Clients can join celebrity chef John Torode on a holiday with APT in the Kimberley region of Western Australia next year.
As an ambassador for the touring specialist, the Masterchef UK presenter is promoting holidays in the region and will have a week-long residency at APT’s Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge.
He said: “Australia is my home; it’s where I was born and I am very proud of that.
“The Kimberley is relatively unknown – a huge chunk of Australia that not even many Australians are aware of.
“I would like the unknown, undiscovered by the everyday traveller, opened up to the whole world, so when people come back from this remarkable island there are stories of not just opera houses, but of wildlife – dolphins and dugongs, turtles and sharks – and of seeing stars without any light pollution.
“And cruising to remote coastal areas to see ancient indigenous rock art dating back 20,000 years.”
He explored the region earlier this year, visiting places such as Emma Gorge, Montgomery Reef and Mitchell Falls – and travelling by 4×4 and helicopter.
“Emma Gorge was incredible. I had the chance to swim under a waterfall, all alone in the middle of the bush,” he said.
“The spectacle of Montgomery Reef is one to behold…turtles in abundance, swimming and popping their heads up to say hello.”
He also saw Aboriginal rock art and learned about the indigenous legends of the Wandjina.
During his week-long residency at APT’s Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, guests will learn about and experience local, seasonal food such as barramundi fish and Australian bread called damper.
“The Bungles are spectacular and when the sun sets, the rocks change colour and the sky is illuminated by thousands of stars – just amazing,” he said.
“There will be plenty to talk about after a day at the Bungle Bungles and a night of star gazing.”
If clients are unsure about booking, Torode advised agents: “My father always told me to be adventurous and do something different.
“His classic line was ‘do something once a year that you cannot afford’.
“Australia is a decent distance, but I love the plane ride. I sit back, read a book and turn off the phone.
“If people are visiting friends and relatives, recommend a stopover on the way home in Broome.
“Discovery holidays no longer mean just backpackers and roughing it in shaky vans with your fingers crossed exploring.
“It’s now an opportunity to see the world in any way you like, on any budget and as quickly or slowly as life takes you.
‘[The Kimberley] could be luxury lodges in the middle of the Australian bush or infinity pools overlooking Lake Argyle.
“It could be camping, glamping or even five-star luxury at El Questro.”
Clients can join him with a 13-day Essence of the Kimberley 4WD Wilderness Adventure.
Prices start from £4,595 per person on a twin-share basis, including flights departing April 28, 2020.
Picture credit: APT
More: Masterchef’s John Torode to promote Kimberley region for APT