Kimberley Voyage Diary – 28 April 2026
14 day Kimberley Cruise Voyage Diary
DiversityII, 28 April 2026 – 11 May 2026
Special shout out to Gronk and Phoebe for their input.
Day 1 – Depart Kununurra for a bus ride to join the vessel in Wyndham
We are collected from Kununurra by the legend himself bus driver “Keithy”. No one loves Wyndham more than Keithy, he takes us for a spin up to the lookout to view the Wyndham harbour. Before we know it, we are greeted with a glass of crisp champagne to board Diversity II. As we meet the crew, we enjoy a tasty cheeseboard and set sail for Berkeley River. Dany, our chef prepared a beautiful eye fillet for dinner. As we drift off to sleep, we eagerly await the big day of adventures ahead!
Day 2 – Berkeley River, Barra Fishing, Swim & Waterfalls
The morning starts waking up in the tranquil waters inside the mouth of the Berkeley River.
A slow cruise follows through what is one of the Kimberley’s most picturesque rivers with an intimate gorge, numerous waterfalls and the imposing Mount Casurina in the background. All topped off with a champagne breakfast on the bow.
We drop anchor in the upper reaches and take the tenders to where the salt meets the fresh and try our hand at catching the mighty Barramundi, with the skipper landing the first barra of the trip. This is followed by a refreshing swim in a freshwater swim hole known as “Douglas’s pool”, so named after the legendary documentary maker Malcom Douglas.
On the way back to Diversity we duck into a couple of waterfall’s for some photos and a dunking before sitting down to enjoy a Caesar salad on anchor.
Returning downriver we again venture out in the tenders to partake in an afternoon swim and refreshments in a classic Kimberley rock pool.
The evening has us steaming off to the mighty King George River!
Day 3 – King George, Waterfalls, Swims & Fishing
As we gently negotiate the sand bars at the mouth of the King George, we are greeted with the sheer magnificence of the river and the gorge it runs through.
A quick swim in a secreted water hole called One Tree was next. This is a crew favourite; the water is crystal clear with a waterfall meandering through the cracks in the orange cliffs. Back in the boat, we were then on a scenic cruise and “dinghy dunk” under another waterfall. Meanwhile, Chef Dany had prepared a warm pear and almond cake which we enjoyed as we cruised up the back to the twin falls- the highest twin falls in Australia. Oscar, the Skipper expertly manoeuvres Diversity II under the falls where we all experienced the huge cascade of water flowing over the bow of the boat.
With no time to dry off we were on to the next swim called Kings Crack; another icon of what the mighty King George has to offer. We enjoyed a beautiful chef-prepared lunch as we cruised out to our anchorage for the afternoon. Guests recharged with a quick afternoon snooze before a thrilling fishing troll for a few Queenies. Success! Chef Dany is back in the galley whipping up some fresh Sashimi whilst we steam off to the Drysdale River
We enjoyed an early sunset dinner and moonrise where Dany prepared a beautiful piece of rump cap with roasted potato’s, Brussel sprouts carrot puree, chimichurri, and to top it off miso pannacotta with raspberries.
Day 4 – FIshing, scenic cruises & swimming
Waking at the crack of dawn it’s another great day of fishing, scenic excursions, swimming in secluded waterholes and eating magnificent food all in a river system that is so different to the previous two! The Drysdale! We’re now in flat country with long sand beaches at the mouth and mangrove forests line the banks wherever we go. We kicked off the day with dawn fishing where guests were lucky to bag 4 of the Kimberley iconic barramundi. A breakfast banquet was served on the back before racing off for a scenic, swim and fish at Pharos. The guests enjoyed KFC (Kimberley Fried Chicken) and a refreshing salad on the back deck for lunch before we set sail into the most beautiful sunset as the yellow moon led us around the cape to the mighty Mitchell River. On the menu for dinner service was fresh caught queen fish sashimi on the bow, followed by a rich duck curry and strawberries and Kalua zabaglione for dessert.
