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Built exclusively for the enjoyment of Outback Spirit guests, Ngauwudu Safari Camp is the most luxurious accommodation on the Mitchell Plateau, and within easy reach of all its natural wonders.
Outback Spirit Tours is the sole owner of Ngauwudu Safari Camp. At a cost of $4 million dollars, the camp was built to allow us to include this region into our Kimberley touring products. There is no other development like it in the Kimberley, eclipsing the alternative accommodation on the Mitchell Plateau.
To enjoy a stay at our exclusive camp, choose one of the these expeditions.
15 days Kimberley Wilderness Expedition
The Mitchell Plateau is located in the isolated far north of the Kimberley region. It is accessed by road using the Gibb River Road, followed by the Kalumburu Road and then Port Warrender Road. The closest township is Kununurra, located 630 kilometres away (12 hour drive). The area can also be accessed by air using the airstrip on the Mitchell Plateau, located approximately 7 kms away from the camp.
The Mitchell Plateau is an extraordinary region. It features a stunning Livistona palm forest, the biggest in Australia. It is in fact the original location where all other Livistona palms in Australia are derived from.
One of the main attractions on the Mitchell Plateau is the 3 tiered Mitchell falls in the Mitchell River National Park. However, the walk down to the falls, past ancient Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art, is just as sensational as the falls themselves. Taking the walk from the ranger base, you pass buy Little Mertens Falls, where there is plenty of rock art, and then Big Mertens Falls – a massive canyon where Mertens creek tumbles down into the Mitchell River. Keep walking and just around the corner is the stunning Mitchell Falls themselves, which have to be seen to be believed. You can also take a swim in the Mitchell River at the top of the falls – a welcome opportunity to cool off after the walk. But there’s more! The experience is not complete without taking the scenic helicopter flight from the falls back to the ranger station, which includes several figure 8’s over the falls for a birds’ eye view.
Setting a new benchmark in outback tented accommodation, the Ngauwudu Safari Camp features 14 luxurious ‘Safari Suites’. Similar to what exists in African game parks these structures are a combination of heavy canvas and shade fly built upon a raised timber deck. Each suite features its own quality ensuite bathroom with beautifully tiled showers and modern fittings. The spacious bedrooms feature timber sleigh beds, hotel quality linen and 240V power. Each suite also features a generous size outdoor deck with comfortable outdoor furniture.
Unlike many of these outback accommodation developments, Ngauwudu Safari Camp features an architecturally designed commercial grade restaurant that allows guests to dine inside or outside. A large shade sail over an enormous deck provides a cover from the sun, while the campfire at night allows guests to relax and get to know their fellow travellers, and possibly tell a few yarns.
The Mitchell Plateau is one of the most pristine regions in Australia, with incredibly biodiversity and complex hydrology. It was therefore paramount that this development be as eco-friendly as possible. The waste water system is class leading, with phosphorus removal technology and other innovations resulting in an end product that is not far below drinking water. This end product is irrigated onto a field before it evaporates. Quite simply, it is one of the most advanced treatments systems in the Kimberley.
The camp also features a state of the art hybrid solar system. Over 80% of the camp’s power comes from the system, with minimal generator hours. The battery bank allows for power to be stored and used during the night to power cool rooms and other systems.
After two years of planning, works to build our new up-market safari camp on the Mitchell Plateau began in September 2010. The first challenge of the project was to transport the required machinery, equipment and building supplies to the site before the wet season set in and cut off access roads. As it turned out the wet season of 2010/11 was the biggest in over a decade, which created all kinds of logistical problems. The final 4 loads of building materials were delivered by barge to Port Warrender, 47kms down from the Mitchell Plateau via an old Rio Tinto mining track. The track had deteriorated to such an extent that each return trip took nearly 16 hours.
The camp was built over a period of 4 months with a team of 20 tradesmen and 8 locals from Kandiwal Aboriginal Community.
At a cost of $4 million dollars there is no other development like it in the Kimberley, eclipsing the alternative accommodation on the plateau.
"Accommodation was great - especially our time at Ngauwudu Safari Camp - a real achievement!"
Joan & Barry, NSW
"It was an exceptional tour with all aspects exceptional. The accommodation was first class as was the surroundings."
Lyn & Rowley, VIC
"Our accomodation was first class & very comfortable."
Richard & Faye, VIC
