Champagne, crocs and no roads: The secret luxury hideaway on Australia's wildest coast
Key Points:
- Berkeley River Lodge is an exclusive, off-grid luxury retreat located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, accessible only by an 80-minute charter flight from Darwin or by boat, with no roads nearby.
- The lodge offers 15 villas with five-star amenities, including gourmet dining, guided excursions, and spa treatments, but lacks mains power, mobile reception, and swimming is prohibited due to saltwater crocodiles.
- A five-night all-inclusive stay costs A$19,750 for two people, covering flights, accommodation, meals, beverages, and activities such as river cruises, bushwalks to ancient Aboriginal rock art, and fishing.
- The surrounding landscape is ancient and pristine, featuring billion-year-old sandstone gorges, Aboriginal rock art dating back 12,000 years, and abundant wildlife, emphasizing the lodge's extraordinary isolation and natural beauty.
- Despite challenges like Cyclone Fina in 2025 and operating without insurance, the lodge was rebuilt and reopened in 2026, maintaining its commitment to luxury and sustainability while offering guests a rare experience of solitude and wilderness.