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Kimberley Icons, Ashmore & The Rowley Shoals

Departs Darwin & Broome12 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $10,340.00* PP

This itinerary combines our classic 10-day Kimberley itinerary with a visit to the spectacular Rowley Shoals Marine Park and Ashmore Reef. Witness magnificent coastal vistas created by towering rock ridges, silent secluded gorges, abundant wildlife, and massive tidal movements. Expert guides interpret 40,000-year-old rock art, and retrace the history of Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline 200 years ago. Board a Zodiac and touch the spray from the magnificent King George River and its towering 80-metre sandstone escarpments. Join an expert guide to learn about the history of the ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock paintings. Witness waterfalls cascading off Montgomery Reef as it rises out of the ocean on the ebbing tide, whilst discovering the reef’s diverse marine life. Finish off the voyage at a chain of coral atolls offering some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities in the world. Their shallow lagoons are inhabited by myriad coral species and marine life, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, at least 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish – many of which are not found on other coral reefs.

  • Experience cruising down scenic King George River getting up close to 80m tall sandstone cliffs
  • Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels
  • Visit Indigenous rock art galleries and learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art
  • Birdwatch at Ashmore Reef and look out for turtles at Adele Island
  • Get up close to Montgomery Reef and discover the tidal reef’s diverse marine life
  • Snorkel or dive the pristine and rarely visited Rowley Shoals Marine Park and Scott Reef, accompanied by our onboard Marine Biologist

Itinerary

Coral Expeditions_Kimberely Icons Ashmore The Rowley Shoals_Darwin_Broome_12 Nights

The following itinerary shows departing Darwin and arriving Broome. For the opposite direction, the itinerary is in reverse. 

Darwin Port

Darwin Departures: Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf for boarding at 8:00am, with time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00am departure. There will be a light breakfast available upon boarding before we cruise across Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters.

Broome Departures: Arrive at the designated meeting point (advised closer to your departure) before our transfer to Broome Deep Water Port for boarding at 4:00pm. Settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure.

Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before join the expedition team in the Bridge Deck Lounge for an introduction to the Kimberley. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Note for 10 September 2025 Darwin departure: Coral Adventurer will depart from Darwin East Arm wharf on 10 September 2025. This departure will include pre-cruise transfers due to the location of the wharf.  A pick-up location will be advised to guests in pre-departure documents. The pick up with be at 7 am for an 8 am boarding. 

King George River Sandstone Cliffs

Cruise down the scenic King George River,  through steep-sided gorges carved by a flooded river system that carved a swathe through the Kimberley landscape 400 million years ago. We will take the opportunity to get up close and view the honeycomb erosion patterns of the 80m tall sandstone cliffs.

Swifts Bay

Today we will land at either Jar Island, Swift Bay, Wollsaton Bay or Bigge Island. Each of these locations are home to fantastic Wandjina and Gwion Gwion Rock Art (Bradshaw) galleries.

Stretch your legs and explore the magnificent sandstone structures, providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters is where we will find examples of this rock art.

The territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands is made up of the West, Middle and East Islands of Ashmore Reef, as well as Cartier Island and the surrounding 12 nautical mile territorial sea. These islands are uninhabited, making them the perfect location for seabird breeding. Each year around 100,000 seabirds flock to the marine parks three tiny islands.

The reef here boasts a wide diversity of marine life, including over 70 fish species and 255 varieties of coral. To protect this reef, the Australia Government declared the Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve in 1983. The islands also have a significant marine turtle nesting area and migratory bird populations.

Here we will spend time birdwatching, swimming and snorkelling the pristine reef.

A group of four separate reef structures including Scott Reef South, Scott Reef Central, Scott Reef North and Seringapatam Reef – These atolls are situated on the continental shelf in the Timor Sea.

Weather and tide permitting we will snorkel and dive the outer reef – The sheer walls and diverse ecosystems of this acclaimed coral habitat will take your breath away! Enjoy nature and history interpretations from your Expedition Team.

Boobie Birds Kimberley

Weather and tide permitting we will visit the remote and beautiful Adele Island. Pristine, teeming with breeding bird and supported by coral reef that surrounds it, Adele Island was declared a Nature Reserve in 2001. Adele Island is recognised for its bird breeding sanctuary, classified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area for its seabirds and waders.

Adele Reef is one of the more unique reef habitats on the planet, with exclusive discoveries reported in this area. This area is of great scientific interest as it provides an environmental link between the Kimberley’s oceanic and inshore reef systems.

