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This unique lodge is bringing luxury to the Kimberley

With waterview villas, a perfectly curated menu and stunning views overlooking the Timor Sea, Berkeley River Lodge is an intriguing mix of luxury and adventure.

The wild, raw landscapes of the Kimberley stretch across 423,000 square kilometres of northern Australia: through the outback pioneer towns of Kununurra and Halls Creek, past the deep canyons and sheer cliffs, and among the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles. The stark, rugged beauty of this region attracts travellers from around the globe who are filled with a sense of adventure and a love of ancient landscapes. Despite the solitude and isolation of much of the Kimberley, a visit here doesn’t have to include changing flat 4WD tyres on a dusty track. Instead, why not enjoy the coastal breeze from a private luxury villa on the edge of the Kimberley coastline with Berkeley River Lodge?

aerial of Berkerly River Lodge
Find the perfect home base in The Kimberleys.

A uniquely remote coastal location

The serene Berkeley River Lodge, sitting where the meandering Berkeley River meets the teeming Timor Sea, blends pure luxury with sustainable adventure. From guided nature tours and signature river cruises to gourmet meals served with a view, this is the Kimberley as few travellers get to experience it.

Surrounded by wind-crafted sand dunes, the lodge is a world away from the rest of Australia, both literally and figuratively. Its remoteness is one of the top reasons travellers make the journey here. Natural beauty, distinct landscapes and an abundance of wildlife are others.

Most guests fly in on charter flights from the small township of Kununurra at the eastern gateway to the Kimberley, or by a three- to four-hour boat ride from Wyndham, the northernmost town in this region. Once here, the all-inclusive stay allows for guided cruises, hikes and walks to local swimming holes, as well as all meals, drinks and spa treatments.

casual dining at Berkerly River Lodge
Enjoy the remote, coastal surroundings.

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Waking up to 180-degree ocean views

Considering the consistently warm weather, it’s no surprise that Berkeley River Lodge includes a stunning swimming pool with beach views. There’s also a comfortable lodge and an acclaimed restaurant, as well as a collection of 20 private villas.

Each villa features air conditioning and a king bed (or twin beds) overlooking floor-to-ceiling windows framing 180-degree views over the Kimberley coastline. There’s also a Nespresso coffee machine at the ready for early morning lattes; a coffee here beats the line at your usual cafe.

Here in your spacious villa, you can spend the night in plush white bedding and the morning overlooking the crimson sunrise. The red soil and rugged surroundings of this beachfront accommodation contrast sharply with the sparkle of the water, while the sounds of the bush, the birds and the waves mark every day as a perfect day in the Kimberley.

The villas are each decked out with comfortable, modern designs that suit the space but don’t take away from the main attraction – that stunning view. With large windows and private verandahs for sunset viewing, everything at this lodge is geared to enjoy the surrounding wilderness.

To immerse yourself a little more, there’s an open-air shower and a free-standing outdoor bathtub just made for star gazing. You might even spot the reflection of the Milky Way in your champagne glass as you soak away the red dust from the day.

cabin at Berkerly River Lodge during sunset
Watch the sun go down from your outdoor bathtub.

All-inclusive dining with a difference

While Berkeley River Lodge might be one of Australia’s most remote lodges, the emphasis here is on handcrafted fine dining served with care. With fresh food flown in daily from some of the most famous food and wine regions in Australia, the food at Berkeley River Lodge will compete for your attention alongside the view from your table.

Every day starts with a generous cooked-to-order breakfast, followed by an all-inclusive menu with big hitters like grain-fed Black Angus beef or oak barrel-smoked Tasmanian salmon for lunch and dinner. The wine list includes drops from the award-winning Barossa and Margaret River wine regions, or you can choose from a selection of top shelf spirits, French Champagne and cocktails (all included, of course).

waitstaff at Berkerly River Lodge
Enjoy an extensive wine list.

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Adventure meets relaxation

While it’s tempting to just spend the day floating in the inviting swimming pool, Berkeley River Lodge also offers a staggering range of activities – and almost all are included in your stay.

You can explore the rich flora and fauna on a guided hike, or hop on a cruise along the Berkeley River to try to catch the elusive barramundi. Or simply photograph the watercolour sunsets on a 4WD tour. To cool off, take a guided nature walk to a nearby freshwater swimming hole, or enjoy the breeze on the river cruise while you spot ‘salties’ (saltwater crocodiles) and visit hidden waterfalls.

Kimberley Spa is new in the 2025 season, and each guest is treated to two signature treatments. Enjoy a replenishing massage, facial or body wrap using Indigenous, locally sourced products.

Berkerly River Lodge fishing trip in the kimberleys
Explore the stunning landscape.

Space to explore in your own time

As a luxury property, Berkeley River Lodge is all about unique, personalised experiences. That’s why the staff here offer the kind of attentive, friendly service you’d expect from this level of accommodation, while also allowing you the space you’ll need to explore, rejuvenate and relax with the Kimberley as your stunning backdrop.

Lucy Cousins
Lucy is an experienced travel and lifestyle writer who loves exploring Australia and further afield any chance she gets. Whether it's on the water, in the air, by car or on foot, she’s always planning her next new adventure with her family and rescue dog, Stella.
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Exploring an icon: inside the massive upgrade to Broome’s famous Cable Beach

(Credit: Tourism WA)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).

