2024 Kimberley tour season - Fitzroy River Bridge finished and Gibb River Road open!

As we look forward to the 2024 Kimberley tour season it is well-worth reflecting on the once-in-100-year flood event that occurred this time last year.

The magic of the Kimberley is the remoteness, the unpredictability, and its remarkable ancient beauty; there is a reason why making it across the Gibb River Road is considered a great achievement!  It is well-worth the challenge; it is adventurous, rewarding and like no-where else in the world.  It is considered a bucket list item to be ticked off by any budding traveller. 

If you travel with Kimberley Off-Road, many of the worries are taken away as we have experienced guides with excellent knowledge of the region, and guide you safely to swimming holes, lookouts, rock art sites and hidden gems.   

Manning gorge swimming hole, Kimberley, WA

Brancos lookout in the Kimberley, WA

In December 2022 and January 2023 ex-tropical cyclone Ellie generated unprecedented flooding throughout the west Kimberley region in Western Australia, displacing residents, damaging roads and blocking the major artery road linking northern WA with the Northern Territory.  This caused huge disruption to locals, businesses, tourism and supply chains. 

With the Kimberley’s Gibb River Road only accessible in the dry season (April to September) the Fitzroy River Bridge on the Great Northern Highway is a key piece of infrastructure allowing vehicles to pass from WA to the NT in the wet season (October to March).  The 100-year flood event saw the river peak at a record height, close to 16 metres, and when the waters receded, significant damage to the bridge was revealed deeming the river impassable.  At one point, the amount of water flowing down the Fitzroy River each day was the equivalent of Perth’s entire water use for 20 years.  Three kilometres of road was also washed away at Willare Crossing between Derby and Broome. 

Great Northern Highway flooding, January 2023 Image courtesy of ABC Kimberley

New Fitzroy River bridge, photo courtesy of WA Roads

Knowing the importance of getting these roads operational again for local residents, businesses and the upcoming tourism season, engineers began working at the sites as soon as possible and plans were made to build a low-level crossing over the Fitzroy River.  Five metres wide and 200 metres long, the single-lane causeway was constructed of 10,000 tonnes of rock and with steel pipes, and opened in April 2023, just in time for our Kimberley tours to cross!

Our Kimberley adventure guide, Adam Utschink, was on the road with our first Kimberley tour of the season.  He posted,

“Servo lady said “ You’re the first tour company through” Yessss Fitzroy Crossing over the mighty Fitzroy River is OPEN 2023!”

Despite the flooding passengers who traveled with us in 2023 witnessed the Kimberley during a fantastic season, lots of water meant the landscape was looking lush and the waterfalls were pumping!

Construction work began on the permanent Fitzroy River Bridge as soon as the receding flood waters allowed, with predictions it would be completed around mid-2024.  However, the new Fitzroy River bridge opened on Sunday 10 December 2023, more than six months ahead of schedule.

Although seeing the Kimberley is about traveling the Gibb River Road and so the Great Northern Highway and the Fitzroy Crossing is not needed, it’s always great to have the road open as back-up. 

In the Northern Territory we are currently enjoying a monsoonal trough bringing welcomed rain to the Top End.  We love the rain in the wet season both here, and in the Kimberley, the more the merrier! It allows the waterfalls to flow beautifully when the season begins in April, a great time to see the Kimberley region at its very best!

With all the weather dramas of 2023 those looking to travel the Kimberley region may have held off, but bookings are showing that people are now scheduling their trips for 2024 and we can’t wait to show you Australia’s final frontier! If you are interested to see our availability check out our tours here.

Look out for our next blog on why our ability to be flexible ensures we can always deliver the best Kimberley tour at the time of travel, and sets us apart from our competitors. 

If you want to discuss anything further please contact Adam or Lucy.

0447 740 880 (Whatsapp available) / info@kimberleyoffroadtours.com or use our website chat.

What is the age group on the tour?

What is the age group on the tour? 

We answer this question in depth and explain why attitude trumps age!

Embarking on a Kimberley adventure is a once-in-a-life-time experience; those who complete the bucket-list trip are often left feeling exhilarated, wishing they could do it all over again!

