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 KOOLJAMAN at Cape Leveque, Dampier Peninsula, WA
Tented and Cabin Accommodation 
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A wilderness camp away from the madding crowd and a great spot to swim, snorkel, fish - or just relax!  Kooljaman offers accommodation in permanent safari tents or safari style cabins - simple, comfortable accommodation in a beautiful and remote location.   The camp is 220kms north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, and reached either by air from Broome or by 4WD on a fairly rugged road.  Pristine is a much over used word but it does truly apply to  Cape Leveque.
  
How Kooljaman began ...
Kooljaman is the Bardi Aboriginal name for Cape Leveque.  In 1986 the government run lighthouse was automated and the land was purchased by the Aboriginal Development Commission for the benefit of Aboriginal people.  The Bardi people then chose to develop the area into a tourist complex, linking up traditional ways with the fast encroaching 21st century.
The emphasis has been to develop a low key, low impact project that can be controlled by local people and of a size and extent that minimises the impact on the environment.  A place where Aboriginal people can link in with the operation of a tourism venture, where visitors are able to experience the beauty of the local area and participate in the unique experiences and activities available.
The communities of Djarindjin and One Arm Point own Kooljaman.  The future aim is for the complex to be wholly Aboriginal run and provide employment opportunities for community members.  Currently the complex is managed by non-Aboriginal staff, under the guidance of a board of directors.
Aboriginal people may have come to this area between 5000-7000 years ago.  The local inhabitants, the Bardi, are people of the sea.  Turtle, dugong and fish make up a large part of their diet.

 

Getting to Kooljaman ...
Kooljaman is located 220kms north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula. Access is either by air or by 4WD.  The drive from Broome takes approximately 3 hours, on a fairly rough road.   International visitors, on a time budget, normally fly.   Flights by small plane operate April - early November (Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun).

  

The Accommodation at Kooljaman ...
Kooljaman has developed accommodation and activities to suit a range of budgets.  Safari style canvas tents are erected on Jarrah decking and offer magnificent views of the bay.   Additionally there are paperbark and bush pole cabins.  (Note, that there is also some camping at Kooljaman, mainly used by Australian families).
  
Safari Tents

A superior grade of accommodation, they are fully furnished and have a balcony with outdoor furniture, BBQ, fan for cooling, cooking utensils, plates, cups etc and a fridge.  All have private en suite with hot water and panoramic ocean views. Various bedding configurations are available with the capacity for up to 4 people in some tents. All linen is provided, but bring a beach towel.  Dining is only a short walk down the hill to Dinkas Cafe.  Alternatively you can cook on your own BBQ or have meals delivered by the 'Bush Butler' service.  Each safari tent is positioned to provide privacy.
 

Dinkas Restaurant at Kooljaman ...
Operates April - mid October providing takeaway style lunches such as salad rolls, hamburger and fish and chips. Counter style dining (ie pub bar style) is available of an evening and includes meals such as steak, fish and lasagne. Takeaway fish and chips are also available in the evening.   BBQ meals can also be provided to guest accommodation.  Breakfast is not catered for at the restaurant facility, but for guests staying in bedded accommodation, continental or full breakfasts can be provided.
During the low season the restaurant is closed.  Meals can be provided during this time (self cater) as long as prior notice is given.  Please note that food items available can be limited due to road closures and limited stock held.

 

Other Facilities at Kooljaman ...
There is a small store, which has basic items available, such as barbecue packs, frozen bread, UHT milk, ice, bait and some canned goods.  No fresh produce is available for sale.  
Fuel cards are usually available from the Kooljaman office.  These can be used to access fuel (24hrs) from the pumps located at One Arm Point and Djarindjin Communities.
Alcohol is not available for sale but you are more than welcome to bring your own with you.

 

Activities at Kooljaman ...
Tours:  There is a pool of local Aboriginal people who offer different tour options on varying days. These are not structured.
Boat Tours (Sunday Island Boat Charter):  A full day charter that includes fishing, swimming, reef walking, exploring the old mission ruins and experiencing the area with of the local aboriginal people. The itinerary varies daily dependent on the tidal movements.
Dingy Hire:  It is possible to hire a dinghy and fish the waters around Cape Leveque. The dinghies are 4.3metres with a 25hp outboard motor, licensed to carry 4 passengers.  The hirer must be 18 or over and have a driving license.
Whales:  Mid July - October there is plenty of whale activity just off shore with the humpback whales making a southward journey, having recently calved approximately 200kms north of Cape Leveque. It is not necessary to take a boat to view this activity, with or without binoculars it is a worthy spectacle.
Swimming:  People swim all year round and to date there have not been any problems with crocodiles or stingers in and around the swimming beach of Kooljaman.   The beaches are white sand and clear water with negligible surf.
Equipment Hire:  Snorkeling and fishing equipment are available for hire.
Fishing:  The best fishing months are May - October.
Scenic Flights: Are available most days over the Buccaneer Archipelago.

 

2 Night/3 Day and 3Night/4Day Packages to Kooljaman
You have a choice of 2 nights or 3 nights in a Safari Tent at Kooljaman.  For a 3 night stay you can opt to travel both ways from Broome to Kooljaman by 4WD, or you can fly in one direction, but for a 2 night stay we recommend that you fly in one direction to give yourself time to enjoy Kooljaman.  Flights are a direct 60 minute transfer between Broome and Cape Leveque.
The 4WD journey visits Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community en route to Cape Leveque and Lombadina Aboriginal Community on the return trip

Included
~  Return  transfers from Broome
~  2 or 3 nights at Kooljaman in Safari Tent en suite accommodation on a room only basis (no meals)
 

  
  
PRICES: KOOLJAMAN at Cape Leveque

Truly
Ref

Packages to Kooljaman per person   1 April '08 - 30 November '08
Twin Share Single
2 night Safari Tent Package per person 4WD/fly  A$790 Request 429
3 night Safari Tent Package per person 4WD A$868 Request 426
3 night Safari Tent Package per person 4WD/fly  A$945 Request 430
To check approximate prices in other key currencies, see our Currency Converter
Child Policy:  As per adult rates
^^ Safari tents are not available 1 December - 31 March
*   Safari Tents can accommodate up to 4 sharing
Packages not available 1 December - 31 March 
  
For other accommodation options - click City Hotels/Broome & Kununurra or City Hotels/Perth
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Bookings made with Truly Australia are covered by our ABTA Bond - this financial protection does NOT apply to bookings made direct with the local operator or hotel.   You are completely free to arrange your own flights to Australia - or, if you are departing from the UK, we can quote separately by Email for competitive flight prices, including in business class.
  
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