A new luxury lodge is opening in WA's Purnululu National Park

Australian Traveller speaks exclusively with Abercrombie & Kent on what you can expect from the new accommodation, set to open as early as 2027.

Leading luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has revealed its plans for an all-new eco-lodge within WA’s Purnululu National Park. It will be the brand’s first foray into Australia’s accommodation market and could be complete as soon as 2027.

We speak exclusively to Graham Wood, A&K’s Senior Vice President DMCs Asia Pacific, to get the inside scoop.

Purnululu National Park, Western Australia

The new eco-lodge will open in WA’s Purnululu National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

What do we know about the project so far?

While the project is still in its early stages, we know that the new lodge will comprise just 16 exclusive rooms. This includes the brand’s iconic Geoffrey Kent Suite, an ultra-luxury VIP-style villa that features across a handful of A&K’s properties around the world.

According to Graham, the exact location of the lodge is yet to be confirmed. But it will be very close to the unmistakable striped bluffs of the Bungle Bungle Range, one of the outback’s most under-the-radar destinations. It will also be the only lodge within the park that offers views of the ancient rock formations, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Western Australia

The lodge will be the only of its kind to offer views of the Bungle Bungles. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

“When you travel to the Australian outback, you want to feel like you’re in the outback. And the rooms here are specifically designed to allow that scenery in. We really want you to feel like you’re in the bush," says Graham.

Through the lodge’s design, A&K aims to not only celebrate the park’s strong sense of place, but cultivate and foster a deeper appreciation for it. Each private suite will invite the outside world in, from large windows to outdoor spaces, showcasing Western Australia’s raw natural beauty in all its glory.

Guests will be able to see the stars from the accommodation. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

“There’ll be an awful lot of design around making sure the night sky is included, not just in the general area where we’ll have fire pits, but in the rooms as well, with the potential to see the stars from your bed," notes Graham.

Guests can also expect plenty of onsite experiences, from helicopter flights over the national park to guided walks of the Bungle Bungles and more.

Make the most of your stay on an Indigenous-led walk. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Why Purnululu National Park?

The A&K property portfolio is nothing short of spectacular. From luxury safari-style camps on the plains of Kenya to private villas in the heart of Tuscan wine country in Italy, the brand is renowned for delivering one-of-a-kind experiences set in bucket-list destinations. And now, its first-ever Australian offering is on its way.

“The beauty of A&K is that we’ve been doing this for 60 years. We can leverage what we’ve learned in Africa over here [in Australia] because we know what a luxurious, authentic bush experience looks like for a luxury traveller," says Graham.

Purnululu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

And that’s what makes Purnululu National Park the perfect site. Tucked into the stunning and remote Kimberley region, it spans 239,723 hectares across Western Australia. And although it may be difficult to reach, it’s a bucket-list destination for many travellers.

Situated on the Traditional Lands of the Gija and Jaru people, it is home to majestic waterholes, deep gorges and 350-million-year-old rock formations. This was part of the reason A&K decided to jump on the project. “Purnululu National Park – what a fantastic site. It’s famous for the Bungle Bungles, which is obviously a big driver for bringing people in," says Graham.

Cathedral Gorge, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia

Visit waterholes like Cathedral Gorge within the park. (Image: Jamie Gilmore)

But what really piqued the brand’s interest was the collaborative nature of the project, particularly with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), who will be developing the lodge in partnership with A&K.

“I was very happy to see that A&K was selected for this project, and I think that was potentially because of our commitment to the philanthropic side and real focus on working with the BAC," Graham says.

“It’s really that connection and working with them that pushed us over the edge. [Purnululu National Park] is not just a place to go and look at the Bungle Bungles and the amazing scenery. We see it as an opportunity to really delve into First Nations experiences."

A representative of BAC said in a statement, “The economic and cultural tourism opportunities from this partnership will help support our long-held aspirations to both live and work on Country."

