Australia Kimberly Cruise & Rail

Arrive in Broome and self-transfer to the included hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure. 

Direct flights from Perth, Western Australia. Connecting flights from all other cities. 

Gateway to the oldest and most elusive of all Australia’s nine regions, Broome is where your Kimberley adventure begins. The ancient landscape has long held travelers spellbound. 

The Kimberley region is three times larger than England, but has a population of just 35,000, is over 65,000 years old, and is home to 2,000km (1,250-miles) of coastline. Almost impenetrable, incredibly remote - the red-baked earth, prolific wildlife, majestic canyons, and swimming holes are the stuff of Australian wilderness dreams. Get set for the adventure of a lifetime!

Set off the coast of Western Australia, the Buccaneer Archipelago is one of the Kimberley's finest secrets. The Archipelago, 50 square kilometers (19 square miles), is made up of around 800 islands and protects the mainland from the huge 12-metre tides and astonishing speed of the Yampi (or, in traditional Aborigine, “Yampee”) Sound. The speed and power of the water may not make for pleasant bathing, but do however result in fantastic natural phenomena. 

One fine example is the horizontal reversible waterfall in Talbot Bay. The tidal pull is responsible for the “reversible” nature of the falls, however, this also hides narrow gaps between the islands, making for treacherous sailing conditions. The scenes that unfold during a visit to Montgomery Reef are also very much tide-depending. We hope to witness this astonishing marine spectacle, as the world's largest inshore reef, is transformed by some of the biggest tidal changes on Earth. 

Montgomery Reef, which is some 300 square kilometers in size, can show an amazing tidal change of up to 4 meters. When the tide drops, the reef seems to rise out of the water. At low tide a river is exposed that allows access to an amazing semi-submerged world. When the tide continues to ebb, Zodiacs will be used to make the way to the edge of the reef where one is surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 3 meters high. 

Continuing up the river one is able to look at the abundance of reef birds and sea creatures including turtles and manta rays. Adjacent to Montgomery Reef, but on the mainland, Freshwater Cove – locally known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Aboriginal guides will welcome guests with a traditional ochre welcome on the beach. The rock formations that can be seen along the shore represent spiritual ancestors relating to the great Wandjina battle. Caves with rock art are found in the vicinity, but can only be visited with local guides.

Continue exploring the Buccaneer Archipelago and discover more of its pristine islands.

The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system surrounded by soaring red sandstone cliffs. Narrow mangrove channels shelter numerous bird species, mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and the infamous saltwater crocodile; the most aggressive crocodile species known to man. 

Naturalist Island at the mouth of the river has a stunning stretch of sandy beach that makes a perfect landing site for small helicopters that can pick up visitors wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior. 

The highlight inland is the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the mighty Mitchell River. The headwaters of the falls are cool and a dip in the fresh water is a welcome reprieve from the heat of the heartland.

Continue to explore the incredible Hunter River Region (Western Australia)

Lost in the immensity of the Indian Ocean and situated 630km (390miles) off Broome, Ashmore Reef Marine Park is an Australian External Territory that covers 583 square km (362-sq-miles). 

With its diverse shades of blue, its underwater wonders, and feathery friends, this protected area is one of Australia’s most beautiful natural treasures. The three tiny islands and their surrounding waters are home to an oasis of flourishing wildlife. 

Ashmore Reef is known to be the favorite place of more than 40 bird species. 100,000 seabirds breed there every year, including crested terns, white-tailed tropicbirds, and greater frigatebirds. The islands are also a haven for thousands of migratory shorebirds like curlew sandpipers, bar-tailed godwits, and great knots – some of them coming from very far places like Siberia! 

On the ocean side, the colorful reef is home to around 500 species of fish but also marine turtles, dugongs, and many playful dolphins. Given the rich and fragile environment, Ashmore Reef has been declared a Sanctuary zone, providing the highest level of protection for the wildlife and minimizing disturbance from human activities. 

Only scientific research is permitted but the visitors can access the Recreational Use Zone, which includes a small area of the West Island, and thus discover this unique place.

Vansittart Bay is located near the northern tip of Western Australia. Phillip Parker King named the bay during one of his four surveys of Northern Australia during the early 19th century. 

Interesting parts of the bay include Jar Island and the opportunity to view Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) and Wandjina styles of rock art. For these two different rock art styles there are two sites in close proximity. An area with an example of a more recent history is the Anjo Peninsula. 

A beach landing and a short hike across a lagoon or - depending on the tides - a walk around the lagoon will lead to a World War II site. An almost intact wreck of an old airplane, a C-53, can be seen lying there.

Where the Outback meets the ocean, the King George River offers one of the Kimberley’s most striking and immersive experiences. Guests will board Zodiacs for an unforgettable journey through winding channels framed by towering red cliffs and ancient geological formations. 

This exclusive cruise offers a front-row seat to the raw, untamed beauty of the region, where saltwater crocodiles bask along the banks and Brahminy Kites soar overhead. It’s not just a scenic ride—it’s a voyage through deep time, rich in history and natural wonder, revealing the wild spirit of Australia’s remote northwest.

Wyndham is a small settlement with the spirit of a Kimberley outback township. It was established in 1886 with the Halls Creek gold rush and sits on the Cambridge Gulf where several rivers converge. 

Today Wyndham has a population of roughly 900 people and operates largely as a port exporting cattle, servicing the mining industry, and hosting a few small ships. For these vessels, Wyndham is a gateway to the nearby Ord River. 

