The Kimberley Environment | North West WA | Faraway Bay

The Kimberley Environment

In the Kimberley region, Faraway Bay is a leader in nature-based low-impact tourism.

Stringent regulations designed to maintain the integrity of the environment were applied during the development phase of Faraway Bay. And today, strict environmental care and sustainability continue to direct our day-to-day operations.

Heritage Value

Wherever possible, Faraway Bay’s building infrastructure features local recycled materials or plantation-produced timber from the Kimberley. This not only ensures a strong historic connection with the local area but also minimises our environmental footprint.

Our development involved the minimal clearing of native vegetation, with only one building requiring site earthworks. Cabins are set among undisturbed natural vegetation connected by simple gravel tracks, with two natural walking tracks to the beaches. A single track connects the camp and airstrip.

We blend naturally into our surroundings – passing boats cannot see the camp at all!

Research & Support

We host and consult with a range of environmental experts to monitor and preserve flora, fauna and significant sites in the area.

Scientific programs include archaeological, cultural, ethnobotanical, and habitat research.

Nature Custodians

Guests learn so much about the Kimberley environment during a stay at Faraway Bay.

Browse our comprehensive wildlife profile, with photos and descriptions of common plants, animals, birds, and marine life. Our reference library catalogs wildlife, bush tucker, and ancient rock art.

Mirriwong Elder spokesperson for Faraway Bay was Ju Ju Wilson, who contributed to the bush tucker species list, also discovering and documenting many of the Rock Art Sites in the Faraway Bay area. Our trained guides explore the region to assist with recording important scientific data and any discovery of new ancient rock art and archaeological sites.

One of our guides identified 84 of the 140 species of birds for researchers. And in 2005, our team even discovered a live freshwater crustacean that is a species new to science!

Sustainability is Key

Here are just some of the ways we maintain sustainability in our day-to-day operations…

Sustainable Use of Resources

  • Water is gravity-fed from a natural fresh spring. Small guest numbers protect the overuse of this resource.
  • We only provide showers and do not have overindulgent water-wasting bathtubs.
  • All landscaping is natural.
  • Water is solar-heated for guest showers.
  • Solar lights illuminate pathways.
  • The office is mainly electronic and paperless – the paper used is recycled.
  • All firewood is derived from the airstrip clearing or from trees blown over in the off-season.
  • Tins are crushed and stockpiled with other non-combustible rubbish for return to Wyndham.

Natural Environment Protection

  • Small guest numbers, restricted access, and use of guides minimize the impact on habitat.
  • Wildlife is observed from a distance and not followed or approached.
  • Prior to the wet season, erosion control structures are placed on tracks to minimise erosion and are later removed.
  • Biodegradable products are disposed of in a trench and regularly covered with soil.
  • Soaps and shampoo supplied to guests and washing powder are all biodegradable and locally made.

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