EL QUESTRO WILDERNESS PARK, EAST KIMBERLEY
The sprawling property near Kununurra in the east Kimberley, Western Australia, offers several ways to stay, but it's the Homestead that oozes sheer luxury. Stay in the new Cliff Side Retreat overlooking the Chamberlain River and soak up the ancient landscape and glorious sunsets from the egg-shaped verandah bathtub. Explore gorges, waterholes and hot springs by day before making new friends over the communal dining table and feeding crocodiles lurking in the river below. Of all Kimberley retreats, this is the creme de la creme.
The Homestead: Rooms from $1949 a night, Cliff Side Retreat from $2649 a night (minimum two-night stay).
See elquestro.com.au.
KIMBERLEY COASTAL CAMP, CENTRAL KIMBERLEY
Revert to the simple life at this rustic yet stylish getaway, a 15-minute chopper ride from Mitchell Plateau in the central Kimberley. Life here is all about catching dinner from the bluer-than-blue waters, admiring gobsmacking galleries of rock art, cooling down in the plunge pool and swaying on the day bed with a book while dingos peek from the bush. The six bungalows have floors of tiny white shells; the communal shower and toilet snuggle against a rock face.
Two-night package departing Kununurra is $3832 a person (minimum two passengers).
See kimberleycoastalcamp.com.au.
THE BILLI, BROOME
Make like you're on safari while in Broome. The lush property features airconditioned villas, but the four retro-chic eco-tents, with cowhide rugs and cushion-strewn timber decks, make a more memorable stay. Sheer netted walls allow breezes through, but if you fancy sleeping without zipping the canvas flaps, remember to pack PJs - other tents aren't far away. Guests will need wheels to reach eateries and the beach but the tents have kitchenettes and there's an inviting central pool.
Queen eco-tents from $255 a night.
See thebilli.com.au.
ECO BEACH RESORT BROOME, ECO BEACH
Cyclone Rosita wiped Eco Beach, 130 kilometres south-west of Broome, off the map in 2000 but in 2009 owner Karl Plunkett unveiled his response to the disaster: a cyclone-proof, eco-friendly collection of airconditioned villas, safari-style tents and beach houses. Join a humpback whale-watching excursion, stroll the shoreline to spot the migratory birds that swing by, rise early to catch wallabies breakfasting outside the door or just loll about in the infinity pool - easily among the Kimberley's most photogenic.
Tents from $165 a night; villas from $250 a night.
See ecobeach.com.au.
CABLE BEACH CLUB RESORT & SPA, BROOME
Slurping cocktails here at sunset is almost de rigueur for Broome visitors. The resort's Sunset Grill is positioned to catch not only the sun sinking over the Indian Ocean - and the accompanying light show - but camel trains coming up off the beach as they head towards their stables for the night. The Club, as it's known to locals, comprises 250 mini-orb-clad rooms - to go all out, stay in one of three themed suites featuring works by Sidney Nolan, Elizabeth Durack or Humphrey Price-Jones.
Rooms from $322 a night.
See cablebeachclub.com.
THE BERKELEY RIVER LODGE, BERKELEY RIVER
Arriving via float plane is spectacular enough, but the lodge itself is just as dramatic: 20 villas trace the ridge of a sand dune wedged between the Berkeley River and the Timor Sea. Some airconditioned villas feature orange accents echoing the blooms of the native Darwin woollybutt; all are attached to open-air bathrooms (the far villa's bathroom boasts the best view). Despite its remoteness, the kitchen conjures gourmet meals to be enjoyed in the central hub overlooking a 20-metre pool.
Three-night package departing Kununurra is $4350 a person twin-share.
See berkeleyriver.com.au.
