Visiting the Kimberley in 2022 was a transformative experience for Deb Corbett, Ponant CEO APAC. “The vivid red soil, the silence of ancient gorges, and the scale of the waterfalls created a sense of awe I’ll never forget,” she says. “What struck me most was how extraordinary this part of Australia is – it’s easy to forget the wonder in our own backyard. Travelling by small ship allowed us to reach remote parts of the coastline, many inaccessible by land. It felt like a privilege to experience such untouched places in an immersive and respectful way.”
Small-ship French luxury line Ponant has been cruising the Kimberley region for many years, initially with L’Austral in 2017. Ponant then launched various stunning expedition ships to the region, Le Lapérouse (in 2019), Le Soléal (in 2022) and Le Jacques Cartier (in 2024). Ponant’s 2026 Kimberley season has 16 different departures to pick from aboard Le Soléal and Le Jacques Cartier, with sailings based around intimate service and ships designed for accessing difficult-to-reach areas and itineraries.
“Ponant delivers a rare combination in the Kimberley – true expedition capability paired with the comfort and style of a luxury yacht,” says Corbett. “With just 184 guests onboard, our small ships offer an intimate experience, allowing us to reach remote coastlines with minimal environmental impact. Zodiac outings take guests up close to waterfalls, gorges and tidal reefs, while onboard, French hospitality sets us apart – from attentive service to exceptional dining that reflects our heritage.”
Swimming with sharks & ancient rock art
A new itinerary launched this year is the 11-day Australia’s West Coast Odyssey expedition cruise aboard Le Soléal, exploring the immaculate beaches, majestic landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Australia’s west coast.
The new expedition cruise visits Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible biodiversity; Ningaloo to swim with whale sharks; and Jurien Bay Marine Park, the only breeding area for Australian sea lions on the western coast. Guests can also snorkel the largest coral reef in Australia and the only large reef in the world found so close to a continental landmass, allowing swimmers to snorkel from the shore.
In Murujuga National Park on the Burrup Peninsula, guests can marvel at the 40,000-year-old rock art depicting seabirds, human figures and extinct creatures, providing a glimpse into the ancient history of the Indigenous people.
Preserving customs and heritage
Since 2018, Ponant has worked with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal corporations to provide mutually beneficial Indigenous engagement, fostering the revitalisation of customs and preservation of heritage. These initiatives include developing co-operative associations with traditional owners and local communities, respecting traditions, and assisting to maintain unique cultures.
“Our engagement began in 2017, before our inaugural Kimberley season, guided by a commitment to mutual respect,” says Corbett. “We first worked with Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and Traditional Owners at Freshwater Cove, supported by Tourism WA. In 2018, we supported the early development of Wijingarra Tours to deliver authentic cultural experiences at Raft Point and Freshwater Cove. Together with Wijingarra Tours we created guest experiences guided entirely by Traditional Owners, ensuring cultural authority and control over sensitive sites. Today, we work in partnership with two First Nations corporations. These relationships ensure our operations are respectful, with Traditional Owners guiding where we go, what is shared and how protocols are followed. For guests, it’s an opportunity to engage meaningfully with living culture.”
Ponant is also a registered Uunguu Tour Operator with the Wunambal Gaambera people.
“We consult regularly on all shore visits, and any new sites are discussed in advance. Our support contributes to infrastructure, seasonal employment and the long-term sustainability of cultural tourism,” says Corbett.
Ponant ensures visits to Country are conducted only with consent, following cultural protocols and allowing Traditional Owners to guide and share their stories. These partnerships have enabled communities to live and work sustainably on Country, develop tourism skills, and protect culturally significant sites.
With additional support from Tourism WA, including infrastructure investment, Ponant’s continued presence in the region has helped strengthen local businesses and create long-term economic and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
While Corbett has only visited the Kimberley once, she says: “Even in that single journey, the timelessness of the land made a lasting impression. I can see how the tides, weather and wildlife would make each expedition unique. But what endures is the region’s raw beauty and cultural depth. Engaging with Traditional Owners and local communities was deeply moving. Learning about their connection to Country and witnessing cultural practices as living traditions – not performances – added richness and meaning to the journey. Onboard, our expedition guides brought the region to life through their knowledge of geology, wildlife and history. Whether during briefings or casual conversations, their passion was infectious and made the experience feel like a shared exploration.”
