 The Kimberley Cruising Site has been set up by Dennis & Annette Ford to share information on the Kimberley Coast with cruising yachties and other internet users. The site includes stories about crocodiles as well as Kimberley cruising stories in four yachts; Spindrift III, Rattle 'N' Hum, Farr Star and Second Innings over 25 years from 1982 until 2006.
 Times have changed; but the rivers and islands have remained the same. On the site you can visit Kimberley Rivers, take some interesting Short Expeditions, explore Special Places, read a little about the History of the Kimberley, and find Information about Uncharted Reefs, Freshwater Supplies, Pearl Farms, the Dampier Peninsula and Broome.
But before you do; have a look at our WHALE VIDEO taken in 2004 near Kuri Bay on a digital still camera, then check out the Site Map page which provides the Table of Contents for the whole site and a Road Map of the Kimberley Region. |
A Note from the WA Museum on Heritage and Archaelogical Sites in the Kimberley We have been requested by the WA Museum to make it clear that: "the heritage sites are known to the WA Museum, and are protected by WA laws".
We have also been asked to "clearly mention that Aboriginal sites (such as the mission sites) are protected by the WA Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and shipwreck and maritime sites (such as the lugger remains) are protected by the WA Maritime Archaeology Act 1973". "Additionally some of the sites are on traditional lands and may require access permission from traditional owners". DIA has advised us that permission is not required for non-commercial visits to Kinganna or Kunmunya.
The Museum also recommends that we include some general heritage site visitor etiquette along the lines of "Do not disturb these sites nor remove anything from them – take only photographs and leave nothing but footprints - to safeguard these significant elements of the Kimberley’s history for future visitors." The Museum also appreciates our cooperation "in working towards the long term documentation and preservation of the Kimberley region's heritage sites". | FUEL AT NAPIER BROOME BAY Paul Lindfield has recently advised that the bowser, pump and barge will be operational in April to supply fuel at McGowan Island Beach in Napier Broome Bay. When approaching the beach, there are two small rocky reefs that will be clearly marked with white buoys. If unsure of your approach, call ashore on Ch16 or anchor off and dinghy in to meet the friendly locals. Yachties are welcome here. More details on the anchorage, fuel and facilities can be obtained from the campground website at www.mcgowanisland.com.au Top up, have a chat and enjoy an extended stay in the Kimberley. |
Kimberley Cruises | | Spindrift III was a Roberts 29 built in Melbourne and launched in Perth. We cruised the Kimberley for 3 months on a trip from Perth to Darwin in 1982. In Aug/Sept 1990, we were back for a 4 week cruise from Darwin to Bigge Island and return on an Adams 11.9, Rattle 'N' Hum. Farr Star, was a Farr 11.6 built by Binks Yachts in Adelaide. After a couple of Darwin to Ambon races, we cruised the eastern Kimberley again for one month in Farr Star in Sept/Oct 1998. Second Innings is a Grainger SC1120 (11.2m Sports Cruiser) catamaran. We cruised the Kimberley for five successive seasons from 2002 to 2006 in Second Innings. | Here are the maps, notes and many photos of nine major rivers in the Kimberley. You will find tide and navigation tips, anchorages, what to expect, places to explore and scenes from the following rivers and inlets: | | | These pages provide information for expeditions to Pago Mission, the DC3 Wreck, Kinganna, Kunmunya Mission, Sampson Inlet and Montgomery Reef. | There are many special places in the Kimberley. The rock Art Sites and the six listed below are our favourites, with notes and photos to explain why they are so special. | | Kimberley History | Local Information | These pages contain notes and photos on Truscott Airbase and stories of the bombing of the "KOOLAMA", the settlement at Camden Harbour and pre World War II Kimberley Aviators. |
| Where are the uncharted Rocks & Reefs? Where can I swim and get fresh water? What is the protocol around Pearl Farms? What is on the Dampier Peninsula and how do I stock up in Broome? Try these pages for hints! | Links & Books - We have used a number of sources to plan our Kimberley Cruises and to present the information contained on these web pages. Some information has been sourced from other web sites, but most has been sourced from the books listed on the Links & Books page of our site. We trust this information is useful in planning a cruise or enhancing your knowledge of this fascinating coastline. | Contact Us - Please contact us with suggestions you have about our Site by emailing the webmaster. We welcome constructive comments and will respond accordingly. |
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