Out & About July 2017

ustralia is a land of extremes and

vivid contrasts, where the majestic

landscapes, boundless horizons and

unique wildlife continue to inspire

explorers, artists, adventurers and pioneers.

From spectacular coastlines fringed with

endless beaches, ancient rainforests and fertile

plains, to the Red Centre and the dramatic

transformation of the land from the dry to

wet season in the north; the sheer scale and

rugged nature of the Outback has meant that

some of its most iconic landscapes remain

relatively undiscovered.

A vast and ancient land in the remote north

of Western Australia, the Kimberley is one

of the world’s most precious and untouched

wilderness areas.

There is no better way to discover the secrets

of this region than on a private six-day

helicopter safari, giving you the freedom and

flexibility to decide what you would like to

experience.

Discuss each day’s plan with your pilot, who

knows the Kimberley intimately and will ensure

that every day exceeds your expectations.

Stay in remote luxury lodges, some only

accessible by air, where comfort is prioritised

alongside diverse wilderness adventures in

places that privileged few have ever seen.

Begin your safari in Kununurra, a small town

at the eastern extremity of the region, before

heading north to the coast. Perched on sand

dunes above the beach, the 20 stunning

private villas at Berkeley River Lodge provide

amazing views of the sea or the Berkeley River

with its impressive red rock gorges.

Cruise the river, cool off with a dip in the

secluded waterholes of Berkeley Creek and

spot native flora and fauna, including saltwater

crocodiles, rock wallabies and birds of prey.

Fly to Mitchell Falls before ending the day

watching the sun set atop Mount Casuarina.

Fly west along the coastline to Kimberley

Coastal Camp, an exclusive, intimate and

relaxed property.

Considered to be one of the best fishing

regions in Australia, head out early and have

a go at catching the highly-prized, but elusive,

barramundi among numerous other tropical

species.

Take your catch ashore to a deserted island

fringed by Boab trees and have your guide

cook it for you ‘bush style’.

Marvel at Wandjina and Gwion Gwion ancient

rock art, which gives some insight into

Aboriginal culture, the traditional owners of this

land.

Drink in hand, put your feet up at the end of

each day accompanied only by the inimitable

sound of the Australian bush and a crackling

fire.

Your final stop, El Questro, is at the heart of

the Kimberley and offers the freedom to really

explore this last frontier.

From deep gorges and mountains to thermal

springs, mud and salt flats, rainforests and

cascading waterfalls, everything the Kimberley

has to offer is found within the property’s

700,000 acres.

Hike through dry scrub, keeping an eye out for

wildlife; discover shaded gorges where tropical

vegetation and palm trees thrive in a humid

microcosm created by hot springs.

Take a boat along the Chamberlain Gorge or

simply relax in the luxury homestead perched

above the river. Admire the intense beauty of

the changing light on the landscape and revel

in the sheer solitude of this grand and ancient

land.

Before heading home, embrace the best

of both worlds in Perth. Stay at COMO The

Treasury, housed in Perth’s 140-year-old

former state buildings, and discover a vibrant

city where soft-sand beaches and scenic

parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars,

fabulous restaurants and curated street art.

For local culture, wander the nearby city of

Fremantle’s winding portside streets and Perth

city centre’s museum and gallery precinct.

Walk in leafy Kings Park and Botanic Gardens

and visit nearby Rottnest Island.

Fabulous food and wine are part and parcel

of life in Australia, so head to the magnificent

Margaret River wine region and stay at the

beautiful Cape Lodge.

Positioned in the epicentre of the region, its

neighbours include the great wineries of Vasse

Felix, Moss Wood, Pierro and Cullen.

Whether your perfect day is a long lunch at

a vineyard with award-winning wines and

delicious food, visiting art galleries and

boutiques, or canoeing and exploring the

forests and pristine surf beaches, Margaret

River has so much to offer.

Australia is an idyllic backdrop to any holiday

with a winning combination of natural wonders,

fabulous food and wine, culture, history, vibrant

cities and laid-back friendly locals.

However, an adventure in the sparsely-

populated northwest is an experience that

truly gets to the heart of what defines this vast

country and its people.

Ponder the extremes of life down under and

immerse yourself in an extraordinary journey

through dramatic landscapes made barely

accessible by the formidable nature of the

environment.

Glory in magnificent night skies untouched

by light pollution, explore remote coastlines

and discover the unique wildlife and profound

solitude of the great Australian Outback.

The price maybe a little eye-watering, but

for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, this

13-night tour, including helicopter safari, flights

are transfers, can’t be beaten.