ABC’s “The Kimberley” continues its exploration of Australia’s rugged northwest, turning its lens to the vibrant ecosystems of the coastline in episode two. Prepare for oceanic dramas, from the epic migrations of humpback whales to the territorial battles of saltwater crocodiles.
The episode captures the humpbacks’ journey from Antarctica to the warmer waters near the Tropic of Capricorn, where they give birth in the Sea Country of the Dambimangari People. Respect for Indigenous tradition and knowledge is woven into the narrative, highlighting the deep connection between the Dambimangari and the whales. Meanwhile, further down the coast, “boss crocs” assert their dominance, forcing younger rivals downstream as the Koolawa season takes hold.
On the tidal flats of Yawuru Country, thousands of migratory shorebirds feast, preparing for their long flight to the Arctic. Viewers also get a close-up look at the bizarre mating rituals of mudskippers, those “alien-like” fish that navigate both land and water. A rare mangrove snake, their nocturnal predator, adds another element of drama to this unique ecosystem.
Mark Coles Smith guides viewers through the crucial intersection of land and sea at the mouth of the Martuwarra River. The episode also visits Yowjab / Montgomery Reef, where Australia’s most extreme tides reveal a vast expanse of coral gardens, a spectacle that continues to amaze even experienced rangers. And on remote offshore islands, we see the struggle for survival of the Kimberley nabarlek, a small marsupial facing extinction on the mainland. The Dambimangari Land and Sea Rangers also continue their vital work, protecting endangered northern quolls from feral cats and the relentless march of invasive cane toads.
“The Kimberley” airs Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 8:00 PM AEST on ABC.
