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Remote gorge surrounded by red rocks as water falls down to the gorge, WA

Bell Gorge

Perhaps take a refreshing dip at Bell Gorge

Travels with Rob McGeary in the Kimberley

In this article, Rob shares his top Kimberley travel experiences, including a visit to Cape Leveque and APT Kimberley Wilderness Lodge stays.

Rob McGeary was born into the travel business. “Growing up a McGeary, travel was not only a vitally important component of our lives but the family passion. My father and grandfather both knew how travel could enrich our lives. It remains a privilege to have our guests trust in us to provide them with “once-in-a-lifetime” travel experiences and life-long memories,” he says.  He still travels regularly and shares with us his insights into Australia's remote Kimberley region.

Beautiful sunset over the Bungle Bungles

I have been fortunate to visit the Kimberley six times since 1993, and there’s not much I haven’t seen. Needless to say, it’s a place dear to my heart, with so many highlights. “Discovered” by a film team in 1983 are the unique beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, a series of stunning formations where you can explore cool, narrow chasms and walk dry riverbeds. 

At the remote Mitchell Plateau, the multi-tiered Mitchell Falls is breathtaking, showcasing the majesty of the region. And then there’s Bell Gorge, a deep, winding chasm through the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges. The Indigenous rock art is also incredibly special: Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Art must be seen to be appreciated, and the knowledge of expert guides is invaluable to truly understand its significance.

View of two passengers looking over the falls with a guide, Western Australia

Best Spot

In the region is Cygnet Bay, gateway to Shell Island, which is completely submerged during high tide but slowly reappears as the tides recede – just in time for a drink at sunset.

Best Stay

Envisioned by Lord Alistair McAlpine in 1988, Cable Beach Club is perched on dunes overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean. The accommodation and lush gardens have a strong Asian influence, a homage to the region’s original pearl divers. The Japanese restaurant, Zensai, is outstanding and don’t miss having a cocktail at Sunset Bar and Grill to watch the day disappear. The two pools allow for both family fun and a quieter adults-only experience. If you’re like me, you’ll never want to leave.

Resort and vegetation at night on water's edge, Australia

Best Experience

APT has three luxury lodges in the Kimberley, providing a memorable glamping experience. Canvas cabins come with comfortable king beds and ensuites. The dining facilities offer a wonderful Outback experience, where guests enjoy al fresco meals under the stars or around a fire. We are constantly investing in these properties to ensure they continue to set the standard in Kimberley accommodation. In 2020, in preparation for the 2021 season, there was a multi-million dollar upgrade to our Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.

Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge Cabin, Western Australia

Need to Know – Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge Upgrade

Located 200 metres off the Gibb River Road, the lodge offers easy access to Bell, Windjana, Galvans and Barnett River gorges, as well as Tunnel Creek. This remote Kimberley wilderness property now includes 26 refurbished tented cabins with state-of-the art facilities including contemporary interiors, private ensuites with clean flush toilets, comfortable beds with crisp linen, as well as solar power and a hot water plant.

 

Each cabin is spaciously positioned more than 10 metres apart and all feature a private deck, overlooking the Wunaamin Miliwundi escarpment. The lodge’s dining facilities, recreational areas and staff accommodation have also been upgraded. We’ve included new menus, activities and trails and maintained our commitment to offering tours with minimal impact on the natural environment, as the only major tour operator to have Advanced Eco-Certification in the region.

 

APT’s three exclusive wilderness lodges located at Mitchell Falls, the Bungle Bungle Range and Bell Gorge are strategically positioned to maximise experiences in these remote regions, so guests spend less time driving through this vast land and more time exploring. Together with APT’s extensive Kimberley cruise offering, APT has the most comprehensive program in the Kimberley region.

 

Images in this article are courtesy of Francesco Riccardo Iacomino, Steve Strike