Darwin to Perth

Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Darwin:

• cruise the Darwin Harbour
• explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
• visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens

Koolama Bay, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is steeped in both natural beauty and historical significance. This secluded bay, named after the SS Koolama ship that was bombed during World War II and subsequently beached here, offers a poignant reminder of Australia’s wartime history amidst a landscape of dramatic coastal wilderness.

The bay is part of the larger Cambridge Gulf, known for its rich marine life and significant tidal movements, which sculpt its striking mudflats and mangroves. Accessible primarily by boat, Koolama Bay serves as a gateway to exploring the rugged Kimberley coast, with opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and soaking in the untouched natural scenery. Its isolation and pristine environment make it an intriguing destination for those exploring one of Australia’s most unspoiled regions.

Jar Island is situated within Vansittart Bay and is famous for its outdoor art gallery of Gwion Gwion rock paintings, believed to be among the oldest in the world. These intricate artworks provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient Indigenous culture, inviting visitors to contemplate the lives of those who lived here thousands of years ago.

The bay's landscape is characterized by dramatic red cliffs, sandy beaches, and clear turquoise waters, offering a serene environment for exploring by boat or on foot. The area is also a hotspot for spotting diverse wildlife, including sea turtles and numerous bird species, enhancing the sense of adventure for all who visit.

Swift Bay, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and ancient Aboriginal rock art. The bay's rugged coastline, with dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches, offers a pristine escape from the modern world. A key attraction of Swift Bay is its remarkable collection of Aboriginal rock art, depicting animals, human figures, and traditional symbols. These ancient artworks provide valuable insights into the lives of the Indigenous people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years.

Accessible primarily by boat, Swift Bay remains largely untouched, allowing visitors to experience the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Kimberley. Its combination of cultural heritage and natural splendour makes Swift Bay a unique destination in Western Australia.

Hunter River in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region offers an extraordinary blend of rugged beauty and rich wildlife. This secluded area, accessible mainly by sea, features towering sandstone cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The river's tranquil waters are perfect for leisurely cruises, providing opportunities to spot saltwater crocodiles and an array of bird species.

Explore the ancient Indigenous rock art sites that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into the region’s deep cultural heritage. The surrounding wilderness is home to diverse flora and fauna, making guided bushwalks a must for nature enthusiasts. Hunter River promises a captivating experience, combining breathtaking scenery with fascinating wildlife and cultural insights.

Ashmore Reef, a remote coral atoll in the Timor Sea off the northwest coast of Australia, is a protected marine park renowned for its biodiversity and significance as a breeding ground for seabirds and marine life. This isolated reef complex comprises several sand cays surrounded by vibrant coral gardens that teem with an array of sea creatures including turtles, reef sharks, and countless species of tropical fish.

Access to Ashmore Reef is highly regulated to protect its delicate ecosystems, with visits typically by Zodiac excursion. Experience a unique opportunity to view the natural beauty and marine diversity of the reef without disturbing the habitat; a pristine example of marine conservation in action.

Adele Island in the Kimberley region of Australia is a small, uninhabited atoll known for its significant bird and marine life. This remote sanctuary is encircled by vibrant coral reefs and serves as a breeding ground for various seabird species and a resting spot for migratory birds. The surrounding waters are also rich with marine biodiversity, including turtles and reef sharks, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

As a protected nature reserve, Adele Island is accessible only by permission, and is coordinated by your cruise hosts to focus on ecological exploration. Visitors get a rare opportunity to observe untouched natural habitats and marine ecosystems up close, making it an exceptional destination for those looking to connect with nature’s pristine beauty.

Montgomery Reef, located off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia, is a remarkable natural phenomenon that covers over 300 square kilometres, making it one of the largest inshore reefs in the world. As the tide recedes, the reef dramatically emerges from the ocean, creating cascading waterfalls and revealing vast expanses of sea grass, marine life, and isolated lagoons.

This dynamic environment provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the reef's transformation and explore its rich biodiversity. The area is teeming with sea turtles, manta rays, and various species of sharks, offering an unparalleled marine experience. Montgomery Reef is not only a spectacular sight but also a vital habitat for wildlife, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Word count: 120

Freshwater Cove, located in the remote wilderness of the Kimberley region in Western Australia, is a hidden gem that offers stunning natural beauty and significant cultural heritage. This secluded spot is accessible primarily by sea, making it a popular destination for small ships exploring the Kimberley coast. The cove is renowned for its ancient rock art, created by the indigenous Worrorra people, which provides a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s ancient cultural history.

