Untamed luxury awaits at reimagined Berkeley River Lodge

Berkeley River Lodge is among Australia’s most exclusive escapes. Open just four months of the year, and only accessible by air, it occupies a stunning pocket of WA’s Kimberley coast, where ochre sands tumble to the sea and the silence teems with life.

From May 2026, the lodge will be even more captivating, as it reveals the fruits of an ambitious three-year refurbishment, where reimagined villas, elevated dining and a suite of new all-inclusive experiences are a hint of what awaits.

It’ll be more accessible too, with return scenic flight transfers from Darwin now included for five-night stays – complementing the current charter options via Darwin or Kununurra.

Remote luxury at Berkeley River Lodge.

With the 2025 season closed, General Manager Hannah Wark and her team are now diving into the final phase of the transformation: a complete interior and furniture upgrade which promises to usher in what she calls an “untamed and unforgettable era of storytelling”.

Classic features like the open-air ensuites – replete with rain showers and free-standing tubs for soaking under the stars – have already been enhanced over the past two seasons, while a signature spa offering trialled in 2025 will be making a welcome return.

Sundown at the Berkeley Rivermouth.

“The design vision from Empire [a Perth design firm] draws deeply from the surrounding land – wild, ancient, and extraordinary,” says Wark, adding the palette is “inspired by red earth, native flora, saltwater, coastal sand and shifting skies.”

“Every material is selected for resilience, beauty, and longevity. From high-grade and recycled teak to leather, stone, ceramic, rattan, bamboo, and brass. The result is interiors that feel open, grounding, and elevated.”

Dining will see a renewed focus on native flavours.

Beyond its 18 villas, new experiences such as morning yoga sessions and a sunset barbeque at the Berkeley Rivermouth as evening light is replaced by the starry sky will also debut, alongside fresh menus placing greater focus on Australian native flavours.

Of course, there’s plenty unchanged too – rugged four-wheel-drive safaris, crocodile spotting cruises along the Berkeley River, and hikes to view ancient rock art, to name a few.

Cruising along the Berkeley River.

Berkeley River Lodge will relaunch on May 1, 2026, timed with the Kimberley dry season.