Montgomery-Reef-The-Kimberley-Western-Australia

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km and was named by Phillip Parker King. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth 11m tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the Indian Ocean in a cascade of rushing water revealing a flat-topped reef pockmarked with rock pools and rivulets.

As the reef emerges, we get up close in our Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to witness the spectacle as our Expedition Team share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the emerging reef, feeding on marine life left exposed in rock pools. Turtles, dolphins, dugongs and sawfish too are also attracted to feeding opportunities as the ocean recedes.

The ocean is awash in a swirl of eddies and whirlpools as the moon’s gravitational force takes hold. Then, a few hours later the entire water-borne drama is reversed as the tide comes in and Montgomery Reef disappears below sea level.

Learn more about Montgomery Reef >

Kimberley Coral Expeditions Raft Point

Raft Point guards the entrance to Doubtful Bay, a vast body of sheltered water which harbours significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries located a short walk from the beach and are considered some of the finest in the Kimberley. Doubtful Bay is the traditional country of the Worrora people who follow the Wandjina, their god, law-maker and creator. Images of Wandjina are found throughout the Kimberley, recording their stories, knowledge and culture in stone.

Depending on the tides we will visit Red Cone Creek, which flows gently downstream until it meets the small but impressive Ruby Falls. Named by local mariner Capt. Chris Tucker after his daughter, Red Cone Creek is carved through rock formations stacked atop each other like building blocks. These rock walls are great for climbing and clambering over before reaching a series of freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls. The falls may be a gurgling torrent or a gentle trickle, depending on the time of the year.

If traditional owner guides are available we may visit Wijingarra Bard Bard (Freshwater Cove) with a hike to the hinterland to view rock art at Cyclone Cave.

Horizontal-Falls-The-Kimberley-Cruise-Coral-Expeditions

The Horizontal Falls are one of the Kimberley’s biggest attractions and are a result of the mammoth 11m tides for which the Kimberley is renowned. Naturalist David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.’

This natural phenomenon has been created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids on our Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of our Kimberley expedition cruises.

Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated at over 2 billion years old. At Cyclone Creek, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands past Koolan Island.

Kimberley Coral Expeditions Lacepedes

The Lacepede Islands are a protected class-A nature reserve and are significant as a seabird nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted at the Lacepedes include Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets and gulls. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles.

If weather and tide conditions are suitable, we will explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.

Coral Expeditions At The Reef

At the edge of the continental shelf, 170 nautical miles offshore, lie the Rowley Shoals a chain of 3 coral atolls including Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs. The shoals, named by Captain Phillip Parker King, offer some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities in the world. Their shallow lagoons are inhabited by myriad coral species and marine life, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, at least 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish – many of which are not found on other coral reefs. Diving along the outside edge of the shoals one can view colourful soft corals, hammerheads and pelagic fish. Water clarity here is absolutely unparalleled, making for superb underwater photography opportunities.

Conditions permitting, we will spend 1-2 days at Clerke, with ample time for snorkelling and diving opportunities. With each atoll covering approximately 90sq km, there will be plenty to see! Guided by our on-board marine biologist, snorkel away the day in the coral gardens of the Aquarium at Clerke Reef, or dive along the sheer vertical walls and through coral canyons. If time and tide permit, we may also visit Bedwell Island, with a chance to look out for the rate red-tailed tropicbird.

Kimberley Coral Expeditions Broome

Our incredible adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the Captain and crew.

Broome Arrival: Arrive in Broome this morning at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer to Broome CBD or Airport is included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome.

Darwin Arrival: Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 08:30am. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling. Visits to outer reefs, islands and atolls will be subject to weather conditions at the time. If we cannot visit these locations they will be replaced with additional locations on the Kimberley Coast.




Fares & Availability

Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

1 Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

2 Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

27 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

16 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

12 Available
Book this Departure
Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

2 Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

2 Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

28 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

16 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

12 Available
Book this Departure
Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

1 Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

1 Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

25 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

12 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

7 Available
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Suites

Private Balcony - 37.5m2

6 Available

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

26 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

16 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

11 Available
Book this Departure
Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

2 Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

1 Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

27 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

15 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

12 Available
Book this Departure
Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

2 Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

2 Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

28 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

16 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

12 Available
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Suites

Private Balcony - 37.5m2

6 Available

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

26 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

14 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

12 Available
Book this Departure

Prices are per person twin share, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST.  Booking Terms & Conditions >
For solo traveller rates see our Solo Traveller Program >

Additional Information

Inclusions:

  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

Not Included:

  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
  • SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)
Ship-Information---Coral-Discoverer---Great-Barrier-Reef
More-Info-Kimberley-Cruise

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