rock pools and channels. Approach the reef in Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to observe this natural phenomenon. The Expedition Team provides insights into the reef's formation and its diverse wildlife. Birds flock to the exposed areas, feeding on marine life left in the rock pools. Turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and sawfish also gather to feed as the water recedes. Experience the dynamic movement of the ocean, filled with swirling eddies and whirlpools. Hours later, the incoming tide conceals Montgomery Reef below the surface once again.
DOUBTFUL BAY
Depending on the tides, visit Red Cone Creek, which flows steadily until it reaches Ruby Falls. Named by local mariner Capt. Chris Tucker after his daughter, Red Cone Creek cuts through layered rock formations. These cliffs offer excellent opportunities for climbing before arriving at a series of freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls. The flow of the falls varies, ranging from a strong cascade to a gentle stream based on the season. If traditional owner guides are available, explore Wijingarra Bard Bard (Freshwater Cove) and hike into the hinterland to view rock art at Cyclone Cave.
HORIZONTAL FALLS AND BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
The Horizontal Falls are one of Kimberley’s biggest attractions and are a result of the mammoth 11m tides for which the Kimberley is renowned. Naturalist David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.’
This natural phenomenon has been created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids on our Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of our Kimberley expedition cruises.
Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated at over 2 billion years old. At Cyclone Creek, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands past Koolan Island.
THE LACEPEDE ISLANDS
The Lacepede Islands function as a protected class-A nature reserve and serve as a critical nesting site for brown boobies and roseate terns. Commonly observed species include Australian pelicans, frigate birds, egrets, and gulls. These four low-lying islands also provide essential breeding habitats for green turtles.
If weather and tide conditions allow, explore the lagoons using Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.
ROWLEY SHOALS
Located 170 nautical miles offshore, the Rowley Shoals consist of three coral atolls: Clerke, Mermaid, and Imperieuse Reefs. Named by Captain Phillip Parker King, these shoals provide some of the finest snorkeling and diving experiences worldwide. Their shallow lagoons host numerous coral species and marine life, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, 233 coral species, and 688 fish species, many unique to these reefs.
Diving along the outer edges reveals vibrant soft corals, hammerhead sharks, and pelagic fish. The water clarity enhances underwater photography. Conditions permitting, spend 1-2 days at Clerke, allowing ample time for snorkeling and diving. Each atoll spans about 90 square kilometers, offering diverse sights. With guidance from the onboard marine biologist, explore the coral gardens at Clerke Reef or dive along vertical walls and through coral canyons. If time and tides allow, visit Bedwell Island to search for the rare red-tailed tropicbird.
