Whales, reefs and wild Western Australia
Swim with whale sharks, spot saltwater crocodiles, and heli-picnic in the wilderness with Scott Dunn's new tailor-made itinerary to Western Australia. Once considered a remote and untouched destination, the opening of Kuri Bay in May 2012 and the new Cliff Side Retreats at El Questro Homestead have put Western Australia on the map as the exciting new frontier for luxury wilderness experiences Down Under.
Scott Dunn's new Wild Western Australia itinerary begins under luxury canvas hidden in the sand dunes at the exclusive bush camp, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. Swim with the world's largest fish, the mighty whale shark, snorkel amongst the coral and clownfish on the Ningaloo Reef and kayak along Western Australia's deserted and unspoilt coast.
From the western beaches, take a spectacular air safari over the Buccaneer archipelago and the famous Horizontal Waterfalls to recently opened Kuri Bay, located in the Camden Sound. Here the waters host for the world's greatest Humpback Whale calving ground, where hundreds of these magnificent creatures can be spotted between June and October.
Accessible only by helicopter or sea plane, Kuri Bay was Australia's oldest pearl farm and the centre for production of the world's finest South Sea pearls. Now converted into an exclusive wilderness lodge in the Kimberley, it has just three simply appointed guest rooms tucked away overlooking the bay. The property retains its original features and remains true to its pearling heritage taking guests behind the scenes of its secret industrial past. By night guests can swap stories in the Pearlers' Bar before dinner in the Pearlers' Canteen, a classic working building. Everybody sits together on traditional trestle dining tables and benches to enjoy local delicacies, the freshest local seafood, fine Australian wines and even sample rare pearl meat canapés.
Day trips by boat from Kuri Bay reveal deserted pristine beaches flanked by sheer ocean cliffs and mangrove lined creeks provide keen fishermen with the perfect opportunity to stalk a barramundi, one of Australia's greatest prize fish.
From Kuri Bay, fly to the eastern edge of the Kimberley to El Questro Homestead, a million acre wilderness park home to the Kimberley's most awe-inspiring sandstone gorges and jagged red cliffs. Stay in one of the three brand new Cliff Side Retreats situated at the edge of a sheer escarpment, overlooking the spectacular wilderness with uninterrupted views of the Chamberlain River.
Take a helicopter over the untamed canyons, gorges, caves and waterfalls of the Kimberley for a remote wilderness picnic, cruise the Chamberlain Gorge to witness Aboriginal Wandjina art, spot saltwater crocodiles and head into the outback on horseback to seek wildlife including, bustards, frill-necked lizards, brolgas and jabirus. After a morning in the saddle, relax in the soothing thermal waters of Zebedee Springs.
Luxury travel specialists, Scott Dunn offers tailor-made experiences to Western Australia from £9,950 per person including two nights at Sal Sails, three nights at Kuri Bay and three nights at El Questro Homestead on a fully inclusive basis including activities, return international flights, seaplane transfers and domestic charter flights.
Visit scottdunn.com for more information.