Known as Australia’s final frontier the Kimberley region proudly showcases it’s rugged beauty and remote landscapes.  If you enjoy nature, wildlife and adventure you’ll likely leave our Kimberley tour with life-long memories to cherish.  This also applies to our Kakadu and Gulf Savannah tours and our Kakadu and Arnhem Land tour. The style of all our trips enables you to join like-minded travellers who often become life-long friends. 

Guide Adam on tour with a group of passengers

As the owners and operators of our family Darwin-based business, Kimberley Off-Road, we are often asked what the typical age range is of those on our tours.  We’ve discovered over the years that it is less about age but more about attitude. 

Our tours involve participation from the group when it comes to setting up camp, collecting firewood and preparing meals.  Passengers are encouraged to become involved in all aspects of the tour, which creates a friendly environment and helps them to get to know their fellow travellers.  This style breaks the ice and encourages conversation; trepidation fades and soon enough everyone feels very relaxed among their fellow traveling companions.  Passengers thrive off the teamwork which becomes a highlight of the trip. 

If it sounds too good to be true, check out the comments below from our guest’s reviews:

“Everyone was fully involved in setting up camp, collecting firewood, preparing and cooking meals and washing up which made it feel like you were just on holiday with your mates rather than an organised tour.” – Holly, June 2018

“Nine days camping in the mythic Kimberley was like going on a camping trip with your best mates.” – Eunice, September 2017

Adam Bowen hanging out with his passengers on the Gibb River Road, the Kimberley

“The scenery was beautiful and we loved the swimming. The experience isn’t a passive holiday, so be prepared to cook and get stuck in as a team.” – Tim, September 2022

“I had the best time with a great bunch of people, every one pitching in to help create the Fantastic Trip” – Amanda, July 2022

“Passengers are responsible for cooking and cleaning, and the teamwork helped us get to know each other and we've all walked away with new friendships.” – Eveline, August 2022

For us (owners of Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours) we’ve been fortunate enough to meet a range of people through our tours and it’s been a real privilege to be able to take them on a Kimberley adventure.  They range from farmers, CEOs, backpackers, nomads, families… and more. 

Age generally isn’t the commonality as our guests can range from 20s – 70s.  We care less about age but more about fitness and attitude, we can cater for all abilities so no-one is left out.  We attract those who want to embrace the fabulous Kimberley with all it has to offer whilst also getting stuck-in to help keep the show on the road.

So don’t let age guide you, what makes our tours successful is having passionate travellers coming together to experience adventure, travel, wildlife and history. 

If you want to discuss anything further please contact Adam or Lucy

0447 740 880 / info@kimberleyoffroadtours.com or use our website chat.

Kimberley floods

In early 2023 the western Kimberley region experienced a 1 in 100-year flood event.  Footage and photos of the collapse of the Fitzroy Bridge were circulated, and stories of locals being evacuated from the town were reported. 

Map locating Willare and Fitzroy Crossing, Google maps

The area heavily affected concerned the section of the Great Northern Highway between Willare and Fitzroy Crossing.  Prior to this flood event the river’s record peak was 13.95 metres in 2002, but in 2023 this record was surpassed with the Fitzroy River peaking at a height of 15.8 metres at Fitzroy Crossing.

Our thoughts are very much with those who have suffered due to the floods and we sincerely hope support arrives quickly so supplies are delivered and infrastructure is fixed as soon as possible. 

Here, we provide more detail and understanding regarding this flood and previous floods in the Kimberley region. 

The Kimberley region experiences two seasons: the wet and the dry.  The wet season is expected from December through until March, possibly April.  This is when significant rainfall is expected to descend over the tropical north; revitalising the land, bringing colour and flooding the picturesque waterfalls ready for the dry season.

The dry season typically starts mid to late April and ends in October when the hot and humid ‘build up’ sets in.  The dry season is the time of year to visit the Kimberley and to see it at its very best.  Visitors can complete the Gibb River Road which is typically closed in the wet season due to floods.

It’s the Great Northern Highway that allows people to travel through the Kimberley region in the wet season but it’s not immune to flooding.  As witnessed in 2023, ex-tropical cyclone Ellie dumped a huge amount of water over the western Kimberley region over a three-week period.  The Bureau of Meteorology explained no significant rainfall records were broken and a tropical low over the area is not uncommon, it was the pace of weather system; it hovered over the Fitzroy catchment area for longer than normal meaning the area received an exponential amount of rainfall. 