50,000 years of history
Spanning over 423,000 square kilometres, the Kimberley is a vast wilderness of dramatic gorges, pristine rivers, red rock formations, and a rich Indigenous culture that stretches back more than 50,000 years.
For adventurous travellers seeking rugged, raw beauty and authentic experiences, the Kimberley offers something truly unmatched. The region boasts some of the oldest geological formations on Earth, dating back more than two billion years. It features dramatic contrasts and iconic natural attractions, thundering waterfalls, towering red cliffs and azure waters.
“Raft Point is incredibly powerful,” says Corbett. “It’s home to some of the most important Wandjina rock art in the Kimberley and visiting with Traditional Owners from Wijingarra Tours brings the site to life in a truly meaningful way. Hearing the stories directly from the Worrorra people – whose ancestors painted those caves – gives guests a real sense of the living culture that continues to shape the region.”
Freshwater Cove, or Wijingarra Bard Bard, is another favourite of Corbett’s. “It’s where guests are welcomed with ochre ceremonies, introduced to Dreaming stories and guided by community members through sacred landscapes. It’s an intimate and grounding experience – a true cultural exchange that stays with you.”
The ‘small ship advantage’
“The Kimberley’s remote and ecologically sensitive areas are best accessed by small expedition ships,” says Corbett. “They offer minimal environmental impact, can navigate narrow waterways and provide a more intimate experience for guests and communities alike.”
Ponant’s ships feature advanced technologies such as dynamic positioning, low-emission diesel-electric propulsion and wastewater treatment systems. They have also achieved a Comfort 1 rating – the highest level for low noise and vibration – helping to protect marine life in the region.
Onboard, a dedicated team of expedition experts and regional specialists provide lectures, briefings, and informal talks covering the Kimberley’s ecology, geology and cultural history. These sessions offer essential context before and after excursions. “Many of our experts work closely with Traditional Owners to ensure stories are shared accurately and respectfully. It’s this deeper understanding that often makes the greatest impression on our guests,” says Corbett.
Ponant’s activities are guided by Traditional Owners.
“We seek permission for all site access, avoid restricted areas and ensure stories are only shared by those with the cultural authority to do so,” says Corbett. “Each excursion is shaped in collaboration – from content to timing. If circumstances change, we adapt. These protocols ensure that our visits are respectful, authentic and aligned with community expectations. Participating in ceremonies, learning traditional practices and having open conversations with Traditional Owners has been incredibly enriching. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the Kimberley’s cultural legacy and resilience. They reinforced the importance of listening and building genuine partnerships – where tourism supports and empowers communities, not just visits them.”
Moving forward, Ponant will continue to strengthen community connections – particularly with Indigenous communities.
“This is a core focus for Ponant Explorations and an extension of our ethos: to sail responsibly and contribute meaningfully to the regions we visit,” says Corbett. “In the Kimberley, we’ve developed deep, long-standing relationships with Traditional Owner groups including the Wunambal Gaambera and Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporations. From the outset, we have worked alongside them to design culturally respectful itineraries that support access, preservation, and economic benefit. Collaborations with Indigenous-led operators like Wijingarra Tours have created lasting opportunities – from employment and skill-building to cultural storytelling and intergenerational knowledge-sharing – while enabling families to live and work on Country.
“This commitment continues to expand. In the Northern Territory, we’re engaging Traditional Owners to co-create meaningful experiences that reflect and respect Indigenous culture, further strengthening our community ties and ensuring sustainable tourism outcomes. Our recently announced three-year partnership with OzHarvest is another extension of our ethos – focusing on sustainability, education, and giving back to communities across Australia through food rescue and outreach programs. These relationships are built on trust, transparency and shared benefit – values that guide every voyage we undertake.”
Photographs: Laure Patricot / Studio Ponant; Nick Rains.
