Western Australia’s vast coastline reveals ancient landscapes and rare experiences best explored by cruise. From the Kimberley’s otherworldly treasures to the riches of the South West, it appeals to cruise travellers of every kind.
From dreamlike coral reefs set against pristine white sands and turquoise waters teeming with marine life, to narrow canyons and cavernous gorges etched with ancient rock art and mesmerising falls, discover why Western Australia is a cruise destination like no other.
To sail one of the world’s most vibrant regions, choose from luxury expedition cruises, boutique yachts, small ships, and classic ocean liners.
Cruising Western Australia turns the everyday into the extraordinary, with itineraries that reveal island bays, ancient traditions, vibrant harbour culture and coastal wine country.
Kimberley cinematic cruising
The Kimberley coast is Western Australia’s headline act when it comes to cruising. Think 12,000 kilometres of red cliffs, untouched white sands, and vibrant blue water teeming with wildlife.
Together, it creates a landscape so bold, so brilliant, it almost doesn’t seem real, even when you’re there.
The Kimberley is a wilderness of powerful contrasts. Expedition cruising – from all-inclusive boutique vessels to larger expedition ships – ensures immersive access to areas few ever see.
Some ships even have helicopters, such as True North, Kimberley Quest and The Great Escape, providing unrivalled access to cliff-top waterfall pools, expansive island archipelagos, and secluded beaches and fishing spots.
When cruising the Kimberley, expect days designed around discovery: Zodiac rides into bays and river systems, beach landings for guided walks and photography, and guided introductions to the region’s ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Beyond the Kimberley
Otherworldly adventures await along the Coral Coast, too.
There’s Ningaloo Reef / Nyinggulu with snorkelling and diving available in luminous lagoons, vibrant coral gardens, and marine encounters. From mid-March to July, you may even meet the gentle whale sharks that ply these waters. Coral Expeditions offer a thrilling 12-night Ningaloo Reef and Rowley Shores sailing.
For those seeking off-the-beaten-path coastal gems, consider Ponant and True North for cruises to island groups such as the rugged Dirk Hartog Island, the marine-rich Montebello Islands and the adventure-focused Houtman Abrolhos Islands.
Fremantle / Walyalup is a hub for international and regional cruises, and further south, Esperance / Kepa Kurl and Busselton / Undalup appeal to the travellers who love combining sail-away days with good food and great wine.
Choosing the ideal cruise
With more than 140 annual cruise ship calls along Western Australia’s coastline, there’s plenty to choose from.
Kimberley expedition cruising
Primarily departing from Broome / Rubibi, set sail for adventures across one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers.
Choose from:
- Expert-led, inclusions-forward: For guided holidays at sea, choose APT’s small ship expedition or Travelmarvel’s sailing aboard the Heritage Adventurer.
- Australian small-ship favourites: With active days on the water and close-up coastal exploration as a focus, Coral Expeditions, True North, and Kimberley Quest offer small-ship sailing that wows.
- Luxury expedition: Sail the Kimberley in style aboard Ponant, Seabourn, Silversea, Scenic, and Heritage Expeditions. Each offer elevated living with expert-led landings and enriching time onboard, at sea, and ashore.
- Small-group, charter-style: For those chasing private, intimate, bespoke-feel sailings, sail by catamaran with Ocean Dream Charters, Great Escape Cruises, and Eclipse Expeditions.
- New expedition yacht: Pearl Expeditions’ Paspaley Pearl launched in 2025, offering a sleek, boutique option for guests seeking more intimate Kimberley sailings.
Sailings news
There’s a world of sailing options beyond the Kimberley. Here’s what you need to know right now:
- South West by sea: Curated for clients seeking coastal scenery complemented by decadent food and wine, Coral Expeditions’ new Coastal Adventures depart Fremantle for the Margaret River Region.
- Ningaloo unlocked: Eclipse Expeditions’ new Ningaloo Coast Voyager offers a catamaran sailing from Exmouth, blending reef time, island-hopping and relaxed onboard living across one laidback week.
- Fremantle base: For the 2027-28 summer season, Fremantle is Princess Cruises’ new base for Sapphire Princess sailings.
- The ultimate expedition: For the ultimate Western Australia coastal voyage, Silversea’s Fremantle-to-Darwin itinerary connects the region’s must-sees in one extended voyage.
- Nature-focused sailings: Sail the ‘Australian Galápagos’ with Eco Abrolhos, experts at wildlife-spotting the many inhabitants of the postcard-perfect Houtman Abrolhos Islands.
Pre- & post-cruise inspiration
Broome continues to shine as a cruise gateway. Broome International Airport opened a dedicated lounge for cruise passengers, and a new floating wharf has afforded smoother departures and increased berthing capability.
When considering pre- and post-cruise experiences around Broome, the iconic Cable Beach / Walmanyjun, scenic Gantheaume Point / Minyirr, and Roebuck Bay / Yawuru Nagulagun to witness the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomena, all impress. Willie Creek and Cygnet Bay Pearl farms connect travellers to Broome’s pearling heritage.
If not featured on the cruise itinerary, include the astonishing Horizontal Falls / Garaan-ngaddim and a 4WD tour of the Dampier Peninsula.
For travellers flying into Perth / Boorloo, visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden / Kaarta Koomba, the Swan Valley, and Perth’s pristine beaches for brilliant Indian Ocean sunsets.
Fremantle’s markets, harbour culture, and historic gems are ideal pre- and post-cruise, and, of course, no visit is complete without a day trip to Rottnest Island / Wadjemup to meet the resident quokkas.
Discover more
Agents, to build confidence and convert more Western Australian cruise bookings, register for the West Aussie All Stars (or log back in here) and complete the cruising module.
For more pre- and post-itinerary inspiration, watch Tourism Western Australia’s Cruise webinar with Destination Webinars and explore Cruising in Western Australia.
This article is brought to you by Tourism Western Australia.
