An Unforgettable Journey Aboard
- Kerry Graham
- Oct 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 3
This July, I joined a small group of fabulous travellers aboard Le Jacques Cartier, a Ponant small ship, for an unforgettable cruise through the Kimberley region—from Darwin to Broome. Some of us arrived via the legendary Ghan railway from Adelaide, crossing the heart of Australia in style.
Discovering Darwin
It was my first time in the Northern Territory, and I instantly wished for more time before the cruise. Darwin is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, full of character and history. For first-time visitors, the hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to get your bearings. We hopped off to explore the Botanical Gardens and visited the Museum and Art Gallery—home to stunning Aboriginal and European art and a powerful exhibit on Cyclone Tracey.
Another highlight was the Royal Flying Doctor Museum, featuring immersive VR experiences, including the 1942 bombing of Darwin Harbour. Though we missed the War Museum, it’s highly recommended. Don’t forget to download the interactive street art app—it adds a fun layer to exploring the city.
Darwin’s food scene is just as diverse. We enjoyed delicious Vietnamese cuisine and classic Barramundi with fries and a cold beer at Stokes Hill Wharf, basking in 27°C sunshine. I always advise arriving at least a day early before a cruise—our midnight arrival gave us a full day and a half to explore, which we definitely needed.
Exploring Broome
After disembarking in Broome, we opted for a private tour before flying out. Highlights included Cable Beach, the red rocks of Gantheaume Point (where dinosaur tracks appear at low tide), and Town Beach’s “9 Zeros – 9 Stories” sculptures—each telling a personal tale from WWII. On March 3, 1942, nine Japanese Zeros attacked Broome, destroying 15 flying boats and all aircraft on the airfield in just 20 minutes.
We also visited the Japanese Cemetery, the largest in Australia, with over 900 graves—many linked to Broome’s pearling history. Paspaley Pearls’ store in town features a fascinating museum display worth seeing.
Western Australia Extensions
Some of our group continued on to Perth or took the Indian Pacific train to Sydney. For those extending their stay, Western Australia offers plenty: explore Fremantle, spot Quokkas on Rottnest Island, enjoy a luxury seafood cruise, or venture to Margaret River for world-class food and wine.
A Culinary Adventure
Margaret River is renowned for its culinary scene. The region boasts numerous wineries and gourmet restaurants. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings and sample local produce. The fresh seafood is a must-try.
Funny moment: On my first visit to Margaret River, I imagined a grand river winding through vineyards. I made our driver stop at a tiny creek—had to take a photo! The wines are outstanding, but don’t expect an actual river!
Planning Your Trip
When planning your journey, consider the best time to visit. The dry season, from May to October, offers pleasant weather. This is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
A full story on our unforgettable Kimberley cruise—from Darwin to Broome—will be coming soon. Keep an eye on the blog for the journey highlights!
Thank you for reading — I hope this blog sparks ideas for your own adventures. Until your next journey begins, enjoy dreaming of inspiring places and experiences yet to come.
Kerry
Comments