Category: Kimberley – Western Australia

Kimberley Voyage Diary – 29 June 2025

Diversity III – Voyage Diary 29 June 2025

Day 1 – Depart Broome, Scenic Flight & Heli to Mitchell Plateau & Careening Bay

Date: 29/06/2025

We started our adventure at 5am, picked up from our accommodation by the Fly the Kimberley bus with a lovely driver. First to join us on the bus was Chloe and Charles, an American couple who have lived in France the past 7 years. They’ve come to Australia especially to see the Kimberley. Next we picked up Jeanette, a solo traveller from Torquay, VIC, and then Anne and Phillip, a couple from the Fleur Peninsula, SA. The last addition to our little group with Dick, a solo traveller from Forster, NSW.

We made our way to the Fly the Kimberley HQ and boarded our small plane just as the sun was coming up for a spectacular take off and scenic flight. Everyone was glued to the windows the entire flight to Mitchell Falls (2 hour flight time), pointing out different sights as we all got even more excited for the journey ahead of us.

Smooth landing onto the rocky runway at Mitchell Plateau airstip. Quick turnaround as we walked across the airstrip and we were whisked away onto our chopper flight over the iconic 3 tier Mitchell Falls, before landing at Prince Fredrick Harbour on picturesque Naturalist Island beach.

Diversity III (DVIII) was anchored just off the beach and our transfers were waiting on the beach, ready to take us to our home away from home for the next 9 days.

We made our way up to the top deck as a group and took in our surroundings as we met the crew. First to introduce himself and give us an overview of the boat was skipper Mark, full of energy and ready for our adventure. Next we met Tommy and Adam, our two decky’s for the trip, and Sam, our chef! And lastly we met our Stewardess Lecette, who gave each of us a tour of the boat and showed us to our cabins.

Scenic flight to join the 9-day Kimberley Cruise with Diversity Charters

We enjoyed a little bit of down time to familiarise ourselves with the boat and settle into our cabins as skipper Mark upped anchor and we were on our way! Our first stop was Rainforest Ravine, where we hopped onto the dories (our small boats) and explored our way up the waterway before a short rock scramble/walk to a freshwater swimming hole and waterfall. After a short swim and explore, we made our way back to the dories as the tide was going out, our sign it was time to head back to the main boat.

Once back on board we enjoyed our first delicious meal cooked by chef Sam, a prawn salad that was so fresh and tasty. We had a little more time to relax and familiarise ourselves with the boat after lunch as we motored onto our sundown location at Mermaid Beach, Careening Bay. We took the dories across to the beach as the sun was setting, with a short walk to soak in the sunset and visit the Mermaid Boab tree. Tommy gave us a short history speel about Careening Bay, Phillip Parker King and the struggled they’d had at the Mermaid Tree. After a short walk back along the beach to the dories we headed home to DVIII, feeling amazed that it was only day one and we’d already experienced so much!

Dinner was a beautiful lamb rack with snow peas and spinach, followed by a crowd favourite – Tiramisu. With full bellies and big smiles on our faces we were all ready for a good nights sleep.

Highlight of the Day: Scenic flight and helicopter ride!
Wildlife Spotted: Croc in Mitchell River from the helicopter!
Funniest Moment: Tommy and his pirate map!

Day 2 – Barra Fishing, King Cascades & Ampitheatre

Date: 30/06/2025

This morning we woke up feeling refreshed and ready to spend another day in this beautiful location.

Skipper Mark was full of beans, hyping everyone up for our first morning activity – Barra fishing! But first, chef Sam made sure we had full bellies with a beautiful smoked salmon crumpet with avo, tomato and poached eggs. Once fueled up on brekky and coffee we jumped into the dories to set out on our mission – catch a barra. Dick had brought his own lures, a keen fisherman, so we were all on the lookout for the best spot where the bait fish were jumping.

After a few hours of flicking lines (some which went a bit wayward until we got our practice in), laughs and a few little crocodiles spotted we headed back to DVIII empty handed. The barra weren’t biting this morning (one unlucky catfish instead), but we’ll persist on our barra mission again tomorrow.

DVIII got underway to head to our next location while we all enjoyed some downtime to read our books, soak in the scenery or chat to the crew about the area. And of course we had to try the freshly baked blueberry muffins Sam had waiting for us on the back deck.

After a delicious lunch of fish tacos (a few of us even went back for seconds) it was time to get back out adventuring. We cruised up to the mouth of the entryway to King Cascade and our clever skipper Mark nudged DVIII up under the falls for a refreshing shower from the front deck. Everyone jumped in and loved the experience – how could you not in such a picturesque location. Once we’d all had a turn, and even the crew jumped in, it was time to re-anchor outside the mouth so we could jump in the dories for an exploration.

