Luxury Kimberley Expedition
- Oceania
- Kimberley | Luxury Cruise
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley Luxury Expedition
11 Days Aboard Le Jacques Cartier | Broome to Darwin
Tour Code: AUS5012C

Overview
There are few places left in the world that feel truly untouched. The Kimberley is one of them.
This is not just a cruise. It is a rare invitation into one of Australia’s last great wilderness frontiers, where towering red cliffs meet turquoise waters, waterfalls thunder into the sea and ancient stories are etched into rock.
Aboard Ponant’s elegant expedition yacht, Le Jacques Cartier, you will experience the Kimberley in a way few ever do. With a small number of guests and expert expedition guides, every moment is immersive, personal and deeply connected to the land.
Navigate tidal landscapes that shift by the hour. Glide through mangrove-lined rivers in Zodiac craft. Stand before Aboriginal rock art that dates back thousands of years. Witness saltwater crocodiles, seabird colonies and untouched ecosystems thriving far from civilisation.
All of this, paired with refined French-inspired hospitality, elegant suites and an all-inclusive experience that allows you to simply be present.
This is not just travel.
This is a true Australian bucket-list experience.
Tour Highlights
King George Falls
Lacepede Islands
Aboriginal rock art galleries

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Itinerary
Day 1 Broome

Arrive in Broome, where the red pindan earth meets the turquoise Indian Ocean, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. Board your Ponant expedition yacht and settle into your suite as the crew welcomes you onboard. As you sail away, the landscape quickly shifts from coastal civilisation to vast, untouched wilderness. The sense of remoteness builds with every mile, and anticipation grows for what lies ahead. Enjoy your first evening onboard with refined dining and panoramic views, as the Kimberley reveals itself slowly and dramatically.
Day 2 Lacepede Islands

Today you reach the remote Lacepede Islands, a protected marine sanctuary rich in birdlife and nesting turtles. Conditions permitting, explore the islands by Zodiac alongside your expert expedition team. This fragile ecosystem is one of Australia’s most important seabird breeding grounds, offering exceptional wildlife viewing in its purest form. The isolation of this location makes the experience even more special, with no infrastructure and minimal human impact. It is a rare opportunity to witness nature thriving undisturbed in a truly pristine environment.
Day 3 Collier Bay

Enter Collier Bay, a region defined by some of the most powerful tidal movements in the world. The ever-changing currents shape the coastline into dramatic formations, creating a dynamic and unpredictable environment. Your expedition team will guide you through narrow channels and striking coastal features, adjusting plans based on tidal conditions. Each moment feels raw and elemental, with the Kimberley revealing its untamed character. This is where you begin to understand the true scale and force of this extraordinary region.
Day 4 Collier Bay Exploration

A second day in Collier Bay allows for deeper exploration of this remarkable tidal landscape. No two days here are the same, as water levels transform the scenery hour by hour. Your captain and expedition team carefully select locations to maximise your experience, whether navigating hidden inlets or observing unique geological formations. This flexible approach ensures you access areas few travellers ever see. It is a day shaped entirely by nature, offering an authentic and immersive encounter with the Kimberley’s wild rhythms.
Day 5 Careening Bay

Careening Bay offers a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. This quiet bay is known for its connection to early European exploration, where a ship was once repaired along its shores. Today, it remains a peaceful and scenic location framed by rugged cliffs and coastal vegetation. Take time to absorb the stillness and reflect on the stories embedded in this landscape. The contrast between human history and untouched surroundings adds a unique dimension to your Kimberley journey.
Day 6 Hunter River
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Cruise into the Hunter River, one of the Kimberley’s most iconic and visually striking locations. Towering red cliffs rise dramatically from the water, while dense mangroves line the riverbanks. Venture out by Zodiac to explore deeper into this intricate ecosystem, keeping watch for saltwater crocodiles and birdlife. The interplay of light, water and rock creates a constantly changing scene, making every moment visually captivating. This is the Kimberley at its most powerful and atmospheric.
Day 7 Swift Bay

Swift Bay is home to remarkable Aboriginal rock art galleries that offer insight into one of the world’s oldest living cultures. Accompanied by your expedition team, step ashore to view these ancient works set against striking sandstone formations. The experience is both cultural and deeply moving, connecting you to stories that span thousands of years. The surrounding landscape enhances the sense of significance, making this a highlight for many travellers seeking depth beyond scenery.
Day 8 Vansittart Bay

Explore the remote and rugged beauty of Vansittart Bay, where the landscape feels both vast and intimate. The coastline here is shaped by time, with weathered rock formations and quiet coves creating a sense of isolation. Each landing offers a new perspective, whether it is geological, ecological or simply visual. The stillness of this environment allows you to fully appreciate the Kimberley’s untouched nature. It is a day of quiet discovery and reflection.
Day 9 King George River & Falls

Today brings one of the Kimberley’s most iconic highlights. Cruise along the King George River, surrounded by towering cliffs that guide you towards the spectacular King George Falls. These twin waterfalls are the highest in the region and are particularly powerful following the wet season. Viewing them from the water is an unforgettable experience, combining scale, sound and natural beauty. This moment captures the essence of the Kimberley and remains a defining highlight of the expedition.
Day 10 At Sea

After days of exploration, enjoy a slower pace as you sail towards Darwin. This is a time to relax and reflect on the experiences of the past days. Take advantage of the ship’s wellness facilities, attend expert-led talks or simply unwind on your private balcony. The open ocean provides a calm and contemplative backdrop, allowing the memories of the Kimberley to settle in. It is the perfect balance to the intensity of exploration.
Day 11 Darwin

Arrive in Darwin, marking the conclusion of your Kimberley expedition. Disembark with a deeper appreciation for one of Australia’s most remote and extraordinary regions. The journey may end here, but the sense of discovery and connection to this landscape will stay with you long after you return home.
Cruise Notes
- Fitness Level: Moderate, with Zodiac landings and guided walks
- Travel Style: Ultra-luxury small ship expedition
- Who It Suits: Couples, solo travellers, seasoned cruisers, bucket-list travellers
- Experience: All-inclusive with expert-led excursions
- Accommodation: Balcony staterooms to premium suites
- Extensions: Broome and Darwin pre/post stays available
- Flights & Insurance: Can be arranged; travel insurance recommended
This is not a trip you plan later. This is one you secure while availability exists.
Kimberley expeditions operate with limited departures and very small guest numbers, and the most sought-after suites are often reserved well in advance.
If this experience is on your list, now is the time to act.
2026 , 2027 and 2028 now available
Sail Away on Le Jacques Cartier
Ship Overview
Le Jacques Cartier is a modern expedition yacht designed for those who seek both adventure and elegance. With a limited number of guests, the atmosphere is intimate, refined and quietly luxurious.
Suites feature private balconies, allowing uninterrupted views of the Kimberley’s dramatic coastline. Public spaces flow seamlessly between indoor comfort and open-air observation.
Onboard Experience Highlights
- French-inspired fine dining and curated cuisine
- Panoramic lounges and open observation decks
- Zodiac platforms for seamless expedition access
- Spa, wellness areas and fitness facilities
- Expert naturalists and cultural specialists onboard
- The Blue Eye underwater lounge for immersive ocean views
- Personalised service with a high crew-to-guest ratio
An elegant base to explore one of the world’s last wild frontiers.






