We spot a knobbly crocodile lazing on a sun-drenched beach and have just seen a pod of dolphins having fun in the turquoise waters of Western Australia’s Kimberley region.
That’s the attraction of this remote area – you just never know what you will see from one minute to the next. There’s a sense of adventure and exhilaration as you are immersed in the Kimberley, which is often called Australia’s last frontier.
Nestled at the north of the state and twice the size of Victoria, this is a destination for those who love to explore. Vivid colours seduce you as soon as you spot the red dirt, cobalt seas and the occasional fluffy white clouds that dance across azure skies. It all leaves an indelible impression.
The pristine Kimberley has become a ‘hot’ cruising destination and there’s no better way to see the breathtaking region than from the water and in luxury.
Silversea’s elegant Silver Cloud offers guests the chance to experience the perfect blend of luxury and expedition experiences.
First hybrid ship in fleet
Silver Cloud is the first hybrid ship in the Silversea fleet. It is a standout with its ultra-luxurious amenities and quartet of exciting restaurants to explore: The Grill, La Dame, La Terrazza and The Restaurant.
Eighty per cent of the luxurious suites feature verandas that are perfect for enjoying a private viewing of the region’s stunning natural beauty. There are also 20 new Zodiacs for zipping around the Kimberley waters. The ship offers a high crew-to-guest ratio and ample space, ensuring a personalised and intimate exploration experience. There’s also a pool where guests can cool off as temperatures rise: there’s no swimming in the sea due to crocodiles, but you can get wet in rock pools and under waterfalls.
The Kimberley is a nature lover’s paradise with lots of marine and bird life and reptiles. Guests will see crocodiles sunning themselves or cooling off in tangled mangroves.
You may also see the occasional whale breaching on the horizon, dolphins riding the waves and, if you are handy with a rod, maybe try to land a barramundi or two.
The Kimberley is famed for its rugged landscape, with tumbling waterfalls, deep gorges and ancient Indigenous art that leaves you in awe.It remains largely untouched and pristine and offers a unique experience for adventurous travellers.
Expanded itineraries
Silversea has created exciting new itineraries, responding to the growing popularity of the Kimberley and the increasing demand for comprehensive Australian itineraries.
An enhanced portfolio that includes a classic 10-night Kimberley itinerary and extended voyages that delve into both the Kimberley and the Western Australia coast or the Kimberley and Indonesia, are exciting and action-packed.
They are designed to offer a wider range of exploration options, combining feedback from guests and the region’s exploration pioneers to ensure that the essence of the Kimberley is savoured.
The expansion reflects Silversea’s ongoing commitment to delivering an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise experience in the Kimberley.
It also highlights its dedication to catering for international guests’ requests for more extensive and immersive explorations.
The 10-day Darwin to Darwin cruise, from 22 June-2 July, 2025, features many highlights, with towering cliffs, cobalt waters and islands teeming with diverse wildlife.
Standouts include Montgomery Reef, where the tide recedes to reveal a thriving marine ecosystem. Another privileged experience is a visit to Swift Bay to see ancient Indigenous art, including Gwion Gwion artworks represented by long and skinny human-like figures.
Koolama Bay is the starting point for a Zodiac cruise to the King George Falls, with its famed twin cascades. Popular with tourists, it is one of the Kimberley’s most magnificent natural wonders and among the highest waterfalls in Australia.
Other cruise highlights include Ashmore Reef, Adele Island, Buccaneer Archipelago, Freshwater Cove, the Hunter River region, Vansittart Bay near the northern tip of Western Australia and Jar Island.
The 17-day Darwin to Fremantle-Perth cruise, from 3-20 August 2025, showcases pretty islands, scattered archipelagos and lots of marine life. Highlights include Koolama Bay and King George Falls, Vansittart Bay, Swift Bay and Indigenous art sites, plus the Hunter River region and its immense mangrove system.
You will also see Ashmore Reef, which is home to 40 bird species with 100,000 seabirds breeding there annually. Adele Island, Montgomery Reef, Freshwater Cove and Talbot Bay (declared an A-class nature reserve in 1970) are other stops brimming with breathtaking scenery. The Lacapede Islands are a little paradise for bird lovers and host the largest colony
of brown boobies in the world. Meanwhile, Rowley Shoals, made up of three coral atolls, has amazing marine life.
The cruise also explores the Dampier Archipelago, Montebello Island and North Muiron Island, one of the world’s best spots for snorkelling and scuba diving. Shark Bay, Australia’s largest bay, with more than 1,000km of beach, is another attraction, known for its dazzling white-sand beach and azure waters.
The Kimberley verdict? Long after you have returned home, the magic of the Kimberley and its surrounds will remain with you forever.
Adventure awaits
Silver Cloud’s large suites, destination itineraries and unparalleled service make her truly special. Silver Cloud has one of the highest crew-to-guest and space-to-guest ratios in expedition cruising. Onboard there’s much to enjoy, from the beautiful restaurants, bars, observation deck, fitness centre, beauty salon and spa, lounge areas, and pool deck.
