Seasonal Visitors of the Kimberley Skies

Every year, the Kimberley becomes a crucial stopover for thousands of migrating birds. It is a crossroads between hemispheres and a sanctuary shaped by tides, monsoon rains and vast untouched landscapes.

As the seasons shift, birds arrive from as far away as Siberia, drawn to the rich feeding grounds of tidal mudflats, mangrove forests and freshwater wetlands. Here they rest, breed or fuel up for journeys that span continents.

Others call the Kimberley home year round, thriving in its remote gorges, floodplains and river systems. Together, these resident and visiting birds create a dynamic spectacle. It is a living rhythm of arrival and departure written across the sky.

To witness this great movement is to see a story of endurance, instinct and connection. It plays out quietly, above and around us.

Keep your eyes to the skies. You never know what rare traveller might pass by.

Can you name all of the birdlife pictured?

#KimberleyWildlife #BirdMigration #NatureInMotion #CoralExpeditions #TopEndTales #RemoteAustralia #BirdwatchingAustralia

Fancy a reef trip?
How about spending seven nights exploring some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most remarkable and hard-to-reach locations?

This isn’t your typical reef cruise. You’ll visit places that most travellers never get the chance to see. Think remote Osprey Reef with its dramatic drop-offs and thriving marine life, the quiet beauty of Sudbury Cay, and island stops like Lizard, Fitzroy, and Cooktown. These places are only accessible by sea and feel wonderfully secluded.

With the wet season now arriving later, November and December offer ideal conditions. The water is warm, the coral is vibrant, and the days stretch out slowly. It’s the perfect time to switch off, head off the beaten track, and experience the reef the way few ever do.

For many, a journey to the Kimberley is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—remote, rugged, and unforgettable. Yet those who venture here often find it leaves a lasting imprint. There’s something about the land—the towering geology, the ancient stories etched into the landscape—that stirs a deep sense of wonder and a desire to return. It’s a place where escape truly ignites your adventurous spirit; it demands to be seen and experienced. To understand the Kimberley is to witness it through the rhythm of its changing seasons, each revealing something new. It’s the kind of place worth visiting not just once, but again and again.

This time of year, the Kimberley reveals its best self.

The dry season settles over the land in June and July, bringing cloudless skies and golden light. Days are warm and inviting, nights are cool and still. It’s a time when the red cliffs glow at sunset and the air carries the promise of adventure.
Waterfalls—fed by the memory of the wet season—still cascade down ancient escarpments. King George and Mitchell Falls continue their journey, their power softened but not yet stilled. This is the moment when land and water exist in perfect harmony.
Wildlife stirs all around. Saltwater crocodiles bask in the sun, sea turtles glide beneath the surface, and birds fill the skies with colour and sound. The Kimberley is alive and at ease.
With the humidity gone and the mosquitoes with it, every hike, every excursion, every moment on deck feels more effortless. More yours.
And in this light, so clear and pure, the stories of the land are easier to see. Rock art sites—etched in ochre and shadow—speak of deep time and cultural memory, offering quiet awe to those who make the journey.
There’s no better time to sail this ancient coast.

#TheKimberley #ExploreTheKimberley #KimberleyAustralia #OutbackAustralia #SeeAustralia #WesternAustralia #AustraliaTravel #WildAustralia #WaterfallsOfInstagram #DrySeason #WinterInAustralia #ExpeditionCruise #ScenicFlight #HikingAdventures #IndigenousAustralia #RockArt #CulturalHeritage #NatureLovers #AustralianWildlife #OffTheBeatenPath

A seasonal change is upon us in the Kimberley -
Each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales make the long journey from Antarctica to the warm, sheltered waters of the Kimberley coast—a vital nursery and breeding ground for this recovering population. From June to October, places like Camden Sound, Montgomery Reef, and Doubtful Bay become havens for mother whales and their newborn calves, who spend months bonding, nursing, and preparing for the long swim south. Known for their haunting songs and acrobatic displays, humpbacks are often seen breaching and tail-slapping against the backdrop of the Kimberley’s ancient red cliffs and turquoise seas. It’s a special time of year—when the region’s waterfalls are still flowing from the recent wet season, and marine life encounters become more frequent. Opportunities to witness the whale migration increase as the season progresses, and we are often delighted by surprise visits from inquisitive humpbacks. These gentle giants sometimes approach our vessels out of curiosity, offering unforgettable moments as they glide alongside or breach nearby—reminding us that in the Kimberley, nature often comes to you. These whales are deeply significant to the region’s Traditional Owners, including the Worrorra, Dambimangari, and Bardi Jawi peoples, for whom whales are ancestral beings and spirit messengers. Today, Indigenous rangers help manage marine parks like Lalang-garram / Camden Sound, blending cultural knowledge with conservation science. As part of the ocean’s delicate ecosystem, humpbacks play a key role in maintaining marine health, and their presence is a powerful reminder of the Kimberley’s ecological richness and cultural depth.

