Exploring the Kimberley from the water
Published on 28 May 2025
There’s no better way to take in the Kimberley than from the water. Towering cliffs, winding rivers, and waterfalls that spill straight into the sea it’s all right there, just beyond the deck. The tide shifts, the landscape changes, and there’s always something new to see.
A True North cruise is all about getting out there. Fishing in remote estuaries, collecting mud crabs in the mangroves, swimming beneath waterfalls, and spotting wildlife along the riverbanks. Some days end with a drink on the beach, others with a quiet moment under the stars.
The Kimberley is rugged, remote, and full of surprises. Exploring it from the water puts you right in the heart of it all.
Aquatic adventures
Fishing and mud crabbing
Fishing in the Kimberley is an adventure in itself. Remote estuaries, winding tidal creeks, and coastal waters are home to barramundi, mangrove jack, and threadfin salmon. The fishing here is world-class, and with True North’s expert guides leading the way, guests have the best chance of landing a trophy catch. Read more about fishing in the Kimberley.
Mud crabbing is just as exciting. Wading through the mangroves, spotting movement in the shallows, and pulling up a massive mud crab is a hands-on, rewarding experience. The best part is sitting back on board later, enjoying the freshest crab you’ll ever eat. Find out why mud crabbing is a must-do in the Kimberley.
Wildlife encounters
The Kimberley’s waterways are full of life. Saltwater crocodiles slide into the water from the riverbanks, sea eagles soar overhead, and dolphins occasionally appear alongside the boat. Birdwatchers will love spotting jabirus in the wetlands, fairywrens in the mangroves, and vibrant parrots flitting between the trees.
The region is also home to wallabies, dingoes, and rare marsupials like the monjon. Every day brings new wildlife encounters, and with True North’s naturalists on board, there’s always something to learn. Explore more about the incredible wildlife of the Kimberley.
Scenic expeditions
Sightseeing and beach activities
The Kimberley’s landscapes are constantly changing. One moment, sheer red cliffs rise dramatically from the water, and the next, the tide reveals hidden sandbars and winding river systems that disappear just as quickly. Exploring from the water means always having the best seat in the house, with new sights around every bend.
Some of the best moments happen when you step off the boat. A stop at a remote beach is the perfect chance to sink your feet into the sand, enjoy a drink as the sun sets, and take in the absolute silence of this untouched coastline.
For those keen to explore further, guided hikes lead through ancient rock formations, past towering boab trees, and into hidden valleys teeming with wildlife. Read more about our favourite Kimberley hiking trails.
Waterfalls and swimming holes
Few things compare to the sight of a Kimberley waterfall in full flow. From the deck, you can see the towering cascades of King George Falls plunging straight into the sea. Further inland, waterfalls like Mitchell Falls and Ruby Falls offer incredible swimming spots, perfect for cooling off after a morning of exploring.
Natural freshwater pools are scattered throughout the region, hidden among rugged gorges and shaded by ancient trees. Taking a dip in these crystal-clear waters is a Kimberley experience like no other. Discover more about the region’s waterfalls and best swimming holes.
Onboard experiences
Showers on the bow
True North’s Showers on the Bow turn a cruise into something truly unforgettable. As the ship glides up the King George River, guests sip champagne on the sundeck, taking in the towering cliffs. When the twin falls come into view, the captain steers the bow directly under the cascading water, creating the ultimate open-air shower. Guests, dressed in swimwear or whatever they’re comfortable in, step forward to feel the cool freshwater rushing over them.
Afterward, they can dry off and change before hiking to the top of the falls or taking in the view from the helicopter. No other cruise offers a moment quite like this. Learn more about this unique experience.
Expert-led insights
Experts on board bring the Kimberley to life with stories about its landscapes, wildlife, and marine ecosystems. Marine biologists and naturalists are always available to share their knowledge, making every outing more insightful and engaging.
Out on the water, guests might hear about the reef systems hidden beneath the surface or the crocodiles basking along the riverbanks. On hikes, guides point out native plants and explain how Traditional Owners have used them for thousands of years. Even back on deck, casual conversations often lead to fascinating insights about the region’s wildlife, geology, and marine life.
Exploring a place as remote and wild as the Kimberley is special on its own, but having experts there to explain what makes it so unique brings another level of appreciation.
Explore the Kimberley like never before
A Kimberley cruise with True North offers a front-row seat to one of Australia’s most remote and breathtaking regions. Each day is filled with adventure, from fishing and wildlife spotting to exploring waterfalls and hidden swimming holes. With expert guides and exclusive access, every journey is unique.
There’s always something new to discover. Explore upcoming departures and find the perfect Kimberley cruise for your next adventure.
