This Luxurious Australian Cruise Is A Birdwatcher’s Dream Come True

From the Tasmanian devil to the short-beaked echidna to the red kangaroo, Australia is home to an incredible array of native mammals—and this storied continent is no stranger to fascinating avifauna either. While destinations like Daintree National Park and Lake Wollumboola have earned worldwide acclaim for their incredible bird diversity, there’s one particularly fascinating Australian region that tends to fly under the radar when it comes to ecotourism. Known as The Kimberley, this sprawling slice of Western Australia coastline is a veritable paradise for hardcore birders and casual nature lovers alike.

While it’s possible to explore this region by car, seafaring offers an incredible perspective on the coast, allowing visitors to access isolated islets that would be hard to experience otherwise—and fortunately, Abercrombie & Kent’s Kimberley Cruise is perfectly equipped to deliver the perfect journey, offering a seamless blend of immersive ecotourism and lavish amenities. Set to depart on May 12th, 2023, this 13-day excursion highlights some of the most gorgeous natural features along the north shore of Western Australia, with ample opportunity to spot some of the region’s most prized avian species.

“Many bird-watching enthusiasts regard The Kimberley as a birder’s paradise due to the remarkable diversity of habitats, from coastal and inland salt-pans to wetlands, intertidal mangroves to rugged sandstone escarpments, and woodland to seabird islands,” notes Rich Pagen, Ornithology Lecturer and Abercrombie & Kent Expedition Team member for the upcoming journey. In terms of specific species, Pagen notes that King George River is a paradise for raptor lovers, offering ample amounts of Brahminy kites and wedge-tailed eagles across the region. Further south, the former mining town of Wyndham is rife with pelicans, azure kingfishers, and even white-bellied sea eagles—and of course, The Kimberley is home to far more than just avian inhabitants.

More than 60,000 years ago, communities across Southeast Asia made their way into modern-day Western Australia, establishing some of the earliest recorded indigenous Australian settlements. Today, eons-old evidence of their presence can still be seen across The Kimberley, with two particularly fascinating destinations built into the cruise itinerary. While traveling along the coast, guests can enjoy a guided excursion into Freshwater Cove, where ancient rock art crafted by the Worrorra community depicts elemental beings known as The Wandjina. Just a few days later, the ship will pay a visit to Bigge Island, an ancestral home to the Wunambal people that’s rife with carvings depicting traditional folklore and religious figures.

As an added bonus, the excursion isn’t strictly confined to Western Australia. During the tail end of the trip, the ship will sail north through the Timor Sea, ultimately arriving at Pulau Meatimiarang in Maluku Province, Indonesia. While there are no dedicated excursions planned for the island, guests are welcome to make full use of the ship’s many amenities during the trip’s final days, with the on-ship spa, outdoor heated pool, and a wealth of informational presentations all available. To end the journey on a high note, guests will alight at the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, a coastal city that’s famed for its rich food scene and close proximity to iconic national parks.

While there’s no shortage of incredible birdwatching to be done across Australia, Abercrombie & Kent’s Kimberley Cruise provides a glimpse into one of the nation’s most remote regions, offering a unique experience that’s near-impossible to recreate on your own. From fearsome raptors to pint-sized passerines, the wealth of birdlife encountered during this cruise is truly marvelous—and the fascinating cultural perspectives, stunning landscapes, and lavish on-ship accommodations all add to the overall charm.