Cape Voltaire

Cape Voltaire is a dramatic headland on the remote Kimberley coast of Western Australia. The long Voltaire Peninsula stretches for more than 30 kilometres and forms a natural divide between Montague Sound to the west and Admiralty Gulf to the east. From the water, the cape is an impressive sight, with its dark volcanic rock standing in stark contrast to the lighter sandstone formations found throughout this part of the Kimberley.

A striking geological landscape

One of the most distinctive features of Cape Voltaire is its columnar basalt. The dark basalt headland creates a dramatic contrast with the surrounding sandstone cliffs and rocky coastline.

This meeting of different rock types is particularly striking when viewed from an expedition vessel. The Kimberley is renowned for its ancient geology, and Cape Voltaire provides another excellent example of the region’s remarkable variety of landscapes.

The peninsula is also characterised by rocky bays, small islands, reefs and narrow passages, creating a complex coastline shaped by the powerful Kimberley tides.

Exploring Cape Voltaire

Cape Voltaire is known for pelagic fishing, with the waters around the cape providing opportunities for anglers to target larger ocean-going fish.

For those simply taking in the scenery, cruising around the peninsula provides spectacular views of the contrasting black basalt, pale sandstone, islands and open ocean.

The powerful Kimberley tides

The waters around Cape Voltaire are affected by the Kimberley’s enormous tidal range. Strong currents and tidal movements can occur around the cape and through nearby passages, adding to the character of this wild and remote coastline. For expedition vessels, navigating this intricate coastline is part of the experience.

The Wreck of the Henry at Cape Voltaire

In October 1920, the remote coastline around Cape Voltaire became the setting for an extraordinary story of survival. The small pearling lugger Henry had left Wyndham bound for Broome, carrying Captain John Morgan Johnston and a crew of five. Their voyage took them along the Kimberley coast and into the waters of Admiralty Gulf.

On 28 October, the Henry attempted to navigate the Voltaire Passage, a narrow and challenging stretch of water surrounded by islands, reefs and rocks. A strong ebb tide was running when the vessel struck a submerged rock, severely damaging the hull. The crew were forced to abandon ship and make their way ashore at Cape Voltaire.

Using a small dinghy, they managed to salvage some food, water and equipment from the wreck before settling into a makeshift camp. They were stranded in an extremely remote part of the Kimberley, with little prospect of being discovered by passing vessels.

After several days, Captain Henry Scott and crew member Lancelot Pascoe set off in the tiny dinghy in search of help. Their journey took them hundreds of kilometres along the Kimberley coast, battling strong tides and rough conditions. Eventually they reached Cape Leveque, where they were able to secure assistance and begin the journey back towards the stranded men.