Feature by Jarrad Seng
Jarrad Seng is a Perth-based photographer with a thirst for adventure. He has toured with rock stars, dangled from cliffs in Iceland and explored the savannahs of Tanzania in search of the perfect shot. He's even competed on Australian Survivor. He recently spent a week in the Kimberley, around Kununurra, with his friend Tess and his camera, going off the beaten path to discover inspirational places and moments. So how does the wilderness of Western Australia compare to the best of what the world has to offer.
Lake Argyle Resort by Jarrad Seng
What were the highlights from your recent Kimberley adventure?
Exploring the Bungle Bungle Range will never not take my breath away. Waking up to see the sunrise, helicoptering over El Questro Wilderness Park, the incredible landscapes, landing at the top of the epic Miri Miri Falls, soaking in the hot Zebedee Springs, hiking Emma Gorge… and all that in the one day.
How would you describe the Kimberley to someone who hasn't visited before?
It's rugged and it's wild. Untouched. But it's bursting with colour. The views are breathtaking. Towering palm trees amongst the red rocks at the Bungle Bungle Range – it's outback desert meets tropical oasis. It's incredible that nature of this magnitude is right here in WA.
Echidna Chasm by Jarrad Seng
What was something unexpected from your trip?
(Laughs) Well, I definitely didn't expect to have a "Kimberley shower"!
Oh dear, what's that?
It's being fully engulfed under the King George Falls… on our Faraway Bay cruise. As in, the skipper edged the boat directly underneath the waterfall. We were told we'd be immersed in nature on the trip but we didn't think it meant literally!
Emma Gorge by Jarrad Seng
The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is one of the world's most fascinating geological landmarks. How would you describe your experience?
Humbling is the word for it. The enormity of it all, being down amongst these prehistoric landscapes. Experiencing the Bungle Bungle Range is like visiting a land before time. The smell of the spinifex, the echoes at Cathedral Gorge, and the red and green hues of the Kimberley. It's a spiritual experience.
You visited Faraway Bay on the Kimberley Coast, one of the world's most isolated wilderness retreats. Is it worth the journey?
You have to venture a little further to get there, it's certainly called Faraway Bay for a reason. But the further you go, the more special an adventure becomes. You get to experience untouched nature in total seclusion. We'd discover hidden billabongs, or ancient rock art. And then the twin waterfalls over the red cliffs at King George Falls. So worth the journey.
Faraway Bay by Jarrad Seng
You're a photographer… can you tell us your favourite place to photograph in the Kimberley region, near Kununurra?
So there's this place in the Bungle Bungle Range called Echidna Chasm. It's this long, narrow chasm that's basically a photographer's dream. The deep red and orange hues that emerge as light bounces off rugged cliff walls are my favourite colour in nature. The gorge twists and turns as you explore it, so as you move through it, the light and shadows within are constantly changing and revealing new angles and perspectives. I could spend an entire day in there. In fact, next time I probably will!
The Kimberley night skies offer some of the most clear and sparkling night skies in the world. Do you have any tips or recommendations for budding astrophotographers?
All I can say is… prepare to stay longer than you expect! Because the night skies are so clear we just kept staying for one more shot… then another… then another. Next thing we knew we'd missed our dinner plans. If you're travelling with non-photographers, maybe warn them in advance!
Waterfalls, Faraway Bay by Jarrad Seng
Do you have any final tips for people heading to the Kimberley region for the first time?
Time works differently out here. Don't try to cram in an itinerary, leave days to soak in the environment and keep it flexible. You'll discover multiple places you'll want to stay for ages. Leave in time to breathe.
The local guides have so much knowledge so book in experiences with them. And talk to the travellers you meet along the way – they might tip you off about that out-of-the-way gorge where you take the best shot of the trip.
And make sure to experience the Kimberley from the air at least once. It's a whole new perspective.
Can you describe your Kimberley adventure in three words?
Vast. Ancient. Spectacular.
Bungle Bungle Range, Punululu National Park by Jarrad Seng
Published July 2021.