    As the sun slowly rises over the languid waves and fine sand of Broome’s Cable Beach, the morning colours shift from rich apricot to pale gold and frosty pearl. Remnants of life reveal themselves in the subtle shadows – crab claw marks, towel impressions, footprints. Life here is unhurried, but don’t be fooled. This town is continually shifting like the desert dunes that surround it.

    And with a $75 million upgrade – offering easier and more inclusive access for people of all abilities – it’s getting even better.

    Cable Beach upgrade foreshore redevelopment stage 1
    Discover the Cable Beach redevelopment.

    The addition of comfortable and welcoming spaces has begun (and will continue). This means visitors will be able to spend longer enjoying this beautiful environment, while knowing that the upgrade will create a more environmentally protected setting that preserves the natural character visitors come for. Come sunset, soak it in all the better thanks to the already improved foreshore areas, made for lingering while the light changes. And for the kids, a new splash park and accessible dry playground will make it easy to while away the hours.

    Think you know what a day at this beach is like? Think again.

    Morning colours

    car on cable beach at sunrise
    Cable Beach comes alive after sunrise. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    As the sun colours the sky, Cable Beach shows signs of life (and not just the aquatic kind). Locals and visitors alike float in the cool water as it laps the shore, landlubbers explore the coast on foot, runners pace and beachside yoga classes bring quiet movement to the day.

    When the sky is blue and the sun is firmly in position, head down to the well-known Cable Beach House for a long, slow breakfast overlooking the ocean. Think fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked your way and strong coffee in the warm morning breeze.

    Afternoon adventures

    camel train on cable beach in broome at sunset
    Join a camel train at sunset. (Credit: C J Maddock)

    When you’re ready to explore, carve a path along the Minyirr Park Trail – a gentle 1.5-2km track through coastal bushland with spectacular views of the dunes. Refuel at the nearby Spinifex Brewery for lunch with its low-key, outdoor beer garden. There’s even an outdoor playground if you’re travelling with young humans.

    Walk off your lazy lunch by watching (or joining) one of the beach soccer or volleyball games, or even try Silent Beats Broome – a silent walking disco through the dunes. Or book a spot on the famous camel trains, watching the sun drop below the horizon along the way. They’re a constant reminder of the fascinating history, landscape and cultural mix in this part of the country.

    Evening degustation

    server at Cable Beach Club
    Stop into the Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    As the day closes, watch the world-famous Cable Beach sunset from the appropriately named Sunset Grill at Cable Beach Club. This open-air terraced dining spot overlooking the beach is the kind of place where the view takes centre stage.

    While you sip on a lychee, lime & lemonade mocktail or a local beer, enjoy the bustle of life and nature outside as the day comes to an end.

    For dinner, nab a table at the Bali Hai Cafe, where they offer pan-fried crispy barramundi, Abrolhos Island scallops and deep-sea snow crab. When you’re ready for bed, check in to Pinctada Hotel Broome – a lush, tropical resort with palm-dotted gardens and a large, lagoon-style pool to cool off in.

    Beyond the beach

    Beyond the wide, open beach and never-ending sky of Cable Beach, there are many more reasons to visit North West Australia. These are just a few.

    Unmatched experiences

    Shinju Matsuri Festival's popular Long Table Dinner on cable beach
    Join Shinju Matsuri Festival’s popular Long Table Dinner. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Engage with the history of the land and its people on an Indigenous cultural tour exploring everything from the local wildlife to the tastes of bush tucker. To understand the importance of pearling to this town, take a tour of Chinatown, or head outside of town to the live pearl harvests at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of Australia’s oldest pearl farms.

    Learn why Japanese pearlers were central to Broome’s pearling success and visit the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, where 900 Japanese pearlers were buried – a testament to the risks and rewards of this dangerous profession.

    And book ahead every spring for when communal tables, freshly cooked local fare and festoon lighting fill the beach for the extremely popular Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach. It’s a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, along with the Floating Lanterns Matsuri, where you can personalise a lantern and gently release it into the sea to honour those you love.

    Dining discoveries

    Matso’s Broome Brewery
    Settle in for Matso’s famous ginger or mango beer. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Further your culinary adventure at the laid-back Sunday Sesh at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Chow down on smoked crocodile or Aussie barramundi while kicking back to a local DJ as the heat of the day fades.

    For more tunes, the beautiful outdoor Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel is a great choice for dinner with live music, DJs or an event that stretches on into the early hours. Still hungry? Pop by Johnny Sausage for Italian-influenced meals paired with impeccable wines.

    Natural beauties

    Gantheaume Point cabnle beach broome
    Experience the striking colours of Gantheaume Point. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    Avoid the crowds and head to Town Beach for a quieter vantage point to see the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion where the rising full moon is reflected on the tidal flats, creating a shimmering ‘staircase’ stretching up to the sky.

    Just south of Cable Beach are the deep red cliffs and dramatic ocean views of Gantheaume Point, where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen, revealed at low tide. Or head to Roebuck Bay to visit the internationally significant wetlands, where vast tidal flats are home to shorebirds and coastal fauna.

    Between October and March, watch turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge from the sand. You’ll be holding your breath as they make their way down to the shoreline, ready to start their life in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

    For more on Cable Beach and Australia’s North West, visit australiasnorthwest.com.