Day 5 – Fishing & Crabbing, Swimming & Sunset Drinks
After a long steam we woke to the mighty Mitchell River which only meant two things, fishing and crabbing!! Another early start in the expedition boats proved worthwhile as our bags were brimming with barra. No time to rest before we were in the mangroves setting crab pots. We took our feed of mud crabs, handed over to the chef who got busy prepping. A quick morning tea of Scones with jam and cream, before the guests enjoyed a scenic dinghy ride up the back of the Mitchell River to a stunning sandstone rockpool called Chapmans Pool.
After a jam (and cream) packed morning, we steamed out to our next destination. Guests raved about the fresh Barra tacos for lunch, and enjoyed some time out on board. We steamed out around Cape Voltaire and arrived at Palm Island bang on sunset, no one does a sunset booze cruise like Diversity! Eskies were full, champagne was cold and Chef delivered on the charcuterie. As we watched the full moon rise, Gronk’s dinghy provided the entertainment in his insatiable quest to capture the perfect photo of palm tree on the hill backlit by the full moon. Upon return to Diversity II- the back deck was dazzling in fairy lights. Delicious lamb ragu was served for dinner followed by an aussie favourite… pavlova. Gronk provided the gags during chart talk and set the plan for the day ahead!
Day 6 – Fishing, Rock Art, Swim & Sunset
Everyone woke bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for another fishing expedition! The 3 tenders set out at first light. Oscar’s dinghy had great success with Noel managing to land a big blue bone!- (A fish more sought after (by some) than Barramundi!)
They were on the bite, and we landed 3 more (happy skipper and happy chef!). After a successful fish, we enjoyed a classic bacon, sausages, fried eggs, and burnt tomato breakfast banquet on deck. It was a beautiful glassy Kimberly morning as we set off on our next quest; called The Lost City. Here we learnt about Gwion Gwion and Wandjina art that abounds in the area, before cooling off with a refreshing swim.
A quick detour to explore some sea caves before we arrive back at Diversity II. Phoebe our host had a refreshing cold towel and drink waiting before she ushered us to our lunch table. We all took our places and “Crunch” or Crab Lunch was on! It was an absolute feast! Our freshly caught mud crabs were prepped chilli style served with a side of grilled Mangrove Jack and a crisp salad. It was total carnage, crab shell flying everywhere, not much chat as everyone was enjoying every succulent morsel. Phoebe hopelessly piled on the napkins but nothing could be done to avoid the glorious chaos that was CRUNCH . With happy faces and full bellies, we all snuck back to our cabins for an afternoon kip, whilst the crew set sail for Rothsay waters, at the mouth of the mighty Prince Regent River!
While Dany was busy in the galley, he snuck out some delicious barramundi fish cakes on the bow just in time to catch another beautiful Kimberly sunset. For dinner, freshly caught barramundi was served on cauliflower puree, with brown caper butter and broccolini with Dany’s famous Basque cheesecake for dessert.
Day 7 – Rothsay, King Cascades, Hike & Ampitheatre Falls
We woke to another beautiful Kimberly sunrise over the still Rothsay waters. It wasn’t long before the famous yellow tails of the barramundi were jumping. Marg managed to land (and release) a monster 90cm Barra in Gronk’s boat and a few other guests caught some delicious goldies.
Once everyone had returned it was time to cruise up into St George’s basin, past Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo and onwards up the Prince Regent to the thunderous Kings Cascade waterfall. Guests sat back and took in the beautiful landscape on display before croissants on the bow for morning tea.
We arrived at the breathtaking king cascades falls where Oscar nudges the bow of MV Diversity II under the falls for a cool refreshing waterfall dunk. After anchoring out the front, it’s on with the walking shoes for a short, steep but rewarding climb to the top of the falls to swim in one of the most iconic waterholes of the Kimberley; King Cascades Pool. Many guests commenting this was their favourite swimming hole of the cruise so far. After building up a bit of a sweat on the way down we were spoilt with some more waterfalls and another refreshing dunk at amphitheatre falls. Dany had whipped up a surprise for lunch; Ricotta gnocchi with Sugo blue cheese, spinach and Reggiano. In the afternoon we steamed past the thrilling Whirlpool passage where the extreme tidal currents squeeze through the islands creating massive, swirling whirlpools. At sunset, we enjoyed THE most tender Bluebone sashimi on the bow washed down with a well-deserved drink or two! Dinner this evening was on anchor under the stars. Crumbed Pork Schnitzel with pesto Potato’s and slaw followed by homemade orange and almond cake with cardamom syrup and double cream. Delish!
