Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of Kimberley. Cruise from Broome to Darwin, embark aboard Le Soleal for an 11-day expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet. With their falls, abrupt gorges, savannah, calm waters and desolate mountain chains, the wild lands of Kimberley are the promise of an exceptional adventure.
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Australia’s Iconic Kimberley – Broome to Darwin
11 Days aboard Le Soleal. From NZD $13,233pp.
Details
Overview
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Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the ancient landscapes and rock art.
- See unique tidal phenomena such as the Horizontal Falls
- Participate in regular zodiac cruises and shore excursions
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embark from Broome
- Day 2: Lacepede Islands
- Day 3-4: Collier Bay
- Day 5: Careening Bay
- Day 6: Hunter River and Mitchell Falls Bay
- Day 7: Swift Bay
- Day 8: Vansittart Bay
- Day 9: King George River
- Day 10: Day at sea
- Day 11: Disembark in Darwin
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Broome
Located in the northwest of the Kimberley region and in the far north of Western Australia, the town of Broome is reputed for its history and its glorious pearling era. The fascinating Chinatown district, which is the historic city centre, and the famous Japanese Cemetery, dates back to 1896, and has a past marked by the immigration of numerous Chinese and Japanese workers, attracted by the prosperous pearl industry at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. Broome is also famous for the “Staircase to the Moon”, an optical illusion created by the Moon reflecting on the sand banks at low tide, like a staircase climbing up towards the sky, a unique spectacle provided by nature…
Day 2: Lacepede Islands
The Lacepede Islands are Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), and have been named by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The breeding colony of Brown Boobies is possibly the largest in the world. Up to 20,000 Roseate Terns have also been recorded here. Other birds breeding on the islands include Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, Crested, Bridled and Lesser Crested Terns, Common Noddies, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers. Join your expedition team for a guided Zodiac® tour to view the prolific wildlife. Due to the sensitive nature of the environment, landings are prohibited on the Lacepede Islands.
Day 3 - 4: Collier Bay
Lying to the east of the Buccaneer archipelago, the ancient landscapes of Collier Bay have been shaped by the massive tidal movements the region is renowned for, creating a photographer’s paradise. With a tidal range exceeding 14 metres, recorded near Yule entrance at the southern end of the bay, they are among the largest in the world. This massive daily movement of water creates unique phenomena that occur nowhere else in the world. Nestled in the centre of the Bay is Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system. As the tide falls a raging torrent of water cascades off the top of the reef, creating turbulent ‘rivers’ and mini waterfalls. At the Southern end of the Bay, Talbot Bay is home to the world’s only ’Horizontal Falls’ described by Sir David Attenborough as “One of the greatest wonders of the natural world.” Hidden in the many caves and grottos of this ancient landscape are a multitude of ancient Rock Art galleries. Here you can find spectacular examples of the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles. As we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions in this region, the activities mentioned above are only possible experiences and can’t be guaranteed.
Day 5: Careening Bay
Careening Bay was named by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King after his ship, HMC Mermaid, was careened there during his third voyage of discovery in 1820. King surveyed the western coast to complete the map initiated by Flinders 20 years earlier. The Mermaid had been leaking badly and King needed to find a shallow sandy bay where he could careen his boat to undertake repairs. At a high tide, on a warm September afternoon, he ran the Mermaid onto the sands. For ten days the Mermaid crew worked hard before refloating the vessel. The ship’s carpenter carved the name of the vessel and the year into a conspicuous boab tree. The famous boab tree is now 3 metres wide and National Heritage listed. A reminder of a by gone era of exploration!
Day 6: Hunter River & Mitchell Falls
Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River are lined with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves and mosaic sandstone cliffs. They are considered to be some of the most pristine mangrove forests in the world, containing up to 18 different species, supporting a rich and diverse fauna. The sandstone escarpment at the river mouth, known as “Kampamantiya” rises over 200 metres high before giving way to extensive mud banks and mangrove forests home to numerous bird species and the iconic saltwater crocodile. Our expert Expedition Team will share their knowledge with you as you explore this pristine mangrove environment by Zodiac® keeping a constant lookout for wildlife.
