Explore this WA region landing 5th on the NY Times travel list
Explore this WA region landing 5th on the NY Times travel list
Updated: 4 Mar 2020
Elise Matheson
Coming in 5th on the New York Times’ travel hit-list for 2020, WA’s Kimberley region offers a piece of unspoilt paradise that can’t be found anywhere else.
From pristine waterfalls and thermal springs to the Bungle Bungles in World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, there’s more reason than ever to book a trip to the Kimberley! Peak season falls around the middle of the year, which aligns with the Kimberley’s biggest festival of arts and culture – the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster.
With landscapes as vast and unique as this, the best way to experience the magic of the Kimberley is by air. We’ve scouted out a few of the best and most exclusive tours on offer. Read on to discover more and don’t blame us if you catch the travel bug!
Aviair Bungle Bungle Wanderer Day Tour
One of the Kimberley’s most iconic features, the Bungle Bungle Ranges are a huge, natural sandstone structure in Purnululu National Park. On this scenic day tour, you'll get a birds eye view of the incredible site, as well as views over Lake Argyle, Top Dam Wall, Carr Boyd, the Osmand Ranges and Cathedral Gorge.
The tour ends with a scenic walk through Purnululu National Park, which was listed as a World Heritage site in 2003 for good reason! If you are planning on heading up to the Kimberley in May for the Muster, you can present your ticket while booking and get a cool $100 off adult tickets.
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Helispirit Helicopter Sunrise Waterfall Swim
When the sun is just beginning to rise and nature is still, it’s a magical time to experience the real Kimberley. How does the sound of a morning dip in a natural pool sound? With this once-in-a-lifetime tour, you'll board a helicopter in Kununurra to catch the sunrise over winding riverscapes before heading to a stunning waterfall to refresh.
You'll then be treated to a picnic breakfast on the rocks as you bask in the glow of the morning light and enjoy a moment of serenity in the Kimberley oasis.
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The Ultimate Kimberley Heli Pub Tour
Launching this year, this is THE way to experience the best pubs in the Kimberley. Get your crew together and hop between pubs via helicopter with HeliSpirit. The route takes you over the Pentecost River Crossing and the majestic Cockburn Ranges, with a pitstop at Home Valley Station's Dusty Bar to enjoy a wholesome lunch (and wash it all down).
Other stops include The Swinging Arm Bar at El Questro Station, and WA's oldest continuously operating rum distillery, Hoochery Distillery.
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El Questro Wilderness Park Experience
In the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro Wilderness Park provides a home base from which to set out and explore some of the best natural landscapes the Kimberley has to offer. This year, El Questro have both half and full days planned for guests of the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster on Sunday May 17, so you can sit back, worry-free!
Their tour packages include exclusive use of the private Zebedee Thermal Springs, a cruise along the Chamberlain River and sunset cocktails overlooking the Cockburn Ranges.
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Image credits: Aviair Facebook, Ben Broady, HeliSpirit Facebook, El Questro Facebook.