Kimberley: King George River and Broome
Undiscovered Treasures of Australia
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Darwin to Broome
Aboard Le Soléal, the voyage once again leaves Darwin and crosses the Kimberley to Broome. For ten nights, Zodiac tours unlock gorges, waterfalls and rock art galleries that rank among the earliest traces of human creativity. The extreme tidal range shapes phenomena such as the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay. On board, the 184-guest atmosphere, marina platform and premium all-inclusive service provide an elegant counterpoint to the rugged wilderness. Optional helicopter flights open up the remote Mitchell Falls.
Route highlights
- Darwin: Embarkation in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory.
- King George River: Zodiac beneath the King George Falls, around 80 metres high.
- Vansittart Bay: Gwion-Gwion rock art and a historic aircraft wreck.
- Careening Bay: Boab tree bearing the historic 1820 HMS Mermaid inscription.
- Hunter River: Crocodiles, mangroves and an optional helicopter flight to the Mitchell Falls.
- Collier Bay: Horizontal Falls as a natural hydrological wonder.
- Broome: Disembarkation at Cable Beach.
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
Destination
Le Soléal
Le Soléal has sailed as the third ship of the Odyssée class since 2013. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French hospitality. Her name refers to the solar wind - and indeed Le Soléal has her finest moments in light: midnight sun, southern lights, sunsets over the sea.
Off Australia, Le Soléal sails along the Kimberley coast and to the islands of the Torres Strait - expedition routes in one of the earth's last unspoilt coastal 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 Soléal
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
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 9.430 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Soléal?
A maximum of 264 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.
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