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This unique lodge is bringing luxury to the Kimberley

Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
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.

Lucy Cousins
Lucy is an experienced travel and lifestyle writer who loves exploring Australia and further afield any chance she gets. Whether it's on the water, in the air, by car or on foot, she’s always planning her next new adventure with her family and rescue dog, Stella.
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer EnnionBy Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts  that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.