Day 8 – Camden Harbour
Hearing the anchor winch at first light, the boat starts buzzing, another exciting day ahead. Today we are in Camden Harbour and we set off to do some oystering before learning about the history of Sheep Island; Australia’s most ill-fated attempt at settlement
After breakfast, we journey further South past Kuri Bay (home to Paspaley Pearls) and we call in to Butterfly Creek for a freshwater swim and a truly memorable lunch of the delectable Blue bone.
A lazy afternoon was on the cards as we steamed to “Mud Bay”. Once anchored, we enjoyed a few drinks and our fresh Kimberley oysters as the sun sinks behind the bow. Whilst we enjoyed the sunset, Oscar, Gronk and Jack snuck out to retrieve some bait for the upcoming fishing expeditions. For dinner we enjoyed a beautiful cut of Scotch Fillet with Dianne sauce, creamy mash and green beans. Dessert was a naughty sticky date pudding with butterscotch caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Gronk entertained with his famous chart talk and we all rolled off to bed tired but already excited for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 9 – Fishing, Deception Bay, Red Cone Creek, Bon Fire!
Guests were spoilt with a sleep-in which was well deserved after some early morning starts (the perfect fishing tides wait for no one!)
We were lucky again with 4 barra after the morning fishing session. It was a beautiful scenic steam through Deception Bay as we headed to Red Cone Creek for a pre-lunch swim. We tracked through the bush to the beautiful sapphire pool- a walk shaded by beautiful paper bark gums and butterflies darting everywhere. We enjoyed some sunbathing and a swim in the sun-drenched pool listening to the quiet sounds of nature around us. Back on board, lunch today was light and fresh with succulent barramundi, green pawpaw and sesame salad with a ginger and katsu sauce. The crew are always busy…. Oscar, Gronk and jack headed out to forage driftwood for tonight’s beach bonfire as Dany and Phoebe were busy prepping food and supplies. Guests were welcomed ashore to a cocktail station flickering with fairy lights, cold champagne and a raging bonfire.
As the fire slowly melted away, we were treated to slow-cooked lamb shoulder, creamy cauliflower bake, green beans and red wine jus. As we feasted under the stars by the glow of the fire, we enjoyed a few laughs and shared some campfire stories. With the guests still buzzing from a perfect evening, it was back to the boat for a raspberry-infused chocolate fondant as we all tuned in to another episode of hilarious chart talks, steaming into the moonlight to our next anchorage.
Day 10 –
We woke to the smell of crackling bacon on the BBQ; a quick breakfast before the 3 tenders set out over glassy water to the Barlee Impediment . Gronk’s boat reeling in another 3 barramundi. For lunch Dany prepared a beautiful homemade grape and rosemary focaccia, grilled eggplant and zucchini topped off with rocket and a slice of halloumi. We then ventured out to a secret swimming hole named after one of Diversity’s Skippers; called Cal’s Crack! Feeling revitalised, we turned back to Diversity II for an afternoon snooze. We steamed back through Deception Bay, as the sunk sunk into the ocean once more. For dinner, we enjoyed some Goldie wings for entrée followed by tender duck breast with a honey and sweet potato puree, green beans and jus. To finish, a refreshing mango sorbet, lemon curd and berries. With bellies full it was early to bed for most, except for a few die-hard Dockers fans who stayed up to watch a great Freo come back!
Day 11 – FIshing, Ruby Falls, Raft Point & Quiz Night!
