Aerial Views
Take to the skies for sweeping views of river systems, mangroves and waterfalls that define this vast wilderness.
Cruise Western Australia
A wild coastal adventure far from civilisation on a boat built for experience…
This expedition cruise explores Australia’s magnificent Kimberley coast, a region of wild ranges, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, ancient rock art and extraordinary wildlife.
Remote and little visited, the Kimberley’s vast coastline of rivers, mangroves and sandstone cliffs is best explored by sea. This 10 day expeditionary cruise blends the thrill of discovery with considered comfort – expert guides, refined dining and the ease of travelling through one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Operating from March to September, the season captures both the drama of the wet’s retreat and the clarity of the dry. Early departures reveal thundering waterfalls and lush vegetation, while later months bring calm seas and glowing sunsets.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Luxury Afloat
Sail aboard True North, a boutique expedition vessel combining adventure with exceptional comfort and service.
Ancient Rock Art
Discover Aboriginal rock art, including the mysterious Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings — among the oldest known to humankind.
Wildlife Encounters
Spot saltwater crocodiles, turtles and dolphins, and look for birdlife and graceful manta rays along the Kimberley coast.
Why Steppes?
Rated Excellent
on Trustpilot
One of the World's Top 5
Travel Specialists
Transparent and
Accountable
-
Day 1
Arrive Broome
-
Day 2
Buccaneer Archipelago
-
Day 3
Montgomery Reef
-
Day 4
Prince Regent River
-
Day 5
The Kimberley
-
Day 6
Hunter River
-
Day 7
Swift Bay
-
Day 8
Mitchell River
-
Day 9
Eagle Falls
-
Day 10
King George River
-
Day 11
Kununurra
Day 1
Arrive Broome
Arrive in Broome where you will board True North and meet your expedition team. As the sun sets over Cable Beach, settle into life on board with a welcome drink and dinner while the ship sails north into the remote Kimberley coast.
Day 2
Buccaneer Archipelago
Wake among the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Join a tender through mangrove-fringed bays, or take a scenic flight over the Horizontal Falls. Fishermen can try for barramundi while others explore secluded coves before sunset cocktails on deck.
Day 3
Montgomery Reef
Watch the world’s largest inshore reef rise dramatically with the falling tide, exposing cascading waterfalls and rich marine life. Explore by tender, spotting turtles and rays, before a swim at Ruby Falls and an evening anchored beneath glowing red cliffs.
Day 4
Prince Regent River
Cruise deep into the Prince Regent River, a natural geological wonder. Walk to freshwater pools surrounded by tropical vegetation, admire King Cascade’s tiered falls, and explore ancient Aboriginal rock art hidden within the sandstone.
Day 5
The Kimberley
Take a helicopter inland to a secluded billabong. Swim in clear water, picnic under paperbark trees, and soak up the stillness of one of Australia’s most remote landscapes before returning to the comfort of True North.
Day 6
Hunter River
Journey through the striking sandstone escarpments of the Hunter River. Spot saltwater crocodiles, sea eagles and kingfishers among the mangroves, then enjoy a sunset barbecue on Crystal Beach, framed by towering cliffs.
Day 7
Swift Bay
Discover the Wandjina rock art galleries of Swift Bay, evidence of one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures. Spend the afternoon beachcombing, collecting oysters, or enjoying a leisurely swim before drinks on the sand.
Day 8
Mitchell River
Cruise up the Mitchell River in search of crocodiles and birdlife. Take a scenic helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls for a swim beneath the cascades, then return for dinner under the stars with fine wine and Kimberley flavours.
Day 9
Eagle Falls
Explore Vansittart Bay and view Gwion Gwion rock art before flying to the remote Eagle Falls. Enjoy a picnic beside the falls and an afternoon of fishing or photography surrounded by rugged sandstone country.
Day 10
King George River
Navigate upriver beneath sheer ochre cliffs to the twin King George Falls, the Kimberley’s highest. Feel the spray as True North positions beneath the torrent — a fitting finale to this epic journey.