Diversity III at King Cascades in the Kimberley

We took the dories up beside the falls to a rock climb walk to discover where the falls waterways lead. There were some beautiful swimming spots, some smaller waterfalls and rock ledges to jump off into the fresh pools for those who dared. We spent some time here enjoying the beautiful scenery before heading back down to again be whisked away. This time we headed on a cruise to Ampitheatre Falls – an incredible waterfall and rock face just off the main river. A few who were still keen to get wet again braved the mighty force of a waterfall shower, refreshing and exhilarating all at once before heading back to DVIII to wrap up the day.

Once we were all showered up and relaxed, Lecette laid out a lovely cheese spread for us and had drinks waiting on the top deck, ready to enjoy our next Kimberley sunset. Everyone chatted away as we soaked in the thrill of another amazing day.

To top off the night, chef Sam prepared a mouth watering watermelon gazpacho entree, duck with cauli puree and beans main and orange cake with cream desert. Once our bellies were full Tommy and Mark gave us a recap of the day and a precap for what to expect tomorrow. With excitement for another action-packed day tomorrow we all headed off to bed.

Highlight of the Day: Shower under King Cascades from the front deck!
Wildlife Spotted: A few small crocs, bats and sea eagles.
Funniest Moment: Di calling out “they have wings” as we watched the bats fly around

Day 3 – Barra Fishing, King Cascades & Ampitheatre

Date: 01/07/2025

We woke to a beautiful Kimberley sunrise and continental breakfast on the back deck. Those keen to head out fishing were already chatting about the big catches we were hoping to snag for the morning. Some preferred a sleep-in and were late to rise, making their way down after the first dories and set off with those keen on fishing.

Out on the fishing adventure were two boats, both hunting the famous Kimberley barra. One boat caught a small barra and a few other small fish. The other boat had a win and snagged a nice size barra. With big smiles and the good size barra on ice we headed back to join the group and show off our achievement.

After a light snack we jumped into the dories again to head up a small inlet that DVII crew and guests had explored just weeks before, with notes there was a great swimming hole just around a few bends. When we arrived we realised we were a bit early on the tide, as it was still rising and the waterhole was still out of reach – all part of the fun of expeditions! We headed back to the main boat for lunch on the top deck while the tide rose before making our way back down the inlet to the waterhole for our swim. What a scenic location for a refreshing dip and walk around the streams!

After we cooled off and headed back to the main boat we enjoyed a little bit of downtime while skipper Mark upped anchor and moved the boat to another location for our afternoon activity. Once we arrived we were all keen to jump in the dories to check out the local Wandjina and Gwion Gwion artwork on the rockface nearby. A picturesque ride and short walk saw us standing before these incredible artworks for thousands and thousands of years before. Images of humans in ceremony and battle, of wildlife and handprints left us all imagining the people who stood in these exact places before us.

To end the day we cruised back along some incredible escarpments soaking in the sun and red rock beauty around us. We enjoyed a lovely dinner of steak, mustard mash and broccoli, and rhubarb and apple crumble for dessert before retiring to our cabins – all feeling weary and ready for another big sleep in our comfy beds.

Highlight of the Day: Catching a barra!
Wildlife Spotted: Crocs, barra, mud crabs, mudskippers, fiddler crabs
Funniest Moment: Guest Dick catching a bigger fish than Skipper Mark!

Skipper Mark and Guest Dick with their barra, on Diversity III in the Kimberley

Day 4 – Raft Point, Montgomery Reef, Sand Spit Swim & Mud Crabbing

Date: 02/07/2025

After motoring overnight and dropping anchor at 1am, we woke early to catch the sunrise at picturesque Raft Point. As the sun came up the rock walls around us glowed the classic Kimberley red. Once the sun had risen and we’d all taken in the incredible morning scenery we continued on our way to Montgomery Reef.

Excited to see this Kimberley icon, everyone jumped into the dories and we were whisked away through the channel and up closer to the cascading water over the reef as it rose out of the water with the tide. 400 square kilometres in size, this incredible spectacle of reef seemingly rises from the sea as the tide recedes. We spotted many turtles swimming around and popping their heads up to say hello as we enjoyed a lovely cruise between the reef.

We left the channel and skipped over to a nearby sandspit that had also risen out of the water while we were off exploring. We landed and all jumped in for a refreshing swim and walk on the beach before heading back to DVIII.

We enjoyed a delicious freshly caught fish and slaw lunch on the top deck, soaking in the scenery around us. After lunch skipper Mark motored over to a place the crew called Mud Bay, perfect for our afternoon activity of mud crabbing! The crab pots were dropped out by the crew during our lunch, so once we’d finished eating it was time to go and check them. In teams of three we went out, taking turns to pull up the pot or shepard with a scoop net underneath in case any crabs were hanging on the outside of the pot. Once we got enough to share around for a meal the next day we headed back to DVIII.

