As a writer, photographer and wanderer, it’s no surprise that I love books. So, travel guides with their mix of words, images and a call to visit appeal and the selections from Exploring Eden Media aways seem to strike the right note.
This latest second edition of 100 Things to see in The Kimberley describes the vast Kimberley region for visitors keen on finding the best experiences.
Because, for most Australians, the Kimberley is a long way and it’s bigger than you might imagine. Twice as big as Victoria in fact. Even for those living south in Perth, it’s a three-day drive.
Local tour guide, Scotty Connell, grew up there and he knows as much as anyone about this northwest corner of Western Australia. His first edition of this guide to the region sold more than 10,000 copies through the lockdowns and lockouts of COVID when everyone dreamed of travel. Now we are all mobile again, Connell and indie book publisher Exploring Eden Media have completely updated his travel guide, 100 Things to See In The Kimberley. At 228 pages, this edition is bigger, delves deeper into the Indigenous culture of the Kimberley and takes readers further off the general tourist trail.
Connell says of this second edition of his book: "I've always known the Kimberley is the best part of Australia, and it's so awesome that so many people want to come and check it out. I've poured my soul and nearly everything I know into this book, and you'll find some genuine gems if you explore my backyard with it."
As the forward to the book points out you could wander around to your own devices and hope to find some gems or you could “use the knowledge of someone who has lived and breathed the place and knows the land and its secrets by heart.” Having read through the guide I’m pretty sure following Scotty’s advice will be the better option.
Chapters include Broome and the Dampier Peninsula, Derby and the Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau, Kununurra, the Great North Highway and the Kimberley Coast. Most locations get a couple of pages and are illustrated with alluring photos and most have well-illustrated maps.
100 Things To See In The Kimberley: Second Edition is published in A5 format, so it's small enough to fit in a backpack or a glovebox rather than left on a coffee table. Expanding from 180 pages, there's more detailed information, more secret spots, and more advice for travellers, whether they're coming by plane, car, 4WD, with their caravan or even with a dog. There's everything visitors need to know to explore like a local.
100 Things To See In The Kimberley: Second Edition is on sale for $29.95 at all good bookstores or Exploring Eden Media. Every copy sold plants a tree.