The Berkeley River Lodge

Kimberley Coast, Western Australia

The Personalities

Off-grid adventurers. Desert romantics. Wilderness photographers. Remote-work escapists. Barefoot minimalists. Couples who like their solitude dramatic.

MOMENTS

Sunrise coffee above ochre cliffs. Helicopter rides over ancient gorges. Saltwater swims in hidden waterfalls. Reading on a deck where red rock meets turquoise sea. Sunset barefoot dinners under the stars. Silence so vast, it becomes a sound.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Berkeley River Lodge operates during the dry season from March to October—when weather conditions are ideal and the wild Kimberley is at its most breathtaking.

March–May: The land is still lush from the wet season, waterfalls are flowing, and wildlife is abundant. Expect warm days and golden light.

June–August: Dry, sunny days with cooler nights make it perfect for hiking, boat trips, and outdoor dining beneath the stars.

September–October: Warmer days return, the skies stretch wide and cloudless, and the landscape begins its slow shift into the wet season.

Cost

Why stay

Berkeley River Lodge sits at the very edge of the Australian continent—accessible only by air or sea, and surrounded by some of the most untouched wilderness on Earth. Perched atop coastal dunes, its villas face the Timor Sea on one side and the ancient escarpments of the Kimberley on the other. There are no roads, no neighbors, and no distractions—just raw nature, red rock, and quiet luxury.

Designed to blend with its remote setting, each freestanding villa offers panoramic views, open-air ensuites, and private decks where you’ll often find yourself alone with the sea breeze. Interiors are pared back, earthy, and unfussy—letting the surrounding land speak for itself. The architecture treads lightly, built to minimize impact while maximizing immersion.

Why wander

From the lodge, explore the rugged Kimberley by air, land, and water. Take a heli-tour to secret waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art sites, and red rock canyons carved by time. Cruise the Berkeley River past crocodiles and ancient sandstone walls, or fish for barramundi in estuaries where few boats ever go. For those who prefer to stay grounded, guided hikes reveal wildflowers, birds, and stories written into stone.

But sometimes, the most profound way to wander is to stay still. Watch the tides shift. Feel the breeze change. And realize you’ve arrived somewhere few ever do.

Indulge in

Modern Australian cuisine with a wild edge. Local seafood, native herbs, and fire-grilled meats served with sweeping ocean views. Dine barefoot on the sand, or under the stars with just candlelight and the sound of waves.

Getting There

Fly to Kununurra or Darwin, then take a scenic light aircraft transfer directly to Berkeley River Lodge’s private airstrip. From there, it’s a short 4WD transfer over sand dunes to your villa. Remote doesn’t even begin to describe it.

WILD INITIATIVES

The Berkeley River Lodge is committed to sustainable practices, recognizing the importance of preserving the pristine environment that surrounds it. The lodge has implemented various initiatives to minimize its ecological footprint and contribute to the conservation of the Kimberley region's unique biodiversity. Embracing eco-friendly architecture, the lodge structures are designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings, incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. Waste reduction and recycling programs are in place to minimize environmental impact, and the lodge sources local, seasonal produce to support nearby communities and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Water conservation is a priority, with the implementation of water-saving technologies and practices. The Lodge is dedicated to responsible tourism, providing guests with educational experiences that promote an understanding of the delicate ecosystem and the importance of preserving it. Additionally, it actively engages in community outreach programs to foster a positive relationship with local residents and contribute to the social sustainability of the region. Through these efforts, The Berkeley River Lodge strives to ensure that its presence enhances, rather than depletes, the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Kimberley coast.

*Images property of THE BERKELEY RIVER LODGE

 Naiko Retreat

Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

THE PERSONALITIES

Solitude seekers. Ocean swimmers. Wildlife lovers. Design minimalists. Writers. Couples in need of space and stillness.

MOMENTS

Watching kangaroos graze at sunrise. Reading with the windows open to the Southern Ocean breeze. Soaking in a freestanding tub with clifftop views. Long lunches on the terrace. Stargazing with no light in sight.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Naiko Retreat is open year-round, offering different kinds of beauty in every season.

March–May: Autumn on the peninsula brings golden light, crisp air, and a peaceful hush to the landscape.

June–August: Winter is wild and wonderful—perfect for storm watching, red wine, and slow indoor mornings.

September–November: Wildflowers bloom, whales pass by, and walks along the clifftops feel like something from a dream.

COST

WHY STAY

Set on a remote stretch of private coastline between Deep Creek Conservation Park and the Southern Ocean, Naiko Retreat feels like the edge of the world. With no neighbours, no Wi-Fi, and no agenda, it invites you to reconnect with land, sea, and self. Located on the expansive "Rarkang" farm, the hotel boasts a breathtaking location on a cliff with uninterrupted views across the Southern Ocean to Kangaroo Island. Adding to its distinctive charm is the iconic Futuro House, a 1968 design by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. This Futuro, one of only around 60 remaining globally, was meticulously restored and transformed into a tranquil wellness hub.

