Kimberley, Western Australia Cruise from Broome to Benoa — 23 Days

Broome WA, Australia

Broome sits where the red Kimberley meets the Indian Ocean, shaped by tides and pearls. At Cable Beach, pale sand and a vast horizon invite an unhurried swim or a sunset camel ride. Chinatown and the Japanese cemetery trace a pearling history built by divers from across Asia. At Gantheaume Point, low tides can expose dinosaur footprints in the red rock. Between March and October, Roebuck Bay’s Staircase to the Moon may turn its mudflats into an evening spectacle.

Lacepede Islands, Australia

Some 120 kilometres north-west of Broome, the Lacepede Islands are four low coral islands set in turquoise water. This protected reserve ranks among Western Australia’s leading seabird breeding sites. Brown boobies, frigatebirds and terns gather along its shores. Green turtles also nest here. There are no towns or visitor facilities. The reward is a rare glimpse of wildlife-rich islands, best seen from the water with expert guidance.

Buccaneer Archipelago, Australia

The Buccaneer Archipelago lies off Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast, where ochre cliffs meet the Indian Ocean. More than 800 islands shelter secluded beaches, mangrove-lined creeks and reefs rich in marine life. At Horizontal Falls, powerful tides surge through narrow coastal gaps, creating one of the region’s most remarkable sights. Take a boat cruise or scenic flight to grasp the scale of this rugged seascape. Indigenous culture and history are deeply rooted throughout the region.

Kimberley Coast, Australia

The Kimberley coast is one of Australia’s great wildernesses, where red sandstone cliffs meet the Indian Ocean. Expedition vessels reach tidal inlets, mangrove creeks and waterfalls spilling from the plateau after rain. Aboriginal custodians share a deep connection to Country here. In season, watch for saltwater crocodiles and migrating humpback whales. Tides, weather and careful planning shape every landing.

• Montgomery Island Australia (Scenic Stop)
• Coastal Cruising (Coastal Cruising)
• Ashmore Islands Australia (Scenic Stop)
• Jar Island Australia (Scenic Stop)

Darwin, Australia

Darwin is Australia’s northern gateway, where the Timor Sea meets a city shaped by tropical heat and Asian influence. Its compact waterfront puts the harbour within easy reach. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory offers insight into Indigenous cultures and the region’s wartime past. Beyond town, Kakadu’s wetlands and Litchfield’s waterfalls reward a longer stay. Visit in the dry season for easier travel and clear, warm days.

At Sea (At Sea)

Kai Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

At Sea (At Sea)

Misool Island Indonesia, Indonesia

Misool is the southernmost of Raja Ampat’s four main islands, set among the reefs of Indonesia’s Southwest Papua province. Limestone towers rise above clear lagoons, while coral reefs shelter manta rays, turtles and abundant reef fish. Reaching Misool requires a boat journey, commonly aboard a liveaboard or via a remote resort. Bring time for diving or snorkeling: the island’s appeal lies beneath the surface as much as along its dramatic coastline.

Raja Ampat Islands Indonesia, Indonesia

Raja Ampat rewards travellers who value wild places over polished resorts. This Indonesian archipelago lies off West Papua’s Bird’s Head Peninsula, famed for exceptional marine life and clear, warm seas. Its four principal islands—Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool—anchor a maze of forested islets and limestone karsts. Snorkel above coral gardens, look for manta rays, or boat into sheltered lagoons. Here, nature sets the itinerary.

Arguni Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

Banda Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

At Sea (At Sea)

Flores Island Indonesia, Indonesia

Flores rewards travelers willing to look beyond Bali’s familiar shores. At its western end, Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park. Here, Komodo dragons inhabit rugged islands, while reefs attract divers and snorkelers. Inland, Mount Kelimutu’s three crater lakes are known for their shifting hues. Traditional villages, volcanic landscapes, and winding coastal roads reveal another side of Indonesia. Allow time: distances are long, and journeys between highlights can take hours.

Komodo Island Indonesia, Indonesia

Komodo is a rare landfall where the world’s largest lizard still lives in the wild. The island lies within Komodo National Park, a UNESCO-listed landscape of dry hills, clear bays and coral-rich waters. Ranger-guided walks offer a chance to see the dragons, while boat trips reach quiet coves and rewarding snorkeling. Expect heat and uneven trails; the island rewards those who explore at an unhurried pace.

Moyo Island Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

Sumbawa Island Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

Benoa, Indonesia

Benoa is Bali’s principal cruise gateway, set on the island’s sheltered southeast coast. From the pier, Bali’s contrasts are close at hand: Nusa Dua’s resorts and Sanur’s seafront. Denpasar offers markets, museums, and a glimpse of daily life beyond the resort belt. Allow time for traffic; journeys inland can take longer than the map suggests. For a deeper excursion, Ubud pairs galleries and rice terraces with a lively arts scene.