Small Ship Cruising in Australia
Gorges, tidal waterfalls and a coast with no roads.
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Small ship cruising in Australia means, above all, the Kimberley: a vast, almost roadless coastline in the far northwest where red sandstone gorges, tidal waterfalls and ancient rock art meet the Indian Ocean. There are no towns along most of it, so the only practical way to see it is from a small ship that carries its own tenders and, on some vessels, a helicopter.
The coast has some of the biggest tides in the world, which create sights found nowhere else: Montgomery Reef appearing to rise out of the sea as the tide drops, and the Horizontal Falls, where water rushes through two narrow gaps in the cliffs. King George Falls, a pair of tall waterfalls dropping into a gorge, is at its most powerful early in the season.
Who Sails the Kimberley
- Australian specialists. Coral Expeditions sails the coast between Darwin and Broome on its Coral Adventurer, and True North, a small adventure ship, typically runs longer voyages between Broome and Wyndham.
- Very small vessels. Catamarans and small motor ships, such as the 36-guest Reef Prince, offer an even more intimate trip.
- International expedition lines. Several European and luxury expedition lines bring ships to the Kimberley each dry season.
Voyages usually last around ten to fourteen nights. Ships differ greatly in comfort, in how many guests they carry and in how they get you ashore, so it is worth comparing them carefully with an advisor.
Choosing the Month
| Timing | Highlights |
|---|---|
| April to May | Waterfalls at their strongest just after the wet season |
| June to August | Settled, sunny weather and humpback whales along the coast |
| September | Waterfalls lower, but warm days and calm seas |
Beyond the Kimberley, small ships also sail along the Great Barrier Reef and Cape York, around Tasmania and along the remote south and west coasts. These voyages are fewer, but they reach islands and reefs that big ships pass at a distance. For the bigger picture of cruising in the region, Cruise Destination Guide covers Australia and the Pacific by season.
Getting There From the US
Broome and Darwin are a long way from anywhere, including the rest of Australia. Most US travelers fly into Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, connect onward and spend at least one night before embarking. Many combine small ship cruising in Australia with time on the reef, in the Red Centre or across the Tasman in New Zealand; our Australia and New Zealand page explains how.
Kimberley Questions
When is the Kimberley cruise season?
During the dry season, roughly April to September, though some operators start in late March or run into October. Outside those months the wet season brings heat, storms and cyclone risk.
Where do Kimberley cruises start and finish?
Most run between Broome and Darwin, or between Broome and Wyndham (for Kununurra), in either direction.
Plan Small Ship Cruising in Australia
Tell us whether the Kimberley, the reef or another coast appeals and when you can travel. We will compare small-ship voyages and send free quotes.
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