New video guides available

Lonely Planet has chosen the Kimberley in Western Australia as one of the world's top 10 regions to visit next year in its prestigious 'Best in Travel 2014', published today. It is the only Australian region on the list.

The Kimberley is ranked second on the book's list of Top 10 Regions 2014. "It's one of the most sparsely populated regions on the planet and one of the most starkly beautiful," Lonely Planet says, "carved by giant gorges, dimpled with deep, cool pools, and home to a coastline that could make Australian east-coasters weep."

"How long this area will remain below the radar is up for debate," the book adds. The Kimberley in Western Australia is one of the world's last true wildernesses. It offers pristine savannah landscapes, natural wonders like the 'beehive' Bungle Bungle range and ancient rock art.

Thanks to a series of openings over the last 18 months, it has never been easier to explore with exclusive camps and the Kimberley Aerial Highway, a network of airstrips combining them.

Among the book's recommendations of things to see and do in the Kimberley is getting to grips with the region's growing gourmet reputation. Rich Keam, the UK winner of Tourism Australia's Best Jobs in the World' competition, has been doing just that. Here is his guide to the region's local flavors and hidden gems.

To watch a video of Rich's road trip from Broome to Cape Leveque and Cygnet bay pearl farm click here  http://youtu.be/881k6KsD42c

5 must dos in the Kimberley

Set your watch to Broome time

Relax into the slow pace of life in this fascinating town where the outback meets the ocean. Learn all about the rich pearling history, find your own piece of paradise along the 22km world famous Cable Beach or take a sunset ride on a camel. Don't miss Matso's Brewery (www.matsos.com.au), where you can chat to the locals over a mango or ginger beer brewed onsite. Visit in September for Shinju Matsuri (www.shinjumatsuri.com.au), the 'festival of the pearl', which celebrates the town's history through music, dance and food.

Catch your own dinner

Join Indigenous Elder Brian Lee as he takes you through sacred Aboriginal land at Cape Leveque. Learn how to catch gigantic fresh mud crabs from the banks of Hunter's Creek with just a thin metal pole and a lot of courage. There's nothing better than cooking a freshly caught muddie on a beach BBQ whilst watching the sunset. Here Rich shows us how it's done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGfifgFn9Ao&feature=youtu.be

Take a mud crabbing tour with Brian from $75.00 per person and stay at the aboriginal-owned Kooljaman wilderness retreat from $170 per room per night www.kooljaman.com.au

Get bowled over by the Bungle Bungles

Whether you're hiking, four-wheel driving or flying over in a light aircraft, the Bungle Bungle range at Purnululu National Park is awe-inspiring stuff. You can explore the 350 million year old beehive formations either on your own or with a guide. Squeeze through Echidna Chasm or marvel at Cathedral Gorge. Until 1983, when it was accidentally stumbled upon by a film crew, only the local Djaru and Kija people knew of its existence. This year marks 30 years since the discovery.

Stay at Kimberley Wild's camp, which opened last year and is the only one to boast views of the Bungles Massif, on a five day tour of the region from $1,595 including accommodation, transport, meals and guides. www.kimberleywild.com.au

Enjoy the high life

The Kimberley Aerial Highway is a series of remote landing strips which connects some of the region's most stunning sites, making them easier to explore. And there's no better way to see the majesty and scale of the Kimberley than by air. From the world's only Horizontal Waterfalls, to the sandstone sculptures of Purnululu National Park and the serenity of the enormous Lake Argyle, it's all there as you soar 3,000ft overhead.

Slingair can arrange flights along the Kimberley Aerial highway starting from $300 pp for a Kununurra, Lake Argyle and Bungle Bungle safari. slingair.com.au

Visit El Questro Wilderness Park

Covering a million acres this former cattle station is one of the best places to experience the world's last great wilderness. Take a Bush Culture and History tour, explore Emma Gorge, relax in the 30 degree waters of Zebedee Thermal Springs or just do a spot of Barramundi fishing. Tented cabins and bungalows are also available, but if you feel like treating someone special, then spend a couple of nights at The luxurious Homestead. It'll be an experience you'll never forget.

Stay in El Questro's Emma Gorge tents from $289.00 per room per night www.elquestro.com.au

BOOK NOW:
Travelbag (0871 703 4240, www.travelbag.co.uk) has a Best of the Kimberley package from £2,599 per person. This includes 2 nights at the 4* Pinctada Cable Beach Hotel Broome room-only, 5 day tour with Kimberley Wild which includes Gibb River Road and the Bungle Bungles  and flights with Qantas from London Heathrow to Broome via Sydney. Valid for departures between April - Jun 2014.

Visit www.tastewesternaustralia.com for more of Rich's insider tips, stories from the road and video guides to Western Australia.

Note to editors

BEST IN TRAVEL 2014 is Lonely Planet's ninth eagerly-awaited annual collection of the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.

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For further information please contact:
Elen Thomas
Tel: 0207 438 4606
Email: ethomas@twa.australia.com