Solar Eclipse over Western Australia: Sailing the Kimberley Coast – with Smithsonian Journeys

Darwin is the cultural hub of the continent’s northernmost region. The laid-back city got its name after the HMS Beagle sailed into the harbor during a surveying expedition in 1839. The famed naturalist Charles Darwin was so esteemed that its captain named this newest discovery for him. Today, it is the largest city in the thinly populated Northern Territory state. It boasts a rich and lively arts and culture scene, much of it centered on the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Its collection of art and artifacts reflects the region and its indigenous people.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Named by Phillip Parker King in 1819 after The English Judge and royal commissioner John Thomas Bigge, Bigge Island is known as Wuuyuru to the Wunambal people of the Kimberley Coast. Wuuyuru is a significant site for Aboriginal people and is the resting place of the boss Wandjina Aarwarrndju. The easily accessible galleries are also home to more recent images of sailing ships and what appears to be figures smoking pipes. Some have suggested that this is evidence of first European contact with Aboriginal people on the Kimberley coast. Whether it was Dutch or English sailors of the 1600s, French sailors of the Baudin expedition or New South Wales surveyors such as Philip Parker King or John Lort Stokes of the early 1800s, we will never know. Join your expedition team ashore for a guided walk to a number of rock art galleries depicting the Wandjina style.

At sea, facing completely unobstructed skies, the Captain will take you, weather conditions permitting, in search of the best place to observe the total eclipse. On board, admire the horizon plunge suddenly into darkness and enjoy this unique spectacle, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun.

The Bonaparte Archipelago is a rugged maze of islands that stretch almost 150km along Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast. Remaining relatively unspoilt and remarkably pristine, Swift Bay is landscaped by heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art. Join your expedition team ashore for a guided walk to a number of rock art galleries depicting these unique rock art styles.

Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River are lined with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves and mosaic sandstone cliffs. They are considered to be some of the most pristine mangrove forests in the world, containing up to 18 different species, supporting a rich and diverse fauna. The sandstone escarpment at the river mouth, known as “Kampamantiya” rises over 200 metres high before giving way to extensive mud banks and mangrove forests home to numerous bird species and the iconic saltwater crocodile. Our expert Expedition Team will share their knowledge with you as you explore this pristine mangrove environment by zodiac keeping a constant lookout for wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to reach the Mitchell Falls by helicopter from Naturalist Island beach.

Careening Bay was named by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King when he careened his ship, HMC Mermaid during a voyage of discovery in 1820. After a series of leaks onboard the Mermaid, King set out for a shallow sandy bay which to careen and carry out repairs. For ten days the Mermaid crew worked hard before refloating the vessel. The ship’s carpenter carved the name of the vessel and the year into a conspicuous boab tree. The famous boab tree is now 3 metres wide and National Heritage listed.

Collier Bay is located on the rocky and deserted coast of one of the most remote region of the Kimberley, that visitors can only approach by ship. The tidal movements, amongst the largest range of anywhere on the planet create amazing phenomena as seawater comes in or out: the “Horizontal Waterfalls”, a waterfall up to 4m high between the narrow passages of the vertiginous cliffs in Talbot Bay or Montgomery reef, a spectacular example of the impact of these tides cascading in mini-waterfalls as the entire reef appears to rise from the turquoise-blue waters of the bay. Containing large areas of shallow lagoon, seagrass beds and corals, Montgomery reef is Australia’s largest inshore reef. In this majestic landscape, you enter an aboriginal area. Some outstanding open air painted caves galleries alluding to their myths of creation can be observed after a hike on the hills. As we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions in this region, the activities mentioned below are only possible experiences and can’t be guaranteed.

The Lacepedes are a group of four islands, perfectly nestled off the Kimberley coast. The islands are imperative to Australia’s rich wildlife as they are key breeding habitats for Green Turtles and are home to a wealth of birds such as Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds and the largest colony of Brown Bobbies in the world. Join your expedition team for a guided zodiac tour to view the prolific wildlife. Due to the sensitive nature of the environment, landings are prohibited on the Lacepede Islands.

Broome, a coastal town in Western Australia, is famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located on the Indian Ocean, it boasts Cable Beach, known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and iconic camel rides at sunset. Once a pearling hub, Broome retains its multicultural heritage, reflected in its cuisine and architecture. The town is also the gateway to the Kimberley region, offering breathtaking landscapes and unique natural attractions like the Staircase to the Moon. With warm weather year-round and a laid-back atmosphere, Broome is a perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.