After a great afternoon, skipper Mark decided it was the perfect opportunity to go for a scenic spin on the dories to check out some of the nearby islands and channels. We took some drinks and rafted up near “Phillip’s Island”, proudly named by one of the guests after himself as we didn’t know what the island was called.

As the sun set we made our way back to DVIII for dinner on the top deck to wind down another great day in the Kimberley.

Montgomery Reef from the sky, Diversity III tenders exploring the Kimberley

Guests and Mud Crabs on Diversity III in the Kimberley

Day 5 – Fishing, Mud Crab Lunch & Red Cone Creek – Sapphire Falls

Date: 03/07/2025

We awoke to a continental breakfast on the back deck, and a curious little crocodile swimming just behind the boat! After breakfast Mark gave some of us a hooping lesson, which meant teaching us how to throw the hoop nets to catch bait fish.
At 9:30 we were off on our first adventure for today – some opting to go fishing with Adam and Tommy, and others opting for a leisurely cruise around some of the nearby islands to explore. The fishing group caught a few various fish, an exciting more out on the water, and the scenic group saw some magnificent rock structures and waterways.
We reconvened for a much awaited lunch – mud crabs! Chef Sam plated up the impressive looking catch with two flavours for us to try, Ginger Soy crab and Singapore Chili crab. Everyone dug in, a messy but delicious feast.

As the afternoon rolled around we were ready for another adventure, this time heading up Red Cone Creek to Sapphire Falls. A short tender ride and rock scramble led us to a beautiful swimming hole and waterfall. We all jumped in to enjoy the refreshing cool water and rock ledge to sit under the falls. We could’ve stayed here for hours, but it was time to head back to DVIII, with a cheese platter on the top deck and sunset awaiting. As another day was coming to an end everyone reflected on how each day showed another element to the mighty Kimberley, and we were excited for what was still to come.

After another delicious dinner and dessert, Skipper Mark had set up the projector to screen a film on the front deck. Everyone gathered on the couches and settled in to watch a Malcolm Douglas documentary, Follow the Sun Part 1 (1972). Before the doco started, fishing guide Adam gave us a short history of Malcolm, and his father David Oldmeadow, who features in the documentary as he travelled around with Malcolm during this time. Adam was also lucky enough to work for Malcolm in his early days.

After the movie everyone was ready for a good night’s sleep and we retired to our rooms.

Sapphire Falls, Red Cone Creek - Diversity Charters Kimberley Cruise

Day 6 – Red Cone Creek – Ruby Falls, Fishing & Bonfire Night

Date: 04/07/2025

This morning we enjoyed a cooked brekkie on the back deck, pancakes on the menu today! After we finished up the pancakes we hopped in the dories for an exploration up Red Cone Creek to check out Ruby Falls. Although the tide was going out and we couldn’t explore further up the falls or go for a swim, we enjoyed a scenic cruise up to see the falls and spot some crocodiles and a kingfisher on the way.

Once back on board we upped anchor and steamed over to Three Ways, for another opportunity to go fishing. Mark took us to a few great looking spots, with Chloe landing a big Barry – a fish she said was the biggest she’s ever caught! Those who stayed on board also had some luck fishing off the back deck, with Jeanette catching a great fingermark with the help of Adam.

Anne and Phillip went with Tommy for a scenic cruise around nearby Steep Island, with some rock climbing and exploring a cave just off the beach.

After our morning fish we returned to DVIII for lunch, a delicious chicken salad. After seeing the exciting catch Chloe got this morning, everyone was pretty keen to get back out there and try our luck again. This time we tried trawling and hooked up some nice sized queenies before racing around to a big school of long tail tuna Adam had spotted swimming through. Tommy and Dick were into it, hooked up a great size tuna each. Everyone back on board was very impressed when we returned with the catch.

After a great day fishing for all, we were ready to relax on the beach next to a lovely bonfire the crew had built earlier in the day with some driftwood collected that morning. We all jumped in the dories and headed over to the beach to get the bonfire going. We enjoyed the sunset, a few drinks and dinner that chef Sam had packed for us and brought over to the beach. A lovely night around the bonfire chatting about our trip so far and what our plans were for once the trip was over.

We headed back once the fire had burnt down and the sun had set, with Thursday night footy on the TV to end the night – a few keen West Coast supporters hoping to beat the Giants.

Tuna caught by guests and crew onboard Diversity III in the Kimberley

Guest Chloe onboard Diversity III catching her first Barra in the Kimberley

Day 7 – Fishing Doubtful Bay & Sale River Scenic Cruise

Date: 05/07/2025

We awoke to skipper Mark repositioning DVIII into Doubtful Bay for our morning activities. Everyone enjoyed a continental breakfast on the back deck as we discussed our flexible options for the morning. Some opted for an early fish, departing at 7:30am, some were looking to relax for a while after breakfast and then head out for a fish at 9am and some stayed on board to relax for the morning.

