Kimberley Coastline & Broome - Cruise & Land Journey: 13 days Darwin to Broome

Your Expedition Voyage begins in Darwin. At the tropical Top End, this northern capital sits at the meeting point of Australia, Asia and the Pacific, its harbour, wartime history and diverse communities giving the city a distinctive character.

Welcome on board Scenic Eclipse II, your ultra-luxury home for the days ahead. Settle into your spacious suite, with butler service on hand and thoughtful touches that range from a curated pillow menu to intuitive in-suite technology. Take time to explore the decks and find your favourite indoor and outdoor spaces, before toasting the start of your voyage with a glass of champagne in the Scenic Lounge Bar or a cocktail at the open-air Sky Bar on Deck 10.

Please book your flight to arrive into Darwin prior to 02:00 PM.

The King George River carves its way through the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, culminating in King George Falls, a dramatic twin cascade dropping more than 80 metres over sheer sandstone cliffs. Accessible only by water or air, this immense gorge system reveals rust-red walls, tidal reaches and pockets of mangrove forest, with Brahminy kites, egrets and kingfishers often seen above the river’s tranquil surface. Your sleek Scenic Discovery Yacht is purpose-built to navigate such secluded waterways with ease and comfort.

Scenic Discovery:
A Zodiac cruise may take you deeper into the gorge for a striking perspective on the falls, gliding beneath towering rock faces and along mangrove-lined banks, where there may be opportunities to observe sunning crocodiles and an array of birdlife, including ospreys, falcons, egrets and kingfishers. Weather and tides permitting, the Discovery Team may be able to approach close enough for you to feel the cooling spray from the falling water.

Vansittart Bay, a sheltered inlet along the Kimberley coast, is known for its quiet beaches, red headlands and deep cultural significance for Traditional Owners. Here, traces of more recent history appear alongside ancient stories, including the remarkably well-preserved skeleton of a World War II Douglas C-53 aircraft resting in the landscape.

Scenic Discovery:
A guided visit ashore may begin with a short Zodiac transfer to a secluded sandy beach, where the expert Discovery Team can introduce the bay’s geology, history and cultural context as you explore this remote corner of the Kimberley at an unhurried pace.

The morning is yours to enjoy as you wish before arriving at Ashmore Reef. Perhaps sign up for a Senses Spa treatment#, a yoga or Pilates session, plunge into the Vitality pool, or simply relax on board Scenic Eclipse II.

Ashmore Reef, Australia's most remote marine park, consists of three tropical islands surrounded by a coral reef, covering 583 square kilometres. It's an Important Bird Area (IBA) and access is regulated, with most of the reef classified as a sanctuary zone. Scenic Eclipse II will be stopping at Ashmore Reef for technical clearance. There will be no opportunity for guests to go ashore.

While your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht sails around Ashmore Reef, be ready to capture its breathtaking beauty with your camera. Join the experienced Discovery Team on the open decks for an informative birdwatching session. Learn about the diverse seabirds and marine mammals inhabiting the area while taking in the stunning surroundings.

In the evening, settle in at one of the eight bars and lounges to enjoy a beverage of choice. Indulge in over 130 varieties of aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar or perhaps book a wine tasting session to pair your day with the right drop.

Swift Bay offers a rare concentration of Kimberley rock art styles in one area, with Gwion Gwion and Wandjina galleries located within reach of your Scenic Discovery Yacht by a short Zodiac transfer. Towering sandstone escarpments and sheltered rock overhangs frame a landscape where culture and country are closely intertwined.

Scenic Discovery:
Accompanied by the Discovery Team, visit ancient Gwion Gwion galleries (formerly known as ‘Bradshaw’ paintings), where fine, elongated human figures appear in flowing headdresses and dynamic postures. Nearby, Wandjina rock art depicts powerful creation beings and rain-bringers that remain central to the living culture of the region’s Indigenous peoples.

Subject to conditions and scheduling, there may also be an option to join a scenic helicopter^ flight over the Mitchell Plateau to view the tiered cascades of Mitchell Falls from the air.

Today, Scenic Eclipse II will cruise through York Sound to the mouth of the Hunter River. A true wilderness with jaw-dropping panoramas of wild escarpments, monsoon rainforests and the four-tiered Mitchell Falls, carved out over millennia.

Subject to conditions and scheduling, for a fresh perspective embark on an optional helicopter^ flight for magnificent aerial views of the Hunter River or Mitchell Falls. Also known as Punamii-uunpuu, it’s an iconic Kimberley landmark and a place of cultural and spiritual significance for the Wunambal people.