Great Northern Highway flooding, January 2023 Image courtesy of ABC Kimberley

Record floods have occurred on the Fitzroy River in 1983, 1986, 2002, 2011 and 2023.  Since the turn of the century the Kimberley region has seen three significant floods; February 2002, March 2011 and January 2023.  This would suggest approximately every ten years the Kimberley region experiences a exceptional flood event.

Looking further back into the history of the Fitzroy River, there is evidence that flood events were also occurring thousands of years ago. The Fitzroy River once flowed out to the ocean in Broome, with the mouth of the river being Roebuck bay. After a huge flood event the river is believed to have changed direction and now flows out to its current location in Derby at the King Sound. This is a distance over 160 kilometers away from where it originally flowed.   

The last devastating flood since January 2023 was in March 2011 when western Australia’s central and eastern Kimberley region experienced extremely heavy rainfall due to an active monsoon.  The flood damaged infrastructure across the Fitzroy, Ord and Pentecost River catchments areas.  The town of Warnum saw around 500 people evacuated as houses were destroyed by floodwater.  As with the 2023 Fitzroy floods, the WA government as well as other businesses and authorities were quick to donate funds and commit to rebuilding infrastructure.

Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours guide - Adam Bowen - was a Kimberley tour guide at the time of the 2011 flood event. 

“I’ll never forget my first Kimberley tour in April 2011 at Easter time. There was so much water still around after the wet season and the waterfalls which are normally dry were flowing beautifully.”

Adam Bowen - Director of Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

For anyone concerned about whether to travel the Kimberley in 2023; the Kimberley region has previously experienced heavy rainfall much closer to the start of the dry season and it hasn’t prevented tours operating in April and May. The rain brings flowing waterfalls and beautiful scenery making it a great time to visit the Kimberley, WA.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Adam or Lucy : info@kimberleyoffroadtours.com / 0447 740 880

Kimberley adventure tour - Lake Argyle island experience

As northern Australia manages to almost by-pass the COVID pandemic, at Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours we are slowly waking up from hibernation and getting ready to hit back in 2021, with possibly our best Kimberley adventure itinerary ever. 

We’ve been granted an amazing opportunity to take you on a unique camping experience.  Whether you are traveling from Broome to Darwin or Darwin to Broome, you will spend a night camping out on a secluded island on western Australia’s picturesque Lake Argyle – an experience not to be missed.

A view over Lake Argyle

A passenger enjoys a Lake Argyle cruise with Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

The island adventure will begin when we board the cruise vessel with our camping gear and head out on to the lake. We’ll explore the islands and bays in search of wildlife including the Short-eared rock-wallaby, wallaroo, Freshwater crocodile, and numerous fish species and bird-life. We’ll also have the opportunity to plunge into the cool waters and take a refreshing swim before we head to the island to set-up camp. Enjoy the welcomed solitude and sunset with a campfire meal, before resting for the night ready to be woken by the sound of water, wildlife and an unmissable sunrise.  The experience is as good as it sounds and is an added bonus to an already adventure-filled Kimberley tour!

Lake Argyle camping experience with Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Photo courtesy of Lake Argyle Cruises

Lake Argyle island adventure with Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Photo courtesy of Lake Argyle Cruises

The Milky Way as seen on the Lake Argyle island camping experience with Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Photo courtesy of Lake Argyle Cruises

I thought I’d take this opportunity to provide you with some great facts and information about Australia’s largest freshwater storage on mainland Australia.

The fertile plains along the Ord River in the eastern Kimberley were recognised as having farming potential by the Duracks back in the 1940s.  However, the vast difference in rainfall between the wet and dry seasons made it difficult to farm all year round.  It was about 20 years later that decisions were made to dam the Ord River.  The Ord Irrigation scheme made it possible to set up intensive sustainable farming which would survive from January through to December.

A Rock wallaby, Lake Argyle

The dam’s gates allow the wet season’s flood waters to pass through, whilst limiting flooding of adjacent agricultural land.  During the dry season the gates are closed so water can be stored and diverted to the irrigation channel, ensuring the year-round supply of water.

