The very best of Australian coastal cruises
Discover the Prince Regent River by Cruise
Prince Regent River: An ancient riverway flowing through the Kimberley’s last frontiers
Flowing for more than 100 kilometres through sheer sandstone escarpments, rainforest-lined gorges and protected Country, this ancient river cuts a hidden path through one of Australia’s most remote landscapes. With no road access and strict permit controls, entry is limited, making each stretch of river feel hard-won and deeply rewarding.
As you glide along the river, a breathtaking world comes alive, forged by time and the flow of the seasons. Towering cliffs close in, waterfalls spill from the escarpments after the wet, and cultural sites emerge quietly from the rock.Â
The deeper you travel, the quieter and more profound the experience becomes, revealing a Kimberley that few ever witness.
Prince Regent River Highlights
Glide through a secret Kimberley waterway
Onboard, you’ll explore a landscape carved over millennia, from dense rainforest to soaring sandstone escarpments. Navigate winding waterways, discover hidden waterfalls and secluded coves, and immerse yourself in the raw scale of Australia’s remote north.
Stand beneath King Cascade
The crown jewel of the river, King Cascade, plunges in tiered waterfalls framed by ancient cliffs. Approached by our larger vessels and tenders, you can feel the spray on your skin and hear the roar of the water. This truly is a thrilling, intimate encounter with one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular natural displays.
Encounter rare wildlife
The river is alive with creatures both large and small. Saltwater crocodiles bask along the banks, white-bellied sea eagles patrol the skies, and azure kingfishers dart between the mangroves. Barramundi and other native fish flash beneath the surface, offering you glimpses of the Kimberley’s hidden biodiversity.
Discover ancient rock art
Along the Prince Regent River, your cruise brings you up close to some of Australia’s oldest rock art, including Gwion Gwion and Wandjina styles. Guided by experts, you’ll hear the stories behind these cultural treasures, connecting with tens of thousands of years of living history.
Experience multi-layered exploration
True North’s small-ship cruises provide access like no other. Navigate the river by ship, tender and, on selected itineraries, helicopter, giving you perspectives from the water’s edge to the sky above. This layered approach brings both the scale and fine details of the landscape vividly to life.
Prince Regent River with exclusive cruises
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Prince Regent River accessible to independent travellers?
No. The Prince Regent River sits within a tightly protected, permit-controlled area of the Kimberley and has no road access. Visiting by small-ship expedition is one of the few ways to experience this remote waterway legally and responsibly, with expert navigation and cultural guidance included.
How close do you get to waterfalls and key sites on the cruise?
Very close. Exploration typically happens by a mix of ship and tender, allowing you to approach features like King Cascade at water level. On select itineraries, helicopter access adds an aerial perspective, revealing the scale of the river, escarpments and surrounding rainforest in stunning detail.
What level of activity is involved on a Prince Regent River cruise?
Activities are optional and tailored. Guests can choose gentle exploration by tender. Short walks to waterfalls and rock art sites. Or simply take in the scenery from the deck. The experience is designed to be immersive without being physically demanding.
Why is the Prince Regent River considered such a rare Kimberley experience?
Its isolation, strict permit and lack of infrastructure mean very few people ever reach it. Cruising the Prince Regent River grants rare access to untouched landscapes, revealing the Kimberley at its most remote, raw and profoundly authentic.
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