Kimberley: Best Destination for 2024?

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for Kimberley by writer Dilvin Yasa: “Western Australia’s remote Kimberley is one of the world’s last wild frontiers, known for its untouched wilderness of towering ocher cliffs, cornflower blue waters, and ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites. But it’s always been difficult to explore. That’s about to change, because in 2024, this region is set to welcome an influx of cruise lines. Seabourn will cruise the Kimberley for the first time; Ponant has deployed its all-new Le Jacques-Cartier, Silversea will replace Silver Explorer with Silver Cloud to increase capacity.  In Broome, a coastal town and a gateway to the Kimberley, tourism projects are heating up too.  A top tip: Relax with a native-ingredient craft beer, courtesy of the all-new part-Aboriginal-owned 4,500-square-meter Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach. Improving access to this incredible region is Nexus Airlines, which has joined Airnorth in servicing regional Western Australia with its first Broome-Kununurra-Darwin route—and with further services scheduled for 2024.”

 

Sound exciting and interesting?  Maybe a good reason to head back to Australia?

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 247,027 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Edited December 11, 2023 by TLCOhio

[lyndarra]

The Kimberley is a must see place but, for most travellers, it is very remote. I have been to Broome twice, by air. Years ago my wife and I, and our two sons, did a road trip to Kununurra, via Darwin in our Mitsubishi van. It was over 8000klm, about 6000 miles - further than Miami to Seattle return. While in Kununurra we took a flight over the amazing Bungle Bungles. In Darwin we saw the annual Beer Can Regatta.

There are tours that can take people there but they seem to be, no, are, very expensive.

If you get the chance go there.

[MicCanberra]

Agreed a fantastic place to visit as long as it is the dry season.

[Bubbeh]

The Kimberley is great very different and picturesque as is the Pilbara.  But, Broome? God that must be about the world's most overrated place.  Terrific destination if you've an aching need to be separated from your cash!  Yeah Cable Beach is pretty and riding a camel at sunset is a novel experience.  Matso's Brewery is also a pleasant way to spend an afternoon but, you can buy the local product at heaps of places these days. There's also an awful lot of social issues affecting the Town and to some extent (real or perceived) personal safety.  The Govt is talking about liquor restrictions (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-06/blanket-regional-wa-liquor-restrictions-police-letter-reaction/103192014) but nobody really seems to have the answer.

 

Basically, after having made a few visits, I'd give it a big miss for anything other than a quick excursion while cruising up/down the coast.  

Edited December 12, 2023 by Bubbeh

[yarramar]

There are a number of local cruise companies that offer Kimberleys trips. I just hope that the influx of foreign companies do not turn this wilderness into a wasteland. 

[cruiser3775]

7 hours ago, yarramar said:

There are a number of local cruise companies that offer Kimberleys trips. I just hope that the influx of foreign companies do not turn this wilderness into a wasteland. 

Yes, the big cruise ships will make a huge difference to the wilderness aspect of a Kimberley cruise. There will be places that become crowded, not peaceful.  And the places that big cruisers can get into will be quite limited, so expect to spend a lot of time on tenders. Using one of the smaller Australians ships is much better for the Kimberley. I went on a 35 passenger catamaran called Reef Prince from Darwin to Broome ,.and can recommend it.

Also disagree about Broome. It is set in a stunning location, has a fascinating history, and is well worth visiting.

 

[LincolnLegend]

I had an amazing experience cruising the Kimberley in July this year. It was the most expensive cruise I have ever taken, by a long shot, but worth every cent! I loved Broome as well, Matso's, the markets and the surrounding areas made for a packed few days of exploring once the cruise was finished!