For many travellers, a Kimberley cruise is all about towering waterfalls, ancient rock art and dramatic landscapes. But for those who love to fish – or simply enjoy the thrill of catching dinner in one of Australia’s most remote and pristine environments – the Kimberley offers an experience unlike anywhere else.
Aboard Diversity Charters’ Kimberley Cruises, fishing is more than just an optional activity. It’s woven naturally into the rhythm of the voyage, giving guests the opportunity to cast a line in spectacular locations while still enjoying the region’s iconic scenery, wildlife and cultural highlights. Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing a prized barramundi or someone who’s never held a fishing rod before, the crew create an experience that’s relaxed, rewarding and genuinely memorable.
Fishing in One of Australia's Most Untouched Marine Environments
Stretching over 400,000 square kilometres, the Kimberley coastline is one of the most remote and ecologically diverse regions in Australia. Its maze of tidal rivers, sheltered bays, mangrove-lined creeks and offshore reefs provides habitat for an incredible variety of fish species. The immense tidal movements – among the largest in the world – constantly replenish nutrients throughout the region, creating ideal conditions for healthy fish populations. Every day presents new opportunities as the expedition moves between different fishing grounds, with the crew selecting locations based on tides, weather and local conditions.
Because Diversity Charters explores such a broad section of the Kimberley coastline, guests experience a wide variety of fishing environments rather than remaining in one area.
Fishing Designed for Everyone
One of the things guests appreciate most is that fishing is accessible throughout the voyage without dominating the itinerary.
Those who are passionate about fishing can head out with the crew on the fishing expeditions while other guests may choose to join only once or twice simply for the experience. There’s never any pressure – just the opportunity to enjoy one of the Kimberley’s great pastimes whenever it suits.
The crew provide quality fishing gear, bait and local knowledge, making it easy for beginners to get involved. They happily assist with everything from casting techniques to baiting hooks and safely handling fish, creating an enjoyable experience regardless of previous fishing experience.
For more experienced anglers, the local expertise of the crew is invaluable. Understanding the Kimberley’s powerful tides, changing conditions and productive fishing grounds takes years of experience, and guests benefit from that local knowledge throughout the cruise.
Guests can also join in the complete fishing experience by helping with activities such as hooping for bait and mud crabbing, adding another element of adventure to days spent exploring the Kimberley’s remote waterways.
Iconic Kimberley Fish Species
The Kimberley is home to an impressive variety of sportfish and table fish, meaning every outing can produce something different.
Among the most sought-after species is the iconic Barramundi, renowned for its powerful fight and exceptional eating quality. Often found around creek mouths, mangroves and tidal rivers, barramundi are a highlight for many anglers visiting the Kimberley, and some of the best-eating in the country.
Depending on the season and location, guests may also encounter species including:
- Fingermark
- Mangrove Jack
- Queenfish
- Giant Trevally
- Spanish Mackerel
- Longtail Tuna
- Bluebone (Blackspot Tuskfish)
Every fishing session is different, adding an element of excitement to each day on the water. Even guests who have fished extensively elsewhere are often surprised by the diversity of species found throughout the Kimberley.
From Ocean to Plate
One of the true pleasures of fishing aboard Diversity Charters is enjoying your catch later the same day.
The crew carefully prepare suitable fish for the onboard chefs, who transform the fresh catch into beautifully presented meals that showcase the exceptional quality of Kimberley seafood.
Depending on the species and the chef’s inspiration, your fish may be served simply grilled to highlight its natural flavour, lightly battered, pan-fried with fresh herbs, or incorporated into one of the evening’s gourmet meals. There’s something particularly satisfying about enjoying fish you’ve caught yourself while anchored beneath towering sandstone cliffs or watching the Kimberley sunset from the aft deck.
For many guests, these shared meals become some of the most memorable moments of the entire expedition.
Fishing Between Adventures
What makes fishing with Diversity Charters especially enjoyable is how naturally it complements the broader expedition experience.
A typical day might begin with an early fishing session as the sun rises over the Kimberley coastline before heading ashore to explore ancient rock art galleries or hike to spectacular waterfalls. Later, guests may enjoy wildlife spotting or cruising through dramatic gorges before another opportunity to cast a line in the afternoon.
Rather than being a dedicated fishing charter, Diversity Charters offers a complete Kimberley expedition where fishing is one of many enriching experiences available throughout the journey.
