The Kimberley Coast in the north west of Australia is surely one of the country’s most astounding natural treasures. On a continent as rich and spectacular as the land down under, that’s really saying something. This wild land is marked by contrasts, from jagged red-earth cliffs and azure seas to dramatic gorges and pounding waterfalls. This is also home to some of the oldest known cliff-paintings: wonderfully preserved aboriginal designs that may be 15,000 years old. Add to that list world-famous white sand beaches and prime pearl-hunting territory and you start to understand some of the reasons why this area is so special.

If it was located anywhere else, this region would surely have become over-run with resort hotels and tourist traps by now. Fortunately, this rugged and imposing landscape has been protected by its extreme remoteness. Visiting the Kimberly Coast is like sailing off the map to a land before time. Anyone wishing to get here over land would be in store for weeks of arduous bush-wacking. Consequently, the few populated areas in the region have retained their small-town charm, and the natural wonders remain practically untouched. At the same time, because of an extreme tidal draw in the region, large ships are also precluded from entering these waters. For these reasons, the Kimberly coast has remained unspoiled despite its many natural wonders. The Kimberley expedition from Orion is uniquely suited to these conditions, however, and offers a rare chance for curious visitors to experience these wonders both from shipboard, and through explorations on land.

Because the Orion is a small ship, it has exclusive access to this forbidding landscape, allowing visitors to enjoy all of the natural splendor without suffering through an arduous journey. On the contrary, the agile ship can duck easily into the most spectacular corners of the coast for breathtaking views of magnificent inlets, waterfalls, and beaches. Travelers don’t have to restrict themselves to the long view, either. With the use of small craft, the Kimberley expedition brings you face to face with storybook scenery and the unique wildlife that only Australia can provide.

Participants on this voyage will experience all the best parts of this breathtaking coast and learn some its secrets thanks to highly experienced guides. They will be shown the historic rock galleries that few have seen, venture into hidden coves where wildlife abounds, and cruise right up to the foot of a 100 meter waterfall. In short, an expedition on Orion not only brings you to this rugged landscape that has formerly been too remote to visit, it invites you inside to see its secrets. All this without straying too far from the comforts available onboard the Orion. Despite the impressive calibre of the landscape here, only a select few have ever seen the wonders. By taking a cruise with Orion, you will be among the select few.

Any of the several attractions that make the Kimberley coast unique would be worth a special visit, be it the thundering gorges, the pristine aboriginal culture, the secret river inlets full of wildlife, or the untouched beaches. The fact that participants on the Kimberley expedition get to experience all of these things with the benefit of top-notch guides makes this opportunity truly unique. Entering this rugged landscape, it is easy to forget that the world exists, as though someone had rolled back the clock to a time when early men lived in harmony with nature.

As with all expeditions from Orion, no expense is spared to make your journey fulfilling and magical. Expert guides will delight your imagination and answer all of your questions. Life on board the ship is simple and elegant so that you will want for nothing. Few people in the world have experienced these precious natural wonders. Orion is your key to a magical kingdom and the absolute experience of a lifetime.