Corporates discover exclusive wilderness retreat

The multi-award-winning coastal camp perched on the far north coast of Western Australia is being touted as an ideal choice for incentive, executive and pre-/post-conference retreats, with proprietor Bruce Ellison describing Faraway Bay – The Bush Camp – as “a place where time appears to stand still, and when it does move, it’s measured in tides and sunsets – ideal for clarity!

“Our business clients especially appreciate the personal attention they receive and being away from phones, TV, radio and computers.”

“We are now finding incentive and professional groups are increasingly seeing the value of the remote hideaway’s tranquil yet interactive environment for team-building and recharging.”

Easier air access directly into Faraway Bay – both from within Australia and out of Singapore and Japan via Darwin – has also made the retreat a more viable option for these market segments.

Occupying 28 hectares of far north Kimberley coastline and overlooking the Timor Sea, Faraway Bay is accessible only by plane, with the 70-minute flight from Kununurra taking in magnificent scenery, including the Berkley River Gorge, the King George Falls, and spotting for turtles, manta rays and crocodiles, before landing at the private airstrip. From here, guests transfer a few kilometres to the camp by four-wheel drive.

There are daily links to Kununurra from Darwin, Broome or Perth, and charter flights can also be arranged direct to Faraway Bay from Broome or Darwin

Ctering for small groups of up to 14 people, Faraway Bay can tailor incentive, pre-/post-conference, workshop and team-building packages to include a mix of intellectual pursuits and/or adventure activities.

“A popular format for groups includes a meeting or facilitated activity in the morning, with the afternoon spent team-building by exploring the area or taking part in adrenaline pursuits such as abseiling,” said Robyn Ellison.

Excursions include boating, fishing, photography, swimming in freshwater pools and bush walking in search of ancient rock art.

The wilderness retreat was set up by Bruce and Robyn Ellison nine years ago based on sound environmental management practices, attention to detail and a commitment to fulfilling guests’ individual needs.

Accommodation is in comfortable twin-share or king-size bush cabins furnished in style, most with en-suites. Along with the spring-water swimming pool, the cabins enjoy uninterrupted 180 degree views of the bay.

Guests dine together at Eagle Lodge – a bush-style pole and iron structure with stone floors and no walls to shut out the ocean vista from its perch on a headland overlooking the ocean.

Eagle Lodge is an open-air homestead ideally suited to the climate here,” said Bruce Ellison. “It’s the heart of the retreat, where guests mingle, dine, chat, relax and plan for the next day.”

Faraway Bay is open from April to October. The temperature for the whole season averages 30C with clear skies and cooler evenings.

For more information on Faraway Bay, visit www.farawaybay.com.au or contact:

Sarah Strutt or Robyn Ellison, Faraway Bay – The Bush Camp, (08) 9169 1214

Email: [email protected]

Report by The Mole