Celebrity chef John Torode has been named APT’s ambassador in the Kimberley.
The MasterChef star kicked off the two-year partnership with a trip to the tropical region in northern Western Australia earlier this year.
With APT, the Australian celebrity chef and TV critic experienced an expedition cruise for the first time, took in natural phenomena such as Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Waterfalls and headed on a land tour in locations such as the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu Park and El Questro.
Torode said: “The Kimberley was a region I was aware of but even as an Aussie I hadn’t considered it as a holiday destination.
“Coming onboard as APT’s ambassador and visiting for the first time this year – it blew me away.
“The local culture – especially the people who are so welcoming – and unique local produce with ingredients like gubinge, not only used in cooking but also a natural medicine, were incredible.”
Paul Melinis, APT’s UK & Europe managing director, said: “To UK travellers the Kimberley is relatively unknown and we’re working with John and Tourism Western Australia to let holidaymakers know about Australia’s final frontier, a not-so-hidden gem which offers adventure, whether you’re travelling by land or by sea. Guests will have the chance to see nature at its finest in this captivating landscape.”
Elen Thomas, Tourism Western Australia UK market manager, added: “The region has so much to offer, from pearling history and dinosaur footprints to incredible whale watching and some of the oldest rock art in the world.
“Aviation developments are making it easier than ever to reach, whether that’s connecting with the direct flight from London to reach Broome on the Qantas Explorer Pass, the newly launched Virgin flights from Melbourne to Kununurra or Air trials for a direct Singapore to Broome flight.
“We know travellers are increasingly looking for authentic, off-the-beaten track travel experiences and the Kimberley delivers this in spades. With John Torode sharing his experiences, this is a great opportunity to showcase what Western Australia has to offer.”
APT will be unveiling a dedicated brochure for the Kimberley, launching on 30 August.
River cruise and guided touring expert APT is a family-owned and operated travel company with over 90 years of travel experience.