Visitors to Freshwater Cove can enjoy guided walks to view these remarkable rock art galleries, set against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. The area also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with the untouched environment supporting a diverse range of wildlife.

Talbot Bay, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is famed for its stunning natural beauty and unique marine phenomena. The bay is best known for the Horizontal Falls, a natural wonder where powerful tidal currents create the illusion of waterfalls flowing horizontally. These tidal falls are a highlight for visitors, offering thrilling boat rides through the rushing waters.

Surrounded by rugged cliffs and pristine wilderness, Talbot Bay provides ample opportunities for adventure and exploration. The bay is home to diverse marine life, including turtles, sharks, and numerous fish species. Scenic flights over the bay offer breathtaking views of the dramatic landscape, showcasing the untouched beauty of one of Australia's most spectacular natural attractions.

The Lacepede Islands, located off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia, are a wildlife haven known for their rich marine and birdlife. This group of four low-lying islands is a crucial nesting site for green sea turtles and a breeding ground for numerous seabirds, including the brown booby and lesser frigatebird.

Accessible by boat, the islands offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making snorkeling and diving popular activities. With their pristine natural environment and vibrant ecosystems, the Lacepede Islands provide a unique and memorable experience for nature enthusiasts visiting this remote part of Australia.

The Dampier Archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Western Australia, is a stunning collection of 42 islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. The archipelago is a paradise for snorkelling, diving, and boating, offering vibrant coral reefs and opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and various fish species.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the ancient Aboriginal rock art scattered across the islands, some of which dates back thousands of years. The nearby town of Dampier provides access to amenities and serves as a gateway to this natural wonder.

Montebello is Italian for ‘beautiful mountain’, however these islands are low, flat and arid. Named by French Explorer Nicolas Baudin in 1801, the British also used the islands for three nuclear bomb tests in the 1950s. Today visitors must avoid two radioactive islands. Two endangered mammals - the Mala (Rufous Hare-Wallaby) and the Djoongari (Shark Bay Mouse) - thrive here. The 170 islands are 120 kilometres (75 miles) off mainland Australia.

The islands are an important seabird breeding colony, with Roseate and Greater Crested Terns, Sooty Oystercatchers and Beach Stone-curlews calling the island home. Coral reefs and lagoons surround the islands in the Montebello Marine Park, with 150 species of hard coral, 450 species of fish and 170 species of echinoderms (sea stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers) keeping snorkellers happy. Green, Hawksbill and Flatback Turtles nest on the beaches and provide highlights when seen in the water.

A spectacular collision of colour spills across the seabed around North Muiron Island. 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.

Cape Peron, located in the heart of Shark Bay, Western Australia, is distinguished by its striking red cliffs that contrast dramatically against the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This cape is part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, recognized for its extraordinary natural features and biodiversity, including stromatolites, some of the oldest life forms on Earth.

Visitors can explore the Francois Peron National Park, accessible from the cape, which offers a rare glimpse into Australia's native wildlife and ecosystems. The area is also known for its excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially dolphins, dugongs, and manta rays. The combination of stunning landscapes and rich marine life makes Cape Peron a captivating destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Due to the delicate nature of the environment, ships visiting the Abrolhos Islands typically anchor off the coast. Access to the islands is usually via tender boats. These islands provide a perfect opportunity for an immersive nature experience, close yet a world apart from everyday life.

Perth, the sunniest capital city in Australia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Start your day with a stroll through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the Swan River. The park's diverse flora and tranquil walking trails provide a refreshing escape from the bustling city.

Explore the Perth Cultural Centre, home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum, which showcase indigenous and contemporary art and artifacts. For a unique experience, visit the Swan Bells at Barrack Square, a set of 18 bells that you can ring yourself. End your day with a sunset visit to Cottesloe Beach, famous for its golden sands and clear waters.

Ships dock at the Fremantle Cruise Passenger Terminal, which is just a short 15-minute walk from the town centre and approximately a 30-minute drive from Perth. Discover the bustling Fremantle Markets, offering local crafts, fresh produce, and eclectic eateries, or stroll along the iconic Cappuccino Strip for a taste of the city's lively atmosphere. Explore the historic Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site that received its first ship of convicts on 1 June 1850. For a scenic adventure, take a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island, home to adorable quokkas and pristine beaches.