Top Tips for Cruising the Kimberley
Noeleen, a life-long travel enthusiast who has built a career helping people plan their dream holidays, shares her experience exploring the most remote regions of the Kimberley by small ship.
What appealed to you about the Travelmarvel Kimberley Cruise?
Travelmarvel is an Australian-owned company that has an exceptional reputation, and this small ship expedition cruise allowed us to see the natural wonders that were on offer - Kimberly Coast, Horizontal Falls, Ashmore Reef, Montgomery Reef, Bigge Island and the King George Falls. Based on the wonderful feedback from my own clients, I knew this was a trip that I had to do.
Did anything on tour surprise you?
I was surprised that each day was a unique adventure, I woke up excited for the next experience!
Also, I had told my husband before we joined the cruise that I didn’t know if I would enjoy seeing so much of the coastline, as it might get a bit boring, but it wasn’t! The guides made everything we saw and experienced so interesting.
Do you have a favourite destination visited on the cruise?
Montgomery Reef (the world's largest inshore reef) was the highlight for me. Watching the reef rise from the ocean as the tide fell, in the Zodiac was quite incredible. I could not believe the speed of the cascading water as the tide dropped and the variety of marine life that was popping up everywhere.
How was the dining experience onboard?
All the meals were excellent, and the staff went above and beyond to look after their guests. They always ensured you were well looked after and your glasses topped up. They even remembered our names and our drink of choice, which makes you feel special.
Why is cruising a good choice for the Kimberley?
Cruising the Kimberley is a unique and remarkable place best explored from the water. It allows you to cruise to areas that can only be accessed by boat, and you get to experience the untouched beauty of the coastline that you would not get to see otherwise. Daily Zodiac trips allow you to experience things up close and personal in remote locations.
Noeleen’s Top Tips for First Time Kimberley Cruising
Book well in advance, as these tours are very popular.
Travel light and pack sun-protective clothing, good walking shoes and wet-landing footwear for shore excursions.
For wildlife enthusiasts, bring binoculars for bird and marine life viewing.
Pack your sense of adventure!
Thanks to Noeleen Pratt, Travel Consultant at Sunstate Travel Bundaberg, Queensland