Meet the Characters of the Kimberley

Brian Lee

While Western Australia's Kimberley region is renowned for its sweeping landscapes and spectacular coastline, it's the characters you meet in this untamed wilderness that provide you with a memorable travel experience. Building on the success of last year's campaign, Australia's North West Tourism has unearthed another four Kimberley characters each with their own special passion for the outback and the natural attractions they live and work amongst.

Videos of each character will showcase their strong connection with the region and their spectacular surrounds. Viewers are given a chance to win a trip for two to spend seven days with one of these unique Kimberley ambassadors. http://competition.australiasnorthwest.com

"Whether they were born and bred in the Kimberley or set foot on a wide expanse of beach and decided never to leave, these people bring life to the landscapes they live in," said Glen Chidlow, CEO, Australia's North West Tourism.

"They love to share their exceptional local knowledge and larrikin humour with travellers eager to soak up this unique part of Australia," he said.

Meet the 2013 Characters of the Kimberley:

Charlie Sharpe - Lake Argyle Pioneer

Charlie spent his childhood seeking big adventures on and around the big waters of the lake with his brother and their surfcats. Even after his adventures in building extreme white-knuckle rides took him to Europe, China, Africa and the US, Charlie still gets his biggest thrills just taking in the view across Australia's largest man-made lake. On a full moon, Charlie loves getting out on the water and soaking up the calm and chaos of nature. And when he's not busy redeveloping the Lake Argyle Resort to complement the landscape he loves, you might find him out there on the islands, beaches and southern wetlands with his family and resort guests - fishing, swimming, diving, water skiing or just sharing a quiet moment with the brolgas, ducks, pelicans, jabirus, crocodiles, wild horses and wallabies.

Brian Lee - Indigenous tour guide and spear fishing legend of Kooljaman

When Brian first came out to the birthplace of his grandparents and parents at Cape Leveque, he was in complete awe of his Country - one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth. Here, in the sand hills, he stands on a time capsule containing thousands of years of his ancestors' history and proudly shares the stories and experiences his people once shared with him. Brian treasures every moment in his Country, especially when he's out on the reef with a tinny full of local Djarindjin kids, or fishing the crystal-clear waters of Hunter's Creek (named after his great grandfather). With fishing spear or mud crabbing hook in hand, he'll demonstrate how an old hand makes the perfect catch. He'll happily share his secrets with anyone who cares to join him on a Kooljaman tagalong tour to his favourite spots on pristine Cape Leveque.

Ebony Muirson - Kimberley Coast Adventurer and nature lover

As an eight-year-old from Busselton, Ebony was charmed by the Kimberley's wild side on her first bumpy ride through Kununurra's cattle station country 21 years ago. For Ebony, living with the Kimberley's incredible diversity has brought adventure in spades. Fishing in creeks beneath trees filled with orchids. Cruising the spectacular Kimberley coastline. Camping beside thundering waterfalls. Getting engaged on the summit of Steep Head Island in the Admiralty Gulf. It's these simple pleasures of living with nature that Ebony loves to share with visitors to Kimberley Coastal Camp. Chasing
Barra. Sharing a moment with Foxy and Harrison the dingoes, Olivia the olive python who hangs out in the kitchen, and the friendly sleepy sharks in the bay. Or taking a bush walk to view ancient Gyorn Gyorn paintings. Ask nicely and she might play a request on her ukulele beside the campfire, while hula-hooping.

Daryl Roberson - Broome's Cable Beach is his office

Many say Daryl has the best job in the Kimberley, spending the day under a brolly at the Cable Beach Hut, and this Brisbane boy would have to agree. When Daryl walked over Broome's sand dunes and first laid eyes on Cable Beach, where the desert meets the sea, he knew he was in paradise. That was back in 1991 and he still gets a thrill when he walks over that dune to work every morning - always taking a moment to drink in the contrasts of red earth, pure white sand and vivid turquoise water. He takes as much pleasure in the rhythms of beach life as he did on his first visit, marvelling at pods of dolphins chasing mullet, watching the rays cruise the shallows or spotting sea eagles and kites. Whether you're a millionaire mogul or a regular working guy, Daryl's the bloke who'll get you set for the perfect day on the beach.

"The winner will experience an insider's guide into what makes this region of the North West so popular with travellers wanting the quintessential Australian adventure," said Mr Chidlow.

Entries open online http://competition.australiasnorthwest.com on 1 May 2013 and closes on 10 June 2013.