One Perfect Week in the Kimberley

One of the planet’s true wilderness areas, the Kimberley is a vast, magical place. This seven-day itinerary makes for an ideal primer on Australia’s north-west and takes in everything from the man-made attractions of Broome to some of nature’s most ancient treasures. Make sure you pack your sense of adventure: the real Australia awaits.

Day one

Your week in Australia’s north-west begins in tropical Broome, gateway to the Kimberley. Drop your bags at Cable Beach Club then head to the (proudly traffic light-free) town centre for an alfresco modern-Asian lunch at The Aarli. Spend the afternoon exploring Broome, where Sun Pictures – the world’s oldest operating outdoor cinema – and pearling museum Pearl Luggers offer glimpses of the town’s past. Make sure you’re back at Cable Beach in time to catch a glorious sunset before settling in at Club Restaurant for quality European cooking.

Day two

Start the morning right with views of Cable Beach from the sprawling buffet breakfast at Sunset Bar & Grill then get ready for your Turtle Kayak Adventure. As well as sneaking in a little holiday exercise, these self-paddled tours get guests up close to Broome’s sea life and coastal beauty. Back at the resort, relax by the (family or adults-only) pool before enjoying dinner at Zensai, Cable Beach Club’s elegant Japanese restaurant.

Day three

While it’s possible to get from Broome to Cape Leveque by 4WD, an air transfer with Kimberley Aviation is the way to go, for best use of time and aerial photo ops. Your home at Cape Leveque is Kooljaman, a wilderness safari camp alongside the warmest ocean water you’ll ever swim in. Learn about the area’s Indigenous Bardi culture on a Bundy’s Cultural Tours Bush Tucker Walk before barbecuing dinner under the dazzling Kimberley sky.

Stargaze under the Kimberley sky.

Day four

Established in 1946 by Dean Brown, Cygnet Bay Pearls is Australia’s oldest-operating pearl farm and remains an important player in the South Sea pearling industry. In addition to behind-the-scenes farm tours, a Giant Tides Tour takes guests out on King Sound to experience some of the world’s largest tropical tides, which rise up to 10 metres. The farm’s on-site restaurant and lagoon pool are further reasons to linger – you can even stay the night in safari tents.

Day five

After breakfast at Kooljaman, it’s an air transfer to Fitzroy Crossing. Check in to the Fitzroy River Lodge and lunch at the Riverside Restaurant before joining that afternoon’s Fitzroy Crossing Town Tour. In addition to information about the region’s rich Indigenous history, the tour also includes a one-hour boat cruise in breathtaking Geikie Gorge. For dinner, head to the historic Crossing Inn, the nearby pub and restaurant that sits on the banks of the Fitzroy River.

The breathtaking Geikie Gorge.

Day six

Remember those rapid tides at Cape Leveque? Today you’ll get an extreme close-up at Horizontal Falls, a natural phenomenon caused by fast-moving tides rushing through two nearby gorges. While a seaplane transfer places guests on the water, the company’s jet boats put you in the thick of those action-packed whirlpools. Stay overnight aboard the air-conditioned luxury houseboat and dine on freshly caught barramundi.

Day seven

On your last night in the Kimberley, fly to Ramada Eco Beach Resort, an isolated eco-wilderness retreat just south of Broome. From the safari-style tents and solar-powered chalets to the orientation of the resort and the kitchen garden, everything is designed with the environment in mind. Yoga, fishing charters, whale watching and turtle monitoring are among the activities on offer. Dinner is served at the smart-casual Jack’s Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy your last meal in the Kimberley – and plan a return trip.