By Scott Connell, with ‘Dad’ Bruce Connell, Director of the Kimberley Cruise Centre
“Undoubtedly, the man that’s had the biggest impact on my life and career is my dad, Bruce Connell. Dad’s leadership in our family and our community, both in tourism and further afield, is 10 out of 10. Dad’s visions for our own businesses and for other peoples’ in the cruise, 4×4 and expedition-based tourism sector are the best, most sustainable and community engaging visions for our region.
Most importantly with dad, we have fun and always have. No other kid around me had a dad so committed to getting their kids out and about in nature, whether it be surfing or exploring.” – Scotty Connell
Dad’s top 5 icons of the Kimberley
“What a blessing to be able to explore one of the last remote wilderness areas of the world. First, to begin exploring from Broome to the World Heritage-listed Purnululu 25 years ago, then to be introduced to the coastline and some of its hidden secrets, and then the vast interior. Over 25 years now, and our family is still discovering new and amazing spots. And that’s the best part – our family has been able to share in, and continue the adventure, and we’ve been able to give others a taste of the place we call home”. Bruce Connell
1. BUNGLE BUNGLES (PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK)
Dad (Bruce) says: “The Bungles is massive! From the Northern gorges to the southern beehive domes there is such a contrast. My favourite time is in the afternoon and evening – a different light show every afternoon, followed by amazing heavens with no light pollution”.
2. KING GEORGE RIVER
Dad says: “80m high coloured cliffs fringing a river system. And in the wet season the twin falls are like very few on earth. You can access the falls via liveaboard cruise vessel. Check out our website, which has all of the boats listed. Terri (wife) and I have been fortunate to cruise the King George a few times in our 20+ years of owning our cruise centre”.
3. MITCHELL FALLS
Dad says: “An artist or photographer’s dream. Beautiful coloured sandstone with the 4 tiered falls. Mid dry season, the calytrix shrubs add a nice splash of colour too. What a great place to soak for a few days”.
4. TUNNEL CREEK
Dad says: “A true natural wonder. Walking 750 metres through a mountain range, sometimes through the water is unique. Even on a very hot day the Tunnel is so cool and inviting. A powerful torch makes a huge difference on the walk”.
5. FISHING THE KIMBERLEY COAST
Dad says: “We don’t do much fishing on the cruises. Mostly, we are catching! Barra, Mangrove Jack, or a nice threadfin are ready and waiting in the various rivers and tributaries of the Kimberley coast”.
