The pearling capital of Broome makes a breath-taking base for exploring the Kimberley region in Australia’s North West
Broome, the western gateway to the Kimberley region, is where all Australia’s North West adventures should begin. It’s where silhouetted trains of camels on Cable Beach take glowing sunsets to a new level, coveted South Sea pearls are commercially cultured and harvested and, at low tide on certain dates between March and October, a natural illusion known as Staircase to the Moon appears at Roebuck Bay.
The theme of natural beauty prevails over the Kimberley, a wilderness complete with national parks, awe-inspiring rock formations and gorges and springs.
In Purnululu national park visitors will come across the curious Bungle Bungle Range, which is an area dotted with domes of red rock 350 million years in the making – their beauty has earned the area Unesco World Heritage status. Meanwhile, Karijini national park is a hotspot for hiking, with ancient gorges and adventure tours that take visitors to what feels like the centre of the Earth.
Taking the Gibb River Road will introduce visitors to even more magnificent scenery and aboriginal communities. Aboriginal guides provide a fascinating insight into the land and its traditional stories, as well as the chance to learn native ingredients and bushcraft. Plus, aboriginal rock art is on display throughout Australia’s North West, with Kununurra being a great place to start the search.
If guests are keen to explore the Kimberley’s coastline, one sight to make a beeline for is Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay. The natural phenomenon is caused by fast-moving tidal currents and can be seen from the water or from the air.
Peak season in Australia’s North West runs from June to August, so it’s a good idea to book early for holidaymakers visiting in these months. There is a great range of accommodation to choose from, with eco-retreats, indulgent resorts, luxury lodges, stations stays, campsites and hostels to suit all budgets. The secluded El Questro Homestead is worth noting for its luxurious ambience, views of the Chamberlain Gorge and alfresco dining – the perfect way to relax after a day of Australian adventures.
Gold Medal’s Perth & the Kimberley itinerary includes:
Prices for this 10-night trip start from £4,199pp, which saves travellers up to £65pp. Offer valid for departures on August 23, 2019. Agents will earn £24 Farebank Rewards (doubled from £12) when they book this package.
“The sights between Perth and Broome are unforgettable – you have the option to take day tours from the cities or combine them as part of a longer journey. The local guides are extremely knowledgeable and will take visitors off the beaten track to places they never knew existed. I’d definitely suggest a stay in the heart of Purnululu national park. Seeing the striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range in person is fascinating, especially at sunrise or sunset. Karijini national park is beautiful too – it’s great to take a trek through the park then swim in the gorges to cool down.”
Agents receive double Farebank Rewards on all Western Australia package bookings (flight plus minimum three nights accommodation) made with Gold Medal between March 1 and April 17.
Watch the Western Australia masterclass with Gold Medal Facebook Live for more information.
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