The Kimberley region might just be Australia’s best-kept cruising secret – and that’s saying something for a coastline that stretches over 2,500 kilometers of some of the most spectacular wilderness on Earth. Discovery One has carved out quite the reputation for navigating these ancient waters, and after watching countless cruise lines come and go, I can tell you they’ve got something special brewing in Australia’s northwest.
This isn’t your typical cruise experience where you’re dodging deck chair hogs and waiting in buffet lines longer than the Great Wall of China. Discovery One operates intimate vessels that slip into places where the big ships fear to tread – literally. We’re talking about a region where 40,000-year-old rock art adorns cliff faces, where horizontal waterfalls defy physics, and where the only traffic jams involve crocodiles sunbaking on mudflats.
The Discovery One Fleet
TRUE NORTH
- Length: 50 meters
- Capacity: 36 passengers
- Crew: 22 professional crew members
- Built: Purpose-built for Kimberley waters
- Special features: Shallow draft design, 6 adventure boats
- Helicopter: 1 on-board helicopter
The TRUE NORTH is Discovery One’s flagship – though calling any 50-meter vessel a “flagship” might raise eyebrows among mainstream cruise passengers. Don’t let the size fool you; this is expedition cruising at its finest. The shallow draft means you’ll access gorges and inlets that larger vessels can only dream about. Each cabin comes with proper beds (not bunks – we’re not running a summer camp here), and the communal areas foster the kind of camaraderie that turns strangers into lifelong friends. The outdoor deck space is generous enough for everyone to find their perfect sunset viewing spot without elbowing fellow passengers. For those curious about different cabin types across the cruise industry, the arrangements here take on a distinctly intimate character compared to mainstream ships.
👉 👉 Book direct: Get exclusive deals on your next Discovery One Kimberley Cruise
True North II
- Length: 34 meters
- Capacity: 22 passengers
- Crew: 14 crew members
- Helicopter: 1 on-board helicopter
- Special features: Helicopter access, adventure sports equipment and 5 adventure boats
True North II takes Kimberley cruising to quite literally new heights with a helicopter permanently stationed on deck. This isn’t just about convenience – it’s about accessing parts of the Kimberley that remain untouched by human footprints. The helicopter flights over the Bungle Bungles will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about geological formations. The vessel itself strikes that sweet spot between adventure capability and comfort, with staterooms that wouldn’t appear out of place on much larger ships.
👉 👉 Book direct: Get exclusive deals on your next Discovery One Kimberley Cruise
What Makes Kimberley Cruising Different
Forget everything you know about traditional cruising – the Kimberley operates by its own rules. Tides here can shift up to 12 meters, which means your itinerary is more of a gentle suggestion than a firm commitment. That gorge you were meant to explore this morning? Well, Mother Nature might have other plans if the tide isn’t cooperating. Smart passengers embrace this flexibility as part of the adventure rather than a scheduling inconvenience.
The wildlife encounters here make Galapagos appear tame by comparison. Saltwater crocodiles longer than your cabin lurk in mangrove-lined creeks, while humpback whales use these waters as their personal maternity ward. I’ve watched passengers go from excitement to stunned silence when they realize that 5-meter crocodile isn’t a floating log.
After 50 cruises, this is the only luggage I recommend having survived everything from tropical downpours to helicopter transfers without missing a beat.
This style of expedition cruising shares some DNA with small ship cruising elsewhere, though the Kimberley takes remoteness to an entirely different level.
When to Cruise the Kimberley
The Kimberley cruise season runs during the dry season, typically from April through September. This isn’t arbitrary scheduling – it’s survival logistics. The wet season transforms this region into an impassable wilderness where waterfalls become torrents and creeks become raging rivers. Even during the dry season, you’ll want to pack layers because desert nights can be surprisingly chilly after scorching days.
April and May offer the advantage of waterfalls still flowing from the wet season, while August and September provide the clearest skies for those all-important helicopter flights and stargazing sessions. The shoulder months often provide the best value, though “value” is relative when you’re talking about one of the world’s most exclusive cruise experiences.
Onboard Life and Expectations
Don’t expect Broadway shows or multiple dining venues – you’re here for the destination, not the amenities. Meals are communal affairs where conversation flows as freely as the wine, and dietary restrictions are handled with surprising sophistication given the remote locations. The chefs deserve particular credit for creating memorable meals when the nearest grocery store is several hundred kilometers away.
The passenger demographic tends toward well-traveled individuals who prefer substance over spectacle. You’ll find retired executives sharing stories with photographers, marine biologists comparing notes with teachers, and the occasional celebrity trying to escape the spotlight. The small passenger numbers mean everyone becomes part of the extended cruise family by day three. Those coming from traditional cruise experiences will find this intimacy refreshingly different from the crowds of mainstream ships.