Lake Argyle was completed in 1972 and consists of over 70 islands.  It not only provides water to the surrounding farmland but allows tourists from all over to come and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

A freshwater crocodile takes a swim at sunset - Kimberley Off-Road Tours

LAKE ARGYLE FACTS:

-        When flooded, Lake Argyle is the largest reservoir of freshwater in Australia.  The largest is Lake Pedder in Tasmania.

-        The highest water level in Lake Argyle to date (7 April, 2011): 101.36.m AHD - Australian Height Datum

-        The lowest water level in Lake Argyle to date (4 January, 1991): 78.58m AHD - Australian Height Datum

-        The Kariba dam, on the Zambezi River, between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is the biggest dam in the world by reservoir capacity

-        At normal full supply level, the area of the lake formed by the Ord Dam is 980 square kilometres and impounds 10.7 million mega litres (8.6 million acre feet) of water

- 500 tons of explosives were used to blast rock from a nearby quarry to provide 2 million tons of rock for the dam wall. The blast was the largest non-nuclear explosion in the southern hemisphere.

If you would like more information about our Kimberley tour please read our itinerary.  You can also call Adam or Lucy on 0447 740 880 or email info@kimberleyoffroadtours.com

Australia's backyard : Kakadu and Arnhem Land - the place to see in 2021

COVID-19 has turned 2020 upside down and put a huge dent in our global and domestic travel plans, but there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel, in Australia at least.  As our country opens up it’s time to look forward to the possibilities in 2021, and put plans in place to discover our very own backyard. 

Australia’s beauty, diversity and enviable climate makes it a bucket list item for people all over the world, but with the pandemic stopping travellers from overseas, it presents the perfect opportunity for you to get out and discover our great country.  Here, in the Northern Territory we are one of the safest places you can visit right now, so where better to discover than the Northern Territory’s Kakadu and Arnhem Land…

Despite our name “Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours” which promotes our Kimberley tours; once a year we offer a rare and exciting adventure through Kakadu National Park, up the heart of west Arnhem Land to Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula.  This is one of the most beautiful and pristine places you’ll ever visit, and it is a perfect example of the stunning, untouched land that dominates the coastline where the Arrarrkbi people live.

It’s difficult to portray the sense of adventure, culture and wonder that you will experience whilst visiting remote Kakadu and Arnhem Land, but I will do my best as I share with you some highlights from our Kakadu and Arnhem Land tour.

Ruins at the Victoria settlement, Cobourg Pennisula, Arnhem Land

The Victoria Settlement at Port Essington is a worthwhile visit but due to its remote location, few are able to make the journey.  Thanks to our ability to gain permits to Garig Gunak Barlu National Park and access to a charter boat on the Peninsula, those on our tour are able to make the journey with ease.  The settlement consists of ruins left by a group of British soldiers who arrived in 1838 with their families, and spent 11 years establishing the settlement at Port Essington.  It’s a snapshot of Australian history that very few people are able to see and it’s definitely a highlight among our guests. 

Ancient rock art found on the Arnhem Land escarpment

If you adore a perfect sunset then you’ll love our private beach camp on the edge of Port Essington.  We are surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches and ocean views, with basic shower and toilet facilities.  As you take a seat at dusk and watch the sun descend below the glistening Arafura sea, you’ll forget all your worries and simply settle in to paradise.  This place certainly makes unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.  We set up camp here for 3 nights.

It’s hard to choose my third and final highlight for this blog, but I’m going to select the secluded rock art sites of the Arnhem Land escarpment.  By getting out and seeing these remote parts of Arnhem Land, you are able to witness ancient artwork which is thousands of years old and represents a specific time in Australia’s history.  You can learn about the geology and archaeology of the area, as well as the way Indigenous people used the land and the cultural significance of the work.  This first-hand experience is certainly one not to be missed.

If this is an experience you would like to take part in, we offer one of the only tours to this region and at an affordable price.  It’s a great way to see this part of our country and it takes away the hassle of what would usually be a difficult journey on unfamiliar territory.  In 2021 our 7-day Kakadu and Arnhem Land tour departs from Darwin on the 10th June and there are limited seats available.