Later, treat yourself to an indulgent time in the Senses Spa. Be pampered with a range of signature ESPA treatments# and relaxation lounges. Then watch the world slip by as you relax in a cabana on Deck 10, before taking a dip in the Vitality pool. Alternatively, ask your butler to deliver afternoon tea to your suite to enjoy on your private verandah while marvelling at the endless ocean.

Wake to a completely new vista at Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef that boasts some of the Earth’s biggest tidal changes, reaching up to 10 metres (33 feet). As the tides rise or fall, both soft and hard coral are exposed, falling below sea level to create a remarkable spectacle.

Go ashore at Freshwater Cove located on Worrora country and meet with traditional Dambimangari guides of the Arraluli clan and be immersed into the importance of their culture. Hear about the Traditional Owners and the story of how the Wijingarra, or native spotted Quoll, came into being and how the area’s freshwater was created.

Scenic Discovery:
Subject to conditions and approvals, you may have the opportunity to explore Montgomery Reef by Zodiac, with your Discovery Team. If the timing is right, discover thousands of small waterfalls cascading down the reef and see incredible marine life including sea turtles, octopus, sharks, rays, dolphins and more.

Careening Bay, within Port Nelson, is closely linked to early coastal exploration. In 1820, British surveyor Phillip Parker King careened his vessel HMC Mermaid here for repairs, commemorating the event by having its name carved into the trunk of a vast boab tree that still bears the inscription today.

Scenic Discovery:
Guided by the Discovery Team, time ashore may include a visit to the historic “Mermaid Tree” and the surrounding shoreline, with opportunities to appreciate the bay’s quiet beaches, distinctive boabs and coastal vegetation. Later, cruising by small craft around nearby islands and inlets can reveal mangroves, sheltered coves and marine life such as sea turtles. As Port Nelson’s sandstone and basalt cliffs come into view, the interplay of light on rock and water provides a striking natural backdrop for photography and quiet contemplation.

Sir David Attenborough named the Horizontal Falls± at Talbot Bay “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.” Created by a unique combination of geology and massive tidal surges squeezed through two narrow cliff passages, this is the only place in the world where horizontal falls exist. After a full day exploring this fascinating region, relax in the Vitality pool and gaze out across the breathtaking panoramic views.

Scenic Discovery:
Explore some of the planet’s most unique waterways by Zodiac. Conditions permitting, journey through the narrow Talbot Creek, locally known as Cyclone Creek, to reveal gorgeous sandstone folding where you may spot rock wallabies on outcrops, or the 18 different species of birdlife including Australian Ibis, Brahminy Kite and Brown Honeyeater.

±Please note, guests will have the opportunity to view this natural phenomena however will not cruise through the Horizontal Falls.

Today discover the untouched beauty of the Lacepede Islands, just 120 km north of Broome. As an A-class reserve, these islands are a haven for nature lovers, famed for their abundant wildlife and vibrant seabird colonies. It’s also Western Australia’s top breeding ground for green turtles and a prime spot to witness majestic humpback whales during their seasonal migration.

In the afternoon, stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the eight bars and lounges on board or curl up with a book in the library of the Observation Lounge. Then join the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre for a recap of the extraordinary places you’ve visited.

Your Expedition Voyage concludes this morning in Broome. After a final breakfast on board, disembark your Scenic Discovery Yacht and continue your journey ashore. Transfer to your hotel and take time to settle in before enjoying the relaxed pace of this coastal town.

This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your Broome stay. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Today choose from these exciting Scenic Freechoice options to make the most of your time in Broome.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm: During a guided farm tour and cruise, discover how the rare and beautiful ‘Australian South Sea Pearl’ is produced. Your guide will reveal the intricate process of today’s modern cultured pearling industry.

Broome Harley Davidson™ Tour: Tour Broome Town and surrounds on a Harley Davidson™ Trike. Learn about Broome’s colourful history, today’s Broome and its future. This informative tour is designed to give you your bearings of Broome.

Broome Indigenous Tour: Join Robert Dann in the place where he was born for a cultural experience. Learn about a small slice of 40,000 years of Broome and Kimberley culture. Visit local landmarks of Broome, the coastline and surrounding bush. Hear local Aboriginal stories and try some bush tucker.

Cable Beach Camel Ride: Take an iconic one-hour camel ride along the white sands of Cable Beach. Look out over the Indian Ocean and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life that can often be seen from atop a camel. (Weight restrictions apply)

Broome was built on pearling, but now features world-class diving in its turquoise waters, craft breweries and iconic camel rides along Cable Beach. However, you choose to experience it, you’re sure to fall in love with this unique town.

*Please be advised that the use of drones is strictly prohibited in this area.
#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations

Submersible not in operation in the Kimberley.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.