The Berkeley River Lodge gives new meaning to the concept of “Outback Australia.” Perched on the dunes of the Kimberley region’s northern coast, the resort is so remote that it can only be reached by sea or land.
Surrounded by untouched bush wilderness, guests wake up to native birdcalls and a sunrise over the East Timor Sea. Each daily activity is an adventure, whether guests choose to Heli-fish along the Berkeley River, explore clear water gorges, or take a helicopter tour over the Kimberley. Stroll the beach to witness dugongs, dolphins and turtles; or, take a guided tour to some of the world’s oldest Aboriginal rock art.
Further highlighting Berkeley River Lodge’s unique location, the Dunes Restaurant’s multi-course degustation menus feature Australian food, or ‘tucker’: from New South Wales Angus steak to Tasmanian salmon, regional cheeses and national wines.
Rates begin at 1,075 AUD (Australian Dollars) for a single traveler or 825 for a twin share. Packages can be arranged for 3,4 and 7 night-stays, including a scenic float plane transfer to the Lodge.
The Berkeley River Lodge is a recent winner of the Western Australia tourism award for New Tourism Development. Closing for the summer on November 30, 2013, the resort will reopen on March 1, 2014.
Kelli Mutchler left a small, Midwest American town to prove that Yanks can, and do, chose alternative lifestyles. On the road for five years now, Kelli has tried news reporting and waitressing, bungy jumping and English teaching. Currently working with Burmese women refugees in Thailand, she hopes to pursue a MA in Global Development. Opportunities and scenes for international travel are encouraged on her blog, www.toomutchforwords.com.
