Australia's North West Tourism's 2014 Characters of the Kimberley Campaign Launched

The Kimberley region in Western Australia's North West is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes but for its characters that embody the outback spirit that is so prevalent in this part of the world.

Australia's North West Tourism's Characters of the Kimberley Campaign celebrates this by revealing the stories of three people that live in the Kimberley.

CEO for Australia's North West Tourism, Glen Chidlow said that the Characters of the Kimberley Campaign gives consumers the chance to acquire an insider's insight into the region.

“Meeting people when travelling through the Kimberley region is as memorable as the scenery visitors will travel through,” Mr Chidlow said.

“We started the Characters of the Kimberley campaign in 2011, as we felt it was a unique way to showcase the many experiences on offer in the region, through the eyes of locals,” Mr Chidlow said.

“The 2014 Characters of the Kimberley are all from very different areas of the region – we have stargazer Greg Quickie from Astro Tours, stockman Cyril Yeeda from Home Valley Station and castaway cruiser Kylie Bartle from The Great Escape Charter Company.”

While Broome identity Greg Quicke is recognised around the pearling town by his bushy beard and love of motorbikes, his real passion is the starfilled Kimberley sky. With powerful telescopes he keeps his audience transfixed by the night skies on his Astro Tours.

Despite having no cooking experience, Kylie Bartle talked her way into a ship's cook role, and developed a passion for the turquoise waters and untouched wilderness of the Kimberley Coast. Fast forward through the years and Kylie now shares her 'pinch me' moments with those aboard the MV Great Escape.

There's nothing Cyril Yeeda loves more than to saddle up and ride the wide open spaces at Home Valley Station. With the magnificent Cockburn Range as his backdrop, this modern day cowboy knows the horse trails of the area like the back of his hand and wows city slickers with horse rides that showcase incredible landscapes.

As part of the campaign, Australia's North West are running a competition, where one lucky consumer can meet all three characters and experience the amazing landscape of the Kimberley.

“The characters campaign struck a chord with our audience when we launched it three years ago and they continue to connect with the personalities selected annually to spearhead the competition.”

Mr Chidlow said the winner will experience ten days of adventure and relaxation in the Kimberley.

“From cruising in style along the spectacular Kimberley Coast, to horseback riding along the Pentecost River, to stargazing in the laidback town of Broome, the winner will really get a taste for the Kimberley life,” he said.

“Entry is via an online form and the digital campaign utilises social media to encourage conversation and participation.

“Short videos have been created to capture the characters' passion for the Kimberley as they tell in their own words how they came to fall in love with this vast landscape.

“The videos resonate with viewers eager to experience the open space and natural attractions that the characters showcase as part of their everyday lives.”

The Characters of the Kimberley Campaign attracted 20,000 unique entries in 2013 and won a silver award for Tourism Marketing at the 2012 and 2013 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards.

The Characters of the Kimberley Competition commences on 14 April and closes 25 May 2014. Entries open online at www.australiasnorthwest.com/characters.

Earlier this year, Lonely Planet listed the Kimberley as one of the world's Top 10 Regions to visit in (number two) in its Best in Travel 2014 list.

The Kimberley is located in the North West of Western Australia, and is accessible via road, plane or sea with a number of self-drive, flight and cruising options available. Direct flights to Broome and Kununurra are available with Qantas and Virgin Australia from Perth daily, and in-season, Qantas flies direct to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane several times a week.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Claire Crouch, Project Manager

Australia's North West Tourism

Tel: 0416 398 890

Email: projects@australiasnorthwest.com

Website: www.australiasnorthwest.com/characters

YouTube links

Kylie - http://youtu.be/ApFAkNSSQPQ

Greg - http://youtu.be/7_ySlXeQI48

Cyril - http://youtu.be/xRfVtv7K_LM

30s - http://youtu.be/ZLdhNurf2g4

60s - http://youtu.be/SAawJPrqL8E