Blog

If you’re looking for an experience that balances comfort with real adventure, a Ponant expedition through the Kimberley might be the right fit for you. Onboard, you’ll find a relaxed, small group atmosphere—far less crowded than large cruise ships—with attentive staff who make travel easy for everyone. Every excursion is thoughtfully organised, so whether it’s your first cruise or you need a little extra support, you’ll feel welcomed, included, and able to truly enjoy the wild beauty of the Kimberley.

There are some journeys that teach you as much as they show you, and my Kimberley cruise with Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier is one I keep coming back to. Travelling from Darwin to Broome, I experienced expedition cruising for the first time—a style of travel that combines real learning with genuine adventure. Onboard, I found a small group of fellow travellers, knowledgeable guides, and a sense of purpose that set this trip apart from any regular holiday.

Le Jacques Cartier is a modern ship designed for comfort, carrying a maximum of 184 passengers—which means there’s always space to find a quiet moment or connect with fellow travellers. The interiors are bright and welcoming, with light tones throughout that make every space feel open and relaxed. After a day exploring on land or in the zodiacs, I often found myself drawn to the small infinity pool at the back of the ship—it was the perfect spot to cool off, unwind, and swap stories with others as the Kimberley landscape slipped by.

Mealtimes were a highlight in themselves, with beautifully prepared dishes that reflect Ponant’s French heritage and reputation for excellent cuisine. One of the real standouts for me was lunch on the back deck: the chef preparing fresh dishes right in front of us, the open air filled with the gentle sounds of the sea. There was something special about sharing a meal out in the sunshine, with ocean views stretching in every direction and a relaxed, communal atmosphere that made every lunchtime feel like a celebration. These moments brought everyone together and made the journey feel personal, welcoming, and deeply memorable.

Each morning began with a fresh breakfast in the restaurant, the wide Kimberley coastline just beyond the windows. I’d take my coffee to the main lounge, where fellow travellers gathered to prepare for the day ahead. There was a gentle excitement in the air as we discussed the day’s plans and shared tips. Our guides weren’t just tour hosts; they were passionate experts—a herpetologist who shared fascinating insights about sea turtles, an ornithologist whose love of Kimberley birdlife was infectious, a crocodile researcher whose calm respect for these ancient reptiles softened my apprehension, and a geologist who read the land’s story in layers of ochre and stone.

One of my highlights came at the King George River. We boarded our small zodiacs and glided along water carved through 1.8-billion-year-old sandstone cliffs, their colours shifting with the sun. The cliffs are immense, standing one hundred metres high, dwarfing our little boats and everyone in them. At the end of the river, Western Australia’s highest twin waterfalls came into view. As it was the end of the dry season, there was little water flowing—something to consider when choosing what time of year to travel. Ponant had a thoughtful surprise waiting for us there—a moment that felt personal and special, and a reminder of how travel can create memories that stay with you long after you return home.

Another moment that really stood out was seeing Montgomery Reef rise from the ocean as the tide went out. The reef gradually appears from beneath the water, with streams running off its surface and birds and turtles gathering to feed. Watching this natural event unfold from the zodiac was something I’d never experienced before, and it really showed me how different and special this part of Australia is.

Beyond these headline sights, what lingers are the small, sensory-rich discoveries. The first time I spotted a saltwater crocodile sunning itself, almost prehistoric in stillness. And then there were the blue-footed boobies, newly fledged and flying just above us, looking down with the same curiosity we felt about them. Against the backdrop of brilliant blue skies, it was a moment of shared wonder that felt both intimate and joyful.

But perhaps the most powerful memories were found in the faces around me. I’ll never forget the wonder and pure joy on the face of the 90-year-old woman travelling with her daughter as we zoomed along in the zodiacs—her laughter rising above the sound of the water, her spirit infectious. There was also a paraplegic woman, travelling with her husband, for whom Ponant made this journey—and every zodiac adventure—possible. Their determination and the respect from crew and fellow guests was a masterclass in dignity and inclusion. Solo travellers, too, were gently welcomed, always made to feel part of the group, never left on the outside looking in. These are the moments that reminded me how travel, at its best, is about all of us—side by side, sharing the thrill of discovery, held and supported, no matter where we come from or how we travel.

Ponant’s expedition team encouraged us to look beyond the obvious highlights. We visited Indigenous rock art sites, standing in front of ochre paintings that have marked these rocks for thousands of years. Our guides shared the stories behind the art and the culture, helping us appreciate the depth of history in this region. Hearing about traditions and seeing evidence of such long-standing connection to the land made these visits feel meaningful and real. It was a reminder that the Kimberley’s heritage is alive, and that travel here is as much about listening and learning as it is about sightseeing.

Insider Tips from My Own Journey

After travelling the Kimberley with Ponant, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I set out. If you’re planning your own adventure, these practical tips might help you feel that little bit more prepared—and able to relax into every moment.

1. Bring a broad-brimmed hat with a tie-on strap.
   It gets surprisingly windy when you’re zooming along on the zodiacs. The last thing you want is to watch your hat disappear overboard! I picked up a simple Bunnings hat before the trip—nothing fancy, just practical. I had the bright idea to tie a scarf around it to hide the Bunnings label, but I’ll be honest: I didn’t tie it securely enough and the scarf blew away before I even reached the Kimberley! If you go this route, make sure to attach your scarf well—or just embrace the Bunnings logo and focus on function over fashion.
2. Pack binoculars.
   There’s so much to see—and some of the best sights are a little way off. From spotting crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks to watching birds swoop and soar above the cliffs, having a good pair of binoculars makes each day richer. You’ll be able to appreciate the little details that might otherwise slip by.
3. Long sleeves (and long shorts or lightweight pants) are your friend.
   The Kimberley sun is strong and can catch you off guard, especially when you’re on the water. I found that having a long-sleeved shirt and either lightweight long pants or long shorts that covered the tops of my legs kept me far more comfortable—especially when sitting on the zodiacs. It’s a simple way to protect yourself and focus on the adventure, not the sunburn.

These are the little things I learned by being there, and I hope they help you. If you have questions or want more practical advice, I’m always happy to share what I know—just reach out.

Looking back, what really stands out from my Kimberley cruise with Ponant is how much I valued the knowledge and passion of our guides. Their insights gave real meaning to every place we visited—whether we were learning about the ancient geology, spotting wildlife, or hearing the stories behind Indigenous rock art. Experiencing all of this from a comfortable, well-equipped small ship made it even easier to relax and truly take everything in. It was also reassuring to know that a doctor and nurse were always with us, even out on the zodiacs, adding an extra layer of peace of mind to the adventure.

If you’re dreaming of a journey that blends nature, culture, and soft adventure, my best advice is simple: find a way to experience the Kimberley. And if you’d like to talk through your own travel dreams, I’d love to chat. Sometimes, the best journeys begin with a conversation.