Australia’s Iconic Kimberley

Broome is the finest conclusion to the overland journey to the Kimberley coast and one of the most distinctive small towns in Australia, its history shaped by the Japanese, Malay and Aboriginal communities who built the pearling industry that made it prosperous and cosmopolitan long before the rest of Western Australia’s north was settled. The Chinatown district, the pearl jewellery galleries and the Gantheaume Point red pindan cliffs are all within easy reach of the port. Le Jacques Cartier embarks between 4 and 5pm from the Broome port. Arrive at the Mangrove Hotel by 3pm for the transfer to the ship. Departure at 7pm.

One of WA’s most important Green Turtle breeding habitats and an internationally recognised Important Bird Area. Guided Zodiac tours to view wildlife including Brown Boobies, Roseate Terns and Frigatebirds. No landings permitted due to the sensitive environment.

Home to some of the world’s largest tides (14m+ range), creating extraordinary natural phenomena — including Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef, and the famous Horizontal Waterfalls at Talbot Bay, described by David Attenborough as one of the greatest natural wonders. Ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries hidden in caves and grottos.

The Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay are the defining experience of the Kimberley and one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in Australia. Two narrow gaps in the McLarty Range force the enormous tidal surges of the Kimberley — among the largest tidal movements on earth at up to 12 metres — through passages only metres wide, creating rushing, roaring waterfalls that flow horizontally between two bodies of water at different heights. The physics of the Horizontal Falls reverse completely with each tidal change, the direction of flow reversing as the tide turns. Sir David Attenborough described this as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Le Jacques Cartier’s Zodiac fleet allows close-approach viewing and, where conditions permit, the most extraordinary marine wildlife encounter available on the Kimberley coast — a saltwater crocodile habitat where the tidal mixing of fresh and salt water creates exceptional feeding conditions.

A historic anchorage where Lieutenant Phillip Parker King repaired his ship HMS Mermaid in 1820. His ship’s carpenter carved the vessel’s name into a boab tree that still stands today — now 3 metres wide and National Heritage listed.

One of the most scenic stretches of the Kimberley coast. Ancient rainforest, pristine mangroves and towering sandstone cliffs up to 200m high. Zodiac explorations with expert naturalist guides among saltwater crocodiles and diverse birdlife. Optional helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls.

Part of the stunning Bonaparte Archipelago. Named by explorer Phillip Parker King after Jonathan Swift, the bay features heavily fractured sandstone shelters filled with Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art. Guided walks to multiple rock art galleries.

Ancient Gwion Gwion rock art galleries — believed to be over 30,000 years old and representing the world’s oldest detailed depictions of human figures. A guided walk past fascinating rock formations to these extraordinary galleries.

The spectacular highlight of the voyage. Zodiac journey through an 80-metre-deep sandstone gorge with ever-changing colours and textures, culminating at the King George Twin Falls — the highest single-drop falls in the entire Kimberley.

A day to relax and reflect. Enjoy the spa, fitness centre, pool, onboard lectures, photography sessions with PONANT photographers, or simply watch for marine life from the upper deck.

Disembark 8am Arrive in Darwin, the tropical capital of Australia’s Northern Territory — a melting pot of over 50 cultures with a laid-back lifestyle and fascinating history.