Kimberley: King George River and Broome
Undiscovered Treasures of Australia
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Darwin → Broome
Ten nights aboard Le Jacques Cartier from Darwin into the heart of the Kimberley and onwards to Broome. The 184-guest Ponant Explorer-class vessel deploys 16 Zodiacs to reach mangrove rivers, rock-art galleries and sandstone gorges barely served by any road. Helideck readiness allows scenic flights to the Mitchell Falls and Horizontal Falls. The Blue Eye underwater lounge reveals the reef in the late hours. Aboriginal rock art of the Wandjina and Gwion-Gwion traditions places the region in the scale of a 40,000-year-old culture. Premium all-inclusive throughout.
Route highlights
- Darwin: tropical Top End capital and starting point for the Kimberley expedition.
- King George River: Zodiac approach to the 80-metre Twin Falls over two tiers of sandstone.
- Vansittart Bay: bush wreck of a US military DC-3 and Aboriginal rock art beneath sandstone overhangs.
- Careening Bay: HMS Mermaid boab with 1820 inscription as a historical surveying marker.
- Hunter River: sandstone amphitheatre, crocodile-rich mangroves and helicopter option to the Mitchell Falls.
- Collier Bay: Montgomery Reef, whose tide turns the reef into a three-tiered waterfall.
- Lacepede Islands: green sea turtles and seabird colonies as the final stop before Broome.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Darwin
10 nights
Broome
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Darwin · Embarkation
Darwin is the gateway to the Northern Territory's outback and to Australia's wild Top End. Kakadu National Park (UNESCO World Heritage), with its rock paintings, waterfalls and crocodiles, begins just a few hours away.
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King George River
The King George River in the Kimberley is the setting for the spectacular King George Falls - twin waterfalls that plunge 80 metres into a narrow sandstone canyon in the wet season. Access only by boat or helicopter.
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Vansittart Bay
Vansittart Bay on the Kimberley coast is the site of historic Aboriginal rock art as well as a crashed US military aircraft from the Second World War (a DC-3 from 1942) - a unique excursion in the Australian outback sea.
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Ashmore Reef (technischer Stopp)
Ashmore Reef is a coral reef in Australia's external territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands in the Indian Ocean. The 583-square-kilometre marine sanctuary harbours 433 coral species and serves as a nesting site for sea turtles, with traditional fishing rights granted to Indonesian fishermen.
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Careening Bay
Careening Bay on the Kimberley coast carries an inscription carved by Phillip Parker King in 1820 into a boab tree - one of the oldest European marks on Australia's northern coast. The tree still grows today, the inscription with it.
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Swift Bay
Swift Bay on the Kimberley coast of Western Australia hosts some of the oldest rock paintings in the world - Wandjina spirit figures and Gwion Gwion figures of the Aboriginal people, whose age is estimated at up to 17,000 years.
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Hunter River
The Hunter River in the Kimberley (Western Australia) is a mangrove river system with saltwater crocodiles and more than 200 bird species. At the Mitchell Falls the water tumbles over four tiers into the lower river - the helicopter approach is the classic Kimberley excursion.
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Collier-Bucht
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Lacepedeinseln
The Lacépède Islands off the Kimberley coast are one of the most important green sea turtle breeding grounds in the world (up to 18,000 females each year). Huge colonies of lesser frigatebirds and brown boobies nest on the sparsely vegetated sand islands.
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Broome · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 25 |
| Sea °C | 23 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 100 | 115 | 130 | 125 | 120 | 130 | 100 | 80 | 70 | 75 | 85 | 78 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: South-east Australia (Sydney)
Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier entered service in 2020 as the fifth ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, state-of-the-art environmental technology. The ship benefits from all improvements Ponant has built into the class since 2018.
Off Australia, Le Jacques Cartier opens up the Kimberley coast and the Great Barrier Reef - expedition routes in spectacular natural landscapes.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Jacques Cartier
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom | € 12.540 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 13.180 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 13.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 14.450 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 15.710 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 15.710 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 15.710 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 15.710 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 18.880 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 19.510 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 22.050 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 22.050 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 23.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 25.210 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 10 nights from EUR 11.010 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Jacques Cartier?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is November to March (southern summer).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