Join us as we continue sailing through the Kimberley at this beautiful time of year: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/the-kimberley/the-kimberley-cruise/

This is Island Trails & Traditions of Indonesia — a voyage that takes you far beyond the usual island-hopping itinerary. Cruising with Coral Expeditions, you’ll travel through some of Indonesia’s most remote and culturally rich islands, where ancient traditions still guide daily life and nature puts on a show at every turn. Forget the usual beach drinks in Bali — this is your chance to explore the rich tapestry of cultures that shape Indonesia, from highland rituals in misty mountain villages to seafaring customs passed down through generations. And yes, you can still enjoy that beach drink — just this time it’s at the base of Padar Island, after a day spent hiking, snorkelling, and spotting Komodo dragons.

It all begins at Segun Island, where calm waters and pristine reefs provide a peaceful introduction to the region’s natural rhythm. Herita follows, where sleepy villages and a proud trading legacy tell the stories of the Bugis and Melayu people. Between destinations, sea days offer a welcome pause — time to relax on deck, join a talk with the expedition team, or simply watch the horizon roll by. There’s more to discover at every stop: volcanic peaks and shy deer on Bawean, ocean conservation efforts in the remote Sabalana group, and the clang of hammers shaping traditional Phinisi boats at Tana Beru.

Inland, the journey continues to the highlands of Sulawesi, where you’ll witness the striking customs of Tana Toraja — from cliffside burial sites to centuries-old wood-carved homes. Along the way, Sagori Island welcomes you with marine life and Bajau seafaring heritage. Then it’s on to Komodo and Padar for rugged hikes, turquoise bays, and unforgettable encounters with the islands’ famous dragons. Still ahead lie the surreal crater lakes of Kelimutu, the megalithic culture of Sawu, and the soft, melodic sounds of the Sasando instrument played at Tablolong Bay. This is a voyage of depth and connection — a chance to slow down, look closer, and come away with stories few ever get to tell.

Off the coast of Exmouth, guests aboard Coral Discoverer took part in a guided whale shark swim at Ningaloo Reef. With our team ensuring safe and respectful distances were maintained, guests had the chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Bright coral and tropical fish added to an already unforgettable experience beneath the surface.

West Island, the largest of the Lacepede Islands off the Kimberley coast, is a twitcher’s paradise — a remote and protected haven where thousands of seabirds nest and roost undisturbed. Best visited between May and September, the island hosts Australia’s largest colony of brown boobies, along with frigatebirds, crested and roseate terns, and other migratory species. The surrounding shallows attract green turtles, while humpback whales begin to pass through during the dry season. Once mined for guano in the 1800s, West Island is now a vital wildlife sanctuary. In line with its commitment to conservation, Coral Expeditions explores the area with care, observing the abundant bird and marine life from the comfort of zodiacs and the Xplorer tender, ensuring minimal disturbance to this fragile environment.

Have you heard about our Coral Futures expedition? Hosted in partnership with the Australian Geographic Society, this special voyage offers a rare opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef alongside expert scientists, storytellers, and conservationists.

Support one of the world’s first Coral Ark initiatives—Forever Reef—a pioneering project working to safeguard coral biodiversity for future generations. Swim with iconic marine life, snorkel over vibrant giant clam gardens, and hike to the summit of Lizard Island, where turtles nest on pristine beaches.

Get hands-on with coral restoration and join meaningful conservation programs like Coral Watch and Eye on the Reef. Learn from leading experts, including bathymetrists and marine biologists, as you uncover the secrets of the reef`s underwater landscape.

Visit the world’s first living coral library in Port Douglas, enjoy sundowners on remote sand cays, and witness the magic of the annual coral spawning under a full moon.

This is more than a voyage—it’s a chance to be part of the reef’s future.
🪸🍃🌏💦

To think we have such a place in Australia—a coastline so remote, so ancient, it feels like the edge of the world. Scattered with thousands of islands, cascading waterfalls, and sacred rock art, the Kimberley remains one of the last true wilderness frontiers. We’ve journeyed through this region for decades, expanding our knowledge, learning the rhythms of the tides, the stories of the land, and the deep cultural history that defines it. Every bay, every island, and every encounter holds meaning. That’s why it only feels right to explore the Kimberley with the cruise company that knows it best. With decades of experience and a deep respect for the region, we invite you to discover what true connection to country really feels like.

