The Kimberley
online community
Image by Jampal Williamson of Salty Wings.
The Kimberley, Australia
Online community
“The Kimberley, Australia” is an online community founded by Kununurra based tour guide Scotty Connell and now run with the help of our Ambassadors in the local tourism and photography industries. Having worked in Kimberley tourism since he was a teenager living in Broome, Scotty noticed a general lack of awareness about the Kimberley (many Aussies think that the Kimberley is in the Northern Territory!) Recognising the importance of the industry (both financially and mentally) for people living in this remote part of Australia, he began sharing stories and photos of the region’s natural beauty via social media. Before long others began to join the fun, sharing their pictures under #thekimberleyaustralia instagram hashtag.
@thekimberleyaustralia quickly grew to become one of the largest destination pages in Australia. “The Kimberley, Australia” team have invested thousands of volunteer hours into the Instagram and Facebook pages over the past few years, which now have a current combined following of over 160,000 followers. Over the past 4 years, many local businesses have credited “The Kimberley, Australia” with increased business and, as an added bonus, there’s been a noticeable upsurge of Kimberley locals getting out and exploring ‘their backyard’ more, inspired by the beautiful images being shared online. In one of the most isolated parts of Australia, this shared camaraderie and also the connection to the outside world via this online community is priceless.
Ambassadors
Here are some of our Ambassadors and regular contributors …
Scotty connell
Kununurra based tour guide; owner of Kimberley Spirit Tours; Scotty loves bringing people together from different areas via his online presence and also during his travels of the Kimberley. Connecting other people with opportunities is one of his passions, especially in this isolated part of Australia.
@kimberleyspirit
jon corpus
Jon is a Yawuru man with a strong connection to the country, coming from a family who have helped him learn from a very young age about his cultures and traditions. Jon has a strong passion for photography, especially landscape. His life goal is to travel to different areas of the world while meeting new people, hearing their stories and learning their traditions over a cuppa tea. .
@joncorpus.photography
paige quinn
Broome-based Paige has the envious job of being a Stewardess and Kimberley Guide on the Kimberley cruise vessel, Lady M. She has worked on board various Kimberley Charter boats and loves sharing her knowledge of the captivating coastline. Paige has a passion for photography, often sharing images of her adventures on the Lady M.
@wanderlustkimberley
Matt deakin
Inspired by the landscape of Australia's North West, Matt’s passion for photography was forged in Broome. Matt has become somewhat of a nomad to the state of Western Australia, and is always looking for new adventures to photograph and share across his social media channels, but nowhere inspires Matt like the Kimberley region.
@from.miles.away
dylan lodge
Dylan is a tour guide who operates Triple J Tours based in Kununurra. “I love being on the water and exploring everything Kimberley. Waterfalls, boating, fishing, rivers, the Kimberley coast, ranges, caves or anything else in this amazing backyard I have!”
@d_lodgey
landi bradshaw
Kununurra based photographer and explorer. Loves camping in the East Kimberley region and discovering new places to explore. Landi says that “capturing photographs of this stunning region is just icing on the cake”.
@landibradshawphotography
chris magnay
Chris moved to the Kimberley 16 years ago chasing the dream to become a commercial pilot. Since then he has taken on a caravan park, finished a jewellery apprenticeship and continues to fly commercially. Chris is dedicated to bringing the Kimberley to the world through his personal landscape photography work as well as commercial photo and video services.
@magnay
bart pigram
Bart Pigram is owner-operator of Narlijia Experiences Broome and is a passionate advocate for the aboriginal culture, arts and tourism industries. Based in Broome, Bart offers several tourism experiences taking in the diverse landscapes and ancient culture of his people.
@narlijia
ben broadwith
Ben’s love for the East Kimberley landscape developed at a very young age, growing up in Wyndham from age 2 and later re-locating to Kununurra. “I remember as a young boy, having my face pressed up against the window of the school bus, staring in awe across the mudflats at the Cockburn Ranges. Today, I am privileged to be able to walk those ranges with reverence and humility in my heart”.
@ben_broady
tao hoogland
Tao is a landscape and travel photographer born in Broome, with a passion for the ocean and Kimberley seaside while thriving to find a different perspective with local knowledge. .
@taostravels
charlotte ruth
Broome based graphic designer and self-taught photographer, Charlotte’s style reflects the vibrant colours of the Kimberley and beyond. Charlotte is a saltwater girl who loves the ocean, palms, and soaking up all of the magic the Kimberley has to offer.
@charbllavita
adam hunter
Kununurra based wildlife photographer specialising in birds. Enjoying life in the Kimberley with fishing, boating, camping and exploring, which are all high on Adam’s list of favourite things to do in this magical part of Australia.
@wildlife_kununurra
grace hamill
From a young age Grace’s parents instilled a deep respect for the land, and the Kimberley captured her heart. Her passion lies in learning from the indigenous peoples of the land and restoring connection between all Australians. She loves exploring this unique and wild part of the country, learning from it and sharing.
@ungracieful
jampal williamson
Photographer from Perth, often visiting the Kimberley. Co-founder of aerial photography company Salty Wings. On a mission to capture beautiful moments, the Australian landscape and everything in between. Enjoys the simple things in life; time spent under the sun, good energy and a whole lot of photography.
@_jampal
melissa connell
Melissa has worked in Kimberley tourism for over 20 years, beginning by working on the tour desk at Broome Eco Adventures in Chinatown at 15 years old. Fast forward the years and Liss has worked in many Kimberley tourism roles, but today is a travel writer and co-owner of Exploring Eden Media (publishing house).
@lifeintheslowlane
ben houston
Ben Houston is a Broome-based commercial and fine art photographer. He’s won several national and international awards and has recently become a master photographer with the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography). He loves shooting the colours, textures, shapes and people of the Kimberley.
@benhoustonphotography