KIMBERLEY, AUSTRALIA DAY 7: MONTGOMERY REEF & FRESHWATER COVE

7 Minute Read: Go behind the scenes of a filmmaking expedition in the remote Northwest region of Australia, The Kimberley. In this 14-part series, we’ll share the highs and lows, from marathon shoots aboard luxurious yachts to heart-stopping encounters with nature's fiercest creatures. Welcome to the wild side of cinema. (Part 7 of 14)

MORNING FEEDING TIME AT MONTGOMERY REEF ©SEABOURN

Mystical Montgomery Reef  

Our expedition pressed on. After our encounter with the captivating Horizontal Falls, our sights were set on another marvel of nature—the awe-inspiring Montgomery Reef.

This underwater gem lay hidden beneath the surface, emerging only at low tide to unveil its beauty. Known for its breathtaking reversing waterfalls and vibrant marine life, Montgomery Reef promised a spectacle unlike any other—a dance of predator and prey played out against a backdrop of ancient corals and swirling currents.

disembarking the AKIKO AT DAWN NEAR MONTGOMERY REEF

At first light, our drone team ventured onto the water, eager to capture the sunrise over the reef. It was a race against time as we planned to document the reef's transformation from hidden treasure to vibrant oasis. 

As we captured the natural masterpiece from the air, bathed in the gentle morning light, we were glimpsing into the very essence of our planet. Like veins coursing through a living being, the intricate waterways of the earth pulsed with vitality. We felt a profound connection to the rhythms of nature, witnessing the beating heart of Mother Earth's central nervous system.

montgomery reef—EARTHS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ©SEABOURN

Dawn to Dusk

The full game plan: shoot the 6AM sunrise and head back to Akiko for breaky. Travel light speed onboard the Nyaid to Freshwater Cove. Hike to film aboriginal Wandjina artwork gallery & return to Akiko for “late lunz” (lunch). Jump back on the water at Montgomery Reef to film sunset. Dawn to dusk—it was a monster day. The type of day I love.

READY FOR THE SUNRISE AT MONTGOMERY REEF

A few crew members + talent rested in the morning in preparation for the two long afternoon / evening sessions. For the sunrise shoot, Drone Pilot Chris, Producer Marc, Expedition Leader Robin, Captain Josh, and I set out.

After capturing the sunrise and hitting a quick breaky, we boarded the Nyaid, ready for the next leg of our journey. Freshwater Cove held the promise of ancient wonders—a sacred site with Aboriginal artwork dating back over 40,000 years. We prepared to witness history come alive before our eyes.

FIRST LANDING IN THE KIMBERLEY AT FRESHWATER COVE

Welcome to Country 

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with warmth and respect by the traditional landowners. They welcomed us with a "Welcome to Country" ceremony—a poignant reminder of the deep connection between the Aboriginal people and the land they call home.

Each member of the team received a sacred ochre mark upon their face, forging a tangible bond with the land, drawing us closer to its ancient spirit.

As we embarked on the mile-long hike to the sacred cave, a sense of respect settled over us…a feeling of being in the presence of something truly extraordinary. The ancient artwork that decorated the cave walls spoke of a time long past, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Aboriginal culture. The strong tone of our voices on the hike transitioned to soft whispers as we approached the cave.  

ARRI ALEXA MINI + ATLAS ORION LENS + TILTA CAGE + TERADEK

For the next hour, we moved in a choreographed dance between video and photography, capturing every nuance of this sacred space. To witness one of the earliest forms of storytelling was a gift that left us feeling deeply blessed. It was also inspiring to be at ground level, capturing the very soul of the artwork while feeling the earth beneath me.

©SEABOURN

©SEABOURN

The cave paintings do not depict humans; instead, they portray sacred animals like owls and the white-faced, mouthless figures of the Wandjina. Within this ancient gallery lie representations of fish, stingrays, and turtles, alongside depictions of whirlpools and cyclones, some of which have been meticulously refreshed over time, their vibrancy enhanced by the luminous whiteness of the ochre pigment.

Wandjina ROCK ART at freshwater cove ©SEABOURN

manjit’s moment with Wandjina ROCK ART ©SEABOURN

smoke ceremony at freshwater cove ©SEABOURN

After experiencing the raw beauty of this sacred site, it was time to say goodbye to our new friends. Prior to departure, we were blessed with a smoking ceremony. The smoking ceremony is an ancient custom among Aboriginal land owners that involves smoldering various native plants to produce smoke which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits.

SMOKE CEREMONY STORYBOARD ✅

With the blessing of the smoke ceremony lingering in the air, we bid farewell to Freshwater Cove and set our sights on Montgomery Reef once more. A sense of gratitude warmed us all as we departed the location. 

NATURAL MASTERPIECE MONTGOMERY REEF ©SEABOURN

Golden Hour

What a day! And nature's grand finale—a symphony of light and color was still to come. Tides were expected to turn prior to sunset, once again revealing Montgomery Reef at golden hour. “Time to turn your epic meters up!”

Riding through earth’s central nervous system, I felt closer to the heartbeat of planet earth. Mother Nature was speaking directly to our souls. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the energy of the crew and talent also dropped. We were exhausted. “Look at the moon,” someone yelled. Boom, the energy was back at an all time high as the moon rose.

After experiencing an epic sunset, the moon started to rise as the colors of dusk danced across the sky. As we made our way back to the Akiko, exhaustion weighed heavy on our shoulders, but our spirits soared with the knowledge that we had witnessed something truly extraordinary. 

For in the Kimberley, surrounded by the rugged cliffs and swirling tides, every moment is evidence to the enduring power and beauty of the natural world. From dawn till dusk, our cameras never ceased, capturing every moment of this epic day—a day filled with discovery, adventure, and the boundless beauty of the Kimberley. Thank you Mother Earth.

On the next Dash…”Did the shark eat our camera?”