Micro ships big in the Kimberley

While this week marked the “official” start of expedition cruising in the Kimberley, there’s been activity both on and off the water.

Big ships transiting up and down the west coast have been visiting Broome for a month already, giving big cohorts of passengers a taste of the region’s cultural and natural wonders.

But one sector of the market that’s showing signs of strength in the Kimberley is the niche “micro” cruise segment.

Cruise Broome chairman Shayne Murray says micro ships are popular in the region for their accessibility and attention to detail.

“They can access more areas through the archipelago in a smaller vessel . . . which is an attraction for people,” he says.

Among the other many options for “micro-cruising” in the Kimberley are Discovery One, Kimberley Expeditions, Kimberley Pearl, Kimberley Quest, Lady M Cruising, Odyssey Expeditions, Eco Abrolhos, and three-masted yacht Le Ponant.

True North

Established venture True North Adventure Cruises, which has been expeditioning in the Kimberley for more than 30 years, has just launched its second vessel, True North II, to operate alongside its sister ship. True North II’s maiden voyage was on April 5 after an extensive refit.

A company spokesman says True North II offers even more intimacy with capacity of just 20 guests (True North’s capacity is 36) and rather surprisingly, cabins cost up to 25 per cent less than True North. While both ships offer premium-level comfort and amenity, True North II has a combined saloon and lounge as a point of difference and will only sail Australian waters.

While in many cases True North II will complement its sister ship’s schedule, TN II will sail new four and 10-night Kimberley adventures, fishing and snorkelling at the Montebollo Islands and other exciting Australian itineraries.

Founding director Craig Howson says: “No expense has been spared in making sure that True North II meets True North’s exacting standards when it comes to onboard facility and comfort.”

And small certainly doesn’t mean less adventure or fun on these ships. In fact the company has built its reputation on the “small ship, big experience” way over a long period. For instance, each ship is equipped with a helicopter for scenic flights, multiple adventure boats to explore local wilderness up-close, and activity-based itineraries (snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking and cultural activities), “so guests return to the ship’s lounge with different stories”.

“Having full-time access to a ship’s helicopter allows us to program unique activities such as heli-picnics, heli-fishing and sunrise and sunset flights,” the spokesman said.

Kimberley in a Day

Meanwhile, another entrant is scheduled to start sailing the Kimberley coast this Wednesday, April 19.

Kimberley Day Cruise, as the name hints, will start an ambitious venture offering full-day cruises between Cygnet Bay — two hours north of Broome at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula — to Horizontal Falls three times a week.

The venture is run by medical doctor and entrepreneur Sally Shaw, who has personally invested about $5.5 million to get the business from concept stage to float-out.

The round trip will take in the Buccaneer Archipelago and surrounding islands, Talbot Bay and the big prize — the Horizontal Falls tidal phenomenon.

Fares include an experienced tour guide aboard all sailings; a fast boat ride in Talbot Bay and seven-course degustation lunch of seafood and dishes using locally sourced ingredients; and a pick-up and drop-off service for passengers staying in Broome. All for a little over $1000, making it an affordable option to see a lot, especially for those with a short of time in Broome or who don’t want to be on a boat or ship for longer.

Dr Shaw, a former GP, says she’s operated a award-winning tourism attraction, Enchanted Adventure, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula for the past 25 years and still operates medical clinics in Victoria.

She says setting up the cruise business took two years of painstaking work.

After receiving operational permits, Dr Shaw says the 23.5m vessel, called Ohana, has just arrived from the Fremantle shipyard where it underwent an extensive $2 million rebuild and fit-out. The Geraldton-built ex-crayfishing boat needed to be elevated to expedition standard and now includes an open kitchen and bar, where guests can gather to watch chefs work the teppanyaki hotplate (as only chefs know how) while enjoying a drink.

“I know what I need to do, I know how good it’s got to be and I’m not going to start at the beginning . . . buy the best from the start,” she says referencing her tourism experience.

“The boat is absolutely amazing.”

Ms Shaw says operational performance of the boat was also a key consideration to cover long distances on a single-day trip. She says Ohana has excellent stability and a cruising speed of 25 knots, fit-for-purpose capabilities she says were not possible when she bought the boat in 2021.

Though licensed to carry 80 passengers, bookings will be capped at 50 to make the experience more intimate. There’s full-back seating in elegant cream leather placed around tables of up to eight guests, a big awning that covers the dining deck with 270-degree views, and a sound system creating a relaxed vibe.

The Kimberley Day Cruise season runs from April 19 to October 31.