Swift Bay and Winyalkin Island

Nestled within the remote Bonaparte Archipelago, about 12 kilometres west of the Mitchell River, Swift Bay is a hidden gem along Western Australia’s Kimberley coastline. Towering sandstone cliffs, tidal flats, and winding waterways create a landscape that feels untouched by time. Home to the Wunambal Gaambera people for thousands of years, the area holds a deep cultural and spiritual significance reflected in its ancient rock art and stories.

Things to See

Wandjina & Gwion Gwion Art
Swift Bay’s caves and overhangs conceal vivid examples of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art. Typically, Gwion Gwion art features slender, graceful human forms often portrayed in dynamic motion — running, dancing, or holding ceremonial objects. Many display headdresses, tassels, bags, or spears. The figures are frequently painted in red or ochre and positioned high on rock walls or in overhangs. Wandjina art, more recent in origin, shows large spirit beings. They are distinctive: typically strong outlines, bold colours (white, ochre, red, black), huge expressive eyes, no mouths and often with halo-like headdresses or cloud forms.

Wildlife, Birdlife and Landscape
The bay’s diverse ecosystems support saltwater crocodiles, sea eagles, reef fish, and sea turtles. The sandstone escarpments glow gold at sunrise, and the shifting tides reveal oyster-encrusted rocks and hidden lagoons.

Swift Bay and Winyalkin Island are alive with birdlife, from soaring ospreys and white-bellied sea eagles to delicate shorebirds feeding along the tidal flats. Beach Stone-curlews, Eastern Reef Egrets, and Striated Herons hunt quietly in the shallows, while migratory plovers, whimbrels, and godwits arrive seasonally from distant Arctic breeding grounds. Among sandstone cliffs, the rare White-quilled Rock Pigeon blends into the rocks, and woodlands echo with Torresian Imperial Pigeons and colourful Rainbow Bee-eaters.

Things to Do

Fishing & Boating
Swift Bay is a dream for anglers—barramundi, trevally, and mackerel abound. Cruising through the archipelago offers a chance to explore narrow inlets and spot dolphins or dugongs gliding through the turquoise shallows.

Giant Oysters

At Swift Bay, the rocky shorelines are lined with giant black-lipped oysters, glistening in the tidal shallows. These shellfish thrive in the pristine waters. Eat them fresh or enjoy them served up by your chef back on board.

Visit Winyalkin Island
A short journey away, Winyalkin Island (also called Winyalkan or Steep Island) rises sharply from the sea, its caves and ledges protecting further Indigenous art sites. The island’s rugged beauty and sweeping views make it a favourite stop for Kimberley cruise vessels. Guests often enjoy beachside picnics or seafood barbecues here, surrounded by untouched wilderness.