If you’d like to get in touch check out our website or contact Adam or Lucy info@kimberleyoffroadtours.com or 0447 740 880

What to do in Darwin

Our popular 9-day Kimberley trip starts or finishes in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory.

Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours recommends spending a few days in Darwin soaking up the culture, experiencing the markets, admiring the magnificent sunset, and taking in the sounds and sights of this unique outback capital city. 

Here, we share our top tips on what to do in Darwin.   

Stokes Hill Wharf – The waterfront in Darwin’s CBD offers plenty for everyone, including food, visitor attractions, swimming (Wave pool and a lagoon) and grassy areas for relaxation.  Our two top tips would be:

A visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Service Tourist Facility to learn about the organisation as well as the Bombing of Darwin through their interactive experiences.

 Our second recommendation would be to enjoy dinner on the Wharf, a great spot for an informal dining experience with a variety of food on offer and a great view.  All the food is served as takeaway so you can take a seat on the water’s edge and enjoy your dinner in front of the famous Top End sunset.   

Darwin Mindil Sunset markets

Darwin Mindil sunset markets – Many people would say you haven’t been to Darwin if you haven’t visited the Iconic Mindil sunset markets!  Visited by tourists and locals, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir, grab some delicious market cuisine and relax on the beach for an amazing Darwin sunset.  The markets are usually on Thursday and Sunday nights in the dry season, but due to COVID only Sunday night for 2020.  They kick off at 4pm and finish at 9pm. 

If you are spending a bit more time in Darwin or you’re keen to check out the markets in the local suburbs, here’s a few to get you going:

- Malak markets provide food, art and craft stalls and entertainment on a Saturday from 4pm – 9pm in the dry season

- Rapid Creek markets are Darwin’s oldest markets and they sell local produce and cuisine on a Saturday and Sunday from 7am – 2pm

- Palmerston markets are on at Goyder Square on Friday from 5pm – 9pm

WWII Oil Storage Tunnels – These unique oil storage tunnels were dug out by the Civil Construction Corps during WWII to help preserve the oil from the Japanese bombings.  They were a secret to the public until 1992 when they were opened as a tourist attraction to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.  As you wander around the tunnels at your own pace, information about the history and construction of the tunnels is displayed on the walls.  Go to their Facebook page to find up-to-date information concerning opening times. 

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), Darwin Military Museum and Darwin Aviation Museum – It is well-worth checking out Darwin’s local museums, which all have plenty to offer in terms of the city’s history, environment and cultural heritage. 

There are plenty of free exhibits to explore at MAGNT including a look back at the devastation caused by Cyclone Tracy in 1974 which flattened the city entirely. 

Darwin’s Military Museum is housed in an original concrete command post bunker and has an interesting display of war memorabilia, weapons, photographs and equipment used over the years by military men and women. 

Darwin Aviation Museum offers a chance to experience Darwin’s aviation history.  You get up close to the aircrafts and get a sense of what it is like to be a pilot flying these incredible machines. 

For up-to-date visiting hours please check the museum websites.   

Example of a Darwin sunset @ Darwin Mindil sunset markets

Darwin’s Deckchair cinema – A great way to spend your evening in Darwin is by booking yourself a deckchair at the outdoor cinema.  Darwin’s dry season weather offers the perfect atmosphere to cozy-in and watch a film under the stars.  The cinema offers a variety of movies, so head to their website to check out their latest program.  You can even grab your dinner and a drink at the cinema, with food served between 6pm-7.30pm each night.  The cinema is open seven nights a week in the dry season. 

Walk or cycle the coastal areas of Darwin – Darwin has a beautiful coastline and there are many walkways and cycle lanes that enable you to enjoy the scenery and get some fresh air.  A popular path with the locals is the walk along the foreshore taking you from Nightcliff to Rapid Creek or vice versa.  At the Nightcliff end you’ll see the mangroves and the jetty, and then as you approach the Rapid Creek section, you’ll see the bridge stretching across the creek, taking you over to Casuarina beach and Dripstone cliffs.  Nightcliff Markets to Dripstone Cliffs is roughly 7.5km, which takes about 1.5 hours one-way.  The Nightcliff Foreshore café has a great view over the water and provides an ideal stop for an iced coffee or a spot of lunch.  For a shorter walk, you can choose to walk the length of the foreshore which is 2.5 km and takes about half an hour one-way.

