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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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