Why a Helicopter Safari is the Best Way to See the Kimberley

Take in the immense sandstone cliffs, sheer rocky headlands, spectacular waterfalls and red-earth savanna of the Kimberley from a unique perspective in a private helicopter.

Spanning almost 423,000 square kilometres, the Kimberley is more than three times the size of England and is home to ancient coral reefs, the 1000-island-strong Buccaneer Archipelago, impossibly deep gorges and ecological life not found anywhere else in the country.

Trying to see it all in one trip is a lot, unless you’re travelling by air. Here’s why a helicopter expedition, such as Ventur Atlas’s Six-Day West Kimberley Safari – complete with expert guides, overland wilderness safaris in luxury four-wheel-drives, sunset cruises, seaplane adventures, gourmet dining and premiere accommodation – is the best way to gain exclusive access to the rugged gorges, secret swimming holes and famous landmarks in the region.

Fly, cruise and hike your way through the Kimberley

The helicopter safari is an intimate way to travel, with just two guests on each tour. On this trip you’ll soar over the region’s varied landscapes, including the remote Montgomery Reef and optional landings that will allow you to explore isolated islands and the cliff faces of the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges by foot. You’ll also cover swathes of the country in a four-wheel drive along the Gibb River Road, cruise by boat at Cygnet bay, ride camels at sunset along Cable Beach and hike the Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi) trail before heading back to Broome on a scenic chartered flight.

See iconic landmarks in style

The sky-bound safari is one of the most efficient ways to tick off bucket-list destinations in luxury. Fly over the renowned Horizontal Falls, a natural phenomena where the fast flow of water creates tidal differences of up to four metres on either side of the gorge. After landing nearby, you’ll be taken up close to the falls by boat before lunching on a nearby pontoon. There’s also sunset flights over the near 100-metre-tall Twin Flame Falls and four-wheel drive explorations of Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek (Dimalurru) and Barkers Pool, where you’ll marvel at the region’s varied flora and fauna and swim in pristine waters.

Customise your all-inclusive experience

Every experience on the helicopter tour is taken care of, from the champagne poured at Matthew Gorge rockpool to the tours, transport and accommodation. Although the journey is designed to take in the best of the Kimberley, the itinerary is fully customisable to suit your interests and preferences, so if you’d rather a camel ride at Cable Beach over a sunset cruise, the team will sort it out for you.

Eat and sleep in luxury

Dining experiences on this trip are refined affairs. There are picnic lunches and multi-course dinners, including meals by chef Brad Leahy (ex Bluewater Bistro) that champions seasonal West Australian produce. The accommodation is similarly immersive, with a night in original pearling shacks at Cygnet Bay, complete with water views, as well as three nights spent at Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge, a hidden oasis along the famous Gibb River Road. Choose between glamping and deluxe safari tents – some with their own ensuite – or rooms in The Homestead.

Travel with expert guides

The vast Kimberley hides pristine gorges, secret water holes and sprawling savanna and your personal pilot knows exactly where to find them – their extensive knowledge of the region is paired with expertise on the ground, with local guides available to school you in the cultural history of the land and its traditional owners. Be guided through Tunnel Creek’s (Dimalurru) cave system or learn about the significance of the pearl farming industry while on a sunset cruise, complete with bubbles and canapés, on Cygnet Bay.