Fremantle to Darwin

The port city of Fremantle is a jewel in Western Australia's crown, largely because of its colonial architectural heritage and hippy vibe. Freo (as the locals call it) is a city of largely friendly, interesting, and sometimes eccentric residents supportive of busking, street art, and alfresco dining. Like all great port cities, Freo is cosmopolitan, with mariners from all parts of the world strolling the streets—including thousands of U.S. Navy personnel on rest and recreation throughout the year. It's also a good jumping-off point for a day trip to Rottnest Island, where lovely beaches, rocky coves, and unique wallaby-like inhabitants called quokkas set the scene.Modern Fremantle is a far cry from the barren, sandy plain that greeted the first wave of English settlers back in 1829 at the newly constituted Swan River Colony. Most were city dwellers, and after five months at sea in sailing ships they landed on salt-marsh flats that sorely tested their fortitude. Living in tents with packing cases for chairs, they found no edible crops, and the nearest freshwater was a distant 51 km (32 miles)—and a tortuous trip up the waters of the Swan. As a result they soon moved the settlement upriver to the vicinity of present-day Perth.Fremantle remained the principal port, and many attractive limestone buildings were built to service the port traders. Australia's 1987 defense of the America's Cup—held in waters off Fremantle—triggered a major restoration of the colonial streetscapes. In the leafy suburbs nearly every other house is a restored 19th-century gem.

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands are a spectacular chain of 122 coral atolls off the coast of Western Australia, renowned for their incredible marine biodiversity and crystal-clear turquoise waters. As one of the world's most significant breeding grounds for seabirds, the islands also host a thriving population of Australian sea lions and provide a sanctuary for vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Beyond their natural beauty, the archipelago is steeped in maritime history, serving as the site of the infamous Batavia shipwreck and offering visitors a remote, world-class destination for fishing, diving, and snorkeling.

Shark Bay is Australia’s largest bay, with a beach stretching over 1,000 kilometers. François Peron National Park lies within the Shark Bay World Heritage area and adjacent to the Shark Bay Marine Park. This is where the rust-red desert sand meets the dazzling white-sand beach and the azure waters of the sea. At the northerly tip of the national park is Cape Peron, sitting at the confluence of two major currents, the cape attracts an impressive array of marine life. Take a hike with the expedition team from Cape Peron to the Skipjack Point viewing platforms, perched on the cliff edge with views out across the marine park. Alternatively, join the expedition team for an interpretive nature walk through the impressive landscape of acacia-cloaked red dunes and arid shrublands surrounded by turquoise water with views over the coastline.

A spectacular collision of color spills across the seabed around North Muiron Island - which has to be one of the best spots in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving. Immerse yourself in this underwater universe as tiny fish flit between the corals, and elegant rays sweep gracefully past. Sitting off the North West Cape, the two utterly unspoiled Muiron Islands are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Ningaloo Coast. Warm Indian Ocean waters collide with the cooler waters of the West Australian Current here, forming a remarkable biological hot spot that thrives with rich life and incredible diversity. These unique conditions form masses of plankton for gentle giants of the ocean to graze upon - even luring groups of the ocean’s biggest fish - colossal whale sharks. From March to July, the cows of the sea carefully vacuum the sea bed for their food. Other massive mammals, like dugongs, dolphins, and pilot whales, also drop in throughout the year. Snorkel to look into the riot of activity below the undulating waves. Spot turtles, parrotfish, and butterfly fish among the thousands of species at home in these balmy waters. A true Gem of Western Australia’s Coral Coast, the remarkable reefs of North Muiron Island serve up a brilliant banquet of color and curiosity.

Montebello is Italian for "beautiful mountain". What a misnomer! The islands are low, flat, and arid. They were named by French Explorer Nicolas Baudin in 1801 after a battle in Italy. The war-like name may suit, as the British used the islands for three nuclear bomb tests in the 1950s. Today visitors must avoid two radioactive islands. Other islands are okay to explore. Two endangered mammals - the Mala (Rufous Hare-Wallaby) and the Djoongari (Shark Bay Mouse) - thrive here. They were almost wiped out by introduced cats and foxes on the mainland and were brought to this island ark for safety. The 170 islands are 120 kilometers (75 miles) off mainland Australia. Aboriginal people visited until eight thousand years ago, when rising sea levels after the last ice age made them too far offshore to reach. The next visitors were in 1622 when survivors of the wrecked British ship Tryall reached the arid islands. Porcupine Grass or Spinifex grows on rocky areas while wattle shrubs favor sand. The islands are an important seabird breeding colony. Look for Roseate and Greater Crested Terns. Sooty Oystercatchers forage on the rocks while Beach Stone-curlews roam beaches. Coral reefs and lagoons surround the islands in the Montebello Marine Park. One hundred and fifty species of hard coral, 450 species of fish, and 170 species of echinoderms (sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers) keep snorkelers happy. Green, Hawksbill, and Flatback Turtles nest on beaches and provide highlights when seen in the water.

