A new luxury lodge is opening in WA's Purnululu National Park

Australian Traveller speaks exclusively with Abercrombie & Kent on what you can expect from the new accommodation, set to open as early as 2027.

Leading luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has revealed its plans for an all-new eco-lodge within WA’s Purnululu National Park. It will be the brand’s first foray into Australia’s accommodation market and could be complete as soon as 2027.

We speak exclusively to Graham Wood, A&K’s Senior Vice President DMCs Asia Pacific, to get the inside scoop.

Purnululu National Park, Western Australia — The new eco-lodge will open in WA’s Purnululu National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

What do we know about the project so far?

While the project is still in its early stages, we know that the new lodge will comprise just 16 exclusive rooms. This includes the brand’s iconic Geoffrey Kent Suite, an ultra-luxury VIP-style villa that features across a handful of A&K’s properties around the world.

According to Graham, the exact location of the lodge is yet to be confirmed. But it will be very close to the unmistakable striped bluffs of the Bungle Bungle Range, one of the outback’s most under-the-radar destinations. It will also be the only lodge within the park that offers views of the ancient rock formations, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Western Australia — The lodge will be the only of its kind to offer views of the Bungle Bungles. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

“When you travel to the Australian outback, you want to feel like you’re in the outback. And the rooms here are specifically designed to allow that scenery in. We really want you to feel like you’re in the bush," says Graham.

Through the lodge’s design, A&K aims to not only celebrate the park’s strong sense of place, but cultivate and foster a deeper appreciation for it. Each private suite will invite the outside world in, from large windows to outdoor spaces, showcasing Western Australia’s raw natural beauty in all its glory.

“There’ll be an awful lot of design around making sure the night sky is included, not just in the general area where we’ll have fire pits, but in the rooms as well, with the potential to see the stars from your bed," notes Graham.

Guests can also expect plenty of onsite experiences, from helicopter flights over the national park to guided walks of the Bungle Bungles and more.

Why Purnululu National Park?

The A&K property portfolio is nothing short of spectacular. From luxury safari-style camps on the plains of Kenya to private villas in the heart of Tuscan wine country in Italy, the brand is renowned for delivering one-of-a-kind experiences set in bucket-list destinations. And now, its first-ever Australian offering is on its way.

“The beauty of A&K is that we’ve been doing this for 60 years. We can leverage what we’ve learned in Africa over here [in Australia] because we know what a luxurious, authentic bush experience looks like for a luxury traveller," says Graham.

And that’s what makes Purnululu National Park the perfect site. Tucked into the stunning and remote Kimberley region, it spans 239,723 hectares across Western Australia. And although it may be difficult to reach, it’s a bucket-list destination for many travellers.

Situated on the Traditional Lands of the Gija and Jaru people, it is home to majestic waterholes, deep gorges and 350-million-year-old rock formations. This was part of the reason A&K decided to jump on the project. “Purnululu National Park – what a fantastic site. It’s famous for the Bungle Bungles, which is obviously a big driver for bringing people in," says Graham.

Cathedral Gorge, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia — Visit waterholes like Cathedral Gorge within the park. (Image: Jamie Gilmore)

But what really piqued the brand’s interest was the collaborative nature of the project, particularly with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), who will be developing the lodge in partnership with A&K.

“I was very happy to see that A&K was selected for this project, and I think that was potentially because of our commitment to the philanthropic side and real focus on working with the BAC," Graham says.

“It’s really that connection and working with them that pushed us over the edge. [Purnululu National Park] is not just a place to go and look at the Bungle Bungles and the amazing scenery. We see it as an opportunity to really delve into First Nations experiences."

A representative of BAC said in a statement, “The economic and cultural tourism opportunities from this partnership will help support our long-held aspirations to both live and work on Country."

Adding, “This is a significant milestone for our community. We are excited to be partnering with the WA Government and Abercrombie & Kent, and look forward to sharing our culture with the world."

Will the new lodge be sustainable?

According to A&K’s proposal, the lodge will be as off-grid as possible, run on solar power and built without the destruction of any trees. The leave-no-footprints approach will see A&K, working with Bennett Architecture out of South Australia, build the lodge in components offsite. It will then be transported and assembled onsite.

Graham notes that a key consideration in the construction of this lodge, as well as all of A&K’s camps around the world, “is that in 40 years from now, if we need to take it down, we can do so in a way that can return the land back to how it was in very short order."

It will also create a plethora of new jobs for the local community, namely, First Nations guides who will lead walks, tours and other activities.

“A&K’s intention is to work closely with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation and build a guide school – to make sure that all of our guides have a pathway to working in the hospitality industry. From the A&K philanthropic side, we’re very excited about that," notes Graham.

Funded in part by Tourism WA’s $17.7 million National Park Tourism Experiences Development program, the eco-lodge will support Traditional Owners through sustainable tourism ventures and promote the state’s natural and cultural destinations.

Further signature accommodation is planned for three other sites within the West Kimberley region, including Windjana Gorge (Bandilngan), Tunnel Creek (Dimalurru) and Lennard Gorge (Darrambal). All supported by the Western Australian Government in partnership with Traditional Owners.

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

A new luxury lodge is opening in WA’s Purnululu National Park