This balance appeals to couples, families and groups travelling together, where not everyone shares the same interests. While some guests are chasing the next great catch, others may be photographing waterfalls, watching sea eagles soar overhead or simply relaxing on deck with a drink in hand.
Small Group Cruising Makes the Difference
With a maximum of just 12 guests onboard, Diversity Charters offers an intimate style of expedition cruising that naturally enhances the fishing experience.
Smaller guest numbers mean greater flexibility when planning daily activities and more personalised guidance from the crew. Fishing groups remain small, allowing everyone plenty of opportunity to participate without feeling rushed or crowded.
The crew quickly get to know each guest’s interests throughout the voyage. Some mornings they may suggest an early fishing excursion for keen anglers, while ensuring other guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the day’s sightseeing begins.
It’s this personalised approach that creates an experience which feels relaxed, flexible and tailored rather than highly structured.
A Kimberley Cruise for Every Fishing Season
One of the advantages of travelling with Diversity Charters is that there isn’t just one opportunity to experience Kimberley fishing. With four expedition cruises operating throughout the year, guests can choose an itinerary that matches both their travel plans and the type of fishing experience they’re seeking.
14-Day Ultimate Kimberley Cruise (March–June Annually)
Operating during the early Kimberley season, the 14-Day Ultimate Kimberley Cruise explores the region when waterfalls are at their most spectacular and the landscape is lush following the wet season. Fishing during this time offers exciting opportunities in tidal rivers, estuaries and along the remote coastline.
9-Day Kimberley Cruise (June–September Annually)
As the dry season settles in, the 9-Day Kimberley Cruise delivers comfortable cruising conditions and excellent fishing opportunities throughout the region. Cooler temperatures and calm conditions make this one of the most popular times to visit the Kimberley, with guests enjoying a mix of estuary, reef and coastal fishing alongside the cruise’s iconic waterfalls, wildlife encounters and ancient rock art.
9-Day Northern Kimberley Cruise (May-June Annually)
Operating during the heart of the Kimberley’s dry season, the 9-Day Northern Kimberley Cruise explores the spectacular coastline between Wyndham and Broome, when mild temperatures and calm conditions create an ideal environment for both cruising and fishing. With access to remote tidal rivers, secluded bays and productive coastal waters, guests have the opportunity to target iconic Kimberley species such as barramundi, Mangrove Jack and Fingermark. Combined with visits to the region’s famous waterfalls, ancient rock art and dramatic gorges, this itinerary offers an exceptional balance of world-class fishing and unforgettable Kimberley exploration.
6-Day Kimberley Cruise (September–October)
Perfect for travellers short on time, the 6-Day Kimberley Adventure Cruise packs plenty into a shorter itinerary. This is prime fishing time as the Barramundi become more active in the warmer waters. This itinerary provides opportunities to target a variety of popular Kimberley species while still exploring the iconic sites like Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, dramatic gorges, secluded bays and pristine beaches.
Why Fishing Becomes a Kimberley Highlight
Many guests board expecting the waterfalls, wildlife or landscapes to be the standout memories of their Kimberley cruise. Surprisingly often, they leave talking just as enthusiastically about the fishing.
There’s something uniquely rewarding about catching a barramundi in a remote tidal creek, watching dolphins nearby, or sharing stories over dinner while enjoying fish caught only hours earlier. These moments create a deeper connection with the Kimberley—one that extends beyond simply observing the landscape to actively experiencing it.
For travellers who enjoy fishing, it’s an obvious highlight. For those who have never considered themselves anglers, fishing often becomes an unexpected favourite.
Combined with luxury accommodation, exceptional cuisine, expert local guides and access to the Kimberley’s most iconic destinations, fishing is just one more reason why Diversity Charters continues to receive outstanding reviews and repeat guests who come back year after year.
If you’re searching for a Kimberley cruise where you can experience world-class fishing alongside spectacular scenery, unforgettable wildlife encounters and personalised small-group expedition cruising, Diversity Charters delivers an experience that’s every bit as rewarding as the destination itself.
Ready To Book Your Diversity Charters Kimberley Cruise?
Diversity Charters’ Kimberley cruises are incredibly popular and it always pays to secure your place early. To find out more, or reserve your cabin, call the award-winning team at Kimberley Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80.
