Kooljaman
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is a remote wilderness camp owned and run by the Indigenous Bardi Jawi Communities. Situated on native title land, the locals invite you to share the astonishing diversity, pristine wilderness and unique landscape that celebrate this award-winning place.
The project:
In November 2005, the management board approved the implementation of the DigitalRez RezExpert booking and property management system to support the growth of the Kooljaman wilderness camp for the benefit of the local indigenous communities of Ardyaloon and Djarindjin.
In the following years, our technology partnership with Kooljaman at Cape Leveque has continued to develop the wilderness camp to grow the products available to tourists.
The resulting growth in tourist numbers to Cape Leveque has enabled the communities to prosper through increased training and employment opportunities, in addition, the communities have been empowered to manage their lands and share their culture as outlined in presentation below.
The resort is currently temporarily closed whilst completing an extensive renovation.
A Sense of Country & Community
Bardi people have shared their land for hundreds of years with white explorers and traders who ventured to the Kimberley in search of food and land. The history of the indigenous people here goes back some 40,000 years when the sacred song lines and places of the dreaming and connection to country were the constant in tribal lore.
In today's culture aboriginal people want to be respected as the custodians of this country, whilst welcoming people from diverse global cultures who genuinely have a desire to understand the land and its peoples.
As environmental protectors, how the land is used both Safari-nomically and as place to call home are the guidelines and values of our communities which is reflected at Kooljaman.
Owned by the communities of Ardyaloon (one arm point) and Djarindjin, staying at Kooljaman supports our families to thrive whilst retaining our cultural belonging and sense of community.
We are able to share our knowledge and stories with our guests by inviting you to take an aboriginal guided tour with Brian Lee or Bundy, or experience a sense of peace and oneness in our country while sitting quietly at our beautiful beaches.
We have a spiritual connection to our country. The country is part of who we are through songs, dance and stories. It is our responsibility to care for country to make sure we don’t lose our culture and dreaming, the very essence that makes us who we are.
Cultural Experiences Shared at Kooljaman
Bardi Jawi Ranger Talk
An interactive cultural experience. Come and enjoy the one-hour Bardi Jawi Ranger talks and learning about the Bardi Jawi history, languages, culture, heritage, ranger duties and looking after country.
Bush Tucker Tour
Join Bundy on a guided walk around Kooljaman. Sample the abundance of seasonal fruit and enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you learn about the seasons, bush medicines and local bush tucker.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/7qbdeJjeMIU
About Brian
Join one of the Kimberley’s most colourful characters on an amazing adventure based around the turquoise waters of Hunters Creek.
Let Brian share his country and unique Aboriginal perspective with you. Take in the breathtaking scenery and meet some of the Peninsula’s fascinating locals.
Brian offers visitors a unique insight into the traditional ways of the Bardi people and delivers a Kimberley experience that you will never forget.
Rosanna's Cultural Talks
Rosanna will share images from the past, explain the local history of the area and give you great insights into how people have lived over time.
Her personal connection with so many of the events and people is evident as she shares with you stories of Ardyaloon, Djarindjin and Kooljaman local history. Rosanna currently serves as the chairperson of Kooljaman.
Night Fishing Tour
On Bundy's night fishing tour, you will experience the marine life at night. More species can be seen at night and different corals will amaze you with their beautiful colours and splashes of light.
Fish for bluebone, coral trout, mangrove jack, rock cod, blue line emporer and calamari to name a few. Bundy will bring along the spears for you to try traditional fishing methods.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/NLUwASxmkAw
Brian Lee Tagalong Tour
Follow Brian down to the banks of Hunter’s Creek. Along the way learn some of the fascinating history of the region and hear some of the stories of the colourful characters who started white settlement on the Peninsula.
Taste seasonal bush fruit and hear the ancient stories of a people who once walked this timeless landscape.
Down at the creek the fun really starts. Learn traditional fishing and crabbing methods. The tour concludes under a shady tree, where you cook up your catch - Bardi style - on an open fire.
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