GL
Nominee 2025
Australia
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley
Photography by
Tim Faircloth
Published
26 September 2025

In collaboration with the Wunambal Gaambera and Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporations, PONANT EXPLORATIONS delivers Indigenous-led cultural experiences throughout the Kimberley. Guests travel aboard luxury small ships with capacity for just 184 travellers, disembarking in remote sites such as Freshwater Cove and Raft Point. Here, Traditional Owners share ochre ceremonies, Dreaming stories, and ancient Wandjina rock art, guiding visitors through living cultural landscapes rarely open to outsiders.

These journeys are co-designed with Indigenous partners and operate under community-led protocols. As a registered Uunguu Tour Operator, PONANT ensures all visits are reviewed and approved by Traditional Owners, adapting itineraries as cultural permissions evolve. Unlike conventional shore excursions, each interaction is personal, intimate, and respectful, offering small groups the chance to connect directly with custodians of Country.

What distinguishes PONANT’s Kimberley program is the marriage of cultural authenticity with refined service. Guests enjoy French-inspired hospitality onboard, but the true richness lies in the cultural immersion delivered ashore. By prioritising Indigenous voices, PONANT ensures that every moment is both exclusive and deeply meaningful. Importantly, the program contributes to employment, infrastructure, and knowledge preservation within the communities it partners with—ensuring that cultural tourism benefits extend well beyond the voyage itself.
Find out more at the official website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
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