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Megan Gale took her 2 kids to Western Australia. We got hold of their itinerary.

As far as holiday destinations go, Australia's not a bad spot. We've kind of got it all, you know? 

Apart from the sheer size of place, the fact that you can have a tropical holiday or a ski trip basically year-round is... pretty spesh. And it doesn't take too long to get anywhere. No 24-hour flights or annoying stopovers - just jump on a plan (or in the car) and you can be worlds away like *snaps fingers* that.

If unbelievable scenery and awe-inducing landscapes are up your alley, Western Australia's Kimberley Region is a banger of a spot for families - as model and mum of two Megan Gale recently discovered when she took her partner Shaun Hampson and their kids, nine-year-old River and five-year-old Rosie, for a cheeky getaway. 

"Our visit to the Kimberley was such a magical trip for us as a family," Megan told Mamamia when we caught up with her after the trip. 

"The Kimberley is very family-friendly, and I think it's perfect for families that like to explore the outdoors and be adventurous."

Image: Supplied.
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What to do in the Kimberley.

From taking a guided tour through the Bungle Bungles to visiting Cathedral Gorge, some seriously phenomenal nature is one of the region's major selling points, and there's plenty for outdoorsy types to get involved in - adults and kids alike.

"We chose things to do that would be achievable for the kids but also enjoyable for us," explained Megan.

"I had visited the region before, but Shaun and the kids hadn’t, so it was great to see them experience it for the first time. We adored our stay at El Questro Emma Gorge, and the hike to Emma Gorge with a swim in the crystal-clear water was an absolute highlight for all of us."

If you’re planning a hike with the whole family to Emma Gorge (which is totally doable for little ones, by the way), Megan recommends taking "some hiking sticks for inexperienced hikers in some of the rockier areas - and definitely pack a pair of comfortable and worn-in hiking boots".

Of course, the kids had their own 'best moments'. 

"Rosie adored meeting and riding on her camel, Wangai, during the Red Sun Camels experience on Cable Beach, while River enjoyed the Willie Pearl Lugger Sunset Cruise, particularly getting to know the other people in our group and helping raise the mainsail and steer the boat."

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Video via Mamamia.

The Kimberley is also a great place to learn more about First Nations people and culture, shared Megan, who booked the family in for experiences with local providers Mabu Buru Tours.

"Both Shaun and I were very keen for the kids to be exposed to the cultures and traditions of First Nations peoples, and likewise, they themselves were keen to experience it. They have both learned a lot about Aboriginal culture at school, so for them to experience it firsthand was really amazing. They learned and absorbed so much. 

"Hearing Dreaming stories firsthand, experiences both good and bad, seeing them make traditional foods, and having the honour of witnessing performances incorporating song and dance was not something the kids get to see every day. They came away from it having a deeper respect and understanding for First Peoples and the Kimberley’s rich cultural history."

How to get to the Kimberley.

While it's definitely a remote part of the world (it's not nicknamed 'Australia's last wilderness frontier' for nothing), getting to the Kimberley isn't difficult at all. You can fly direct to Broome - the area's largest city - from Perth, Darwin, Sydney or Brisbane, or into the smaller regional Kununurra or (East Kimberley) airport from Perth or Darwin.

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And once you're there, it's very easy to get around, either making use of local tour groups and buses, or by hiring a car.

"We travelled a little by car, although not for more than 90 minutes at a time as most of the destinations along the track are quite close and central," explained Megan. 

"The kids are generally pretty good at travelling by car as we often do long road trips at home. The breathtaking views that we had on the road were so captivating that it definitely helped the time pass, especially for the kids, who had never seen a landscape quite like that before. 

"We also made sure to take little pit stops along the way to stretch our legs, fuel up on snacks, and take in the many local attractions and sites along the way."

Image: Supplied.

Where to stay in the Kimberley.

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There are stacks of accommodation options in the Kimberley, from rustic 'roughing it' vibes to more boujie offerings. And for Megan, Shaun, Rier and Rosie, it was a mix between the two.

"We had a great variety of accommodation options, but we all loved bunking down in the tented cabins at El Questro Emma Gorge," said Megan. Think glamping energy: "They are fitted out with every comfort you need but still give you a great sense of being amongst nature and camping outdoors," she explained. 

"And with over 700,000 acres to yourself on the property, we barely scratched the surface."

What to pack for the Kimberley.

Given that outdoor adventure is the big draw card for this part of the world, be sure to pack for time spent in nature. We're talking comfortable hiking or walking shoes, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, "and lots of light layers as well as it can get very warm during the day but cooler in the mornings and evenings", Megan suggested. 

"Also pack a swimsuit as there are beautiful natural swimming holes, waterfalls, and thermal springs to take a dip in, which is an experience within itself."

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Ultimately, Megan's top piece of advice for a family trip to the Kimberley is simply to... soak it all in.

"Use a visit as an opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural surrounds and learn more about the stunning location, which is easy when you have such well-informed and educated guides on hand. 

"We were barely on our devices - really just to capture our adventures - so it was a great opportunity for a digital detox, which enabled us to really connect as a family, too."

Image: Supplied.

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