Adding, “This is a significant milestone for our community. We are excited to be partnering with the WA Government and Abercrombie & Kent, and look forward to sharing our culture with the world."

Will the new lodge be sustainable?

According to A&K’s proposal, the lodge will be as off-grid as possible, run on solar power and built without the destruction of any trees. The leave-no-footprints approach will see A&K, working with Bennett Architecture out of South Australia, build the lodge in components offsite. It will then be transported and assembled onsite.

Witness the Bungle Bungle Range in all its glory. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Graham notes that a key consideration in the construction of this lodge, as well as all of A&K’s camps around the world, “is that in 40 years from now, if we need to take it down, we can do so in a way that can return the land back to how it was in very short order."

It will also create a plethora of new jobs for the local community, namely, First Nations guides who will lead walks, tours and other activities.

“A&K’s intention is to work closely with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation and build a guide school – to make sure that all of our guides have a pathway to working in the hospitality industry. From the A&K philanthropic side, we’re very excited about that," notes Graham.

The lodge will create job opportunities for Indigenous guides. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Funded in part by Tourism WA’s $17.7 million National Park Tourism Experiences Development program, the eco-lodge will support Traditional Owners through sustainable tourism ventures and promote the state’s natural and cultural destinations.

Further signature accommodation is planned for three other sites within the West Kimberley region, including Windjana Gorge (Bandilngan), Tunnel Creek (Dimalurru) and Lennard Gorge (Darrambal). All supported by the Western Australian Government in partnership with Traditional Owners.

It’s no secret that Broome is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. Think ancient Indigenous culture, azure waters and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by rugged Kimberley landscapes. Bliss. Broome hotels and resorts are no different.

Being one of Western Australia’s prettiest towns, hotels here are blessed with good views, tropical vibes and a hearty dose of history. From the timeless wonder of Pinctada McAlpine House to the Mangrove Hotel’s bayside escape, we’ve picked the best hotels and resorts.

1. The Billi Resort

Address: 97 Oryx Road (Lullfitz Drive)
Price: $$

Stay in a luxe safari tent or chic villa. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

Glamping is a wonderful way to experience Broome’s natural beauty and salty ocean air. The Billi Resort has a handful of luxe safari tents with timber floors, private bathrooms and a kitchenette.

Situated within walking distance of Cable Beach, this retreat also boasts chic villas, ranging from one bedroom to three. Relax at the central pool area or hire an electric bike and explore the shoreline.

2. The Pearle of Cable Beach

Address: 14 Millington Road
Price: $$ – $$$

Swim right up to The Pearle of Cable Beach. (Image: Taryn Yeates Photography)

If you adore swimming, this resort is for you. Stroll from Cable Beach to your one-, two- or three-bedroom villa at The Pearle of Cable Beach and cool off in your very own private pool. Whip up a cocktail in the designer kitchen then sip it on the deck while dipping your toes into the plunge pool.

This Southeast Asian-inspired resort has a cafe serving a continental breakfast buffet overlooking the communal pool, which is heated for comfort during the cooler dry season.

Just be aware, the villas have some semi-detached bedrooms (under the same roof line). This might not suit families with young children.

3. Beaches of Broome

Address: 4 Sanctuary Road
Price: $ – $$

guest room in beaches of broome hotel and backpackers

Relax in a private room between swims. (Image: Facebook/Beaches of Broome)

This hostel is the perfect base for exploring the abundance of adventures on offer at Cable Beach. Located just metres from the ocean, Beaches of Broome offers both dormitory accommodation and private rooms.

The piece de resistance, however, is the sparkling pool – the ideal locale for a cool drink with new or old friends.

4. Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

Address: Cable Beach Road
Price: $$$$

Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is the epitome.

If you know anything about Broome, chances are you’ve heard of the grand dame of hospitality, the Cable Beach Resort & Spa. You can really live it up at this iconic resort where the vibe is unmistakably zen.