Conversely, cruising the peaceful and tree-lined Ord River is a chance to look for freshwater crocodiles, fruit bats, short-eared rock wallabies, and a variety of birds, including Mangrove Herons and Mangrove Gerygones. 

Please note: All destinations on voyages in the Kimberley region, and the order in which they are visited, are subject to tidal variations and weather conditions.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Australia's capital of the north is a uniquely tropical city, and a historically isolated outpost of this vast, diverse country. Reaching up towards the equator, a full 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne, the city was named in honor of Charles Darwin by the British settlers who established a frontier outpost here. 

With a unique history, beautiful islands nearby, and a palette of sizzling Pacific flavors, colorful Darwin is an enchanting and exotic Australian destination. Crocodiles patrol the jungled waterways and tropical rainforests around Australia's gateway to the Top End. 

Explore via airboat to look down on the veiny waterways of the mist-laced Kakadu National Park. The sounds of chattering birdlife and the gentle splash of fountains and waterfalls will fill your ears in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Soak it all in, before kicking back and relaxing with a picnic and a crackling barbecue. 

The sunshine and famous tropical pink sunsets mean many visitors naturally gravitate to the city's soft sands to relax at spots like pretty Mindil Beach, as evening approaches. The adjoining market is filled with souvenirs and crafts stands and is the perfect place to enjoy some fiery Asian flavors. Stroll the stalls, grab some food, and crack open an ice-frosted beer as the sunset show begins. 

It may be remote, but Darwin found itself on the front line during the Pacific War, as the Japanese air force unloaded their bombs onto the city in 1942. This relaxed unassuming city has a deeply resilient backbone, however, and you can explore the museums to learn more of the war's impact on Darwin, as well as the devastating effects of one of Australia's worst natural disasters, Cyclone Tracy in 1973.

830am to 1pm

Embark on a captivating tour of Darwin, immersing yourself in the city's rich history. Your tour includes the Darwin Aviation Museum, where you'll delve into the fascinating world of aviation history. Admire the impressive collection of 19 aircraft on display, including the iconic B-52 Bomber on loan from the United States Air Force. 

Continue to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), a treasure trove of artistic and scientific excellence. Explore its internationally renowned collections and research programs, the highlight being the largest permanent display of Aboriginal Art in Australia. 

Afterwards, visit the tranquil Darwin Botanic Gardens, one of the few in the world that has marine and estuarine plants naturally in its grounds.

Rest of day at leisure

730am to 730pm

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore the wonders of Kakadu National Park! Departing from tropical Darwin, we journey through lush floodplains into the heart of Australia’s largest national park—UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometres (12,500 sq-miles), Kakadu is a treasure trove of biodiversity, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and dramatic landscapes.

Your day begins with a Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River, where you’ll witness the power of saltwater crocodiles leaping from the water in their natural habitat. 

Next, we make a stop at the Corroboree Park Tavern, where you’ll have the chance to purchase lunch or snacks and support the local community. From there, we travel deeper into Kakadu and visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, offering insights into the park’s natural and cultural significance, with informative displays on Aboriginal culture and the unique local environment.

We then head to Cahills Crossing, a well-known crocodile hotspot and one of the few access points into Arnhem Land - a treasured Aboriginal area. This area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography, especially when the tides bring crocodiles close to the crossing. Please note: access to Cahills Crossing is seasonal and dependent on weather conditions.

From here, we visit Ubirr Rock, home to some of the world’s most impressive and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Wander through rock galleries that date back thousands of years and gain a deep appreciation for the connection between the land and its traditional custodians. A short climb to the top offers panoramic views over the Nadab floodplain and Arnhem Land—an unforgettable sight. If Ubirr is inaccessible due to seasonal conditions, we’ll explore Nourlangie Rock (Burrungkuy) instead.

As the day draws to a close, we make our return journey to Darwin. Reflect on a day filled with natural wonders, ancient traditions, and breathtaking views. This day tour is a rich blend of culture, nature, and adventure—an unforgettable experience in one of Australia’s most iconic regions.

INCLUDED (lunch at own expense):

• Kakadu Park Pass entry fee included
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
• Guided walk through Aboriginal rock art site
• Australian flora and fauna sightings
• Accredited outback driver guide with local tour commentary
• Air-conditioned mini coach travel
• Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
• 1 hour Adelaide River Crocodile Cruise

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and transfered to the Darwin Railway station to board the iconic The Ghan train. 

Celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome drink and canapes and before you board, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos with The Ghan’s bold red locomotive. 

Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. 

In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge and a cruise is on offer to showcase the beauty of this spot. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, while the Cutta Cutta Cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history. Or, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight over Nitmiluk. (L,D)

Wake up in the Australian outback as the train drawers closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. Enjoy a big breakfast on board before your arrival into the Alice, ready for a day of Off Train Experiences. 

There’s an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road e-bike adventure, the Alice Explorer tour that takes in The Historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, spot Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air, with an optional upgrade scenic flight.

In the evening, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition begins. Dine under a blanket of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, with red earth at your feet and white tablecloths at your fingertips. This will be a night to remember. (B,L,D)

From your morning stop at the remote Manguri, where you’ll see the sunrise, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. 

Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Off Train Experiences on offer include exploring the majestic Breakaways, touring the town, learning more about mining history on the Opal Experience, or an optional upgrade with the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre scenic flight.

For your final night on board The Ghan, dinner is served on the train, and afterwards enjoy a nightcap with fellow travellers who have now become friends as your journey continues towards Adelaide. (B,L,D)

This morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail experiences. (B)

Disembark in Adelaide for your onward flight home, or ask about our alternative accommodation options in Adelaide, or Kangaroo Island.