Darwin, Australia's tropical north capital, is a uniquely isolated outpost near the equator, about 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne. Named for Charles Darwin, it's known for nearby islands, Pacific flavours, and access to the Top End. Explore crocodile-filled waterways and Kakadu by airboat, relax in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens or on Mindil Beach, and browse the sunset market for food and crafts. Its resilience is shaped by WWII bombing in 1942 and Cyclone Tracy in 1973.

Ashmore Reef Marine Park, 630 km from Broome in the Indian Ocean, is an Australian external territory of 583 sq km. Its three tiny islands and surrounding waters protect rich wildlife: over 40 bird species, about 100,000 seabirds breeding yearly, migratory shorebirds, around 500 fish species, turtles, dugongs and dolphins. Because it is fragile, most of the reef is a Sanctuary Zone; only scientific research is allowed, though visitors can access a small Recreational Use Zone on West Island.

Set sail on our cruise ship to this remotely astonishing town, Wyndham! Be one of the few people to have visited this small but unique settlement, all in complete luxury and style.

The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders. At 80 meters (260 feet), the thundering spectacle of twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. The river weaves through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife - carnivorous saltwater crocodiles and amazing birdlife, including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite.

Vansittart Bay lies near the northern tip of Western Australia. It was named by Phillip Parker King during one of his four surveys of Northern Australia in the early 19th century. Highlights include Jar Island and nearby sites for Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) and Wandjina rock art. For more recent history, Anjo Peninsula leads-via beach landing and a short hike or tidal walk around a lagoon-to a WWII site with an almost intact C-53 airplane wreck.

The Hunter River features a vast mangrove system framed by red sandstone cliffs. Its narrow channels shelter birds, mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and saltwater crocodiles. At the river mouth, Naturalist Island has a sandy beach suitable for small helicopters picking up visitors for the Kimberley interior. Inland, Mitchell Falls is the highlight: four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools, with cool freshwater offering relief from the heat.

Off Western Australia, the Buccaneer Archipelago is one of the Kimberley's secrets: about 800 islands over 50 km², shielding the mainland from 12 m tides and the fast Yampi Sound. The tides create the reversible waterfall in Talbot Bay but also dangerous channels; sailors' graves testify to the risk. Sighted by Dampier in 1688 and named by Captain Phillip Parker King in 1821, it later drew pearling and iron ore mining, still active on Koolan Island.

Off Western Australia, the Buccaneer Archipelago is one of the Kimberley's secrets: about 800 islands over 50 km², shielding the mainland from 12 m tides and the fast Yampi Sound. The tides create the reversible waterfall in Talbot Bay but also dangerous channels; sailors' graves testify to the risk. Sighted by Dampier in 1688 and named by Captain Phillip Parker King in 1821, it later drew pearling and iron ore mining, still active on Koolan Island.

Broome is the gateway to the Kimberley, one of Australia's oldest, most remote regions. The Kimberley is three times England's size, with just 35,000 people, 65,000+ years of history, and 2,000 km of coastline. Broome has long been an Aboriginal trading route; the Yawuru remain native title holders. The town grew from pearling in the late 1800s, and by 1914 Broome produced 80% of the world's pearl trade.