Find four restaurants, two large pools (one adults-only), a spa and salon, a gym to get stuck into and a cocktail menu that’s as long as your arm. The eight-hectare property also offers a refresher room so you can use the resort facilities if you arrive or depart outside of check-in and out times.

When you’re not pool-hopping or playing tennis, you can take a boat tour, scenic flight, fishing charter or camel ride on Cable Beach.

5. Pinctada McAlpine House

Address: 55 Herbert St (Corner Louis St)
Price: $$$

Enjoy the heritage style of Pinctada McAlpine House. (Image: Facebook/Pinctada McAlpine House)

For fans of places with a past, Pinctada McAlpine House was constructed during the heyday of Broome’s pearl shelling industry. Located within walking distance of the town centre, the property now delivers the same historic charm in a more elegant setting.

Guests can choose from a variety of suite styles, from the Garden Suite, with its peaceful atmosphere, to the exclusive McAlpine Suite with its four-poster bed and claw foot bath.

6. Eco Beach Resort Broome

Address: Lot 323 Great Northern Highway
Price: $$$ – $$$$

woman swims in the infinity pool at Eco Beach Resort Broome

Swim the day away. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Gaze the afternoon away with unrivalled views across the Indian Ocean at the secluded Eco Beach Resort in your solar-panel-charged eco villa, glamping tent, or two-bedroom house.

When you can peel yourself away from your lodging, there is an onsite spa, complimentary daily yoga sessions, paddle boards and kayaks, shaded hammocks on the beach, an alluring infinity pool with comfy sun lounges and an incredible restaurant dishing out local produce.

To totally unwind don’t miss Eco Beach’s signature activity ‘Mud & Bubbles’ where you paint yourself with mangrove mud and sip bubbles while waiting for the mud to dry, before rinsing off in the Indian Ocean.

Eco Beach Resort is a 130km self-drive or shuttle bus south from Broome, or opt for a 25-minute helicopter transfer over some of the most spectacular coastline in the world.

7. Bali Hai Resort & Spa

Address: 6 Murray Road
Price: $$$ – $$$$

Step foot into Bali without leaving Broome. (Image: Facebook/ Bali Hai Resort & Spa)

Like being in the Bali of a bygone era, the relaxed Bali Hai Resort & Spa has a centre-piece swimming pool, lush grounds and spa treatments using traditional Balinese recipes. It’s impossible not to unwind here.

Set a couple of blocks back from Cable Beach Resort and adjacent to Kimberley Sands Resort, you have four self-contained villas to choose from, all with private courtyards and outdoor bathrooms. The restaurant (dinner only) has a great selection of dishes featuring Western Australian produce, such as prawns, beef eye fillet and pork belly. Dine inside or opt for a table on the deck that has been built around a shiny boab tree.

8. Mangrove Hotel

Address: 47 Carnarvon Street
Price: $$$ – $$$$

an outdoor pool with palm trees and sun loungers at Mangrove Hotel, Broome

Plunge straight into the pool at Mangrove Hotel.

Home to arguably Broome’s best view, Mangrove Hotel is polished down to the last detail. Along with two pools, the breezy hotel has a lively bar and restaurant that seamlessly flows from an indoor setting to an outdoor oasis.

Rooms are white and contemporary, with pops of turquoise fabrics that match the dreamy waters of Roebuck Bay.

9. Oaks Broome Hotel

Address: 99 Robinson Street
Price: $$$

Stay in central Broome at Oaks Broome Hotel.

Broome is home to two Oaks properties – one close to Cable Beach and the other a short walk from Chinatown. An advantage of staying in a chain hotel is that you mostly know what to expect before you even check-in.

Near Broome’s retail centre, Oaks Broome Hotel has around 100 hotel rooms, studios, and one- or two-bedroom self-contained apartments. Guests get access to the umbrella-lined pool and a restaurant that offers alfresco and air-conditioned dining.

