Ancient landscapes, rugged gorges, epic waterways, never-ending sunsets and stunning turquoise ocean views: this could only describe the extraordinary terrain of Western Australia’s North West Kimberley region. It’s the Australia you think you know, but once you’re here, you quickly realize it’s far more spectacular than you ever expected.
The Kimberley has two distinct seasons: the dry, which runs from May until October (and is therefore preferred by visitors) and the wet, which runs from November until April. Whether you’re seeing the destination by land, sea or air, here are some key experiences you’ll find in the Kimberley region:
Rich history and culture on land:
* The Gibb River Road, which links the exotic pearling town of Broome to the town of Kununurra, is one of Australia’s most renowned four-wheel drive challenges. This legendary 600-kilometer (410 mile) stock route was originally used for droving cattle, but is now also a captivating destination for travelers seeking the ultimate Australian Outback experience. The journey is made even more memorable through hosted excursions with companies such as Kimberley Outback Tours by day, and with unique accommodation options at upscale, off-the-grid lodges and bush camps by night.
* El Questro Wilderness Park, located in the east Kimberley, extends about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north to south, totaling one million acres in size. Its landscape offers outstanding diversity including rainforests, gorges and waterfalls and Aussie wildlife. To stay right near the action, check out the lodging options at El Questro, which range from five-star luxury hotels to campsites.
Fascinating sea adventures:
* Cruise the remote pristine waters of the Kimberley with expedition ship operator, True North, for a luxury adventure into the true wilderness. True North offers a more personalized experience and opportunities to explore secluded gorges, an abundance of wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art that predates even the Egyptian Pyramids!
* For stunning sights of marine life and nature, divers and snorkelers can check out the Rowley Shoals off the coast of Broome, as it ranks amongst the most remote and pristine marine areas in the world.
Excursions in flight:
* You can explore the Kimberley by air via the Kimberley Aerial Highway, which is a series of red earth airstrips offering views of the region’s most iconic landscapes and one-of-a-kind accommodations. For the ultimate in flight luxury, stay at the Berkeley River Lodge, accessible only via its private airstrip.
* Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures offers a four-night expedition, providing an exciting way to explore the untouched natural wonderland of the Kimberley. You’ll experience a seaplane flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago, followed by a water landing on Talbot Bay.
For more information, and to start planning your trip, visit http://westernaustralia.com.