Faraway Bay

 

Perched on the top of a cliff, overlooking the Timor Sea on Western Australia's far northern coast is a place so remote, so deliciously secluded, that it doesn't appear on any map.

The Bush Camp at Faraway Bay - the name describes it perfectly. Simple, yet sophisticated accommodation, in a location a long way from the frenetic pace of everyday.

For city folk looking to drop out of the communication loop, Faraway Bay is bliss. No telephones, no television, no radios, no distractions of any sort, except the stupendous views, which will keep you mesmerised for hours.

The property also presents guests with an awesome brush with nature and plenty of possibilities for adventure.

It's clear, in fact, when you arrive at Faraway Bay, that the days ahead are going to be adventurous.

Bruce, the owner, greets guests as they step off the 90 minute charter plane ride from Kununurra (it's the only way in), offering them a wide smile and a firm, leathery-skinned hand shake.

He then points to the open air jeep as the mode of transport to the camp. Well, it's not so much a jeep, as a fusion of other car parts that have died and been hacked together in true bush mechanic style.

It's a rough ride, but then Bruce says it's hard to get the council out to grade the road.

And so to Eagle Lodge, the stunning open-air homestead, which is to become a hub of activity and the centre for relaxation over the coming days.

The stone floors and gentle breeze keeps temperatures down, but there's always the plunge pool overlooking the ocean if you're in need of a cool off.

Daily fishing trips aboard the 13 metre Diamond Lass are on offer, or for those wanting to view the spectacular natural attractions, boat trips also visit the King George River, home to crocodiles and dugongs.

This stunning gorge of burnt orange and black leads to the mighty King George Falls. During the wet months, millions of litres of water cascade over the 100 metre tall rock face in a Y-shaped canyon.

Other excursions include a visit to a beach made up entirely of shells, swimming in fresh water pools of unfathomable depths, and bush walks in search of Bradshaw Aboriginal Art sites. You get the feeling that this country is not crossed often by humans.

After a day at sea and a night spent star gazing, it's time to stake your claim on the hammock and spend some time reading, snoozing or watching the amazing birdlife twitter about in the birth bath.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are family affairs, with everyone dining together over a hessian-draped wooden table.

At breakfast, a graceful fish eagle provides morning entertainment, dramatically swooping down for its daily feed of fish provided by staff.

In the evening, champagne under moonlight and a million stars sets the scene for a relaxing end to a quiet day.

There's nothing more to do but return to your bush cabin, crawl under the mosquito net and watch the moon rise, as sleep envelopes you.

The Bush Camp at Faraway Bay is open from April to the end of October. There are six twin share cabins with shared bathroom facilities. For more information phone 08 9169 1214.

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