Taste of the Kimberley

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Despite the name, this creek has a favoured swimming place – a beautiful natural pool above a waterfall. The scenic approach passes quartzite cliffs and slate-like outcrops of Wotjulum porphyry.

As the region’s largest town, founded in the heyday of pearling, Broome’s multicultural heritage runs deep. This is the place that inspired the music of the Pigram Brothers and Jimmy Chi’s Bran Nue Dae and Corrugation Road. Enjoy magnificent Cable Beach, ride on a camel or watch the Staircase to the Moon over glittering Roebuck Bay. If you visit in August, Opera under the Stars and Race Round are options, while September’s highlight is the Shinju Matsuri Festival.

Located at the northern tip of the Dampier Peninsula and flanked by magnificent beaches, the headland is best known for its lighthouse and Bardi-owned Kooljaman resort. With a setting sun, the blood-red cliffs provide a stunning background for breaching humpback whales.

Set in the pristine waters of Cygnet Bay, this was the first Australian owned and run South Sea pearl farm. While still a working farm, Cygnet Bay has also expanded into a unique accommodation and touring destination for visitors to the Kimberley. As the only fully operational pearl farm open to the public, Cygnet Bay offers a fascinating insight into the process of pearl production.

Often referred to as the “Thousand Islands”, though many are mere rocks, the name celebrates the explorer and erstwhile pirate William Dampier. Englishman Dampier visited the area in 1688. One of the attractions of the area is the remarkable Silica Beach, where we sometimes swim on high tide. Its sand is blindingly white and as fine as caster sugar.

Koolan Island functions as a major mine, exporting high grade iron ore (haematite) in bulk carriers from its wharf to China. The mine was originally begun by BHP in 1965, creating a colossal pit extending below sea level.

Operated by BHP as the area’s first iron ore mine (1951-1984), it later functioned and failed as a resort operated by entrepreneur Alan Bond. The mine site is currently owned by Pluton Resources, but is approaching economic closure.

East of the Horizontal Falls, Cyclone Creek displays geological marvels. Join a scenic excursion up the back of Cyclone Creek to marvel at these amazing rock formations.

Twin narrow gaps in a corner of Talbot Bay separate a series of double bays. Extreme tidal whirlpools develop around the gaps, making for a thrilling dinghy ride. Further east, Cyclone Creek displays geological marvels including cliffs of pressure-folded rock, fault-lines and a wall of conglomerate.

East of the Horizontal Falls, Cyclone Creek displays geological marvels. Join a scenic excursion up the back of Cyclone Creek to marvel at these amazing rock formations.

Traversed en route to Raft Point and Montgomery Reef, our track typically passes the Kingfisher Islands in the centre of the Bay. The Kingfisher Islands are noted for their pink-hued cliffs, stone barrier beaches and fishing opportunities.

Covering an astounding 280 square kilometres, this reef seems to miraculously rise out of the sea – such is the size of its tides. Draining seawater pours continuously over the reef edge, particularly along the spectacular reef channel. Turtles, schools of surgeon-fish and reef egrets abound. Marine biologist Barry Wilson theorises that the reef has grown on top of a drowned sandstone mesa, making it truly one of a kind.