The Wet & Wild Kimberley

Wild Encounters on the Abrolhos Islands & Coral Coast Cruise

Sailing from Broome to Fremantle isn’t just a voyage. It’s an expedition through some of Western Australia’s most remote and wildlife-rich waters. Covering over 1,200 nautical miles, this journey offers the rare chance to observe a stunning diversity of animals in their natural habitats.

Keep your eyes on the horizon. This stretch of ocean is part of the migratory route for humpback whales, and sightings during the season can be nothing short of breathtaking.

Whether it’s spotting sea lions lounging on the rocks, rare seabirds nesting on remote islands, or vibrant reef life below the surface, every day brings a new discovery.

For those looking to experience even more of Australia’s wild coastline, this voyage can be seamlessly combined with our Kimberley Cruise. Journey deeper into one of the world’s last great wilderness areas where ancient landscapes meet tidal waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, and more extraordinary wildlife.

Two iconic expeditions. One unforgettable adventure.

Early mornings… a pro or con of expedition cruising?
💯 Absolutely a PRO.

When you`re expedition cruising, you’re not following a strict schedule. You’re following nature’s. And nature likes an early start. Waking up with the sun means front-row seats to some of the most breathtaking sunrises you’ll ever witness. Golden light spills over ancient sandstone escarpments, mist lifts from red rock gorges, and silence is broken only by birdsong.

It’s also prime time for wildlife. This is when animals are on the move. Wallabies navigate rocky ledges, brahminy kites ride the morning thermals, saltwater crocodiles bask along the riverbanks, and jabirus stalk the mudflats. The Kimberley is waking up, and you get to be part of it.

Early starts also mean more time ashore before the tides shift or the weather changes, giving you a better shot at those off-the-beaten-track landings. Whether it’s hiking to a hidden rock art site, cruising through mangrove-lined creeks, or watching Montgomery Reef rise with the tide, it all begins before most travellers have even had their first cup of coffee.

So yes, early mornings aren’t just part of the adventure.
They are the Kimberley.

Exciting sea day moments from August! 🐋

The Humpback Highway provides exceptional opportunities to witness humpbacks, dolphins, and even flying fish! If you’ve always wanted to explore northern Australian waters and see this stunning coastline up close, now is your perfect time to cruise with us.

From August to September, our cruises take you to some of Australia’s most remote and breathtaking regions — including the Abrolhos Islands, the wild escarpments of the Kimberley, and the culturally rich coasts of Cape York and Arnhem Land. Whether you`re snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, watching whales breach against dramatic backdrops, or stepping ashore to learn about ancient Indigenous cultures and maritime history, every day is filled with unforgettable experiences.

Traveling aboard Coral Expeditions means small-group exploration, expert-guided excursions, and exclusive access to places few ever get to see. Discover the raw beauty, wildlife, and stories of Australia’s north on a journey that’s as enriching as it is awe-inspiring.

Guests exploring the breathtaking Kimberley coastline consistently rave about the comfort and capability of our Xplorer tender vessels. Specially designed for this rugged and remote region, the Xplorers allow effortless access to otherwise unreachable beaches and secluded inlets, thanks to their flat-bottomed hulls and front ramps for smooth walk-off disembarkation. With comfortable seating for up to 70 guests, open sides for panoramic views, and a shaded roof for protection from the Kimberley sun, these vessels provide a relaxed and immersive way to experience the dramatic landscape. Clear awnings shield against wind and spray, while the onboard sound system enhances each journey with expert interpretation of the region’s natural and cultural wonders. Guests particularly appreciate the seamless transfers to Zodiacs, the onboard toilet, and the sense of security offered by built-in safety features and reliable communication with the ship. Powered by high-speed, long-range engines, the Xplorers are as dependable as they are comfortable, making them a favorite part of the Kimberley expedition experience.

Guests aboard Coral Adventurer witnessed a powerful moment of nature at Montgomery Reef, Australia’s largest inshore reef system, which covers approximately 400 square kilometres and stretches over 80 kilometres along the Kimberley coast. Known for its extreme tidal shifts up to 10 metres - the reef dramatically transforms as water rushes away, revealing vast coral flats and creating strong currents. This tawny nurse shark had likely been swimming across the reef during high tide but became trapped as the water receded rapidly. Stranded and fully exposed, the sight offered a rare and striking reminder of the ocean’s power and the challenges marine life face in such a dynamic environment.

📸 Stan

#TheKimberley #AustraliasNorthWest #MontgomeryReef #CoralExpeditions #WesternAustralia

June in the Kimberley was impossibly beautiful.

Clear, crisp days stretched beneath endless blue skies, and the land felt alive with colour and movement. Wildlife sightings were at their peak, freshwater crocs drifted silently through still waterways, turtles crossed remote beaches, and rock wallabies darted across ochre cliffs.

The rivers were full, the waterfalls flowing, and the best of the Kimberley was on full display. From ancient gorges to glowing sunsets, every moment felt like it belonged in a dream.

Now, as the season deepens, we can’t wait to see the magic of July unfold.

#KimberleyMagic #VisitKimberley #ExploreWA #WesternAustralia #KimberleyWildlife #WildWA #OutbackWA #WAAdventures #DiscoverWA #WildernessWA #NatureWA #TravelWA #KimberleyCoast #WATourism #AustraliaOutback

Winter in the Kimberley is our kind of wonderland.
Trade cold mornings for sun-drenched days, red cliffs, and turquoise seas. It’s the perfect time to escape the chill and explore one of Australia’s most extraordinary regions.
Jump into one of our upcoming cruises before the season ends or start planning your winter escape for next year.
#KimberleyCruise #CoralExpeditions #SmallShipAdventure #ExploreAustralia #WinterEscape

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

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/