Join us this June, July or August as see it for yourself: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/the-kimberley/the-kimberley-cruise/

Sailing up the Prince Regent River with Coral Expeditions, few moments rival the first glimpse of King Cascades. This terraced waterfall, known as Maamboolbadda to the Wunambal Gaambera people, spills over ancient sandstone deep in the Kimberley wilderness — remote, powerful, and steeped in story.

Today, guests can enjoy an Xplorer ride to the base of the falls, where tumbling water, cool mist, and vibrant gorge walls create a moment of calm in an otherwise rugged landscape. It’s a place that stirs reflection — a reminder of how few have the privilege to witness such raw beauty.

Every visit to King Cascades tells part of the Kimberley’s layered story — where nature, history, and culture converge in the most spectacular of settings.

Will you be exploring the Kimberley this year? Contact our reservations team to get onboard for an unforgettable adventure.

#CoralExpeditions #KimberleyCruise #KingCascades #Maamboolbadda #ExpeditionCruising #ExploreTheKimberley

Golden hour, Kimberley style.
Picture this: your bare feet in warm sand, a cool drink in hand, and the sound of waves mingling with soft music drifting across a remote Kimberley beach. Our crew welcomes you ashore with a smile, canapés are served, and the setting sun paints the sky in shades of fire and gold. Take a stroll or simply sink into the moment — this is beach drinks, Coral Expeditions style.

#CoralExpeditions #KimberleyCruise #BeachDrinks #GoldenHour #SmallShipAdventure

During World War II, in February 1942, a US Army Douglas C-53 Skytrooper crash-landed on a remote saltpan in the Kimberley after the pilot lost his bearings on a flight from Perth to Broome. With fuel running low and visibility poor, the crew had little choice but to bring the aircraft down in the rugged wilderness near what is now Truscott Airbase. Miraculously, all on board survived the emergency landing and were later rescued after making their way across the landscape to safety.

Today, the wreck of that C-53 still lies where it fell — weathered but remarkably intact — and Coral Expeditions guests have the rare opportunity to visit it on our Kimberley voyages. Anchoring in nearby Vansittart Bay, we step ashore and walk across tidal flats and bushland to reach the site. The experience is quiet and powerful: standing beside the rusted airframe, it’s easy to imagine the tension of that day, and to reflect on the resilience of those who walked away from it.

This encounter with history is just one of many moments on our 10-night Kimberley expeditions, alongside visits to ancient Gwion Gwion rock art sites, dramatic waterfalls, and rarely seen coastlines.

📸Captured by Expedition Team Member @willgilmoree

With our last season of sailing through Japan & The Philippines, don’t miss the chance to experience a different and remote side of Japan’s Ryukyu Islands.
Only two staterooms remain, with the final available cabins on our Coral Deck or Explorer Deck. Swim, snorkel, and dive in pristine waters far from the crowds, and find yourself in awe of Japan’s ancient cedar forests and vibrant island culture.

This unique voyage begins in Fukuoka and takes you deep into the seldom-visited southern islands.
Explore Nagasaki’s wartime history and international influences before travelling to Yakushima, home to thousand-year-old cedar forests and a towering tree estimated to be over 7,000 years old. Continue into the Okinawan Islands, where you’ll meet coastal communities, uncover ancient legends on Okinoerabujima, and explore the coral-rich waters of the Kerama Islands.

Highlights include:
🏯 Guided tour of Nakijin’s UNESCO-listed Gusuku castle site
🌿 Walks through Yakushima’s UNESCO World Heritage forests
🌊 Snorkelling, kayaking and diving among vibrant marine life
✨ Exploring limestone caves on Okinoerabujima

Join us on this unforgettable journey through one of Japan’s most remote and culturally rich regions—before this season sails away.

🪸 The Great Barrier Reef has just been nominated for a United Nations Lifetime of Achievement Award — and it’s the first time in history a non-human has been recognized for such a powerful honor.

This is more than a nomination. It’s a tribute to one of the most extraordinary living systems on Earth. For nearly 10,000 years, the Reef has nurtured life, protected coastlines, inspired coral expeditions, and supported communities — from Traditional Owners to scientists, students, and those who work every day to protect it.

The Reef is not only vital to marine life and the planet — it’s part of our story too. Coral is in our name, and in our purpose. We’re proud to stand alongside those fighting for its future, and to celebrate everything it has given to the world.

Because sometimes, the greatest impact comes from the quiet power of nature itself.
Join us in supporting the Lifetime of Greatness Project: alifetimeofgreatness.com
#LifetimeOfGreatness #GreatBarrierReef #CoralForLife #LegacyOfTheReef

Barbecue Nights in Talbot Bay 🌅
After a day full of exploration, there`s nothing better than gathering on the back deck for a classic Aussie BBQ. Hosted by our crew in true Australian hospitality style, it’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, soak in the stunning scenery, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and share great food with even better company.