There’s something special about seeing the Kimberley by water - the vast scale, the intense colours, and the sense of discovery as every headland, reef and gorge comes into view. I was lucky enough to experience this on Kimberley Quest’s four-day Taste of the Kimberley cruise, which fits an impressive number of bucket-list experiences into a short amount of time and offers the perfect introduction to one of the world’s last great wilderness regions.
Cruising through the Buccaneer Archipelago and its 1,000+ islands delivered four memorable days filled with standout moments, good company, beautiful landscapes and a genuine appreciation for this extraordinary region.
Day 1: Pearls, the Quest & a Sunset to Remember
Following a smooth transfer from our hotels in Broome, the trip began at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, where we joined a farm tour and watched a mother-of-pearl shell open to reveal a large, lustrous teardrop pearl. A few gasps, a few cheeky guesses and a whole lot of excitement later, it was valued at an impressive $6,000. Not a bad start to the day.
By the time we boarded Kimberley Quest, the tone for the journey had already been set — relaxed, curious, and quietly impressive. With cabins settled and introductions made, we wasted no time getting out on the water, heading off by jet boat to explore the coastline around Sunday Island.
It was here that we first saw how the world’s largest tropical tides shape this coastline - carving channels, exposing reefs and shifting the colours beneath the boat. The turquoise water gave an early glimpse of the landscapes we’d be immersed in over the coming days.
As the light softened and the colours on the water deepened, the day naturally slowed. We gathered on the bow of Kimberley Quest II while Chef Sid laid out an impressive charcuterie board, and the hostesses moved effortlessly between guests, topping up drinks and making everyone feel at home. It was an easy, unforced introduction to life on board — the Kimberley fading into dusk around us.
Across the trip, the food continued to impress. Beautifully prepared meals appeared at just the right moments, showcasing fresh local seafood, vibrant flavours and thoughtful presentation. It quickly became clear that dining on board was going to be a highlight in its own right.
Day 2: Montgomery Reef — Three Ways & Ruby Falls
If the Kimberley has a showstopper, some would argue Montgomery Reef is it - and Kimberley Quest makes sure you experience it from every angle.
We first approached the reef by tender, sitting at its base as the tide fell away and water poured off its surface. It was mesmerising to watch as turtles, reef sharks, fish and rays drifted below us in the clear water, completely unbothered as the reef revealed itself.
Next came the highlight - a helicopter flight. From above, the exposed reef stretched out in every direction, with channels cutting through it like turquoise veins. Spotting turtles, and even dugong, from the air was incredible, and taking off and landing back on the vessel was an experience in itself.
The show wasn’t over though. We then jumped aboard the jet boat to dash through the Washing Machine, with swirling currents churning around us as we got an up-close look at the tidal forces that shape this place.
Experiencing Montgomery Reef from above, at water level and from within its tidal systems all in one morning was nothing short of awesome.
After lunch, we headed to Ruby Falls, arriving as the afternoon light softened the scene. The base of the three-tiered waterfall sits just metres from the landing, and a short walk up leads to a lily-lined pool ideal for cooling off. It was a calm, refreshing stop after a morning on the water.
That evening, we cruised past Raft Point at sunset. Drinks in hand, everyone fell quiet as the Captain aligned the boat so the sun dipped through a narrow gap in the rocks on the horizon. The rugged rock faces caught the changing light as we sat on the bow with bubbles and crispy barramundi wings - pure bliss.
Day 3: Barra, Horizontal Falls & One Magic Anchorage
We woke north of Talbot Bay to a glass-off morning, so still you could hear a pin drop. Before breakfast, I wandered up on deck to take it all in — soft light on the water, the boat barely moving, and a sense of complete calm. Those quiet anchorages, where time seems to slow, ended up being some of my favourite moments of the trip.
That stillness didn’t last long.
What began as a casual morning fish quickly turned into a full-blown session once the “non-fishers” saw how lively things were. Barramundi were hooked and landed, friendly competition sparked between tenders, and the occasional crocodile glided past at a respectful distance. I was lucky enough to land a 78cm barra — a personal highlight — and later that day our catch reappeared at lunch, freshly prepared and served with uninterrupted Kimberley views. It doesn’t get much better than that.
From the calm of the anchorage, the day built steadily toward one of the Kimberley’s most powerful natural spectacles: Horizontal Falls — described by Sir David Attenborough as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder” and “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.”
Known for their immense tidal forces, the falls are a place where the energy of the region is impossible to ignore. Roaring water, red rock walls and swirling eddies combine to create a scene that feels raw, dynamic and unmistakably wild.
Experiencing the falls from multiple vantage points reveals just how dramatically the tides shape this coastline — a reminder of the forces at work in a region that remains largely untouched. It’s the kind of place that feels like a privilege to witness in person, offering a sense of scale and power that no photo or documentary can quite capture.
Day 4: One Last Surprise
After our final breakfast, heartfelt goodbyes and shared photos, we thought the trip was done - but the finale was still ahead.
A scenic flight swept us from Cygnet Bay over Cape Leveque, the red pindan cliffs, the turquoise Indian Ocean and the curve of Cable Beach before touching down in Broome.
It was a fitting way to close out four days of Kimberley immersion.
Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for a taste of the Kimberley’s highlights, the Taste of the Kimberley cruise is a pretty special way to experience it. The itinerary strikes a comfortable balance between adventure and time to slow down and really enjoy where you are. The food is consistently impressive, the scenery speaks for itself, and every day brings a new sense of perspective.
Seen from the water, from the air and from within its tides, the Kimberley reveals itself in layers — and this four-day journey offers a remarkably complete first glimpse of a place that’s anything but ordinary.
It’s the Kimberley distilled into four unforgettable days.
