The Ultimate Way to Experience the Kimberley

Life feels different after savouring a chef-prepared picnic by a secluded swimming hole or marvelling at rarely glimpsed rock art. It’s the moment when you feel “the magic of the place”, says Chad Avenell, managing director of Australian luxury adventure cruise company True North. This is just the start of the many transformative experiences you’ll have in Western Australia while on a 13-night Kimberley Ultimate cruise from Kununurra/Wyndham to Broome. Here’s what you can expect. 

Venture through winding rivers and shallow waters on a Kimberley cruise

Snake up the winding rivers of the Kimberley, feel the spray from the show-stopping King George Falls and visit cliff-fringed coves that can only be accessed by sea. The purpose-built True North and True North II go deep into the wild heart of this West Australian region with an intimate group of up to 36 guests. Unlike larger ships, these vessels can cruise to the upper reaches of shallow river systems, meaning you need only step out of your luxuriously appointed cabin and onto the sundeck to find yourself face-to-face with the rugged wilderness. “Between Prince Frederick Harbour and the Prince Regent River, there’s this spot you just can’t get to any other way except by boat,” says Avenell. “I think it might be the most majestically beautiful place in the entire Kimberley.”

Sample local, sustainable produce on a fishing tour

True North’s organic and sustainable offerings are a love letter to the region’s produce. There are fresh oysters, shucked straight off the rocks and served with champagne on the bow at sunset, mud crab cooked over a fire on the beach and Kakadu plum panna cotta topped with zingy green ants that, Avenell says, “taste just like sherbet”. 

Dining extends far beyond the plate. Fishing tours are one of the highlights of the itinerary, with the barra pulled from turquoise waters in the morning often making a cameo at dinnertime. “It’s a lot of fun being able to thank the guest responsible for our meal that night,” says chef Hannah Jukes. “And if someone manages to land a Spanish mackerel, it’s enough to feed everyone.” 

Focused on using as much of the fish as possible, Jukes’ signature congee has become a menu favourite. “We simmer a fish stock for hours, adding makrut lime, lemongrass, garlic and ginger. Once it’s boiled with rice, we add fresh fish chunks and top it with crunchy shallots, sour lime and pickled ginger. It blows people away.”

Chopper in to a bush barbecue near a secluded waterfall

Uneasy with heights? True North’s heli-picnic excursion might tempt you to reconsider. After flying into the remote Eagle Falls near the Drysdale River, you’ll be treated to a bush barbecue – rib eye and freshly caught fish are regular fixtures – and a glass of chilled sparkling. “We set up beside a waterfall, cook lunch over an open flame and spend the whole day swimming, eating and drinking,” says Jukes. “There’s ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at one of the locations we go to and it’s just the most epic day.” 

In the air, expect to be amazed as you take in the craggy amber cliffs, stealth crocodiles and dappled green waterways of the Kimberley. But, Avenell says, the true mark of a transformative adventure like this is the silence. “When people’s mouths open in awe because they don’t have words for what they’re seeing, that’s the best reflection of what they’re experiencing.”