Characters to show passion for outback

Four ambassadors to the Kimberley have been chosen as the faces of a national internet campaign aimed at promoting the region’s diversity to travellers, tourists and adventurers.

Australia’s North West Tourism is behind the push that will use unique characters showcasing their individual passion for the outback and the natural attractions they live and work among.

People will be asked to register their details through advertisements on the web and choose which experience they would like to undertake most — Lake Argyle pioneer Charlie “Sharpie” Sharp, Cape Leveque spear fishing legend Brian Lee, Kimberley Coastal Camp adventurer Ebony Muirson or Cable Beach Hut hire business owner Daryl Roberson.

“They can choose which trip they would like to experience and be in with a chance of meeting the character involved and enjoy their particular activity in the Kimberley,” Australia’s North West Tourism chief executive Glen Chidlow said.

“There are four different characters so each of those represents a different experience to be had in the Kimberley.

“It is really showing people there is a truckload of things to do here in the Kimberley, with a vast array of different experiences and how the characters in the region live and breathe and absorb the landscape itself.

“It is not just a normal nine-to-five job for these people — they really embrace the area where they live.”

Mr Chidlow said the campaign would start on May 1.

Advertisements will appear on websites and illustrations of each of the four characters will be hosted on YouTube, underscoring their strong connection to the region and spectacular surrounds.

Viewers will be given a chance to win a trip for two to spend seven days with one of the representatives.

“When people see the ads appearing around the place they can click on that and be directed to the site where they can enter the competition and find out more about these characters and about the Kimberley itself,” Mr Chidlow said.

“We have picked people who represent different geographical areas of the Kimberley and different holiday experiences to show the diversity of what is available.”

EBONY MUIRSON - Ebony takes a walk on the wild side.

As an eight-year-old from Busselton, I was charmed by the Kimberley’s wild side on my first bumpy ride through Kununurra’s cattle station country 21 years ago.

For me, 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 I love 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.

Kimberley Coastal Camp adventurer and Kimberley ambassador Ebony Muirson.

DARYL ROBERSON - Life is a beach at office.

Many say Daryl has the best job in the Kimberley, spending the day under a brolly at his hire business the Cable Beach Hut — and this Brisbane boy would have to agree.

When Daryl first walked over Broome’s sand dunes and 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, white sand and 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 or a regular working person, Daryl’s the bloke who’ll get you set for the perfect day on the beach.

CHARLIE “SHARPEY” SHARP - Magical time at lovely lake.

A Lake Argyle pioneer, Sharpey 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, Sharpey still gets his biggest thrills just taking in the view across Australia’s largest man-made lake.

On a full moon, Sharpey loves getting out on the water and soaking up the calm and chaos of nature.

And when he’s not busy redeveloping Lake Argyle Resort to complement the landscape, you might find him out there on the islands, beaches and wetlands.

BRIAN LEE - In awe of his country.

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.