A First Look at Seabourn's New Expedition Voyage Through the Kimberley, Australia
Sponsored by Seabourn
Expedition ships aren’t just made for cruising the polar regions. In fact, next year Seabourn is planning one of the most epic journeys aboard its newest expedition vessel, Seabourn Pursuit—and the voyages are nowhere near the poles.
The new sailings are through the Kimberley, a remote and rugged region of Western Australia. Along the untamed coastline and interior lie some of the most unique land formations and wildlife on the planet: Vertiginous cliffs churn with waterfalls, which give way to rivers where crocodiles swim. A few miles away, red rock canyons morph into tropical savannas that are home to rare bird species that nest in the palm and Boab trees.
The Kimberley was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia, but today, fewer than 40,000 people call this region home. (Only three local towns in the area have populations over 2,000.) It’s a place to truly go off the grid and reconnect with nature.
Seabourn’s voyages, which begin sailing in June 2024, will offer unprecedented access to the region. Travelers can board a Zodiac or kayak and enjoy the Kimberley’s unspoiled clear water, home to coral reefs and marine life like sea turtles, dolphins, octopuses, even humpback whales. On shore, they can marvel at Aboriginal rock art and learn about the history of the region’s gold rush. Plus, see the spot where five rivers come together to flow into the Timor Sea; soak in a natural swimming hole; or take a sunset camel ride on a beach.
There’s no better way to explore the wild region than aboard the new Seabourn Pursuit. With room for just 264 guests, the ship will feel more like a private yacht than a luxury expedition ship, but with many more conveniences. Guests on board can take a dip in the pool, spend the afternoon on the sundeck, or relax in a sauna or hot tub with a view. Enjoy a multi-course dinner at one of seven onboard dining venues as you sail past unforgettable Australian fjords. Or, order in and enjoy a delicious meal from the comfort of your spacious suite—which comes with a private veranda for spectacular views of the magical scenery that makes this place so special.
Ahead of the launch of the new itineraries, here’s an inside look at what passengers on board will experience. Get ready for 10 glorious days of expedition cruising you’ll never forget.
Chris Trantina Ocean West MediaExplore the King George River
There is no better way to see the glorious King George River than to sail between the towering red rock cliffs that flank this waterway in Western Australia. More than 500 animal species call this area home, including dozens of varieties of birds and a special type of kangaroo. The 70-mile river plunges over a sandstone cliff to create King George Falls, the region's highest twin waterfalls. Keep an eye out for secluded beaches and wildlife.
Chris Trantina Ocean West MediaTake exclusive tours through natural wonders
For a close-up view of these magnificent falls, you’ll need to board a Zodiac, as they aren’t accessible by road. Guided by expedition crew, passengers will take a thrilling ride through the canyon leading up to the falls, which are more than 300 feet high. There’s also rock art on the surrounding cliffs from the Indigenous Balanggarra people, who regard the falls as sacred.
Chris Trantina Ocean West MediaSpot rare wildlife
Don’t let the name fool you. There’s more to the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park than crocodiles. The wilderness park’s biggest draw may be its afternoon crocodile feedings, but look around and you’ll see kangaroos, dingos, and a variety of birds including the great egret, a tall, long-legged wading bird with an S-shaped neck that lives near water. To enter the park, you’ll need to walk through the jaws of a giant saltwater crocodile—don't worry, it's a replica.
Chris Trantina Ocean West MediaExperience marine life habitats
Head 230 miles north of Broome to a land that time has forgotten. Remote Kuri Bay is a picturesque pearl-producing town with gorgeous views, an abundance of wildlife, and a tiny population of humans. Kuri Bay is an excellent place for spotting nurse sharks, one of the dozens of types of sharks found off the coast of Australia. Nurse sharks can be up to nine feet long and weigh as much as 130 pounds.
Chris Trantina Ocean West MediaNavigate the ultra unique Talbot Bay
Talbot Bay is home to the Kimberley’s most interesting landscapes including spectacular rock formations, extraordinary coral reefs, lush mangroves, and a natural wonder best described as a horizontal waterfall. Most waterfalls cascade vertically, but here tides push intense currents between narrow gorges to create a horizontal effect. If you’re looking for turtles, this spot is for you. It’s home to Turtle Reef where you’re sure to spot an abundance of sea turtle species.
Chris Trantina Ocean West MediaCoast along a river through a UNESCO biosphere reserve
The mouth of the Hunter River is at the edge of a large, unusual rock formation that’s become a popular photo spot. The river, located inside Prince Regent National Park, has two waterfalls, each of which drops nearly 300 feet. Lower parts of the river wind through red rock cliffs and mangrove forests.
Chris Trantina Ocean West MediaBecome immersed in a prehistoric era
Western Australia is a place where dinosaurs once roamed freely, leaving behind several sets of tracks to provide it. The tracks of up to seven different dinosaur species can be seen in the Kimberley. Look for them at low tide around Cable Beach, Reddell Beach, and Gantheaume Point, pictured here, which in addition to dinosaur prints, is known for its sandy beaches and red rock cliffs.
Chris Trantina Ocean West MediaSoak in views to last a lifetime
The only thing better than a gorgeous sunset is a gorgeous sunset in a remote national park at the edge of the Australian continent. Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley is home to several massive beehive-shaped sandstone formations that make up the Bungle Bungle Range and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There may be no better place to take in an unforgettable Western Australian sunset.