The early fishing group of 3 had a great time exploring some new fishing spots that Skipper Mark hadn’t been to before, but had heard good reviews that proved to be true. 3 great size barramundi and a few mangrove jack later, the team returned to DVIII feeling triumphant after the successful morning. The later fishing group learnt some hooping, and then went for a fish and caught some smaller salmon, fingermark, queenies and cod.

We reconvened for lunch on the top deck at 1:00pm to enjoy a Tuna Nicoise Salad, featuring the beautiful tuna Tommy and Dick had caught the day before. It was so fresh and delicious. After lunch, one group went out for a second fish with Tommy, bringing home another barra and catching another few smaller Mangrove Jacks that went back.

A few others went out for a hooping lesson, learning to catch bait with the hooping net – a new skill for some of us to learn how to hold, fold and throw the net. We brought back some bait fish which will be kept ready for the next voyage to start off with.

At 4:00 we all headed out on the dories for a scenic cruise up the Sale River before sunset. We spotted an iconic Kimberley Rose, a tree exclusive to the Kimberley with bright red trumpet flowers, some rock art, waterfalls, and learnt more about the tidal flow through the Sale River. At the furthest point we could go the dories rafted up for a champagne and cheese board to take in the incredible scenery around us and enjoy the moment as a group.

As the sun was setting we zoomed back to DVIII in time for last light. Back on board we enjoyed our penultimate dinner inside, with some more beautiful Barramundi plated up by Chef Sam. Again a few stayed up to watch some footy, but everyone was feeling a little tired so it wasn’t long before we all called it a night.

Sale River Scenic Cruise - Diversity Charters Kimberley Cruise

Day 8 – Horizontal Falls, Cyclone Creek & Croc Creek Swim

Date: 06/07/2025

We started our last day with a beautiful smoked salmon and eggs breakfast on the back deck, with Talbot Bay in the background and some Tawny Nurse sharks swimming around to say good morning.

Everyone was ready to jump in the tenders and head out to explore Cyclone Creek, and then go for a spin through the infamous Horizontal Falls. With our trusty skippers Mark and Tommy on the dories we did a few laps through the falls, and learnt about how the tide differential and water running through the basins and falls makes these exciting rapids. It was also fascinating to see the difference in height of the pools of water on either side of the falls, as the amount of water held compared to the amount of water flowing out leaves a delay in water level drop.

Once we’d all taken in the incredible sights we headed back to DVIII where skipper Mark steamed over towards our afternoon location, Croc Creek. Some of us were a little worried when Mark told us we’d be swimming in Croc Creek later, but thankfully he assured us there are actually no crocs here.

We sat down to enjoy our last delicious lunch – Mangrove Jack that we had caught the day before, many of us thinking about how we would cope with going back to our regular meals when we returned home.

After lunch it was time for our final expedition of the trip – a scenic cruise and swim up Croc Creek. Everyone boarded the dories excited for a refreshing swim. We climbed up the ladder at Croc Creek to reveal a beautiful clear pool and waterfall, such an unexpected hidden gem. Everyone was straight into the water, climbing the rocks to jump in or relaxing in the pools as we soaked in the last few hours of adventure for this trip.

Once back on board DVIII we enjoyed a cheese platter and the last drops of alcohol we had brought with us for the trip, spending the sunset reminiscing as a group about the fabulous time we’d had and what each of our highlights had been (a hard task to pick just one)!

We packed our bags up, ready for our departure the next morning, and reconvened in the dining area to enjoy one last dinner cooked by our incredible Chef Sam. Tommy and Mark gave our final nightly recap of the day and explained the process for the long steam overnight back to Broome and departure in the morning.

Horizontal Falls - Neap Tide - Diversity Charters Kimberley Cruise

Croc Creek Swim on Diversity Charters 9-day Kimberley Cruise

Day 9 – Goodbyes and Broome Arrival

Date: 07/07/2025

We awoke early, moored in Gantheaume Bay just off Cable Beach. Some of us soaked in our last Kimberley sunset as we checked-in for our flights home later that day, others had maps out planning their routes ready to take off in their caravan to explore the Kimberley or WA by road. We enjoyed our final breakfast on the back deck together and the crew gave a lovely thank you and recap of the trip. We shared our gratitude for their incredible service, energy and knowledge throughout the trip – feeling very lucky to have experienced the Kimberley in such an adventurous and immersive way.

After breakfast there were lots of hugs goodbye and phone numbers exchanged to keep in touch for the future. We boarded our trusty dories one more time, headed for cable beach. Hopping off the dories into the sand, the crew loaded the bus with our bags (which met us parked on the beach) as we said one last goodbye before boarding the bus.

A massive thank you to the fabulous crew onboard Diversity III – Skipper Mark, Fishing Guides Tommy & Adam, Chef Sam and Host Lecette, you all made this the trip of a lifetime!

