Do you dream of exploring a stunning landscape and rich culture that is not only far off the beaten path but unknown to much of the world? Somewhere that most travelers haven’t been but is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders found nowhere else?

The Kimberley coast – the northernmost region in Western Australia — ticks all those boxes and then some. It’s one of the world’s largest, wildest, and most ancient wilderness landscapes. Nowhere else will you see dramatic gorges and caves, sandstone cliffs, vast, uninhabited beaches, and expansive geological formations all in one location. The Kimberley’s remote, nearly inaccessible location has kept it remarkably pristine. After all, only 40,000 people live in this area that is three times the size of England — that’s fewer people per kilometer than almost anywhere on earth.

Sometimes called “Australia’s final frontier,” the Kimberley coast will have your jaw dropping at every turn. When was the last time you saw a waterfall flow sideways? Take an included Zodiac® cruise to get up close and personal with the iconic Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay, called “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world” by David Attenborough. You will witness the spectacle of powerful tidal currents pushing rushing water through two narrow gaps, resulting in waterfalls literally turned on their side. The falls are also reversible, flowing in the opposite direction when the tide turns daily.

As if that weren’t unusual enough, there are two other sights you won’t want to miss. King George Falls is a highlight of any trip to the Kimberley — towering twin falls cascading over ancient sandstone cliffs. The best way to experience it is to cruise up the mighty King George River gorge. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a steep bushwalk to the top of the cliffs for a view from the top. Montgomery Reef is Australia’s largest inshore reef. Its tidal range is so great that as the tide goes down, the 300 square kilometer reef appears to rise from the sea, revealing a world of natural wonders — from a mangrove island to lagoons to beautiful waterfalls created by tidal waters trapped atop the reef. If you love marine life, you will be thrilled by sightings of migratory birds, turtles, reef sharks and more.

In fact, the Kimberley is known for its multitude of wildlife, and you’ll see the most activity among birds, reptiles, and mammals alike during the area’s dry season, which runs from May to October. The most famous species is the saltwater crocodile, with the strongest bite of any living animal. Visitors also love seeing the Short-Eared Rock Wallaby, a curious creature with a brush-like tail. Bird lovers will revel in the diversity of birds, including the rainbow bee eater and sacred kingfisher, both stunningly colorful. Fish-eating flying predators include the majestic, white-bellied sea eagle and the eastern osprey, with a 5 ft (1.5m) wingspan. Of course, much of the wildlife in the Kimberley lives in the sea, including 35,000 humpback whales, the largest population in the world. The marine life here also includes rare endangered species of sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and fish. Among those finding refuge in this protected paradise are massive dugongs, also sometimes called “sea cows” because they graze on seagrass roots. Since the Kimberley is one of the largest intact natural areas on the planet, the diversity of wildlife offers endless wildlife photo ops — and learning opportunities.

The 30 aboriginal tribes that live in the Kimberley region are respectful guardians of its wildlife, land, and history. Getting to know their culture and traditions is key to fully experiencing this destination. Hear firsthand stories about the Kimberley’s culture and heritage from the indigenous people who are custodians of this ancient land and its important rock art sites. The Gwion Gwion (or Gyorn Gyorn) Bradshaw rock paintings, dating back to at least 17,000 years ago, are some of the earliest figurative art in the world. The Wandjina rock art depicts the Supreme Being Spirit for a community of tribes that comprise the Mowanjum community. Some rock art exists in spectacular limestone cave systems with fossilized reefs, such as the Mimbi Caves, a spiritual home for the Gooniyandi people.

A Seabourn expedition to the Kimberley aboard our newest ship, Seabourn Pursuit, is one of the few ways visitors can connect with this totally unique and magnificent area. The possibilities are nearly endless, and with Seabourn you can experience it all in the utmost luxury. With the world-class guidance and expertise of Seaborn’s Expedition Team you can have profound experiences that will remain etched in your memory.