The Wild Kimberley Coast
Those who think they’ve seen Australia need to think again if they have yet to experience the Kimberley Coast, a remarkable and largely untouched landscape home to more than 2,600 islands, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear water, and ancient rock art.
The best way to explore this coastline is of course by sea, on a small-ship luxury cruise such as those operated by New Zealand-based Island Escape Cruises. Enjoy the comforts of luxury accommodation by night and getting out amongst it by day – being able to explore by small Zodiac craft and helicopter gets you to some of the most remote and otherwise inaccessible spots.
The starting point for any Kimberley journey is the town of Broome, famous for its rich pearl diving history and the beautiful sunsets of Cable Beach.
Spectacular waterfalls are a highlight of this region. Among the 1,000 islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago are the incredible ‘horizontal waterfalls’, a result of some of the greatest tides on earth. A huge volume of water surges through a small gap in the rocks, creating a four-metre wave rushing at great speed. You’ll also discover Whirlpool Passage between the mainland and a small island, with some whirlpools reaching the size of a rugby field!
A more traditional waterfall is the beautiful terraced King Cascade of Prince Regent National Park, possibly the most photographed in the Kimberley. Nature continues to impress at the spectacular 100-metre King George Falls where a Zodiac craft can take you close enough to enjoy a natural shower! Another favourite is Ruby Falls, where you can enjoy a dip in crocodile-free freshwater swimming holes.
For a taste of the region’s marine life, head for the remarkable near-300-square-kilometre Montgomery Reef. Watch in awe as it rises from the ocean at low tide, the outward flow framing a plethora of marine life such as octopuses, turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and even dugongs escaping the emerging reef.
Mitchell River National Park is home to many bird species, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, along with ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. You can take a helicopter flight over the famous multi-layered Mitchell Falls where emerald-tinted rock pools cascade down the slopes.
The region’s colonial-era history revolves around early explorer Phillip Parker King. Among many places along the coast, King named Careening Bay, the historical site where he careened his ship, the HMC Mermaid, on the beach in 1820. A nearby boab tree bears his crew’s inscription of that date and ship name, still visible in the bark today. A piece of living history!
Another historical site is at Vansittart Bay where you can visit the grave of a DC3 aircraft. During World War II, the plane was on its way from Perth but needed to crash land after it veered off course and ran out of fuel. Also on display are the ethnic shards of pottery and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries dating back 40,000 years. More ancient rock art is found at Swift Bay, depicting birds, fish, turtles and Wandjina, the Indigenous spirits who created the land and controlled the weather of this wildly remote region.
The Kimberley Coast is visited by the lucky few, many of whom are left with a sense of awe and wonder that Australia has so much more to offer than they ever imagined.
WORDS – Caroline Clegg
worldjourneys.co.nz