Scenic flight to meet Diversity II at the beach in the Kimberley

Join a 9 Day Kimberley Discovery Cruise

Embark on our most popular itinerary—an adventure-filled journey along the Kimberley Coast, experienced from both sea and sky. This immersive cruise and flight combination features daily explorations, luxurious evenings aboard our intimate vessel (accommodating just 12 guests), a breathtaking 45-minute scenic helicopter flight, and a coastal plane transfer showcasing the vast, untouched beauty of the Kimberley from above.

EXPLORE THE CRUISE

King Cascades Waterfalls

Deep in the heart of the Kimberley’s remote wilderness lies a waterfall so captivating, it’s become an icon of adventure in Australia’s northwest: King Cascades Waterfall.

Fringed by ancient cliffs and fed by spring-fed streams that tumble into the Prince Regent River, this multi-tiered waterfall is more than just a pretty face—it’s a place where the stories run as deep as the waters themselves. From tragic tales to natural marvels, King Cascades is a Kimberley highlight, and there’s truly no better way to experience it than with Diversity Charters.

A Place of Natural Wonder

Unlike the single-drop waterfalls you might be used to, King Cascades spills in a series of terraced steps, creating natural rock pools and shallow flows perfect for bathing. The water is pristine and cool year-round, thanks to the permanent spring that feeds it—making it one of the few waterfalls in the region that flows even during the dry season.

The cascade flows straight from the sandstone escarpment into the lush green of the gorge below. Framed by pandanus and greenery, the spot is pure Kimberley magic—a living postcard you can quite literally step into.

A Dark Chapter: The Tale of Ginger Meadows

But King Cascades also holds a sobering place in modern history. In 1987, Ginger Meadows, an American model, tragically lost her life to a saltwater crocodile near this very site. Despite warnings, she entered the water near the base of the falls, and the incident became international news. Since then, the area has been marked not only by natural wonder, but by a lesson in respecting these powerful, wild landscapes.

Today, experienced guides like those at Diversity Charters ensure your visit is both safe and awe-inspiring—only taking guests to croc-free, freshwater rockpools at the top of the falls where you can relax, rinse off, and truly take in the moment.

Shower Under a Waterfall in the Middle of Nowhere

One of the unforgettable experiences when travelling with Diversity Charters? Standing under a cascading waterfall, fresh spring water tumbling over your shoulders, in the middle of absolute wilderness.

Your expert crew will take you by tender upriver through the winding gorge, where steep cliffs and mangroves give way to one of the Kimberley’s most iconic backdrops. After a short hike up the rocky escarpment, you’ll reach the top of King Cascades—where clear pools and trickling falls are ready and waiting.

Throw on your swimmers, grab a biodegradable soap if you’re game, and enjoy what might be the best shower of your life—no plumbing required.

An Adventure Only Few Will Ever Have

Access to King Cascades isn’t easy. The Prince Regent River is remote, winding, and tidal. You need knowledge of tides, navigation, and the right boat for the job. That’s where Diversity Charters comes in.

Our small group expeditions bring you face-to-face with wild Kimberley beauty in a way that’s both luxurious and laid-back. With no more than 12 guests on board, we take our time here. You’re not rushed in and out—you’ve got space to soak it in. Literally.

Whether it’s chasing waterfalls, fishing for barra, spotting crocs from the tender, or enjoying chef-prepared meals after your adventure—we reckon there’s no better way to experience King Cascades than this.

Want to Shower at King Cascades?

Join us on a 9-day Kimberley cruise that includes this epic stop—along with waterfalls, reefs, Aboriginal rock art, and unforgettable moments across one of the wildest and most beautiful regions in Australia.

Ready to get off the beaten path and under a waterfall?
Explore our itineraries at diversitycharters.com.au or get in touch to plan your Kimberley adventure.

The Ultimate Kimberley Fishing Guide

The many physical aspects of Australia’s Northern Kimberley have made it a must visit for the savvy world traveller. The rivers, water falls, coral reefs, islands and pristine wilderness, make this remote area one of Australia’s most breathtakingly beautiful. The sun will set and rise on spectacular vistas seen nowhere else in the world!

There is so much to take in, actively and passively, during your Kimberley River Cruise, that at Diversity Charters our goal is for our clients to not have hindsight and look back on their adventure to realise they have seen a lot above the tide line, but little with regards to what lives below it.

There is an easy remedy for that. Let’s go fishing! You may be a novice or an experienced, fishing tragic. With our fishing junkets the “What can we catch? Where do they live, and What do they eat?” Are all reasonable questions, and can be easily answered by one of our dedicated, fishing professionals. They will put you on the bite, no worries.

The following information will hopefully give you an idea of the Who, What, Where and When of fishing on board one of the Diversity Charters tenders. Fishing on Kimberley Cruise with Diversity Charters

Our experienced guides can arrange a fishing expedition in the river, reef or inlet that will guarantee sore muscles the next day, from the battles with the local leviathans.

