Chasing waterfalls in the Kimberley
This article is brought to you by Coral Expeditions.
When Mother Nature turns on the taps in the wet season, the landscape of the Kimberley comes to life, with waterfalls changing from trickles to torrents and verdant greenery bursting out of textured rockfaces, on valley floors and by the shores of blossoming lakes. It offers the very best of Australia’s nature, and the best way to experience this showstopping time of year is with Coral Expeditions.
In the remote, rugged and ancient Kimberley region, ‘waterfall season’, as it is known, runs from the end of March to May, with Coral Expeditions offering several itineraries that allow you to witness the watery wonders in all their grandeur. The Australian-owned and operated company has been sailing in the Kimberley for 35 years – the best way you can explore the Kimberley is by boat – and now has three ships purpose-built for this remote region. Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer are at home here, and offer varying itineraries that highlight the ethereal delights of this timeless land.
Image credit: Coral Expeditions
The falls
There are countless waterfalls in the Kimberley, crafted millions of years ago through the pressure created by uplifting tectonic plates. The forces resulted in steep cliffs and fast-flowing rivers that gouged out the deep gorges of the Berkeley and King George Rivers. The water force also created the soldier-straight channel of the Prince Regent River that runs directly along a fault line. Add the unusually high Kimberley tides, and you have a masterpiece of nature from gorge to reef.
King George Falls is one of the scenic highlights of waterfall season, with two falls plummeting down vertical 80-metre cliffs. These falls are fed by the King George River, and seeing the plumes of mist created by the tumbling water is a highlight of a Kimberley expedition cruise with Coral Expeditions.
With its terraces, reached via the Prince Regent River, King Cascade is a favourite with photographers who love to capture the water cascading down the tiered cliff face. Add the hue of green with grass, moss and ferns sprouting from ochre and black-hued rocks to make the experience mesmerising. These falls were named by Phillip Parker King, who heard water from some distance away, and couldn’t believe the beauty of the falls when they revealed themselves through an opening in the mangroves. That same sense of awe is still experienced today with Coral Expeditions – you might even get to enjoy a ‘King Cascade shower’.
Image credit: Coral Expeditions
Another achingly beautiful sight is the Mitchell Falls, which form the heart of the Mitchell River National Park. The Falls plunge down from the escarpment through tiered waterfalls and rock pools, and are even more special as they are only accessible by helicopter. The scenic helicopter flight is optional on Coral Expeditions’ itineraries.
Not all waterfalls are found on land. A highlight of any Kimberley expedition, Montgomery Reef – Yowjab – is a natural phenomenon rising from the sea like a behemoth. These ‘falls’ eventuate twice a day as the high Kimberley tide falls, and a torrent of rushing water reveals a tabletop reef with rock pools and rivulets. The Indian Ocean around the reef is alive with wildlife stirred by the water disturbance, creating swirling eddies and whirlpools. When the tide rises again the reef disappears. The tides also create the magical Horizontal Falls – Garaanngaddim – in Talbot Bay, with raging tidal flows pushing through a narrow gap between two headlands. David Attenborough described them as “one of the most unusual natural wonders of the world,” and riding the rapids on a Zodiac is a highlight of Coral Expeditions’ cruises.
Image credit: Coral Expeditions
A wave of options for the Kimberley
Coral Expeditions has several Kimberley journeys, including 10-nights aboard for ‘The Kimberley Cruise’, with departures from Darwin and Broome. This classic adventure includes the adrenaline thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels, getting up close to Montgomery Reef and its vibrant marine life, seeing King George Falls, cruising the Prince Regent River to King Cascade with its ‘hanging garden’ of greenery, and marvelling at Indigenous rock art galleries to learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art.
The 12-day ‘Kimberley Icons, Ashmore & The Rowley Shoals’ journey combines the 10-day Kimberley Cruise itinerary with a visit to magnificent Rowley Shoals Marine Park and Ashmore Reef. Marvel at the artistry of the landscape, the wildlife, the idyllic King George and its stunning 80-metre sandstone escarpments. Learn about the ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock paintings and be mesmerised by the astounding tidal show at Montgomery Reef. While not in waterfall season, the 10-day ‘Best of the Kimberley and Tiwi Islands’ showcases the wildly beautiful gorges, landscapes and the drama of Montgomery Reef, as well as a Zodiac ride through the rapids of the Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay.
Image credits: Coral Expeditions
Born for the Kimberley
Coral Expeditions has a wealth of knowledge on this region that is hard to top, with 35 years of significant experience cruising the Kimberley. This part of the world is best taken in by boat, and with Coral Expeditions’ vessels all purpose-built for this remote location, it is access all areas. The shallow draft and high manoeuvrability of the expedition ships get you in closer to explore the sheltered bays and hidden inlets inaccessible to larger vessels. Coral Expeditions’ ships carry 72 to 120 guests, which means no queues, no assigned seating and no long waits. It means the friendly and knowledgeable crew know your name and your drink of choice. You will be cruising with like-minded people who want to explore one of the most beautiful parts of Australia, learning about the history, geography and wildlife of the region from the expert guides on board. By the end of your trip, you will have made a ship full of new friends.
As for on-shore and on-water explorations, the inflatable Zodiacs and the larger Xplorer tenders are built for the Kimberley region, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this majestic, soul-stirring place.
Image credits: Coral Expeditions
Explore Australia’s Kimberley on an unforgettable small ship adventure with the experts. Learn from our knowledgeable expedition team who share their passion for this land. Our ships and Xplorer tenders are built for the Kimberley region. For 35 years, Coral Expeditions has been refining this classic Australian adventure.
This article is brought to you by Coral Expeditions.
