Mark Bereton from South Australia is the winner of the Characters of the Kimberley Competition.

His prize will be spending time with the unique outback characters whose lives are interwoven with the stunning landscapes and spectacular coastline of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. 

Those that missed out on winning the competition will have the opportunity to follow Mark's Kimberley adventures with the characters through his blog from 5-13 July 2012.

Australia's North West North West Tourism's CEO Glen Chidlow said the most memorable travel experiences often have as much to do with the people you meet as the places you visit and the campaign was designed to showcase the people as much as the landscape.

"Given the wide range of interesting characters that you meet when travelling around the Kimberley, the toughest challenge of the campaign was selecting only four," he said.

The characters chosen to represent the Kimberley combine knockabout enthusiasm, larrikin humour, exceptional knowledge of their region and passion about sharing their special slice of the Australian outback with visitors.

Greg 'Hairy Dog' Harman

Former crocodile catcher Greg 'Hairy Dog' Harman is a local fishing legend in Kununurra, whose enviable job is to cruise the mighty Ord River in search of barramundi and regale you with tales of his adventurous past. 'Hairy Dog' epitomises the genuine laidback Aussie sprit that can be found throughout the Kimberley.

Larrissa White

With her wide brimmed hat and ready smile, Larissa may be young, but what she doesn't know about the many remarkable gorges, refreshing thermal springs and abundant wildlife at El Questro Wilderness Park isn't worth knowing. Larissa enjoys leading visitors on a scenic hike through spectacular wilderness ending at a turquoise waterhole perfect for swimming and an ideal setting to relax and unwind.

James Brown

Third generation pearl farmer James Brown runs the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, the oldest operating pearl farm in Australia.  James gives an insight into what it's like to live on the water's edge of the Dampier Peninsula and of a childhood growing up in the wilderness.  His strong ties with this dazzling location and the stunning pearls harvested by his family and their team confirm there is great beauty in the remote waters of the Kimberley.

Donny Woolagoodja

Donny  Woolagoodja  is custodian of the Wandjina, the supreme spirit being of the Wororra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbul people. Donny shared the traditions of his culture with the world when he designed a giant Wandjina for the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games.  Donny enjoys sharing his connection to country and the stories of his land with visitors to Derby.

Mark will have not one, but four incredible encounters with these unforgettable people who have succumbed to the Kimberley lifestyle and want to share what they love about the region.

"Mark will experience an insider's guide into what makes the Kimberley so popular with travellers wanting the quintessential Australian experience," said Mr Chidlow.

"The trip is an opportunity to spend time with locals that have incredible knowledge about the Kimberley resulting in a unique holiday that Mark will remember for years to come," he said.

Media Contact:
Glen Chidlow, Australia's North West Tourism

Tel:   (+61) 0429 936 660

Email: glen@australiasnorthwest.com