Kimberley Coastline, Darwin & The Ghan - Cruise & Land Journey: 16 days Broome to Adelaide

Your Expedition Voyage begins in Broome, a characterful coastal town where red pindan soils meet the turquoise Indian Ocean and long sweeps of white sand. Tropical light, tidal flats and a laid-back atmosphere together create a distinctive gateway to the Kimberley. 

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 the mini bar, restocked daily to your preferences. 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 Broome prior to 02:00 PM.

After a relaxing morning on board Scenic Eclipse II, arrive in the afternoon at the remote Lacepede Islands, located approximately 120 kilometres north of Broome. Designated an A-class reserve, this protected archipelago is renowned for its prolific seabird colonies and rich marine life. It is also Western Australia’s most significant breeding ground for green turtles and, in season, a notable location to observe migrating humpback whales.

As the day continues, perhaps enjoy a coffee or cocktail in one of the yacht’s bars and lounges, or settle into the Observation Lounge library with a book. Later, join the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre for an introductory lecture, offering insight into the remarkable region you are exploring.

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.

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.

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 a 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.

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.

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.

Vansittart Bay, a sheltered inlet along the Kimberley coast, is known for its quiet beaches, rust-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 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 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.

Your Kimberley voyage concludes in Darwin, where the tropical north offers a striking contrast to the remote coastlines and tidal landscapes explored along the way. After a final morning on board, farewell the Captain and crew of Scenic Eclipse II, carrying with you memories of an extraordinary journey through one of Australia’s most remarkable regions.

From here, your journey continues on land. Settle into Darwin’s relaxed atmosphere before preparing for the next chapter, an iconic rail journey through the heart of the continent. This evening, enjoy the first of your two-night stay as you transition from sea to land. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, expand your visit with your choice of a range of illuminating activities.

Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure: Experience these reptiles in the wild on the beautiful Adelaide River, where crocs leap out of the water pursuing their prey. Your tour also includes a visit to Fogg Dam, a wetlands nature reserve teeming with wading birds and other unique wildlife. The wetlands of the Top End are of great international importance on account of their accessibility, splendour and cultural significance.

Litchfield National Park: Litchfield National Park abounds with permanent spring-fed waterfalls, remnant monsoon vine forests, unusual rock formations and interesting scenery. An hour easily becomes a day relaxing in this wonderful park, which reveals its considerable wonders the further you explore.

WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Learn about the history and significance of the Pacific Campaign of WWII; the largest attacks ever launched against Australia. Visit landmarks, view relics of the war and take a cruise on Darwin Harbour in this informative guided tour, which outlines the shocking extent of the damage suffered by Darwin during the war.

Darwin City Sights – Hop-on-Hop-off Tour: The perfect introduction to the Top End city of Darwin. Take in all of Darwin’s main historical and cultural attractions with an opportunity to stop and visit during the tour.

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin on board the famous Ghan (Gold Service) for your Scenic Special Stay. The train, which runs between Darwin and Adelaide, provides one of the world’s greatest rail journeys as it cuts across remote desert landscapes in impeccable luxury. Settle into your private cabin before a delightful regionally-inspired lunch accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages. Arrive early afternoon at the Top End township of Katherine, the “Crossroads of the North”. The third-largest town in the Northern Territory, Katherine is a gateway between outback desert and the tropical climate of the Top End. Here, you’re free to choose between experiences that will enhance your visit. Take a guided cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where you’ll marvel at the famed towering red ochre sandstone walls and hear stories of the local Jawoyn people. Or take a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as the sun sets over the outback, then head back to your cabin to find your bed turned down. Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards across the vast outback.

After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback town of Alice Springs. Known locally as “Alice”, this vibrant outback hub is more than a country town. As a thriving community overflowing with a unique art scene, a one-of-a-kind culture and amazing outback vistas, Alice Springs is the beating heart of Australia.

An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, a bucket list location for travellers from all over the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people head to Australia’s red heart to soak up the ancient wisdom and one-of-a-kind panoramas Uluru provides.(at additional cost, please book prior to departure). Should you choose this option, you’ll return in time to meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbecue dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Once submerged by Australia’s inland sea, Coober Pedy has become known as the “opal capital of the world”, with the multicoloured gemstone in abundance. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey south continues.

From your cabin window this morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. This gradual transition gives you a sense of just how diverse Australia’s environments are. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges, an ancient landscape over 540 million years old in places. Prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences.

It’s time to say goodbye to your newfound friends as you prepare for your journey home, taking with you stories for life. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Adelaide after 04:00 PM.

#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 voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.