The Kimberley, a vast, arid region to the north of Western Australia, is one of the most exciting yacht charter spots in Australia. The Outback of storybooks meets a jewel-hued Indian Ocean, with rich terracotta-coloured soil, vertiginous gorges and a sense of utter tranquility.
In a land where time doesn’t seem to exist, a visit to the Kimberley offers an experience like no other. The vivid sandstone landscape carved out over 2 billion years ago provides a backdrop to adventure and activities aplenty on a yacht charter in the Kimberley.
See ancient Aboriginal rock art, take a dip in refreshing swimming holes along a nature trail, dine on a never-ending white sandy beach or spot magnificent wildlife, including whales, dolphins and saltwater crocodiles. With many yacht charters starting or ending in the historic and romantic town of Broome, you are sure to fall in love with the Kimberley.
Described as ‘one of the most romantic beach towns on Earth’, a visit to Broome will start your Kimberley yacht charter off on the right foot. Its most famous landmark is Cable Beach, a 22-kilometre-long white sand beach certain to offer a perfect spot for a barbecue overlooking the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Head out to the end of the beach, to Gantheaume Point, to spot the 130 million-year-old fossilised stegosaurus footprints. Try the locally brewed mango beer from Matso’s Brewery and dine at the hotels Cable Beach Club or Pinctada Cable Beach Resort & Spa. Don’t forget to pick up some beautiful South Pacific pearls; Broome was once the centre of the world’s pearling industry.
As one of the world’s final wilderness frontiers, the region extends hundreds of thousands of square kilometres inland. No yacht charter in the Kimberley would be complete without an exploration of the Outback territory, whatever mode of transportation you choose.
Head into the semi-arid savannah on horseback to feel like a gold prospector from times long past. For something a little speedier, try a 4WD expedition along the Gibb River Road, which extends 660km from east to west through the middle of the Kimberley. But there is no greater thrill than touring the Kimberley by helicopter. Head up to the Mitchell Plateau and along the Mitchell River, whizzing through gorges of terracotta sandstone divided by emerald waters, with mysterious waterfalls appearing from seemingly nowhere.
The Kimberley has been home to indigenous Aboriginal peoples for around 30,000. Be sure to take in some aboriginal culture and history in Derby, where you can discover the art of the Mowanjum Aboriginal Community and learn about Aboriginal leader and outlaw Jandamurra on the Pigeon Heritage Trail.
While in Derby be sure not to miss taking a photo with the 1,500-year-old Boab Prison Tree, which has a girth of more than 14 metres.
A city break in cosmopolitan Sydney offers the perfect introduction to the continent, with the sails of the Sydney Opera House glinting in the sun alongside Harbour Bridge and the promise of stellar dining opportunities and shopping. Just a short cruise north will transport you to the quiet hill-lined bays and the Hawkesbury River, perfect for tender rides into the national parks or to start a helicopter tour of the Blue Mountains further inland.
At the same latitude as Tahiti, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef boasts a sun kissed climate and is one of the world’s most unique travel destinations. Stretching for thousands of kilometres down the north Queensland coast, many charters will start and end in Cairns taking in a loop of the Ribbon Reefs and up to Stanley Island and Bathurst Island.
In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, in central Queensland, lie the 74 volcanic landmasses that make up the magical Whitsunday Islands. With a devoted following of fans who fall in love with the pristine natural beauty, big-sky sunsets and unrivalled diving, it’s easy to see why a Whitsunday Islands yacht charter is on the Bucket List of the elite.