Berkeley River Lodge: Bringing luxury to the Kimberley

With waterview villas, a perfectly curated menu and stunning views overlooking the Timor Sea, Berkeley River Lodge is an intriguing mix of luxury and adventure.

The wild, raw landscapes of the Kimberley stretch across 423,000 square kilometres of northern Australia: through the outback pioneer towns of Kununurra and Halls Creek, past the deep canyons and sheer cliffs, and among the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles. The stark, rugged beauty of this region attracts travellers from around the globe who are filled with a sense of adventure and a love of ancient landscapes. Despite the solitude and isolation of much of the Kimberley, a visit here doesn’t have to include changing flat 4WD tyres on a dusty track. Instead, why not enjoy the coastal breeze from a private luxury villa on the edge of the Kimberley coastline with Berkeley River Lodge ?

aerial of Berkerly River Lodge — Find the perfect home base in The Kimberleys.

A uniquely remote coastal location

The serene Berkeley River Lodge, sitting where the meandering Berkeley River meets the teeming Timor Sea, blends pure luxury with sustainable adventure. From guided nature tours and signature river cruises to gourmet meals served with a view, this is the Kimberley as few travellers get to experience it.

Surrounded by wind-crafted sand dunes, the lodge is a world away from the rest of Australia, both literally and figuratively. Its remoteness is one of the top reasons travellers make the journey here. Natural beauty, distinct landscapes and an abundance of wildlife are others.

Most guests fly in on charter flights from the small township of Kununurra at the eastern gateway to the Kimberley, or by a three- to four-hour boat ride from Wyndham, the northernmost town in this region. Once here, the all-inclusive stay allows for guided cruises, hikes and walks to local swimming holes, as well as all meals, drinks and spa treatments.

casual dining at Berkerly River Lodge — Enjoy the remote, coastal surroundings.

Waking up to 180-degree ocean views

Considering the consistently warm weather, it’s no surprise that Berkeley River Lodge includes a stunning swimming pool with beach views. There’s also a comfortable lodge and an acclaimed restaurant, as well as a collection of 20 private villas.

Each villa features air conditioning and a king bed (or twin beds) overlooking floor-to-ceiling windows framing 180-degree views over the Kimberley coastline. There’s also a Nespresso coffee machine at the ready for early morning lattes; a coffee here beats the line at your usual cafe.

Here in your spacious villa , you can spend the night in plush white bedding and the morning overlooking the crimson sunrise. The red soil and rugged surroundings of this beachfront accommodation contrast sharply with the sparkle of the water, while the sounds of the bush, the birds and the waves mark every day as a perfect day in the Kimberley.

The villas are each decked out with comfortable, modern designs that suit the space but don’t take away from the main attraction – that stunning view. With large windows and private verandahs for sunset viewing, everything at this lodge is geared to enjoy the surrounding wilderness.

To immerse yourself a little more, there’s an open-air shower and a free-standing outdoor bathtub just made for star gazing. You might even spot the reflection of the Milky Way in your champagne glass as you soak away the red dust from the day.

cabin at Berkerly River Lodge during sunset — Watch the sun go down from your outdoor bathtub.

All-inclusive dining with a difference

While Berkeley River Lodge might be one of Australia’s most remote lodges, the emphasis here is on handcrafted fine dining served with care. With fresh food flown in daily from some of the most famous food and wine regions in Australia, the food at Berkeley River Lodge will compete for your attention alongside the view from your table.

Every day starts with a generous cooked-to-order breakfast, followed by an all-inclusive menu with big hitters like grain-fed Black Angus beef or oak barrel-smoked Tasmanian salmon for lunch and dinner. The wine list includes drops from the award-winning Barossa and Margaret River wine regions, or you can choose from a selection of top shelf spirits, French Champagne and cocktails (all included, of course).

waitstaff at Berkerly River Lodge — Enjoy an extensive wine list.

Adventure meets relaxation

While it’s tempting to just spend the day floating in the inviting swimming pool, Berkeley River Lodge also offers a staggering range of activities – and almost all are included in your stay.

You can explore the rich flora and fauna on a guided hike, or hop on a cruise along the Berkeley River to try to catch the elusive barramundi. Or simply photograph the watercolour sunsets on a 4WD tour. To cool off, take a guided nature walk to a nearby freshwater swimming hole, or enjoy the breeze on the river cruise while you spot ‘salties’ (saltwater crocodiles) and visit hidden waterfalls.

Kimberley Spa is new in the 2025 season, and each guest is treated to two signature treatments. Enjoy a replenishing massage, facial or body wrap using Indigenous, locally sourced products.

Berkerly River Lodge fishing trip in the kimberleys — Explore the stunning landscape.

Space to explore in your own time

As a luxury property, Berkeley River Lodge is all about unique, personalised experiences. That’s why the staff here offer the kind of attentive, friendly service you’d expect from this level of accommodation, while also allowing you the space you’ll need to explore, rejuvenate and relax with the Kimberley as your stunning backdrop.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

This unique lodge is bringing luxury to the Kimberley