Ponant has announced a series of summer 2024 sailings to the Kimberley.

The lesser-known Australian wilderness boasts remarkable scenery and cultural treasures, including Aboriginal rock art that dates back 4,500 years.

The sailings from Broome – on the French-owned line’s 184-passenger Le Jacques-Cartier – will visit the Lacepede Islands, Collier Bay and Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system.

They will also visit the Hunter River, home to many species of birds and reptiles, including the salt water crocodile, before arriving in the cosmopolitan city of Darwin.

Sailings in the other direction also call at Ashmore Reef, which is home to hundreds of seabirds, including yellow-billed frigates. All include the chance to explore the coastline on Zodiacs.

The itinerary has been planned by expert  including Mick Fogg, director of expeditions and destinations development in the Asia-Pacific for Ponant, who is also a multi-award-winning adventurer and photographer.

A total of 23 sailings are scheduled from Darwin or Broome, including four for French-speaking guests.

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