Road trip guide: The Ardi Cultural Drive
One of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth invites travellers to explore their coastal wilderness.
The people of the Dampier Peninsula welcome visitors to see their ancient land and culture, proving there is more to the Kimberleys’ coastal wilderness than striking contrasts of white sand, turquoise sea and pindan cliffs.
On Bardi and Nyul Nyul country, adventure seekers can join traditional owners for some spearfishing and mud crabbing, bush and reef walking, snorkelling and kayaking.
Western Australia is home of the road trip, and this, we’re bringing you tips and tricks for some of the dreamiest road trips on offer highlighting the state’s most beautiful spots.
Day one: Broome to Beagle Bay and Mercedes Cove (160km)
From Perth, flights depart daily to Broome and take just two and a half hours, but direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are also available.
Cable Beach is a 22-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters and it’s a must-visit for anyone who finds themselves in Broome.
If your clients are looking to have a rest before taking off on their road trip, they can catch a movie at Sun Pictures, the oldest operating outdoor cinema in the world.
Once they have explored Broome, and are ready to get going, they’ll need to hire a four-wheel-drive so they can easily traverse the unsealed roads between the Dampier Peninsula and Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community. However, if they’re looking for smoother, sailing tours are also available.
First stop is Sacred Heart Church which has a unique pearl shell altar – one of many legacies of the missionaries who came to spread their word in the 1860s.
Then, northwards to the community of Mercedes Cove on Nyul Nyul country to learn about a culture that has been connected to this land and sea for more than 40,000 years.
Mercedes Cove also has plenty of secluded beaches to stroll along and self-contained cabins and eco-tents with the perfect view to watch migrating whales between July and October.
Day two: Mercedes Cove to Cape Leveque (70km)
Up next is the pristine Cape Leveque, where clients can join the local Bardi people at Kooljaman at Cape Leveque for a variety of unique cultural experiences.
Let the local Bardi people show your clients their way of life and traditions, offering the chance to try spear making and fishing, hunting for mud crabs in the mangroves and cooking their catch.
They can hop on a snorkelling tour or a cruise to meet the amazing marine life of the reef, and learn about bush medicines and sample seasonal fruits on a bush tucker tour.
Your clients can go beachcombing or fishing off the beach for trevally and queenfish or chase a bigger catch by boat, and finish their day with a sunset cruise or a stroll on the beach and walking the reef at low tide.
Accommodation options range from palm-covered beach shelters, log cabins, campsites or safari tents with panoramic coastal views.
Day three: Cape Leveque to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
The sheltered waters of Cygnet Bay are home to Australia’s oldest pearl farm open to the public.
Your clients can join the pioneering family who founded the farm to learn how they cultivate and harvest some of the finest South Sea pearls on Earth.
They can jump on a sea safari to experience the power of the world’s largest tropical tides and witness the natural tidal phenomenon of waterfall reef, or explore the thousand untouched islands and islets of the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Accommodation ranges from ensuite safari tents, cabins or campsites.
Day 4: Cape Leveque to Lombadina
Heading back south, clients can join the Bardi community of Lombadina and learn how their strong spiritual connection to the sea has shaped their lives for thousands of years.
Custodians introduce visitors to their beautiful stretch of white sand beach and invite them to join a morning of fishing, crabbing, kayaking, snorkelling or whale watching (July to October).
Lombadina’s unique coastal wilderness is perfect for bushwalking and bird watching, and those staying overnight can enjoy the hospitality of the local residents, choosing from apartments, cabins and single quarters.
Day five: Lombadina to Broome
If they head home via Broome, your clients can check out the tropical flavours and fusions that have evolved from Broome’s melting pot of cultures and enjoy the town’s colourful calendar of events.
If they’re still hungry for adventure, clients can tackle Gibb River Road and explore the rugged heart of the vast Kimberley wilderness before heading home.
Latest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.