Shore Excursions and Adventures
Every excursion is essentially included because there’s nowhere else to go – you’re in one of the world’s last true wildernesses. Zodiac landings take you to beaches where your footprints might be the first human marks in months. Rock art galleries showcase indigenous culture dating back thousands of years, with some sites so sacred that photography is respectfully prohibited.
The helicopter excursions on True North aren’t just scenic flights – they’re geological lessons that reveal the Kimberley’s incredible diversity from ancient reef systems to dramatic gorges carved by millions of years of erosion. Swimming holes offer refreshing breaks from the heat, though always with crocodile spotters keeping watch because this is Australia, where even the swimming comes with safety briefings. For those interested in expedition cruising to other remote destinations, polar expedition cruises offer similarly untouched wilderness experiences, though in dramatically different climates.
Practical Considerations
Internet connectivity ranges from sporadic to non-existent, which might be the best part of the entire experience. Mobile phone coverage disappears shortly after leaving port, forcing passengers to engage with their surroundings and fellow travelers in ways that seem almost revolutionary in our hyperconnected world.
Laundry service is available but limited, so pack accordingly. The climate demands sun protection that goes beyond typical cruise requirements – we’re talking serious outback conditions where the sun reflects off red rocks and water with intensity that can catch even experienced travelers off guard. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, preferably with good grip for potentially slippery rock surfaces. Unlike the formal dress codes found on many cruise ships, the Kimberley’s dress requirements focus purely on practicality and sun protection.
Bonus Tips from a Seasoned Kimberley Cruiser
Pack a good pair of binoculars – the wildlife viewing opportunities are extraordinary, but many animals maintain respectful distances from humans. A waterproof camera case is worth its weight in gold when you’re photographing waterfalls from zodiac boats getting thoroughly soaked by spray.
Bring a quality flashlight for night walks and early morning adventures. The Kimberley’s night sky, unpolluted by city lights, offers some of the world’s best stargazing, but you’ll need illumination for safe navigation around the vessel and during shore excursions.
Consider upgrading your cabin if budget allows – while all accommodations are comfortable, having extra space becomes valuable during the inevitable weather delays that require spending more time onboard. The weather in the Kimberley can change rapidly, and having a comfortable retreat makes these delays part of the adventure rather than an inconvenience. For those looking to stretch their cruise budget, our guide on saving money on cruises offers strategies that can help make expedition cruising more affordable.
Common Questions
Can I extend my stay in the Kimberley region before or after the cruise? Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended. Many passengers fly into Broome or Darwin a few days early to adjust to the time zone and explore these gateway towns. Both offer unique attractions and serve as excellent introductions to northwestern Australia’s culture and history. Our Australia cruise ports guide provides detailed information about these and other Australian destinations.
What happens if weather prevents helicopter flights on True North? Discovery One maintains flexible itineraries and alternative activities. If helicopters can’t fly safely, additional zodiac excursions, extended shore time, or alternative scenic cruising fills the gap. The crew’s local knowledge ensures backup plans are often as memorable as the original activities.
Are there medical facilities onboard for emergencies? All vessels carry comprehensive first aid equipment and crew trained in emergency medical response. For serious medical emergencies, helicopter evacuation can be arranged from most locations, though the remote nature of the Kimberley means passengers should be in reasonable health and carry adequate travel insurance.
How rough can the seas get during Kimberley cruises? The Kimberley’s protected waters and extensive island systems provide natural shelter from ocean swells. Most cruising occurs in relatively calm conditions, though some passengers sensitive to motion might experience mild seasickness during open water transits between regions.
What’s the photography etiquette for sacred Aboriginal sites? Photography policies vary by location and are strictly enforced out of respect for indigenous culture. Crew members provide clear guidance at each site, and many locations allow personal photography while prohibiting commercial or social media use. Always follow crew instructions – these guidelines protect sacred sites and ensure continued access for future visitors.
The Kimberley represents one of cruising’s last frontiers, where the journey truly becomes the destination. In a world where cruise experiences increasingly blur together in a sea of standardized entertainment and dining, Discovery One offers something genuinely different – the chance to explore one of Earth’s most pristine wildernesses from the comfort of thoughtfully designed vessels with crews who know these waters like their own backyard.
It’s expedition cruising that challenges your preconceptions about what a cruise can be, leaving you with stories that no mainstream cruise itinerary could ever provide. For those seeking similar adventure-focused experiences, river cruising offers another intimate way to explore remote destinations, though nothing quite matches the raw wilderness of Australia’s Kimberley region.