What more motivation does one need than the opportunity to hook into some of the biggest, strongest and fastest fish in Australia, better yet the world. Our chef’s can even cook up your catch for dinner if you desire. The information contained will help you with what a day fishing in the pristine waters of the Kimberley is all about!

The Iconic Australian fish to catch is the Barramundi. People travel across the world to catch this Australian apex predator in the wild, and are a wide spread species that can vary by name, such as the Australian or Asian Sea Bass. As its popularity grew as a sport fish the Aboriginal name Barramundi caught on, meaning large scale river fish. These beauties inhabit both salt and fresh water. They can be found lurking around rocky ocean shoals, river mouths, mangrove roots, fallen trees or creek mouths. They are fast growers and are commonly found at the 65-80 cm length. Barra change their sex as they grow, with juveniles less than 80 cm fish most likely being males and those larger than 80cm are likely females.

These apex predators can be caught using soft plastics, surface poppers or trolling minnow lures. You will know you’re in the presence of these fish when they actively feed, as they can often be heard at night loudly gulping down surface bait. Your guide will refer to this as “Boofing”,
a phenomena that just might happen to you, if you make the right cast!

Two other must catch species often found hunting together are the prolific fighters referred to as the GT, Giant Trevally, and Queenfish or “Skinnies”. Both species are aggressive and feed in packs with a big GT able to tow the boat (+25 Kgs) and metre long Queenfish trying to escape the feeling of being hooked by using long bursts of speed coupled with massive acrobatic jumps. They can be found wherever the tide rushes in or out, patrolling sandy beaches or near exposed rocky points and coral bommies.

They are possibly the two most exciting saltwater species to catch when using surface baits or poppers, as their explosive hits are legendary. Both species are average table fare but provide a much better fishing experience. We recommend surface lures and hard bodied lures that are retrieved quickly.

Imagine being a participant in this scenario. You are sitting on deck of the mother ship MV Diversity II with friends or family having an ice tea, coffee or maybe even a cold one? Suddenly, your crew’s attention is averted and they excitedly point to the ocean and says “Look at that! A group of birds diving into the water.” You immediately focus and become a witness to one of the regions aerial and underwater assaults that is all too common up in the Far North. One bird after another dive-bombing the once flat water, it then soon becomes a frothing whirlpool as the assault now is joined from below.

Diversity_Charters_Team_Jake_Bazelman_Deckhand

Legions of tuna, mackerel, and even sword fish have consolidated and pushed bait fish into a concentrated surface school with an all out attack. Fortunately with three tenders and round the clock service, we will get you where do you need to be! In one of our skiffs casting metal slugs at the boiling mass and reeling feverishly is our guess. What an unforgettable rush catching one of the various pelagics that inhabit the Kimberley.

You may want to tone the fishing down a bit and focus more on species that can be caught at a more leisurely pace. We have you covered!

Maybe drifting baits like fresh prawns or white baits near creek mangroves and submerged wood. That’s a sure fire way to hook beautiful and tasty Mangrove Jacks or Spotted Cod. It may sound a bit tame as presented but Mangrove Jacks and Cod pull tenaciously when hooked. Jacks are also one of few species of fish that when handled will actively try to lock jaws on your hand. A Cod may resist striking your bait if a massive Grouper or larger Cod has entered it’s territory. Both species are similar in appearance. You’ll know when you catch once since all have blotchy skin, large heads, squat bodies and sharp gill rackers. Some Grouper and Cod grow so large that they are too big to be caught (under normal fishing conditions.)

The same pater noster bottom technique in muddy tidal runout water might land you an Australian Blue or Threadfin Salmon aka King Salmon. Not to confuse you, they are not related to northern hemisphere salmonoids nor the Australian Salmon that frequents our Southern coast in mass during cooler months. The Threadfin Salmon is larger than the Blue species and adults can be over a metre in length. Note on the accompanying picture the under side tentacles that the fish uses to find prey in the low visibility tidal water. They are excellent eating fish if served up the same as they are caught.

If you’re stopped near a submerged coral reef then get out the rods and try to catch the striking Nannigai or possible Australias #1 best fish to eat, Coral Trout. Paternoster rigs with strips or squid pieces on circle hooks and big sinkers which can handle the bite. Soft plastics and jigs will also bring home dinner.

Now it is understandable that this article deals with some of the most likely species to hook into while cruising the Kimberley. Be assured if there is a certain fish you fancy we will do our best to accommodate that catch. We look forward to you wetting a line with us here at Diversity Charters!

Diversity Charters is a Western Australian Family owned and operated charter company. We specialise in boutique cruises throughout the Northern & Western Australian Coast:

Find Out More About Kimberley Cruises Here.

