The Kimberleys Yacht Charter Guide

Getting to the Kimberleys is no easy feat – with no direct flights or connections it remains the most remote part of Australia. For those intrepid travelers who make the journey, the rewards are awe-inspiring for here you will see the most dramatic landscape on Earth. The Kimberleys is the gateway to the Outback and the stunning Ningaloo Reef, a region where red dirt meets white sand meets crystal clear water. Downpours in the rainy season mean that the red cliffs are topped with incredible lush green and laced with towering waterfalls. In the spring wildflowers cover the ground and the seas become the world epicenter for whale watching. With amazing coastlines and reefs to explore, a Kimberleys charter yacht cruise is the ideal way to experience this remote part of the world, from the comfort and luxury of your private boat.

Best Time To Visit: Mid-April to October is dry and balmy. April – May are the best time for seeing the waterfalls, and August – October is prime whale-watching time.

Key Cruising Areas: Sailing south along the coast from Darwin there are plenty of options for anchorages with bays, towns and vast reefs to be explored.

Don’t Miss: The landscapes of Purnululu National Park are like nowhere else on Earth. The intriguing beehive-shaped rocks of Bungle Bungles will give you a glimpse into a prehistoric world – the towering, orange, and black banded formations are over 350 million years old.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: In the most remote part of Australia, the Kimberleys offer a surprising amount of gourmet dining options. Broome boasts a number of luxury resorts with excellent restaurants and even better surroundings. Cable Beach Resort is one of the best – try the pearl meat and prawn tortellini at the Cichetti Club, then follow with a sunset camel ride for a truly unique dinner!

Best Local Dish: If you are feeling a little adventurous, Chef Luke Sutherland at the Ramada Eco Beach Resort presents a menu of traditional Australian ingredients. Combining native flavors such as lemon aspen, bush pepper, and myrtle with crocodile tail, smoked barramundi and pearl meat will create an unforgettable gourmet dining experience.

Local Culture: The Aboriginals have lived in this area for 20,000 years and around 30 tribes still inhabit the area. History and culture are everywhere you look, from fossilized dinosaur footprints off Gantheaume Point, to cave art in Kununurra. Take an art trail and sunset tour in Mirima National Park for a feeling of present-day Aboriginal culture and beautiful landscapes.

Best Beach: Just south of Broome, Ramada Eco Beach Resort offers both a stunning beach and an experience. With white sand, blue water, and overlooking a reef, the beach is idyllic, while the resort offers award-winning luxury eco-accommodation. Spend the day kayaking, fishing, and walking on the beach, then treat yourself to a massage at the Dragonfly Spa.

IYC recommends: The Kimberleys are full of secret springs, stunning waterfalls, fishing holes, and special sights. In an area as remote as this, many can only be reached by air – and there is no better way to see this untouched part of the world than a private helicopter tour. Swim in the lagoons of the Mitchell Falls, fish in spectacular gorges, and choose an afternoon tour for lovely sunset views as you fly back.