Big rebuild after cyclone is ahead of schedule

It has been a few weeks at Berkeley River Lodge in the Kimberley, after it received a direct hit from tropical cyclone Fina on November 24.

At that moment, the lodge was nearing completion at the end of an extensive three-year refurbishment.

But the team there says the rebuild (of the rebuild, as it were) is ahead of schedule and will now include “a more refined and reimagined experience”.

Berkeley River Lodge will be ready to open on May 1.

BACK & FORWARD

Tropical cyclone Fina, a strong category-three system, hovered over the property, which sits on top of a dune, for almost 12 hours.

It destroyed three of the 20 villas and caused significant damage to two others.

Co-owner Rachel Bromage says: “We felt the full force of that untamed power.

“The majority of villas received superficial damage that can be restored with our planned refurbishment. The central lodge was largely unimpacted, while our staff accommodation was extensively damaged.

“We are very grateful that completed upgrades from the last two off-seasons were not affected, including the pool decking, balcony decking, interior floors and open-air bathroom walls.

“We had electricians, builders and other key contractors onsite within a week of the cyclone. The initial phase of the rebuild focused on restoring essential services and clearing debris across the site.

“Repairs to roofing, decking and other exterior cladding are now well under way, with final interior finishes to be completed shortly. We are only accessible by air, and multiple barges carrying new furniture will arrive over the coming months.”

A NEW CHAPTER

Part of Berkeley River Lodge’s next chapter includes having a maximum of 30 guests at any one time for the 2026 season.

Rachel admits the shift is born out of necessity, but adds: “It will result in a deeper sense of privacy, seclusion and personalised service. It is a new level of intimacy that few places in the world can offer.”

She adds: “The dunes around us will also regenerate and regrow across the remainder of the wet season, painting the wild landscape our guests have come to know and love.”

The list of all-inclusive experiences will grow (as planned) this season.

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Guests get to the lodge on a scenic flight transfer, which will come from Darwin. That’s part of a five-night, all-inclusive package that is $9875 per person, which now includes a new spa treatment, Morning Movement Sessions and a Barefoot Barbecue, as well as all other dining and beverages.

berkeleyriverlodge.com.au