Accommodating a maximum of six guests, Naiko Retreat provides three spacious, identical king bedrooms, each with its own luxury ensuite bathroom. The open-plan living area features a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, modern furnishings, and an Invictus efficient, low-emission woodburning fireplace that serves as the primary heating source during cooler months. The floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows not only offer energy efficiency and storm protection but can also be opened to allow the soothing sound of waves and breathtaking views of the pristine beach and the vast expanse of the ocean.

Designed by Max Pritchard, the Eco-Accredited Retreat blends seamlessly with its surroundings, showcasing a distinctive wave-like design reminiscent of the Scottish coastline. The double-glazed floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and windows provide stunning panoramic views of the landscape and Backstairs Passage, emphasizing a connection to nature. The retreat's east-west alignment, fully insulated construction, and passive solar design contribute to its energy efficiency.

WHY WANDER

Situated at the base of rolling hills on the rugged cliffs of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Naiko Retreat offers a variety of activities for guests seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of its 2,500-acre property. The secluded beach, just a short stroll away, invites relaxation with crystal-clear aquamarine waters ideal for swimming. Equipped with a wicker picnic basket and beach chairs, guests can enjoy a perfect day by the sea, followed by a rustic outdoor shower to rinse off sand and salt before returning to the Retreat. The intriguing landscape, marked by secret inlets and coves, sparks the imagination with tales of smugglers from days gone by.

With four private walking trails exclusively for guests, the Retreat provides a walker's paradise, allowing exploration of diverse landscapes from rolling hills to lush gullies and rugged coastline. These trails cater to varying fitness levels, offering breathtaking views, encounters with wildlife such as kangaroos and echidnas, and the opportunity to spot dolphins lazily swimming near Naiko's beach. For more seasoned hikers, challenges like the Rarkang Loop and the Talisker Mine Walk await, while the History Walk and Blowhole Beach Loop offer equally captivating but less strenuous options.

For those seeking off-site adventures, Naiko has partnered with award-winning tour operators, offering experiences like 4WD buggy tours exploring the property's natural landscapes, helicopter tours showcasing the Fleurieu Peninsula's beauty, and authentic Aboriginal experiences with respected Ramindjeri Elder Mark Koolmatrie. Guests can embark on birdwatching excursions, as Rarkang is home to over 110 bird species, including Wedge-tailed eagles and the elusive White-Bellied Sea Eagle. Whale watching, a highlight from May to October, adds to the allure, with pods of dolphins frequently gracing the coastline. The waters surrounding Naiko Retreat also offer excellent fishing opportunities, including charters at nearby Cape Jervis for those eager to try their luck. Whether exploring the property's walking trails or venturing beyond, Naiko Retreat promises an immersive and diverse range of activities amidst the stunning landscapes of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

INDULGE IN

Naiko Retreat offers an array of food and wine experiences, ensuring guests a culinary journey that complements the serene surroundings. Renowned chef Anita Robin, from Foodbuilder, conducts private cooking classes in Naiko's fully equipped gourmet kitchen. From breadmaking to fine dining, guests can enjoy a quality learning experience.

For beer enthusiasts, the retreat is in proximity to Forktree Brewing and The Smiling Samoyed, both offering distinctive craft beers and scenic views. Local Thai chef Thanaporn Zarins of Hunger-eze brings authentic Thai flavors to the retreat, delivering delicious dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.

For a unique dining experience, Naiko has partnered with TJ Marks of 21 Junk Street Catering, offering fully catered private dining with impressive sea views. Additionally, Off Piste 4WD Tours provide bespoke wine tours, showcasing the best of McLaren Vale's renowned vineyards and wineries.

GETTING THERE

Naiko Retreat is a two-hour drive south of Adelaide, accessible via a scenic coastal road. A 4WD is recommended, as the final stretch leads you through rugged beauty to complete isolation. Arrival feels cinematic—and deserved.

WILD INITIATIVES

Naiko sits within a conservation property protected by Heritage Agreement. Wildlife corridors remain untouched. Native grasses and trees are preserved. The house was built with a minimal footprint and passive energy design. With no Wi-Fi and limited signal, guests are encouraged to disconnect—to notice, to listen, and to tread lightly.

*Images property of Naiko Retreat

Longitude 131°

Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory, Australia

PERSONALITIES

Stargazers. Story seekers. Conscious luxury travelers. Landscape photographers. Indigenous culture enthusiasts. Couples chasing silence and red horizons.

MOMENTS

Waking to the glow of Uluru at dawn. Sunset drinks with Kata Tjuta on the horizon. Lying under a blanket of stars. Immersive walks guided by Anangu traditional owners. A campfire dinner with ancient stories in the air.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Longitude 131° is open year-round, but the cooler, drier months from April to October offer the most comfortable desert experience.

April–June: Mild days and crisp evenings—ideal for hiking and cultural tours. Wildflowers bloom after early autumn rains.

July–August: Clear skies, cool nights, and endless stars. The desert at its most cinematic.

