Berkeley River Lodge, The Kimberley
The Berkeley River Lodge offers a new level of luxury to the Kimberley Coast in Western Australia. Truly remote, it is only accessible by air or water. This luxurious, remote wilderness experience will close each "wet season". Guests have the opportunity to indulge themselves in a touch of barefoot luxury by the sea and soak up the wide open spaces, fresh air and an abundance of nature.
Berkeley River Lodge - The Kimberley
The Berkeley is far different to any other developments you may be familiar with in the Kimberley area. It is not a bush camp, a retreat, an eco resort or a fishing camp. It is a luxury property that many refer to as a ‘resort’ as it features a restaurant, pool and daily activities. The service is attentive and friendly, yet you will be given plenty of space to enjoy the fresh air and nature. Every effort has been made to provide you with everything you will need for an outback stay, and a range of activities have been designed for you to take part in.
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The Berkeley River Lodge offers a truly unique, remote and luxury outback experience like no other available on the Kimberley Coast. The property is located near a stunning river, with waterfalls and fresh water holes, and by a spectacular and pristine section of the Australian coastline and boasts luxurious facilities. On offer is as much or as little activity as you like. You will be able to choose from boat cruises, bush and beach walks, fishing, helicopter journeys or simply lazing by the pool in one of the most remote beachfront locations in Australia. Berkeley River Accommodation - Twenty ocean view villas will sit atop a coastal dune surrounded by native vegetation and boasting beautiful views. They come complete with king sized bed and outside en-suite bathroom with dual vanities, shower and open-air freestanding bathtub. All Berkeley River guest villas are fully air-conditioned, fitted with high quality custom made furniture and easy walking distance from the main building. Each villa boasts a private balcony with comfortable day bed, ideal for stretching out and relaxing while soaking in the peace and quiet. The Main Lodge - features panoramic views along the coast and across the river mouth and has been designed to blend contemporary architecture into the surrounding environment and incorporates indoor and outdoor dining facilities and a small conference centre. Large exposed round galvanized steel columns are complemented by chunky timber trusses and a large central walkway supported by bloodwood timber posts sourced nearby. Poolside - A 20 metre lap pool will satisfy those wanting to exercise, cool off or just paddle. Poolside lounges and a library of books and magazines will provide a great excuse to lay back and catch up on a bit of reading. The view from poolside is spectacular. Dining - At Berkeley River Lodge be assured your culinary fare will be fresh and tasty. Fish can be caught daily and an abundance of fresh and healthy home grown produce will come straight from The Berkeley’s own permaculture patch. Note: Any dietary requirements must be advised at the time of your booking. As The Berkeley is remote, we are not able to access specific foods at short notice. Rates - Your package rate includes return air transfers by float plane from Kununurra to The Berkeley. Accommodation on a twin share basis and all meals; breakfast, morning tea, picnics, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper are also included. Activities such as guided treks of the Berkeley River surrounds and boat cruises along the coast or the Berkeley River are an integral part of The Berkeley experience. You are free to choose from the options available, so your stay can be as active or as indulgent as you would like. Note: 3 Night Minimum stay required. Walking - Imagine yourself walking along an uninhabited beach, searching for shells or waiting for the appearance of dolphins, manta-rays or a sea turtle. In fact, bush or beach walks are a daily occurrence, either at your own leisure or guided by a host. At certain times of the year specific wildlife events can be witnessed and will be incorporated into your package itinerary. Swimming - Unfortunately swimming in the ocean and river is not recommended, however we do take you to some special spots where you can cool off when you join the River Cruise. We do not see Saltwater Crocodiles frequently but they are always present even on long open beaches. We do have a number of waterholes that are perfect for swimming and a beautiful pool.
Heli Tours Other Activities - You can enjoy as little or as much activity as you like. Choose from boat cruises with Triple J along the coast or the Berkeley River where, you will see waterfalls, birdlife and crocodiles. Fishing will also be available as will mudcrabbing expeditions at different times of the year will be included in your package. Baggage – there is a 10kg limit per person due to the aircraft requirements. All guests are provided with a complimentary travel bag that has been designed to fit the aircraft luggage compartments. Excess bags can be stored in Kununurra and this can be arranged with our guest liaison officer prior to departing for the Berkeley. What to bring - We recommend you bring something warm to wear in the cooler months and a light jacket may be required. Long cotton shirts and trousers are suitable all year round and in the warmer months will protect against the sun during the day and occasional insects at night. Bring bathers and a sarong or poolside wear, a comfortable pair of sandals for walking that can get wet, a broad rimmed hat and smart casual attire for evening. We have a reference library and a book exchange. Communication - Mobile phones do not work at The Berkeley. There is no phone access from your rooms. Satellite telephone calls can be arranged through reception. Internet access and computers are available in the library.
Berkeley River Lodge Location and Access |
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Berkeley History
A century has passed since early explorer Charles Price Conigrave ‘discovered’ and named the Berkeley River (after his brother) in Australia’s remote Kimberley region in 1912. He predicted exactly 100 years ago that the area would become a ‘haunt of tourists’.
Martin Peirson-Jones, along with his wife Kim, have left their comfortable Broome home and spent the past two years living and working in some extreme conditions whilst building a tourism development at the Berkeley River. For Martin’s family and construction crew it has been an interesting journey as conditions have included battling such extremes as ‘the wet’, no road access and a reliance on float planes and a barge to bring materials in.
The builders have relied on the transport of their vehicles, machinery, building equipment and heavy supplies to arrive by barge, which originates in Wyndham and takes 14 hours to arrive at the Berkeley.
Challenges have been many but the achievements have been enormous!
Martin and the team have created something very special that will provide luxury accommodation, access to an area they believe is some of the most isolated and beautiful on the Kimberley Coast and that perfect ‘once in a lifetime Australian wilderness experience’.