A Once in a Lifetime Experience

With so much on offer in this beautiful region, we wanted to give you a few of our favourite must-sees!

Flora

Different to many natural landmarks located in other Australian cities, you luckily won’t have to share your adventures with hoards of tourists. As the Kimberley region’s most notable landmarks are extremely remote, they’ll provide you with a more rewarding experience than your standard trip to Bondi Beach.

Mitchell Falls is one of the area’s most impressive waterfalls but would involve a strenuous 7km hike via the Punamii-unpuu Trail if travelling by foot and without the appropriate equipment. Fortunately, if you choose the right Kimberley cruise an experienced operator will include a more enjoyable helicopter flight, allowing you to take in a birds-eye view of the falls and explore the area around the Mitchell Plateau.

These multi-tiered falls are just the tip of the iceberg for remarkable water features in the Kimberley region that you’ll be able to witness. Talbot Bay is home to the famous Horizontal Falls, an image seen by many but experienced by few. As a natural compression of the world’s highest tidal shifts occurs, the force of the water is pushed through a small opening in the rocks – Sir David.

Attenborough described it as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world,” as the falls flow sideways and in both directions. Whether you view this phenomenon by helicopter or by boat – we recommend either, as both offers are unique, once in a lifetime experiences.

Fauna

When choosing a Kimberley cruise, choose one that allows you to experience both the marine and terrestrial wildlife of the region.

On land you’ll encounter Goannas, Mitchell’s water monitor lizards, and the staple (yet beautiful) frilled-neck lizards. There’s the possibility of making contact with a Dingo or two and with a bit of luck, you might have a chance to pull up a few of Australia’s most prized fish – The Barramundi.

Rock wallabies define the landscape, while the definitive sound of red-tailed cockatoos and kookaburras produce the chorus for your journey. Apart from the fossilized dinosaur prints, you’re able to experience while in Broome, you can meet living dinosaurs along your journey as well.

You’re likely to encounter more docile freshwater crocodiles, as well as giant saltwater crocs, which are at the top of the food chain in the North Australian eco-system (take caution).

You can also experience some of the best fishing and crabbing that Australia has to offer, as the resources are more than plentiful to sustain such large amounts of life.

Offshore, you can visit Montgomery Reef to see Australian snubfin dolphins, dugongs, and several species of sea turtles. There are some of Australia’s most important bird sanctuaries, including the Lacepede Islands and the Sterna Islands, which are the habitat for large seabird colonies. You are guaranteed to be immersed in the natural beauty that is the Kimberley, a truly untouched piece of the world that needs little introduction.

25,000 years of Culture at your doorstep

A large portion of the region has been added to Australia’s National Heritage List, largely due to the significance of Indigenous sites spread throughout the Kimberley and in part to the defining landscapes and rich wildlife.

More than half of the Kimberley’s population is of Aboriginal descent; the stories of their ancestors are depicted in graphic tales of rock art across the region. Many of these sites are found in remote caves that are only accessible by boat, and are known as open art galleries by the locals.

During the Gwion period (around 20,000 – 25,000 years ago), Early Aboriginal culture was depicted through elaborate rock paintings of human figures that are present along the coast as well as unusual figures created during the Wanjina period (around 3,800-4,000 years ago), both of which are accessed by boat to the Biggie Island. Other rock art found in the Kimberley region includes paintings of local wildlife that may date back as far as the Pleistocene epoch (2.5 million to 11,700 years ago)!

Many of these incredible works of art were completely unknown to the outside world until the latter part of the 19th century, when they were discovered and recorded by pastoralist Joseph Bradshaw, who discovered the unusual art while searching for pastoral land. Seeing these remote, open-air galleries is surreal as you feel as though you are in someone’s sacred space.

The opportunity to share these ancient indigenous art exhibitions is just another great reason to explore Australia’s Kimberley region, which offers a rare chance to become part of the untamed land without necessarily having to sacrifice any comfort. It’s a primal place that few travellers ever get to see, and will provide you with exceptional, unforgettable stories for many years to come!

YOUR CHOICE

When you decide to book your next adventure with Diversity Charters, the activities begin well before you board the ship for your voyage. As we fly you into Broome, you are immediately immersed in a rich history dating back to well before World War 2.

You’ll visit islands that are rich with wildlife and native plant species, and after working up a bit of a sweat, you can take a dip in the refreshing natural pools that are littered amongst spectacular waterfalls. Your days will be packed with excitement, but you are also free to opt-out of any activities should you wish to take it easy. This holiday can be as much, or as little as you like, after all, it is your holiday!

Want to find out more? View our Kimberley Cruises here.

5 Step Guide to Exploring the Kimberley

There are few places as accessible, but untouched, as the West Coast of Australia. The Kimberley region lies between the two nearest major cities of Broome (Western Australia) and Darwin (Northern Territory,) and both act as great starting points for your journey to one of the most naturally diverse wonders of the world!