Day 11
Kununurra
Enjoy breakfast on deck as the coastline softens into savannah. Disembark for your transfer to Kununurra and onward travel.
Life Onboard
True North Boat
The True North is hard to beat in terms of on board comfort, cuisine and service, but still retaining a real sense of adventure. With a maximum of 36 passengers and an extremely high crew to guest ratio she has an intimate feel with truly personal service and more flexibility than some other boats. A big wow factor is the ships onboard helicopter – this combined with the ships shallow draft and expedition boats allow access to otherwise inaccessible areas of this vast wilderness. The predominantly Australian crew share deep knowledge of the Kimberley’s landscapes and wildlife, and the food on board is sublime, from freshly picked black-lip oysters to pearl meat. Each voyage includes a resident biologist and expert guides.
All the R's
Rivers, Reef and Rock Art
During this holiday you will cruise through mighty river systems, venture to the top and bottom of dramatic waterfalls, journey into dense mangrove forests, witness unique reef eco-systems, and explore caves, home to aboriginal art galleries. As well as accessing hidden areas by expedition boat, there is the chance to see some of the sites from the bird’s eye view of a helicopter. There can’t be many better ways to see the splendours of this vast part of the world, with its maze of creeks and endless coast. Relax on secluded beaches, swim in hidden creeks, go fishing, mud crabbing, bird watching and croc spotting.
Where land meets sea
Wildlife of the Kimberley Coast
The Kimberley is home to a wealth of wildlife. In the water, you’re likely to spot saltwater crocodiles, with the chance of seeing dolphins, dugongs, tawny nurse sharks and turtles. Birdlife is equally rich, from egrets and pelicans to kingfishers, ospreys and several species of booby that nest along the coast. On selected alternative voyages, True North ventures further offshore to the Rowley Shoals — three remote coral atolls covering around 145 square kilometres. These little-visited reefs offer some of the finest diving and snorkelling in the world, with the chance to swim among trevally, groupers, reef sharks and a dazzling array of tropical fish.
Contact Us
Start planning your trip
Send us an enquiry
Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.
Review Contact Form
Suggested Extension
Australia: Ningaloo Reef
Fly to the Ningaloo reef and escape the world at the wonderful Sal Salis tented camp, where the outback meets the reef. A range of activities are included during a stay here, including kayaking, walking and snorkelling, with the chance to swim with whale sharks (March to August) or humpback whales (July to October) as an optional add on. The Cape Range National Park is also on the doorstep and is home to the iconic red kangaroo plus a host of wonderful birdlife.
4 days. Price on request
Suggested Extension
Australia: Kakadu & Arnhem Land
An extension to the Northern Territories works perfectly between May and October for wildlife, waterfalls and Aboriginal culture. Fly to Darwin and journey overland into the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Spend three days exploring floodplains and vast panoramas in the company of Lords Safaris. Camp out and experience a remote and magical part of Australia alongside guides who offer privileged access to sacred Aboriginal lands.
4 days from £1,995 pp
Suggested Extension
Australia: The Kimberley by Land
Explore the wild beauty of the Kimberley on a land based adventure. Self drive across rugged red plains, past cavernous gorges, wide riverbeds and open savanna. Or, base yourself on a traditional homestead such as El Questro for a real taste of the people and stories that define this remarkable region.
4 days. Price on request
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
-
-
-
The voyage explores and helps raise awareness of fragile marine ecosystems such as the Rowley Shoals and coastal mangroves. With small guest numbers and expert naturalist guides, the experience supports responsible tourism that values reef conservation and marine biodiversity.
Excursions into the Kimberley’s river systems and gorges promote understanding of terrestrial conservation and the protection of habitats for species such as saltwater crocodiles, ospreys and wallabies. Respect for Country and guidance from local experts highlight the importance of preserving Australia’s unique natural heritage.
True North operates with a strong sustainability ethos — sourcing local produce, managing waste responsibly and maintaining small group sizes to minimise impact. Guests are encouraged to connect with the landscape in meaningful, low-impact ways that foster long-term respect for the environment.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?