You truly haven’t lived until you’ve witnessed the unspoiled region of the Kimberley. Even though it was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia, there’s only a population of around 40,000-50,000 people. This makes it an ideal location for a relaxing and impressive vacation.
While the Kimberley may not be the most advertised destination around the world, it really deserves to be seen and marveled at. The Kimberley is the northernmost region of Western Australia and the first arrivals landed here around 41,000 years ago. Established in 1881, this gorgeous region was named after John Wodehouse, the first Earl of Kimberley. With every type of natural beauty, from remote mountains to stunning waterfalls, the best way to explore this beauty is on a Kimberly cruise.
Best Time To Cruise the Kimberley
The Kimberley is one of the hottest parts of Australia, with an average annual temperature of 81°F. The region has a typical monsoon climate, with the wet season running from November to April. November is typically the warmest month of the year, and it’s not uncommon for the region to see November temperatures reach more than 104°F. Minimum temperatures usually hit in July, with the average minimum being around 61°F along the coast.
Because of that, cruise season has been set up to match the ideal time to visit the Kimberley. Cruise season typically runs from about May to September, so you should be kept out of the rain and out of super high temperatures.
Highlights of the Kimberley
If you’re a lover of natural beauty, the outdoors, animals, birds, or flora, then the Kimberley is the place for you. The landscape of the region is rugged and has a variety of sandstone and a lot of open savanna woodland. The Kimberley also boasts a unique mixture of wildlife.
The savanna woodland is covered by bloodwood and boab trees while the wetter areas are dominated by Darwin woollybutt and Darwin Stringybark eucalyptus. The river banks are home to a larger variety of vegetation while some flatter areas of the coast house mangrove and sheltered gorges show off monsoon forests.
North Kimberley’s sandstone gorges are a significant refuge for many endemic species like the Gouldian finch, purple-crowned fairywren, and several types of frogs. Central Kimberley’s gorges are known for having fossils and large colonies of bats. What the region may be most known for, in terms of fauna, are the large saltwater crocodiles and numerous bird varieties.
The beauty of the outdoors is really on display here with everything from the crystal clear waters to the remote mountain ranges being absolutely gorgeous. One of the must-see sights is the King George River that’s highlighted by King George Falls, a dual drop waterfall that’s the highest in Western Australia at nearly 300 feet. A visit to Collier Bay yields the admirable Montgomery Reef that houses massive coral reefs and vast stretches of lagoons. And that’s only the beginning.
Excursions can include everything from an unforgettable panoramic flight from Kununurra to the Bungle Bungle massif to a fascinating journey through Emma Gorge and Zebedee Thermal Springs. The beauty is truly neverending in the Kimberley. For more information about the Kimberley click here.
Why You Should Explore the Kimberley with PONANT
Thanks to PONANT’s exclusive itineraries, you’ll get to experience a part of the world untouched by so many. You’ll be sailing on the opulent Le Lapérouse that allows for an intimate experience on an ultra-modern yacht. The yacht perfectly combines elegance with innovation all while being environmentally-friendly and respecting the regions it visits. This luxury experience will include everything from world-class gastronomy to a very attentive staff.
Not only is PONANT the world’s top polar cruise company, they also specialize in the planet’s most remote tropical regions. With only 92 suites and staterooms on the Le Lapérouse, the smaller size allows you privileged access to secluded sights. Not only that, but the daily shore outings in Zodiac® dinghies let you explore even further and get up close and personal with the best of the Kimberley. They even reserve all types of local transport, from buses to canoes, so you can access the local communities for everything from hiking volcanoes to visiting isolated villages.
The expert on-board expedition team is there to make sure you don’t miss a thing while you’re experiencing the Kimberley with PONANT. Not only have they scouted out the area, but they’ve personally designed the unbelievable itineraries and activities, so they really know what they’re talking about. On board you’ll find them doing everything from speaking during fascinating conferences on topics like the history of the great explorations and wildlife to supervising your snorkeling tour while you discover the coral reef fauna.
A cruise with PONANT puts you right in the middle of some of the most breathtaking landscapes and interesting people you’ll ever encounter. With around 40% of the population being of Aboriginal descent, you’ll be fascinated by the locals and their traditions. Traveling with PONANT ensures an exceptional adventure while you live it up in the lap of luxury.
You literally can’t beat the pristine nature of the Kimberley. PONANT knows that, and is prepared to introduce you to the best parts of the region. For a quintessential Australian adventure, you have to explore the Kimberley on a luxury cruise with PONANT.
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