In terms of size, the Kimberley is larger than 75% of all countries, and has a whole host of tours ranging from a few days up to several weeks – across a vast expanse of scenic beauty. We thought that this natural wonder of the world deserved a five-step guide to travelling there, as the wide range of activities on offer is guaranteed to capture your imagination.

Step 1: How do I get there?

If you choose to travel by vehicle, it is only possible during the dry season, and even then you are risking a great deal in one of the least densely populated places in the world. 4WD knowledge and experience is a must, with accommodation options, supplies, and services along the way being altogether sparse. The extra work means this route is not for the faint hearted; but luckily, there is a solution for you!

Exploring the Kimberley with Diversity Charters allows you to see the region aboard a luxurious ship, designed in mind with a complete focus on each passenger’s comfort. Everything, including the transportation there, is taken care of allowing you to focus on your remote holiday instead of having to worry about the logistics of getting there.

Step 2: How will I be looked after?

Trips to the Kimberley are usually taken aboard small-medium sized ships. With Diversity Charters, you are getting the highest level of serviceability possible, as no more than 12 passengers are on-board at all times, making us more than confident in our ability to accommodate each and every guests needs.

Your vessel is equipped with 3 dinghies that can allow you to explore this expanse with only you and your guide – now that’s rare! Having these smaller tenders means you can reach isolated areas that for the most part, are impossible to access by land. You’ll have the benefit of being led by a knowledgeable guide, who is a part of the landscape 24/7 365 days a year, while the Chef and crew on-board take care of all your other amenities so you can remain focused on enjoying your journey.

Cruising the Kimberley region with Diversity Charters allows you to enjoy adventure by day, and experience the luxury of a 5 star chef and team waiting on your every need by night. There’s no need to drive, cook, or plan out each of your day’s activities, as the perfect itinerary has already been created for you, with you in mind, as opposed to tour operators who cater to the largest group possible.

Step 3: When should I visit?

The Kimberley region experiences two distinct seasons–a dry season and a wet tropical monsoon season. Most of the rainfall in the area occurs from November to April (wet season), which severely restricts travel (both by land and sea) due to the flooding of the gravel and dirt roadways that make it accessible.

The best time to visit the Kimberley is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. At the beginning of the dry season, you are far more likely to get a glimpse of the area’s amazing waterfalls. It is important to note that this region is generally regarded as one of the hottest places in all of Australia, where temperatures can reach upwards of 40°C (108°F) as the wet season approaches during November. In the dry season, temperatures are much more hospitable, with highs averaging around 25°C (80°F) during the day.

As most of the areas national parks open fully during the dry season (not the case during the wet season), wildlife is far easier to spot due to the fact that animals are not as far spread out. This is because during the wet season, the rains allow the floodplains to absorb a much greater portion of animal life.

Step 4: What do I bring?

In terms of packing for the journey, you’ll want to focus on clothing designed for warmer weather. But bringing a light jacket and a pair of long pants is a good idea in case of cooler nights or the odd passing shower. Since sunny skies will be the common norm, it’s also wise to bring a good pair of sunglasses (polarised) and a hat!

We recommend that if you don’t already, a bit of exercise leading up to the big trip will mean you can enjoy all the adventurous activities available in the Kimberley region. As mentioned before, cruising is far easier than any land-based journey, but we recommend you still prepare yourself by taking longer walks before your trip. Of course, there is always a reward, mainly in the form of the natural beauty and intrigue to motivate you throughout the hike!

Kimberley-Western-Australia-Diversity-Charters-Cruise

Voltage in Australia varies at 230/250V, and we use 3-pin slanted plugs. While this may accommodate electronics from European, Asian, and African countries, you will likely need a converter and an adapter for your electronics if you are traveling from China, Japan or the United States of America.

And finally, remember to pack more than enough of any prescription medications you require, along with over-the-counter medications for minor ailments that may arise during your trip as a precaution.

Step 5: What will my itinerary look like?

Here at Diversity, we thought it would be best of you experienced a day of travel with us here, on our blog:

You awaken to the aroma of fresh coffee and breakfast being prepared aboard our vessel MV Diversity II. Once you are re-energized and ready to go, the crew will land you on the beach and escort you to view a magnificent gallery of Aboriginal Art. You will experience a visual story of an ancient race of water people that existed in the area thousands of years ago. On your descent, stop and enjoy the view across the water. Once back on board it’s a short steam into Doubtful Bay where you spend the day pursuing your choice of activities fishing, mud crabbing or exploring the many fresh water swimming holes the Kimberley loves to keep secret.

The opportunity to see these ancient indigenous art exhibitions is just one of the many reasons to cruise with us in Australia’s Kimberley region, which offers a rare chance to explore untamed land without sacrificing on comfort. It’s a primal place that few travellers ever get to unearth, providing unforgettable memories for all those who take part.