It was the second last opportunity to fish for the trip so everyone was eager to get their lines wet. After another successful fishing session, a scenic steam followed through Doubtful Bay, and into Red Cone Creek on our way to our swimming spot- Ruby Falls. But first we must eat! A beautiful fillet of crispy skin barramundi paired with celeriac remoulade with a spring onion and caper beurre blanc sauce kept us happy. The way up to Ruby Falls requires a bit of rock scrambling, but the crew were there to lend a hand, and the swim in the picturesque billabong at Ruby’s was well worth it! We were back in the dinghies where we all laid back and took in the breathtaking scenery and a few stalking crocs…. A relaxing afternoon for the guests whilst the crew packed the eskies with chilled drinks and Dany prepped a cheese board. We savoured a beautiful sunset at Raft Point admiring the landscapes of Steep Island and watching the ever-changing shades of red on the steep sandstone cliffs. (PHOTO) We returned just on dark to the smell of Pork Crackle wafting across the water. A juicy porchetta with roasted pumpkin, burnt carrots and fennel, paired with a red wine jus and a home-made apple sauce did not disappoint. For dessert we enjoyed chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream as we listened to Skipper Oscar brief us on the charts, what we did that day and the plan for tomorrow. Then it was down to serious business… Diversity Quiz night. Whilst the competition was tough, Denise, Kim and Ruth came away with a perfect score and the prized bottle of bubbles. Once the bubbles hit, it wasn’t long before the Abba beats dropped and some serious dance moves lit up the back deck.
Day 12 –
At daybreak we began the steam down the coast to Leadline creek. Today was the last opportunity to bag a barra, so we were keen to get out there! Dany and Gronk were on the barbeque so we fueled up with lamb chops, caramelised onion and feta, bacon, burnt tomato’s and poached eggs. As soon we dropped anchor, we piled into the dinghy’s for one last barra hunt. Gronk’s boat returning with 3 and Jack’s boat returning with 2 Barra and a Queenie. For lunch we enjoyed Dany’s famous laksa with prawns and kimberley Barra cakes. Not a word was spoken as we savoured the aromas and the delicate flavours. After lunch it was time to get active! We went exploring up the back of Leadline creek, taking in the rich bunt orange rock formations, enroute to our swimming destination called Squatters Pool. Once back on Diversity II it was time to set steam to our last anchorage. We dropped the pick at Horizontal falls and enjoyed a beautiful dinner on the back deck. Gronk was back on the bbq tools, and cooked a beautiful piece of blackstrap lamb. Dany paired it perfectly with Brussel sprouts, agrodolce and a delicious jus. Dany got all freaky (in the galley) after dinner and conjured up a new dessert called a whisky go-go; vanilla ice cream with whisky and grounded coffee beans. So good and now on high rotation.
Day 13 – Mothers Day at Horizontal Falls, Croc Creek & Silica Beach
For our last day, we wake in the shadows of the most iconic sites in the Kimberly’s, the famous Horizontal Falls! Once touted as a power source for the Kimberley region, the Horizontal Falls are one of David Attenborough’s greatest natural wonders of the world. The extraordinary range of tides results in a heaving mass of water forcing its way through small gaps in the high sandstone cliffs. Expertly driven by the crew, we traverse the wild bucking waters in our sturdy tenders and feel the power of the rushing torrent beneath us.
Once back to the mothership we enjoyed a beautiful Mother’s Day breakfast with Mimosa’s (PHOTO). We steamed past Slug Island arriving at our second last destination; Croc Creek , So named, not for the ever-present reptile itself but for the rock formation at the entrance.
Back on board Diversity II we savoured our last lunch of Barra and fresh salads as we looked out across to the beautiful Silica Beach. After lunch we dipped our toes into the only bright white beach in the Kimberley. We enjoyed a swim in the warm salty water and a walk on the “squeaky” white sand before our steam back to Broome. As we cruised down the coast enjoying one last unforgettable sunset on the bow, we reflected on the vastness of this great wilderness and the rugged beauty of this untouched landscape. We were treated to one last culinary masterpiece from Dany, a delicious beef cheek with crispy spuds and oyster mushrooms. We enjoyed an extra drink or two as we said good night to a truly authentic Kimberley Adventure on board Diversity.
Day 14 – Goodbye’s
And that was the end of our magnificnet voyage. It was time to say goodbye to eachother and disembark the vessel. Everyone was sad the adventure was over! But what an adventure was had. The guest reviews from the trip speak for themselves.
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