Rust-colored rocks contrasting with pale Spinifex grass, white beaches, and aquamarine seas create a scenic kaleidoscope in the Dampier Archipelago. Forty-two islands lie around the similarly colored Burrup Peninsula. The archipelago is named after William Dampier, the English pirate turned explorer, who was the first European visitor in 1699. But the occupation of the area is ancient. The archipelago and peninsula are known as Murujuga by the Aboriginal people. Clearly recognizable are animals and people, while mythical beings and geometric patterns require more interpretation. The Dampier Marine Park protects the archipelago’s coral reefs, sponge gardens, and seagrass meadows. A five-meter tidal range adds rocky shores and sand flats to this list of habitats. A high biodiversity of corals and fish is matched by 1,200 mollusks. Four turtle species live in these waters including Flatback and Hawksbill Turtles. Snorkeling here reveals a rich sample of this treasure trove of life. Flora and fauna on the arid rocky islands require good adaptations. Reptiles and the shy Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby escape the midday sun in rocky overhangs. Much of the birdlife, like Ospreys and Sea-eagles, rely on the sea for food. Look for their huge stick nests on seaside rocks. Some nests are decades old, an easier time span to grasp.

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.

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.

Talbot Bay is a remote and spectacular coastal bay located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Known for its dramatic scenery and powerful natural phenomena, it is one of the most unique and visually striking destinations in Australia.

The bay is famous for the Horizontal Falls, a rare natural wonder created by massive tidal movements forcing seawater through narrow gaps between coastal cliffs. This creates the illusion of horizontal waterfalls, with rushing water forming intense currents and whirlpools.

Surrounded by rugged red cliffs, turquoise waters, and untouched wilderness, Talbot Bay is accessible mainly by boat or seaplane, adding to its sense of isolation and adventure. Visitors often explore the area through guided tours, boat rides, or scenic flights.

With its raw natural beauty, powerful tides, and remote setting, Talbot Bay offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and one of Australia’s most extraordinary coastal landscapes.

Montgomery Reef is one of the largest inshore reefs in the world, located off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia. Covering an area of over 300 square kilometers, it is a remarkable natural phenomenon shaped by some of the region’s largest tidal ranges.

What makes Montgomery Reef unique is its dramatic tidal movement. As the tide falls, vast sections of the reef rise above the sea, creating the illusion of a reef “emerging” from the ocean. Water cascades off the exposed coral platform like waterfalls, forming rushing streams and channels.

The reef is rich in marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, rays, and seabirds, making it an important ecological habitat. Visitors often explore the area by boat or scenic flight, where they can witness the shifting landscape and flowing water patterns.

Remote and largely untouched, Montgomery Reef offers a rare glimpse into the powerful natural forces of the Kimberley region, making it one of Australia’s most extraordinary and lesser-known природal wonders.

Freshwater Cove is a remote and culturally significant coastal inlet located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, mangroves, and pristine wilderness, it offers a peaceful and untouched natural setting.

The area is best known as part of the traditional lands of the Worrorra Aboriginal people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Freshwater Cove is home to an Aboriginal community that welcomes visitors for cultural experiences, offering insight into ancient traditions, art, and connection to the land.

The landscape features tidal creeks, rich marine ecosystems, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as birds, fish, and crocodiles. Its isolation means it is usually accessed by expedition cruises or small boats, adding to its sense of exclusivity.

With its blend of natural beauty and deep cultural heritage, Freshwater Cove provides a unique opportunity to experience both the wilderness of the Kimberley and the living traditions of Indigenous Australia.

Located off the wild Kimberley coast, Adele Island is a stunning, low-lying coral atoll surrounded by a massive turquoise lagoon that glows with tropical brilliance. You can witness a spectacular wildlife spectacle as the island serves as a vital sanctuary for thousands of nesting seabirds, including the elegant Lesser Frigatebird and the rare Brown Booby. While the island itself is a protected nature reserve, you can explore the surrounding "Great Barrier Reef of the North," where snorkeling in the crystal-clear shallows reveals vibrant coral gardens and passing green sea turtles.

Ashmore Reef is a sanctuary for seabirds, shorebirds, marine turtles, dugongs, and many other marine species. Each year around 100,000 seabirds breed on Ashmore Reef including great knots, crested terns and white-tailed tropicbirds. The sanctuary zone provides the highest level of protection for wildlife.

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.

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.

Vansittart Bay is a beautifully protected large bay with several islands and coves. Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. Mainly neglected by, or unknown to, the early European researchers of Aboriginal culture in the Kimberley in favour of the dominant & more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

Koolama Bay is a remote and historically significant coastal bay located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, dense bushland, and pristine waters, it reflects the raw and untouched beauty typical of this isolated part of the country.

The bay is best known for its connection to the Bombing of MV Koolama. During World War II, the passenger ship MV Koolama was attacked by Japanese aircraft and later brought into the bay, where it was beached. Today, remnants of this event remain, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the natural landscape.

Koolama Bay is also close to scenic features such as King George River and nearby waterfalls, making it a point of interest for expedition cruises exploring the Kimberley coast.

Remote and largely untouched, Koolama Bay offers a combination of dramatic scenery, rich history, and a sense of isolation, making it a fascinating stop for travelers exploring northern Australia’s wild coastline.

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.