Small Ship Cruising with Coral Expeditions Along Australia’s Wild West Coast

There are places in Australia where the landscapes feel ancient and untouched, where the road ends and the journey continues by sea. Along the vast sweep of Western Australia’s coastline and into the remote reaches of the Kimberley, nature dominates - dramatic, raw, and spectacularly beautiful.

This is the Wild West Coast, a realm of reef-fringed islands, red escarpments, coral atolls, and deep river gorges carved over millennia. With Coral Expeditions’ purpose-built small ships, you can now experience two of Australia’s most remote and remarkable coastal regions - the Coral Coast and the Kimberley - in comfort, safety, and deeply enriching style.

Wild Coast Horizons: Fremantle to Broome with Coral Geographer 

Sailing north from Fremantle, this 12-night voyage aboard the Coral Geographer explores Australia’s wild western seaboard - a coastline largely untouched by mass tourism and rich in natural beauty. This is the Coral Coast at its most authentic: alive with vibrant marine life, maritime history and striking geology. From sheltered reefs to story-filled shores, each stop reveals a new side of Western Australia, offering a rare and immersive glimpse into a region few get to experience.

Each destination reveals a different face of the coast:

• The Abrolhos Islands – A stunning chain of coral-fringed isles steeped in maritime history, famous for the wreck of the Batavia, abundant seabird colonies, and crystal-clear lagoons perfect for snorkelling and exploration.
• Shark Bay World Heritage Area – A vast, sheltered marine sanctuary where dugongs glide through seagrass meadows, bottlenose dolphins play in the shallows, and some of the world’s oldest living stromatolites thrive.
• Ningaloo Reef & Cape Range National Park – A World Heritage-listed treasure where you can snorkel vibrant coral gardens just metres from shore, swim with majestic whale sharks (seasonally), and explore rugged canyons carved into limestone cliffs.
• Muiron and Serrurier Islands – Remote and postcard-perfect, these unspoilt islands are ideal for spotting turtles, snorkelling vibrant reefs, and enjoying leisurely walks along white-sand beaches fringed with turquoise waters.
• Montebello Islands – Once the site of secretive nuclear tests, these windswept isles have become flourishing marine sanctuaries rich in birdlife, reef fish, and fascinating ecological recovery stories. 
• Dampier Archipelago – A dramatic meeting of red rock and blue sea, this geologically rich region offers a striking contrast of colours, along with hidden beaches, ancient Indigenous petroglyphs, and exceptional coastal scenery.

Every day aboard Coral Expeditions is enriched by expert guides who share deep knowledge of the landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage that define this remarkable coastline. Through guided excursions, onboard talks, and relaxed conversations, they bring the journey to life in meaningful, memorable ways. With no more than 120 guests, the experience is unhurried and personal, offering time and space to truly connect with your surroundings. This cruise is a genuine celebration of Western Australia’s diversity - concluding in Broome, the gateway to the Kimberley.

The Kimberley Unveiled: Broome to Darwin with Coral Discoverer

The second voyage offers an entirely different experience - but no less extraordinary. The Kimberley is one of the oldest and most isolated landscapes on Earth - a land sculpted over two billion years. Its immense, rugged beauty unfolds in dramatic fashion: towering ochre cliffs, river-carved gorges, thundering waterfalls, and pockets of Aboriginal rock art dating back tens of thousands of years.

From the moment you depart Broome, the scale and solitude are breathtaking. You’ll visit:

• Lacepede Islands – A protected nature reserve and vital breeding ground for thousands of seabirds and green turtles. These low-lying coral cays are alive with wildlife and rich ecological significance.
• Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls – Home to one of the world’s most extraordinary tidal phenomena, where powerful seawater surges through twin rock gaps, creating a sideways waterfall effect that’s both thrilling and unforgettable.
• Doubtful Bay & Raft Point – Remote, rugged coastlines that reveal ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries and sweeping views of sheer cliffs rising dramatically from the sea.
• Montgomery Reef – One of the natural wonders of the Kimberley; as the tide drops, the reef seemingly rises from the ocean, unveiling cascades of water and vibrant marine life clinging to its surface.
• Prince Regent River & King Cascade – Journey deep into a pristine gorge system flanked by sandstone cliffs to discover King Cascade, a spectacular waterfall surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation.
• Mitchell Falls, Bigge Island & Vansittart Bay – Visit some of the Kimberley’s most iconic locations, where multi-tiered waterfalls tumble over ancient rock, and centuries-old Gwion Gwion rock art reveals stories of Australia’s First Peoples.
• King George River & Falls – Cruise between towering red rock walls before arriving at the awe-inspiring twin drops of King George Falls, some of the highest and most majestic waterfalls in Western Australia.

These are places that defy roads, crowds, and expectations - landscapes so remote they’re only accessible by sea. Few vessels can navigate the Kimberley’s narrow gorges and hidden inlets, but Coral Discoverer is purpose-built for just that, blending access, expertise, and comfort. With just 72 guests on board, the atmosphere is relaxed and personal, allowing for deeper exploration at a gentler pace. Unlike larger ships, Coral Discoverer reaches secluded bays and shallow river mouths - offering a truly intimate connection to this ancient and spectacular coastline.

Why This Journey is Different

To complement each expedition cruise, Holidays of Australia has paired these remarkable voyages with two of the world’s most legendary train journeys - offering the perfect way to experience Australia’s vast and varied inland landscapes in effortless style.

Indian Pacific – Paired with the Coral Geographer (Coral Coast)

Travel from Sydney to Perth aboard the legendary Indian Pacific. Savour gourmet dining, attentive service, and immersive off-train experiences as you journey across the continent. From the lush vineyards of South Australia to the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, witness the ever-changing beauty of Australia’s southern landscapes in complete comfort.

The Ghan – Paired with the Coral Discoverer (Kimberley)

Journey from Darwin to Adelaide aboard The Ghan Expedition, one of the world’s great rail adventures. Travel deep into the heart of the outback with stops in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy. It’s an unforgettable way to experience inland Australia - with the same ease, elegance, and attention to detail you’ll enjoy at sea.

Where Will the Horizon Take You?

The Coral Coast and Kimberley are among Australia’s last true frontiers - remote, untouched, and rich in natural wonder. But with Coral Expeditions and Holidays of Australia, these wild and remarkable regions are closer than you think. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the country differently - more deeply, more comfortably, and far from the crowds - there’s no better time, and no better way, than this.

Ready for an adventure? Click here to view our Coral Expedition packages, or get in touch with one of our travel experts! 

1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au 

Images courtesy of Coral Expeditions & Tourism WA.