Day 7: Swift Bay
The Bonaparte Archipelago, is a stunningly rugged maze of islands stretching almost 150 km along Western Australia's remote Kimberley coast. Its colour and scale conspire to take ones’ breath away. Its distant location has meant it has remained an unspoilt and remarkably pristine location to explore and experience. Phillip Parker King named “Swift's bay" after Jonathon Swift (1667-1745) the author of Gulliver’s travels. The ‘T’ shaped bay is composed of heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art. Join your expedition team ashore for a guided walk to a number of rock art galleries depicting these unique rock art styles.
Day 8: Vansittart Bay
Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. Mainly neglected by, or unknown to, the early European researchers of Aboriginal culture in the Kimberley in favour of the dominant and more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence. It is generally thought that this art may extend back to over 30,000 years before our time and represents the first wave of seagoing colonisers of the Australian continent. As it is, these are the oldest detailed depiction of human figures in the world. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.
Day 9: King George River
The journey up the King George River is nothing short of breathtaking. The 80-metre-high sides of the gorge display varying degrees of weathering of the ancient Warton sandstone. The colours and textures of the gorge change with the light as you travel further up the river creating a continual changing scenery that is simply stunning. The journey culminates at the King George twin falls; the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley (80 m or 260 ft). Fed by wet season run-off the level of water cascading over the falls varies from year to year. Your Expedition Team will escort you in either the Zodiacs® or ships tenders to the foot of the twin falls, and explain all about the stunning geological formations of the canyon.
Day 10: At Sea
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 11: Disembark Darwin
Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.
Next Departure Date: 12 Jul 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Jul 2025 - 22 Jul 2025 | NZD$14544pp | ||
| Superior Stateroom - Deck 3 | NZD$14544pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe Stateroom - Deck 3 | NZD$15756pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 | NZD$17467pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 | NZD$18322pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 | NZD$19344pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe Suite - Deck 6 | NZD$25178pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Suite - Deck 5 | NZD$30333pp | Contact us | |
| Prestige Suite - Deck 6 | NZD$31711pp | Contact us | |
| Owner's Suite | NZD$43244pp | Contact us | |
| 31 Aug 2025 - 10 Sep 2025 | NZD$15389pp | ||
| 09 Jul 2026 - 19 Jul 2026 | NZD$13233pp | ||
| 18 Aug 2026 - 28 Aug 2026 | NZD$13233pp | ||
| 07 Sep 2026 - 17 Sep 2026 | NZD$13233pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Superior Stateroom - Deck 3
21m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and internet access wifi.
Deluxe Stateroom - Deck 3
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and internet access wifi.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and internet access wifi.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and internet access wifi.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service, internet access wifi and butler service.
Deluxe Suite - Deck 6
27m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and internet access wifi.
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
36m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, 8m² private balcony, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and internet access wifi.
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
36sqm, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, 8m² private balcony, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service, internet access wifi and butler service.
Owner's Suite
45m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, located on deck 6, french design, panoramic views, individually-controlled airconditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service, internet access wifi, one private transfer (round trip: airport - hotel - port) and one hour free spa treatments.
Le Soleal Deckplan
Specifications
- Length: 466 ft
- Beam: 59 ft
- Draft: 15.3 ft
- Cruising speed: 14 knots
- Ice class: 1 C
- Classification: Bureau Veritas
- Flag: French
- Guest decks: 6
- Guest capacity (double occupancy): Up to 264 pax
- Guest capacity Antarctica: 200 pax
- Normal crew size: 140
- A fleet of expedition Zodiac®: (Mark V HD)
- Gross tonnage: 10 992 UMS
- Electric motors: 2 x 2300 KW
- Installed power: 7200 KW
- Construction: Fincantieri-Ancône-Italy
Whats included?
- Expedition excursions with English speaking guides
- Accommodation in your selected stateroom
- Landings and zodiac outings
- A full meal plan
- Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.
- Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day
- Port taxes
What’s not included?
- Transfers to/from Port
- Some extra activities in excursions (please ask us for more information)
- International Airfares
- Internal airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Hotel nights
- Top Shelf Alcoholic beverages
- Travel Protection Plan
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!