Join our sailing expedition from Broome to Exmouth on a 72-foot yacht — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

Broome to exmouth

AUSTRALIAN expedition / 23 days / cat 2 sailing expedition / 900NM

Overview

Embark on a 23-day sailing adventure along Western Australia’s remote and spectacular coastline . From the red cliffs of Broome to the turquoise waters of Exmouth, this journey offers a rare opportunity to experience rugged wilderness, pristine marine environments, and deep cultural heritage—all from the comfort of a purpose-built expedition yacht.

Cruising through one of the least travelled stretches of coastline on Earth, you’ll encounter the untouched beauty of Eighty Mile Beach, explore the coral wonders of the Rowley Shoals, and step ashore at places steeped in Indigenous history like Depuch Island. Dive, snorkel, and swim through reef systems teeming with life; discover ancient rock art, tranquil anchorages, and secluded islands; and witness spectacular sunsets in remote settings few get to experience.

Highlights include the thriving marine sanctuaries of Montebello Islands, the dramatic contrast of Port Hedland, the island labyrinth of Dampier Archipelago, and the world-class reefs and wildlife of the Ningaloo Coast. Each day brings something new—whether it's spotting dolphins at dawn, snorkelling vibrant coral walls, or sharing stories under the stars at anchor.

This is expedition sailing at its finest—immersive, adventurous, and deeply rewarding. Join Ocean Sailing Expeditions for the journey of a lifetime along one of Australia’s most extraordinary coastlines.

Expedition destination options

Broome

Broome, a pearling town rich in history and culture, is a jewel of Western Australia's Kimberley region. Famous for its spectacular Cable Beach sunsets and the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon, Broome offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and multicultural influences. Its past is etched in the Pearl Luggers Museum and the Japanese Cemetery, telling tales of the pearling industry and its divers. For sailing enthusiasts, Broome’s pristine waters and proximity to remarkable coastal wilderness provide endless exploration opportunities. Visiting Broome means immersing yourself in a vibrant arts scene, enjoying unique wildlife encounters, and experiencing the laid-back lifestyle of this historic town.

Eighty Mile Beach

Eighty Mile Beach, stretching between Broome and Port Hedland, is an uninterrupted natural wonder, famous for its extraordinary length and the richness of its marine life. This remote coastline offers one of the most spectacular beach experiences in Australia, with its stunning sunsets, abundant birdlife, and shimmering waters. For sailors, the beach is a picturesque anchorage point that promises tranquility and beauty. The beach is also renowned for shell collecting and fishing, making it a paradise for those seeking a serene retreat into nature’s embrace.

Rowley Shoals

Rowley Shoals, a trio of pristine coral atolls on the edge of the continental shelf, offers an unparalleled marine adventure. The shoals are acclaimed for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life, including manta rays and turtles. Sailing to Rowley Shoals is an expedition into a remote underwater paradise, ideal for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts eager to explore untouched coral ecosystems. This marine park's isolation ensures a truly exclusive and unforgettable experience of Australia’s underwater majesty.

Port Hedland

Port Hedland, a powerhouse of the Australian mining industry, also holds a unique charm for sailors and visitors. Beyond its industrial facade, the town offers a gateway to the vast and wild landscapes of the Pilbara region. Its long history, indigenous heritage, and cultural festivals add layers of interest. The coastline and tidal creeks around Port Hedland are excellent for fishing, mangrove exploration, and witnessing the incredible natural phenomenon of the flatback turtle nesting. Port Hedland combines industry, culture, and natural beauty in a way that is uniquely Australian.

Depuch Island

Depuch Island, a hidden gem off the coast near Port Hedland, is notable for its ancient rock art created by the Indigenous inhabitants, showcasing the island's rich cultural history. This secluded island offers sailors a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient landscapes and spiritual heritage of Australia's First Peoples. Its rugged beauty, combined with the cultural significance of the rock art, provides a profound and reflective experience for visitors seeking solitude and a deeper understanding of Australia’s ancient cultures.

Dampier

Dampier, nestled in the Pilbara region, serves as a vital link to the rich maritime and industrial history of Western Australia. Named after the British explorer William Dampier, the town is a starting point for exploring the Dampier Archipelago's 42 islands, known for their Aboriginal heritage, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Sailing around Dampier offers access to world-class fishing, snorkeling, and boating in crystal-clear waters. The nearby Burrup Peninsula, with its ancient rock art, provides a cultural excursion that complements the natural exploration.

Enderby Island

Enderby Island, part of the Dampier Archipelago, is a secluded paradise with white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a rich marine ecosystem. This tranquil island is perfect for sailors seeking a peaceful anchorage, with opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and beachcombing in a pristine environment. Enderby Island offers a rare chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the untouched beauty of the Pilbara coast, making it an idyllic stop on any sailing adventure.

Montebello Islands

The Montebello Islands, a remote archipelago off the Pilbara coast, are a testament to nature's resilience, having recovered from nuclear testing in the mid-20th century to become a marine paradise. The islands offer breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary marine life, and fascinating historical sites, including WWII relics and evidence of the nuclear tests. For sailors, the Montebello Islands present an opportunity for adventure and exploration, with pristine beaches, superb fishing, and diving in crystal-clear waters, all steeped in the intrigue of their past.

Exmouth

Exmouth, situated on the Ningaloo Coast, is a haven for marine enthusiasts and nature lovers. This small town is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world's largest fringing reefs, offering unparalleled snorkeling and diving experiences with its accessible coral gardens and abundant marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays. Sailing around Exmouth allows visitors to explore the stunning Cape Range National Park, with its dramatic gorges and unique wildlife. Exmouth combines the allure of the reef with the rugged beauty of the outback, making it a must-visit destination for anyone sailing Western Australia’s extraordinary coastline.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

  • Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).

  • Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.

  • Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.

  • Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.

  • Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

  • Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.

  • Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.

  • Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.

OCEAN SAILING PODCAST

EPISODE 118: MATT HARVEY / DAVID HOWS - AUSTRALIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION REVIEW: 8,500NM IN 4 MONTHS

Skippers David Hows and Matt Harvey catch up to review their 2-yacht circumnavigation of Australia in 2023. With 8,500nm covered in just 4 months, they share the highs and lows of covering the 7th largest coastline in the world. The event was spread over 5 legs and 102 crew in total, across the two 72-foot yachts; Silver Fern and Salt Lines, including 3 circumnavigators that completed all 5 legs. With 4,600 meals prepared, it was a planning exercise of military proportions.

With engine failures, crocodiles, storms and boat fatigue to deal with, sailing some sections of this vast country are not for the faint hearted. The stunning Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland islands and reefs, Cape York, Thursday Island, the Kimberley’s, 9 metre tides in Broome, the Montebello Island Group, the Great Australian Bight and the wilderness of Tasmania, there is just so much thats remote and incredible to explore.

Press the play button to listen, or play in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

SAILING.BLOG

Read the sailing.blog articles from last circumnavigation

Review sailing calendar for all events