Conjure up an image of the Kimberley region and you’ll probably envision ochre dust, hard terrain and commanding rocky cliffs. However, it’s not all rough and tough out there. Adventurers who want to keep their outback holiday ultra luxe should perhaps consider staying at El Questro Homestead and signing up for the daytrip diamond mine flight tour run by Slingair. Aside from taking in the awe-inspiring huge rocks of the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park and its striking Bungle Bungle Ranges from the air, you can also snap up your own huge shiny rock, or many rocks. We’re talking about diamonds, of course, the most beautiful ‘rocks’ of all.
Departing from swish El Questro Homestead (yes, this outback resort has its own airstrip), the Slingair flight delivers you straight to the Argyle Diamond Mine, which is renowned for being the world’s largest diamond mine. This place unearths a staggering 34 million carats of diamonds per year (that’s more than a third of the world’s total). It has every imaginable shade of sparklers - from white and champagne diamonds through to yellow, orange and blue ones. In fact, this mine is even home to rare (and extremely pricey) pink diamonds, which are unique to the rugged Kimberley region and sought after for their rosy lustre.
Upon arrival at the mine, you will be escorted on a ground tour of the operational site and given a peak into daily mining work. Afterwards, lunch will be served, offering an opportunity to refuel and relax. Before departing, you will also be given the chance to liaise with some of the expert jewellers at the mine and select a few diamonds, pick out an engagement ring sparkler or help design the style of your own handcrafted earrings, bracelet or brooch. These experts can teach the difference between a princess cut and a marquise shape, providing educational insight into all different diamond styles and the history behind each sculpted form.
The return flight back to El Questro will be a scenic one. Press your face against the glass and peer down as you journey over the dramatic and rugged countryside. Soar above Lake Argyle and take in the huge, beehive-shaped rock formations of the Bungle Bungle area located within the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park. These unique sandstone beauties are estimated to date back into ancient times and have been sculpted by more than 20 million years of weathering. Together these craggy formations make up one of the Australian outback’s commanding natural wonders. The raw splendour of the unique Bungle Bungle scenery is awe-inspiring, and the priceless beauty of the rocky landscape will be a great contrast to the pricey diamonds that will probably stowed away in your daytrip bag.
Finally, your plane will land back on the airstrip at El Questro Homestead. You can then kick off your shoes and unwind after your hard day of diamond-hunting and aerial sightseeing. Aside from being an exclusive retreat, El Questro is also a working cattle farm. The property is positioned on the eastern perimeter of the Kimberley region and cantilevers over the magnificent Chamberlain River. El Questro specifically caters to ‘discerning guests’: those who fancy holiday luxuries, but also want to explore the rugged Kimberley landscape and its earthy outback charm.
Details:
Bookings are essential. For further information, visit www.elquestro.com.au or www.slingair.com.au
Did you know helicopter flights are available all around Australia? So there are plenty of opportunities to experience the thrill of the wide blue yonder.
