Cruise Australia's West Coast with Coral Expeditions

Cruise Islands And Icons Of The West Coast

Australia’s west coast is home to some of the country’s most extraordinary wonders – many of which are only accessible by sea. Travel by small ship cruising to remote archipelagos, world-famous reef systems, and imposing geological formations that few have the opportunity to visit. Our knowledgeable Expedition Team and Guest Lecturer program provide expert guidance and insightful presentations that allow you to see the big picture.

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Point-Peron-Dirk-Hartog-West-Coast-Cruise-Australia

The wild and largely untouched west coast boasts a contrasting palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea. Its natural coastal reserves harbour abundant birdlife and marine species. Explore the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Ningaloo Reef, Montebello Islands, Muiron Islands and Dampier Archipelago.

Save $500pp on March 2023 departures

Departs Mar & Oct 2023, Feb & Mar 2024

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cross the Great Australian Bight, visit islands and iconic National Parks. Walk secluded beaches at Cape Arid National Park, Cape Le Grand, and Bremer Bay. Discover sea lions at the Archipelago of the Recherche. Enjoy sunset drinks with the kangaroos at Lucky Bay and see the stingrays at Hamelin Bay.

Departs 21 Oct 2023

This voyage down Western Australia’s Coral coast visits the spectacular Rowley Shoals Marine Park, Dampier Archipelago and historic Montebello Islands. An exploration of the renowned Ningaloo Reef completes our voyage. Our marine experts and guides lead our discovery of this pristine coastal habitat.

Departs 18 Sept 2023 & 16 September 2024

Departing Darwin, this itinerary combines our classic 10-day Kimberley itinerary with a visit to the spectacular Rowley Shoals Marine Park and Ashmore Reef. Witness magnificent coastal vistas created by towering rock ridges, silent secluded gorges, abundant wildlife, and massive tidal movements.

Departs 13 & 26 Sept 2023

Flinders-Island-South-Australia-Coral-Expeditions

Set sail on an expedition into Southern Australia’s rugged coast and its wild nature, rich history and delicious regional. Explore the unique natural beauty of Apollo Bay and the famed Twelve Apostles. Learn the history of Port Fairy with its Georgian style merchant homes and visit the character-filled township of Robe.

Departs 8 Feb 2024

As the Kimberley Expedition pioneers, we have perfected our itinerary over 27 years. Enjoy a zodiac ride through Horizontal Falls, shower underneath King Cascade, marvel at 60,000-year-old rock art, and spot resident crocodiles. Witness magnificent coastal vistas of towering rock ridges, secluded gorges, plunging waterfalls, and powerful tidal flows.

Departs March to September 2023 & 2024

West Coast Voyage Logs

Abrolhos Islands & Coral Coast

Broome to Fremantle, October 2021

“After a beautiful lunch we were underway to Cape Inscription, the northernmost point of Dirk Hartog Island. As we passed the Cape and its lighthouse, the westernmost one in Australia, Howard gave an overview of the events that led to the erection – and later removal – of the inscribed plates of Hartog (1616), Vlamingh (1697) and Hamelin (1801).”

Abrolhos Islands & Coral Coast

March 2021, Fremantle to Broome

“This island is made of coral rubble. It is flat and only about 1-2 metres above sea level. But it is home to a community of crayfisher folk, and it – along with others at this end of Pelsaert Island – is dotted with small shacks, many of which are painted in bright colours.”

Ningaloo & Blue Water Wonders

May 2021, Broome to Broome

“The ship steamed all night to our destination: The Rowley Shoals! In renowned Coral Expeditions fashion, the action started straight away. We did manage to fit in a hearty breakfast first, of course. We set out on the Xplorer to Clerk Reef on the Rowley Shoals. We used this vessel to get into a nice, protected spot within the reef and then as a snorkel and dive platform.”

Coral Expeditions Ships In Western Australia

Our three Australian-flagged ships are designed for expedition cruising in Western Australia, ideal for navigating low-laying sandy islands such as Abrolhos and the spectacular coral reefs surrounding Ningaloo and Rowley. They feature wraparound decks, private balconies, and outdoor dining to enjoy the balmy air and glorious ocean-facing sunsets. Open-sided Xplorer tender boats allow you to take in magnificent vistas of the low-laying islands and burnt orange sand dunes while sheltered from the harsh sun.

Cruise The Wild West

Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea, has a fascinating maritime and Indigenous history. From the Malgana people of Shark Bay to the exploratory journeys of William Dampier, Dirk Hartog, Baudin and Freycinet – this region is layered with stories. The coastline harbour an abundance of birdlife and marine species. Our voyages explore the entire west coast, from the historic Houtman Abrolhos islands, to Shark Bay World Heritage area, Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range national park, Montebello Islands, Muiron Islands, the renowned Kimberley wilderness and out to the far-flung Rowley Shoals, Scott Reef and Ashmore Reef.

Abrolhos Islands & Coral Coast Photo Journal

23^rd January 2023

A photo journal of the Abrolhos Islands and Coral Coast Expedition by Photography by Jean-Louis, Expedition Team

Recherché Archipelago for True Explorers

25^th September 2020

The Recherché Archipelago, known by locals as the Bay of Isles, is an extraordinarily beautiful marine area comprising islands, islets, reefs, shoals, and rocks that make navigating a challenge. With 105 islands and over 1500 islets, Matthew Flinders described the archipelago as “an extensive mass of dangers” when he charted the area in 1802.

Houtman Abrolhos for True Explorers

26^th August 2020

Often described as the ‘Galapagos Islands of the Indian Ocean’, there are few places in Australia with more biodiversity than Western Australia’s Houtman Abrolhos islands.