Welcome to Life Images by Jill

Welcome to Life Images by Jill.........Stepping into the light and bringing together the images and stories of our world. I am a photographer, writer and multi-media artist.
Focussing mainly on Western Australia and Australia, I am seeking to preserve images and memories of the beautiful world in which we live and the people in it.

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Saturday, 2 August 2025

Kimberley cruise, Western Australia, Part 4

 Hi all, I hope you and yours are doing well. 

So here we are now at the final part of sharing with you our Kimberley Cruise in June. I wouldn't normally have so many posts for only 9 days, but it was such an AMAZING trip I just had to share with you. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed bringing it to you. If you missed any of the previous posts you can catch up with them here - please click on the links. 

If you need a translator button it is over there on the right hand side. 

Kimberley cruise intro

Kimberley cruise - Part 1 - meet the crew, take a look around the boat, dramatic coastlines, swimming holes, waterfalls, wonderful food, Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, crocodiles, sunsets

Kimberley cruise - Part 2 - King Cascades, Amphitheatre Falls, flying foxes, dinners, Rothsay Waters, Gwion Gwion aboriginal rock art, Wandjina aboriginal rock art 

Kimberley cruise - Part 3 - fishing, crabbing, oystering, throw net, Sheep Island, Mermaid Tree, Pebbles & Bam Bam rock hole, honeyeater nest

I can't thank enough Diversity Charters, the five crew of Diversity III and our ten fellow passengers for making our holiday so memorable and everything we had hoped for. Diversity Charters actually have 2 boats - Diversity II and Diversity III. Diversity II is slightly smaller. Both sleep 12 and all rooms have en-suites. The rooms were beautifully fitted out and we were looked after so well. Diversity III also has more entertaining/eating/relaxing areas. 


Our last full day of our cruise was a relaxing day spent in and around Prince Frederick Harbour. Those who wanted an early morning fish went out in the tenders, followed by a cooked breakfast - smoked salmon and egg on pancake. All our meals had been restaurant quality and so delicious - thanks chef Sam! Sam is on his way to live in Spain with his partner. We wish the both of them well for the future. 


After breakfast we went over to rock Art Island to see some Wandjina aboriginal art: Kimberley cruise Part 2 and then the guys had a go at throw net fishing. And after lunch some more fishing, where I finally caught a fish! Kimberley cruise Part 3. Could this really be our last day already? 


For our last night we were treated to a bonfire on the beach of Naturalist Island with bubbly, Sashimi, steak, barramundi and salad. And music supplied by our resident musicians from York, Western Australia - fellow passengers Ron and Tim. Thanks guys. 


You might like to know that the bon-fire was set below the high tide mark, so when the tide came in that night all remnants of the fire would be washed away. 

Photos were taken and we talked about the wonderful times, sites and adventures we had experienced.  Below you can see crew Tommy, Skipper Mark, Crew Adam, and Hostess Lecette. And our new friends - our wonderful fellow passengers from all over Australia. 

As the fire died down and the sun set on our last night, it was with some sadness we returned to the boat. 


Next day was sadly goodbye. Diversity had flown the next group of passengers in from Broome that morning, and landed on the beach in helicopters. We were taken to the shore in the tenders and climbed into the helicopters. We had never been in a helicopter before and I really hoped we were going in the bigger helicopter, but no, we were assigned to the smaller helicopter. Below is me getting into the helicopter - do you really want me to get in there? - where's its mummy? 


I was so nervous, and felt so vulnerable in that tiny helicopter, and so I didn't really enjoy the flight, and yet small planes don't bother me. The views however were amazing. 

Most of these pictures were taken by my husband. The towering waterfalls in the images below are the Mitchell Falls. They fall a total height of 80 metres (262 feet). 

The falls are an iconic Kimberley landmark and a place of spiritual significance to the Wunambal Gaambera aboriginal people who know the falls as Punamii-unpuu.

To reach the falls on foot there is a 4-wheel-drive unsealed track north of the Gibb River Road. The 172km Mitchell Plateau track is unsealed, narrow, and can have steep inclines and river crossings, necessitating a high-clearance 4WD. Allow 2-3 hours each way. Here is a link to an excellent Kimberley guide - www.Kimberley Australia. Their blog post about the Mitchell Plateau track shows many photos of the drive in. 

From the Mitchell Falls campground there is a 4-6 hour moderately difficult 4.5km each way trek to the falls. As well as camping, there is a lodge and you can hire a helicopter for the trip to or from the falls. Swimming is not permitted below the falls due to crocodiles. Be well prepared for the trek, and you need to be reasonable fit, be careful of the cliff edges and advise someone where you are going. 

As I doubt we would ever walk to the falls, the helicopter ride over the falls was a bonus. We had previously taken a small plane flight over the Mitchell Plateau from Drysdale Station in 2016 when we drove the Gibb River Road. 



About 45 minutes later we landed at a bush air-strip for the light plane flight back to Broome - about 2 hours. Time for one last photo with our travel group.