September–October: Warmer days return, but the desert remains gentle and golden. Fewer crowds, more stillness.

COST

WHY STAY

Longitude 131° isn’t just near Uluru—it’s part of its story. This luxury desert camp is set within the dual World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where cultural and natural significance are inseparable. With just sixteen tented pavilions raised on stilts above red sand, the camp offers uninterrupted views of Uluru’s monolithic form from bed, bath, or private deck.

Each pavilion is a blend of outback honesty and quiet opulence: floor-to-ceiling windows, raw timber, organic textures, and Indigenous art. Interiors reflect both the spirit of the land and the deep cultural legacy of the Anangu people. Sustainability is not a gesture here—it’s a foundation.

WHY WANDER

Wander on foot through ancient desert landscapes guided by Indigenous elders. Learn the stories etched into rock and woven into the land. Explore the domes of Kata Tjuta, take a camel ride at dusk, or soar above it all on a scenic flight.

Back at camp, connect through curated experiences—Desert Awakenings, Table 131° dining under the stars, or quiet time at the Dune House library. This is not about ticking off sights—it’s about listening to land that has held knowledge for over 60,000 years.

INDULGE IN

Modern Australian cuisine infused with native ingredients: saltbush, bush tomato, wattleseed, and lemon myrtle. Dine with Uluru in full view or enjoy a private meal under the stars. The open bar features wines from small Australian producers and spirits infused with local botanicals.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Ayers Rock (Connellan) Airport, where Longitude 131° provides complimentary transfers just 15 minutes to camp. Despite its remoteness, the arrival is effortless—and the sense of awe begins the moment you land.

WILD INITIATIVES

Longitude 131° operates with a deep respect for place. The camp is fully solar-powered, with an advanced waste management system and zero single-use plastics. Its design minimizes impact while maximizing views. The team works closely with local Anangu communities, supporting Indigenous enterprise, art, and cultural exchange.

*Images property of Longitude 131, George Apostolidis

LON RETREAT

Point Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia

THE PERSONALITIES

Ocean gazers. Natural hot spring lovers. Ceramic collectors. Writers in retreat. Couples escaping the city. Locavores with a love for linen.

MOMENTS

Mineral-rich soaks with sea views. Wandering the clifftop trails in morning fog. Reading in a window seat as waves roll in. Discovering Australian art and ceramics throughout your suite. Watching the light change over Port Phillip Bay.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Lon Retreat welcomes you year-round, each season offering a different pace and palette.

March–May: Crisp skies and quiet beaches make for perfect walks and warm soaks.

June–August: Watch wild weather roll in from the sea, then warm up in the mineral spa. Slow, moody, and utterly restorative.

September–November: Spring brings wildflowers to the dunes and clarity to the coastline.

December–February: Long golden evenings and salty swims—Australian summer in full swing.

COST

WHY STAY

Perched on a private clifftop farm overlooking the Southern Ocean, Lon Retreat offers understated luxury rooted in land, sea, and stillness. The retreat has just seven suites, each named after a cloud, and each designed to tune you into the rhythms of nature. The interiors are soft and grounding: natural fibres, local art, hand-thrown ceramics, and weathered timbers. It feels like a private home, curated with care.

The soul of the property is the onsite natural mineral spa, fed by ancient underground springs. This isn’t wellness-as-performance—it’s deeply elemental. Water, warmth, rest. No screens, no noise. Just you, the horizon, and the sound of the sea.

WHY WANDER

Lon Retreat sits at the gateway to The Bellarine Peninsula, one of Australia’s most fertile and flavorful regions. Spend the day tracing the Bellarine Taste Trail, stopping at over 50 local farms, vineyards, distilleries, and olive groves. Sample fresh berries in season, sip coastal wines in low-lit cellars, or wander through citrus orchards and kitchen gardens.

Just beyond the retreat, Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park offers a different kind of nourishment. Swim, surf, snorkel, or simply explore the tidal rock pools where sea stars and anemones dwell. The coast is wild and generous—every curve of the road opens up new views and fresh air. Whether you paddleboard at sunrise or take the long way home past clifftop lookouts, every path here leads you back to nature.

INDULGE IN

Breakfast hampers filled with local sourdough, eggs, and seasonal fruits. A fully licensed honesty bar with small-batch spirits and regional wines. The spa offers clay wraps, sea salt scrubs, and rainwater rinses—treatments guided by geology and place.

GETTING THERE

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Lon Retreat feels far removed from the city’s buzz. You’ll drive past farm fields and salt marshes, arriving to a private gate and open skies.

WILD INITIATIVES

The Lon property has been farmed by the same family for over 100 years. Today, it’s managed with regeneration in mind—dune protection, indigenous planting, and low-impact design. The spa uses mineral water sourced from beneath the land itself. Natural materials, local artisans, and conscious sourcing shape every corner. This is slow hospitality with a deep sense of place.

*Images property of Lon Retreat, Nikole Ramsay and styled by Pip Interiors