How a remote Kimberley resort navigated multiple natural disasters during the biggest refurbishment in its history.

Not even two destructive cyclones and record rainfall have been able to stop the remote Kimberley retreat, Berkeley River Lodge, from reopening in May.

With the arrival of far northern WA’s dry season, the wilderness escape has relaunched itself – somewhat shaken from category four intensity, yet squaring its shoulders with an elegant new look.

Reached by an 80-minute light plane flight from Darwin, the all-inclusive getaway on Balanggarra Country has freshly restored and thoughtfully refurbished 15 of its villas, which are literally anchored into a cresting sand dune.

It has also added new wellness elements and developed new open-air, snack and multi-course dining experiences.

Berkeley River Lodge reopens

Its May reopening is an astounding achievement.

In late November 2025, Cyclone Fina tore through the lodge, snapping trees, bending steel and cutting power and water supplies. A quarter of the resort’s triangular accommodations didn’t survive wind gusts of up to 260 kmph: three were destroyed, and two others sustained substantial damage.

“It wasn’t just a few hours, which can often be the case; the cyclone spent literally nearly 13.5 hours over us," says co-owner Rachel Bromage of Saltwater Hotels & Resorts.

The lodge kicked off a three-year refurbishment in 2023, the most significant since its 2012 opening.

Natural disasters

It was 50 per cent done when Cyclone Fina visited, leaving five months for the recovery and luxe revamp.

Then, in March, Cyclone Narelle dumped metres of rain on the battered landscape, closing the region’s roads and hampering the transportation of goods. In all, the lodge recorded at least 1,500mm of cyclonic and wet season rainfall.

“I don’t think there’s anything that could’ve prepared me for the last five months at Berkeley," says Bromage. “I did the build of the Metung Hot Springs in Victoria during Covid, and that was challenging, but this doesn’t compare."

The effort saw eight barge loads of 10 sea containers arrive, as well as 54 trade and freight planes. Some 38 tradesmen were hired to rebuild, refit and restore the resort. The new look, completed late April, has transformed the property.

Berkeley River Lodge’s new look

Bromage worked with Perth-based Empire Home to create an elevated atmosphere synonymous with the raw, wild Kimberley surrounds, using luxe linens, weathered woods, and natural tones ranging from khaki green to rusty ochre.

Organically shaped benches made from recycled teak tree roots grace a remote sunset spot beneath pandanus palms. They also ring an outdoor ‘Barefoot Barbecue’ setting – one of several new experiences – overlooking endless wilderness.

The dining area’s safari-like chairs sport silver buckles on leather in arid green, while the 4m-long dining table is a one-of-a-kind antique.

“It was a feat getting it up from the barge to the lodge. I can’t remember how many guys it took, maybe 10 of them," says Bromage.

A space has also been created for a new Kimberley Pantry – aka a snack bar – that guests can raid. Each villa is supplied with a stylish Fieldbar cooler that can be taken for spontaneous beach picnics or used as a portable mini bar.

Inside the freshly painted villas, beds are dressed in all-cotton doonas and white linen. Sustainable bamboo coat hangers that look like art pieces hang in the open wardrobes, alongside French linen robes by Carlotta & Gee.

New, hot stone massages are now held in-villa; one per guest is included in the tariff. The Kimberley Spa’s massage tables are pre-set up ahead of guests’ arrivals, with relaxing music and spritzed scent sweetening the air.

Relaxation is complemented by new Morning Movement Sessions held on the refurbished pool’s deck, with breathwork, yin yoga and qigong held in luminous morning light.

For Bromage, simply opening is moving enough.

“I’ve never felt so proud, with such an accomplishment of the whole team," she says.

The details

Opening: May to August
Bookings: Stays have a five-night minimum, with included flights departing Darwin.
Website: berkeleyriverlodge.com.au