7-Day Darwin Gateway Yacht Charter: Kimberley Coast Expedition
7 planned days, starting at Darwin (Cullen Bay) and finishing at Berkeley River. Stops include Darwin (Cullen Bay), Cape Don (Garig Gunak Barlu National Park), Dugong Bay, Prince Regent River (King Cascade), Hunter River (Montgomery Reef) and further stops detailed below. Confirm the daily passages and shore plans with your captain before booking.
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Plan this charter
- First planned stop
- Darwin (Cullen Bay)
- Final planned stop
- Berkeley River
Shore plans to discuss with your crew
- Day 1Sunset drinks at Cullen Bay Marina
- Day 1Dinner at a waterfront restaurant
- Day 1Briefing on the Kimberley journey ahead
- Day 1Enjoying Darwin's tropical ambiance
- Day 2Exploring the historic Cape Don Lighthouse
- Day 2Snorkelling in pristine waters
Confirm joining and departure ports, yacht availability and the daily passage plan before paying a deposit. The captain decides anchorages and any route changes for weather, sea conditions and local restrictions. Shore venues, marine-park permissions and activity bookings require separate confirmation.
Map connections are schematic, not a navigable passage plan. Distances, safe approaches and passage times must be checked by the captain.
Ask for an itemised quotation covering the charter fee, taxes, APA or package expenses, berth charges and any delivery or redelivery costs.
- DAY 01
Darwin (Cullen Bay)
Your Darwin Gateway yacht charter begins at Cullen Bay Marina, a vibrant hub offering a sophisticated start to your Kimberley adventure. After settling into your luxury vessel, enjoy the serene waters of Fannie Bay as you prepare for departure.
- Sunset drinks at Cullen Bay Marina
- Dinner at a waterfront restaurant
- Briefing on the Kimberley journey ahead
- Enjoying Darwin's tropical ambiance
- Anchorage
- Cullen Bay Marina
- Dining
- La Beach
- DAY 02
Cape Don (Garig Gunak Barlu National Park)
Cruise east to the remote Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, home to the historic Cape Don Lighthouse. This pristine area offers secluded anchorages and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including flatback turtles and dugongs in the clear waters.
- Exploring the historic Cape Don Lighthouse
- Snorkelling in pristine waters
- Observing local birdlife
- Beachcombing on secluded shores
- Anchorage
- Port Essington (near Black Point)
- Dining
- Onboard gourmet barbecue
- DAY 03
Dugong Bay
Navigate towards the dramatic coastline of the Kimberley, entering the tranquil waters of Dugong Bay. This area is renowned for its rich marine life and stunning geological formations, offering a true sense of untouched wilderness.
- Spotting dugongs and marine turtles
- Exploring ancient rock art sites by tender
- Fishing for barramundi
- Stargazing from the yacht deck
- Anchorage
- Dugong Bay
- Dining
- Freshly caught seafood prepared by the chef
- DAY 04
Prince Regent River (King Cascade)
Venture deep into the Prince Regent River, one of the Kimberley's most iconic waterways. The highlight is King Cascade, a magnificent multi-tiered waterfall that tumbles directly into the river, creating a spectacular natural shower.
- Navigating the Prince Regent River
- Experiencing King Cascade by tender
- Bushwalking to a freshwater swimming hole
- Wildlife photography opportunities
- Anchorage
- Prince Regent River
- Dining
- Picnic lunch by a waterfall
- DAY 05
Hunter River (Montgomery Reef)
Explore the vast Hunter River system, leading to the phenomenal Montgomery Reef. At low tide, this 'reef that rises from the sea' exposes a teeming ecosystem of rock pools and lagoons, home to diverse marine life.
- Witnessing Montgomery Reef at low tide
- Zodiac exploration of reef channels
- Observing reef sharks and manta rays
- Birdwatching along the riverbanks
- Anchorage
- Hunter River
- Dining
- Sundowners and canapés on the aft deck
- DAY 06
Vansittart Bay (Bradshaw Art)
Cruise to Vansittart Bay, a significant location for ancient Aboriginal rock art, including the mysterious Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) figures. The bay also offers pristine beaches and excellent fishing.
- Visiting Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art sites
- Exploring WWII aircraft wreckage
- Fishing for local species
- Relaxing on untouched beaches
- Anchorage
- Vansittart Bay
- Dining
- Formal dinner on board
- DAY 07
Berkeley River
Conclude your Kimberley exploration at the Berkeley River, known for its dramatic gorges and freshwater swimming holes. Enjoy a final swim before beginning your journey back towards Darwin, reflecting on the profound beauty of the region.
- Swimming in freshwater pools
- Exploring the lower Berkeley River gorges
- Farewell drinks with views of the Kimberley coast
- Photography of the rugged landscape
- Anchorage
- Berkeley River Mouth
- Dining
- Casual farewell dinner with local produce
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