A barramundi plucked from the ocean just hours earlier is sizzling in seasoned olive oil on the gourmet barbeque. On the outdoor table, a moist green salad and chilled bottle of wine sit in wait, while a cooling breeze whips over sunburnt legs giving delicious relief after a day spent beach combing. The bounty from this day by the sea, a collection of brightly coloured sea shells, lines the balcony railing. This is Kooljaman at Cape Leveque in the far north west and for the worn-out and winter-weary it's bliss.
In Western Australia, we've been known to be complacent, flippant even, about the beauty of our beaches. But at Kooljaman, even the most cynical will be amazed by the vibrancy of the colours. Fire-red cliffs, sugar-white sand, turquoise water - we've heard it all before, but here, the scenes really do etch a lifelong memory.
Situated on the Dampier Peninsular, about 200 kilometres north of Broome, Kooljaman is a wilderness camp offering a quiet place to reflect, re-energise and explore the natural beauty of the area in simple yet comfortable surroundings.
There is a range of accommodation, the most luxurious of which are safari style canvas tents. These sit high on the hill top on a wooden decking overlooking the western beach. Each cabin is set off the pathway and nicely secluded from your neighbours. They are well furnished with double and single beds, ensuite, kitchenette and fridge. The balcony gives unrestricted views of the bay and with deck chairs, a table and barbeque, it's likely to become the centrepiece of your stay.
Campers are catered for with paper bark and bush pole cabins, one-room family units and palm frond covered beach shelters, offering perhaps one of the best views to wake up to in the world. There is also an extensive garden area that provides a green camping ground with established shade trees.
Kooljaman is owned by two aboriginal communities, Djarindjin and One Arm Point. Befriending one of these locals who are regularly seen around the place will give you a much bigger appreciation for this beautiful slice of the outback. They know this land, and tell a great story. Some also run tours in search of mud crabs and bush tucker, while others tell of the cultural history of the area.
The other activities available at Kooljaman centre, not surprisingly, around the water. A boat trip to Sunday Island offers swimming, reef walking, fishing and insights from a local aboriginal guide.
From July until October there is plenty of action just offshore with humpback whales on their annual migration south making for spectacular beachside viewing.
Dinghies are available for hire for fishing in the waters around Cape Leveque, while snorkelling gear is on loan for just $5 from the local shop.
If you want a night off from cooking your freshly caught evening meal, there's a restaurant on site called Dinkas, which is open from April to October. The main fare, of course, is fish but there are other options including steak, pasta and chicken.
Access to Kooljaman is either by air or by four wheel drive. The drive from Broome takes about three hours and is often rough, but for ultimate seclusion, and awesome natural beauty, it's well worth the effort.
For more information check kooljaman or phone +61 8 9192 4970.