10. Oaks Cable Beach Resort

Address: 11 Oryx Road
Price: $$ – $$$

interior suite at Oaks Cable Beach Resort

Opt for Oaks Cable Beach Resort for an amazing pool and beach access.

If you love swimming, sunbathing and a bit of luxury, you must plan your vacation around an amazing pool. Oaks Cable Beach Resort boasts five swimming pools including an impressive lagoon-style pool and a children’s wading pool where parents can take up position on a sun lounger. Here you have a choice of modern studio rooms and apartments ranging from one bedroom to three.

11. Moonlight Bay Suites

Address: 51 Carnarvon Street
Price: $$$ – $$$$

Soak in views of Roebuck Bay. (Image: Facebook/Moonlight Bay Suites)

You won’t be far from Matso’s famous Brewery if you check into the Moonlight Bay Suites or the Bayside Holiday Apartments, both owned by the Kimberley Accommodation Group.

Overlooking Roebuck Bay, Moonlight Bay Suites has a huge swimming pool, manicured gardens and 50 one- and two-bedroom suites, 18 of which boast bay views.

On the corner of Hamersley Street, over the road from Matso’s, Bayside Holiday Apartments offers basic apartments and a pool.

12. Roebuck Bay Hotel

Address: 33 Carnarvon Street
Price: $$ – $$$$

Party on at The Roey. (Image: Facebook/Roebuck Bay Hotel)

In the heart of Chinatown, The Roey (as it’s affectionately known) is Broome’s longest-standing hospitality establishment, dating back to 1890. If drag bingo, wet t-shirt competitions and nightclubbing until 3am is your type of holiday, then make a beeline for the Roey Backpackers and Party Bar.

Take a dip in the pool, prep a snack in the communal kitchen and make yourself comfy in one of the many, many bunk beds. If you’re after a room of your own, Roebuck Bay Hotel, as the name suggests, also has standard hotel rooms.

13. Mantra Frangipani Broome

Address: 15 Millington Road
Price: $$$ – $$$$

a pond where water lilies grow, Mantra Frangipani Broome

There’s a pond where water lilies grow at Mantra Frangipani Broome. (Image: Roderick Eime)

Mantra Frangipani Broome has apartments ranging from one bedroom to three, which feature a beachside vibe with tiled floors and bright artwork. Cool off in your private outdoor shower or grab a sun lounge next to one of the two pools.

It’s an easy walk from this Accor-owned hotel to the Cable Beach restaurants, or you can catch a bus to town directly outside the resort.

14. Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

Address: Dampier Peninsula
Price: $$ – $$$

an aerial view of the beach at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

A tropical getaway awaits at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat.

Overlooking the white sand of Pender Bay on the Dampier Peninsula about 190 kilometres north of Broome, sits the idyllic Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat glamping spot. Cue endless stargazing by night and whale watching by day.

You can choose from two eco-tents, a cabin with a real bathroom or our favourite – Open Deck, where you’ll sleep in a double bed under a mosquito net on the verandah.

a beachfront dining setup at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

Dine by the beach at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat.

15. Jetwave Pearl

Address: Horizontal Falls
Price: $$$$$

the living room interior of Horizontal Falls Accommodation at Jet Wave Pearl

The Jet Wave Pearl can fit up to 20 guests. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

If you love the Horizontal Falls and want to stay longer than just a day, there’s an overnight experience on offer aboard Jetwave Pearl.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures 24-hour tour includes seaplane transfers from Broome, powerboat rides, a sunset cruise, swimming in a marine enclosure and an overnight stay on the two-level, 10-room Jetwave Pearl. It is one of our top picks for Broome tours for a reason.

a bed facing windows with waterfront views in Horizontal Falls Accommodation at Jet Wave Pearl

Wake up to uninterrupted waterfront views. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

Find more insider travel tips in our Broome travel guide.

A new luxury lodge is opening in WA’s Purnululu National Park