Kimberley Vessel Guide: Kimberley Quest II

If I had to sum up Kimberley Quest II in one sentence, it would be this: It offers one of the most authentic and personalised Kimberley adventures without giving up the comforts that make the journey so enjoyable.

From the moment you step onboard, it’s clear this isn’t a traditional cruise. With such small guest numbers, the atmosphere is warm, relaxed and incredibly personal. It doesn’t take long before the crew know your name, your favourite drink and exactly how you like your coffee.

The expedition itself is wonderfully flexible. The smaller guest numbers mean the crew can adapt activities to suit the conditions and the group, whether that’s spending extra time fishing, exploring a quiet creek by tender or lingering a little longer beneath one of the Kimberley’s spectacular waterfalls.

One of the biggest drawcards is the variety of experiences on offer. Alongside the classic Kimberley highlights like ancient rock art, towering gorges and wildlife encounters, Kimberley Quest II is also one of the region’s standout fishing vessels. Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply keen to cast a line for the first time, the crew are only too happy to help.

This is a true Kimberley expedition, and the focus is very much on getting you off the vessel and out exploring as much as possible. With its shallow draft, Kimberley Quest II can get into some of the smaller creeks and waterways that larger vessels simply can’t access.

The crew know the Kimberley incredibly well and are genuinely passionate about sharing it with you. They know the wildlife, the history, the landscapes and, importantly, where to go depending on the conditions that day. On selected departures, there’s also a Naturalist onboard with more than 30 years’ experience in the region, which adds another level to what you’re seeing and experiencing.

One of the things I really like about Kimberley Quest II is just how much variety there is. One day you might be heading out to see ancient rock art or walking to a waterfall, the next you could be fishing for barramundi, trying your hand at mud crabbing or heading up a remote creek. No two days ever feel quite the same.

And they’re very well set up for getting you out exploring. Kimberley Quest II carries three tinnies/tenders as well as a covered jet cruiser, which is a real bonus. The shaded jet cruiser gives you some welcome relief from the Kimberley sun and makes getting out and about that little bit more comfortable.

Then, after a big day of adventure, you come back onboard to a cold drink and a refreshing towel – one of those little touches that you really appreciate at the end of the day.

Back onboard, everything is relaxed and friendly. Evenings are spent enjoying a beautiful meal, comparing photos, talking about what you’ve seen that day and finding out what might be in store for tomorrow.

For me, that’s one of the things Kimberley Quest II does particularly well. You get a genuinely adventurous Kimberley experience during the day, but you’re very well looked after when you come back onboard.

For many guests, fishing is a reel highlight. Whether you’re an experienced angler hoping to catch a barramundi or you’ve never picked up a fishing rod before, the crew are fantastic and will happily show you the ropes.

But be warned – once you hook one, you’re the one who has to reel it in, usually with plenty of encouragement from the crew and your fellow Travellers!

There’s also the chance to try your hand at mud crabbing, and if you’re lucky enough to bring home a good catch, the chef may even prepare it for dinner. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

Another standout is the optional helicopter experiences available on selected departures. Seeing the Kimberley from the air gives you a completely different perspective – flying over waterfalls, winding river systems and vast stretches of country that you simply can’t appreciate in the same way from the water.

Each evening, the pilot will let you know what flights are planned for the following day and ask who’s interested. There’s absolutely no pressure to participate, so you can decide as you go. A minimum of four guests is required for a flight to go ahead and they are at an additional cost.

Having experienced it myself, I think it’s well worth doing. Taking off directly from Kimberley Quest II is an experience in itself, and flying over places such as Horizontal Falls gives you a real appreciation of just how vast and spectacular the Kimberley is.

The food is another reason Kimberley Quest II has such a loyal following, and I have to say, it was one of the things that really impressed me when I was onboard.

After a full day out exploring, there’s something lovely about coming back to a freshly prepared meal and sitting down together to talk about what everyone has seen and done that day. All meals are chef-prepared using quality produce and, while I wouldn’t describe it as fine dining, the food is absolutely delicious, generous and exactly what you want after a big day in the Kimberley.

Dining is relaxed and communal, which really suits the style of the vessel. With only 18 guests onboard, you quickly get to know everyone and mealtimes become a very social part of the experience.

And then there’s the crew. They’re warm, caring and genuinely want you to have a wonderful time. It’s the little things – remembering how you like your coffee, having a cold drink waiting when you return from an excursion, or simply taking the time to have a chat – that make the experience feel so personal.

For me, that combination of great food and genuinely lovely service is a big part of what makes Kimberley Quest II so special.

And here’s something you might not expect – there’s a jacuzzi on the sun deck.

After a big day out exploring, you can come back onboard, grab a drink and enjoy a soak while watching the sun go down over the Kimberley. I have to say, it’s a pretty special way to finish the day.

Adventure during the day and a jacuzzi at sunset – there’s not much that can compete with that!