It was wonderful seeing the Kimberley from the air on our way back to Broome. We were amazed with the detail we captured through the window with a mobile phone! 


I love the fingers of the creeks stretching inland through the mangrove lined rocky creek lines. 


Below is Mangrove Island in the Barlee Impediment where we went mud crabbing amongst the mangroves - 
Kimberley Cruise - Part 3


Mudflats 


Below are the Horizontal Falls - Kimberley Cruise - Part 1. You can see the gap where the boats go through. There is a pontoon where sea planes arrive with visitors. 

Before we knew it we were back in Broome. Goodbyes and hugs to the wonderful group we had shared the last nine days with and then back on the bus to our hotel for 1 night. The next day we flew back to Perth, then back home, and the wind-down and getting back into reality of everyday life after an incredible adventure.


A huge heartfelt thankyou to Diversity Charters and the wonderful crew of Diversity III 
Lastly thankyou to our friends who cruised on Diversity III in 2023 and recommended them to us and where full of their adventures when they returned.
 
I thoroughly recommend a small boat cruise across the top of the Kimberley. 


Thank you so much for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week. 
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!

If you are looking for a translate button - it's there near the top on the right hand side. 
   

Hello there! I love reading your comments. If you scroll down to the bottom you can comment too! I would love to hear from you.
Until then, enjoy your day...Life only comes around once, so do what makes you happy, be kind, and be with people who make you smile. 

26 comments:

  1. Isn’t it wonderful, dear Jill, how a trip – even a short one of just a few days – can bring so many stories to tell, so much to show, and such lovely memories that will stay with you forever?
    I’m so glad you enjoyed the cruise so much and experienced so many beautiful moments – it was a pleasure to travel along with you! 🛳️🌅💛
    Warmest wishes from Austria and a wonderful August to you,
    Traude
    🌿 https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/07/musikalischer-juli-blogparade-urban.html

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  2. ...Jill, this cruise kept getting better and better. I've enjoyed your fabulous images.

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  3. Your Kimberley cruise sounds like the perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and warm camaraderie, and it's been a real pleasure following along through your vivid storytelling

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  4. What a wonderful trip, what wonderful pics. Simply beathtaking.
    Thanks for your kind visits to my blog.
    Have a good time and all the best
    Violetta

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  5. Hello Jill,
    Beautiful waterfalls and photos. Your trip and cruise was amazing, so many lovely scenic photos.
    Take care, have a wonderful week!

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  6. These photos are amazing; that helicopter would have made me so nervous too but that waterfall is beautiful.

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  7. So wonderful to meet you and enjoy the fabulous cruise on Diversity III with you all. Your blog has captured beautifully the outstanding experiences we will always remember. 🧡

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    1. Thanks Marie. You both added to the enjoyment of your trip and I hope we can meet up again...maybe next year...

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  8. Your travel reports were informative, exciting and the meals made my mouth water. I also enjoyed the pictures.

    Thank you very much for sharing at MosaicMonday.

    Reading this greatful Post, is to catch some of the mood in this wonderful captures.

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  9. What a fantastic conclusion to your cruise series! Thanks for sharing the stunning photos and all the details of your adventure!

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  10. Christine P, WA5 August 2025 at 17:17

    Again WOW!

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  11. So great meeting you and cruising on Diversity III with everyone! Your blog really captures all the amazing memories we’ll never forget Judi and Greg 💞

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    1. Thanks Judi. So lovely to hear from you. It was such a great cruise with a great bunch of people. Truly memorable xx

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  12. Love the light in these photos.
    Thank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2025/08/rushnyky-embroidery-from-ukraine.html

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  13. Jenine & Ron, York, Western Australia7 August 2025 at 17:58

    We've just caught up on your blog. I felt that I was back there in the Kimberley having a great time. You have done a great job. I am going to share it with my friends. Thank you!

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    1. So great to hear from you and that you enjoyed my blog posts. Yes share away with your friends!

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  14. Hi Jill, I have at long last found time to read your blog. Your photos are amazing and writing took me back to where we were. Thanks for the memories. Stay safe. Helen and Tim

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    1. Thankyou Helen & Tim. We had such an amazing time didn't we with wonderful people.

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  15. What a great time you had and you and your husband took some great photos.

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  16. This looks so amazing, I've just told Mr Wren we should so do this - I am missing Aus so badly and really hope to get out exploring again there so. Such a beautiful blog, I'm so happy to read this... I might be like you with the helicopter, but what an adventure.
    Have a great week
    Wren x

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  17. Your trip looks so wonderful! Your photographs capture it so well. Thank you for linking up.

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  18. fantastic views.....
    love fishing .... you caught a big fish... great.

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  19. The bird's eye view reveals a wonderous landscape. I haven't enjoyed a good beach bonfire since the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica!

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I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my blog. Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. I read and very much appreciate every comment and love hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return.