Luxury Meets Adventure on the Ultimate Kimberley Cruise

Surrounded by pristine water, lined with sheer red cliffs and alive with the sound of thundering waterfalls, the vast Kimberley coastline is dotted with thousands of islands – the Buccaneer Archipelago alone contains more than 1000 of them. Exploring this remote part of northeastern Western Australia is best done onboard a vessel that can navigate the region’s many waterways and inlets, in the company of expert guides who can help lead you to uncover its greatest secrets. The 35-metre True North II, by luxury adventure cruise company True North, was designed specifically to traverse the region’s winding rivers in comfort and style, carrying no more than 20 travellers at a time, with almost as many crew accompanying the journey. While there’s plenty to tempt you to stay onboard and admire the landscape as it passes you by, – adventure also awaits, both on shore and off. Here are some of the experiences you can expect.

Get up close to nature

One day you might join a group of keen swimmers clambering over rocks and down 140 steps at the Grotto, a gorge that leads to a natural pool fringed by steep walls and filled with clear, fresh water. The next, you could be setting out on a guided walk through the wilderness to spot some of the region’s birds of prey, such as ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles and brahminy kites as they circle above the striking red rock formations overhead. 

Catch your own for an onboard feast

As you traverse the Kimberley’s waters, you’ll pass dramatic waterfalls, thick mangrove forests and perhaps even spot crocodiles gliding silently past – but one of the region’s greatest drawcards lies just below the surface. This is barramundi country and reeling in one of the prized fish while cruising its lively rivers aboard True North II could be one of the fondest memories you take home with you. 

When the fish take the bait, the rod almost snaps in half with the power of the pull. Then the dance begins, back and forth, between the barra and the fisher. Once you’ve brought it home, you’ll have the satisfaction of having the onboard chefs transform your catch into dinner, served with dill, lemon mashed potato and escabeche salsa. And you can be sure there’ll be a feast:  passengers have brought back anything from barramundi and fingermark bream to mangrove jack and mudcrabs, all to be enjoyed on the ship’s bow.

Arrive by air and make a splash

Picture this: you’re sitting in the front seat of a six-seat helicopter watching the sun-dappled landscape of the Kimberley open up before you. As you soar over the lively terrain, your ride slowly descends onto a rock platform where you discover there’s a secret swimming spot just footsteps away. The best part? You’ll have the entire area almost all to yourself. 

On a True North adventure, the heli-picnic day is a major affair: the chefs and crew head out first, arriving at the secluded location early to set up chairs and drinks, as well as a rope for thrill-seekers to swing into the freshwater swimming hole. Throughout the morning, passengers make their way to the picnic set-up via the helicopter that each True North vessel is equipped with. Upon landing, you’ll spend your day alternating between cooling off in the water and making return visits to the barbecue for freshly caught grilled fish – all while taking in the majesty of one of Australia’s most pristine and idyllic locations.