Ask your accommodation about bike hire or visit Darwin’s Tourist Information Centre.

If you plan to spend longer than a couple of days in Darwin, you might like to go further than Darwin city and venture to Litchfield National Park or Kakadu National Park. 

You can see Kakadu National Park on our 7-day Kakadu & Arnhem Land tour and our 11-day Kakadu & Gulf Savannah tour

Australia's the Kimberley - Why you should have it on your bucket list, by Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Why is Australia’s Kimberley region a popular bucket list item? 

Adam Bowen, owner and guide of Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours, has worked in the area for 10 years and can tell you why.

1. Purnululu National Park – One of Western Australia’s biggest drawcards is the world renowned Purnululu National Park, a world heritage site.  It is home to a unique landscape of towering orange and black sandstone domes.  The site is known as the Bungle Bungles and the unique dome structures are often described as beehives.  As you wander around the beehives, you begin to appreciate their magnitude, and there is a sense of stillness about the place.  The Bungles have been culturally significant to Australia’s Aboriginal people for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the early eighties, that this hidden jewel of the Kimberley was shared with the rest of the world. 

The Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park

Lake Argyle

2. Lake Argyle – This is the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere, it’s described as ‘paradise in the outback’ and sits about 70km east (by road) of the Kimberley town, Kununurra.  It is vast and beautiful, and has plenty to offer any visitor.  There is plenty of opportunity to spot native wildlife as the lake is home to between 20,000 - 25,000 freshwater crocodiles as well as fish, birds and wallabies.  If you are looking for an adventure you can take a bushwalking track on foot or mountain bike, or you can spend time on the lake canoeing, fishing, swimming or relaxing on a Lake Argyle cruise. 

3. Kimberley gorges – Each of the gorges in the Kimberley offer unique, rugged beauty and they’re well-worth the journey to find them.  They are a great example of what nature does best – capture your attention, take over your senses and take your breath away.  A few worth mentioning are Manning Gorge, El Questro Gorge and Bell Gorge.  When you find the gorge, you are often greeted by a welcoming watering hole where you can relax and cool off whilst taking in the sights of the local fauna and flora.  Our passengers say:

Manning Gorge, Kimberley, WA

” Fantastic off-road adventure with Adam...we saw some spectacular scenery.  This trip is a must do if you want to experience gorges and waterfalls off the beaten track.” – Lee N. (May 2019), Trip Advisor

“He will have you swimming in the most beautiful gorges, take you on stunning hikes and have you climbing/exploring to see the beautiful nature, wildlife, scenery and history the Australian outback has to offer.” – Theresa (Oct 2019), Trip Advisor

“What an experience some of the harshest conditions but most spectacular scenery” – Mike (Broome to Darwin, Oct 2019), Trip Advisor

4. Culture – The ancient cultures that exist in the Kimberley draw visitors from all over the world. Bradshaw rock art (Gwion Gwion) is arguably the most significant because it is recognised as the earliest figurative art in the world.  The rock art is considered to be 18,000 years old and can be found on the rocky escarpment at around 100, 000 sites, over 50,000 square kms of land.  The Kimberley region is also known for its Wandjana rock art, which is painted on to the face of the rock using red and white ochre.  It is thought to be 4,000 years old and is often found at sites considered important and spiritual to the local Aboriginals. 

Some popular rock art sites in the Kimberley are at Adcock Gorge, Manning Gorge and Galvans’ Gorge.  To see rock art at less well-known locations, consider joining one of our 9-day Kimberley tours. 

Bradshaw rock art, Kimberley WA

“Adam knows so much about the history, animals and plants. He can take you to isolated waterholes, rock art and campsites. This tour is about enjoying a true outback bush camping experience in great company with the guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader.” – Kerri R, (Broome to Darwin, August 2017), Trip Advisor

“This tour is very affordable compared to other tours in this area. You get to see amazing waterfalls, mountains, gorges, go swimming in beautiful waterholes, and see awesome rock art.” – Jessica Mullhall, (May 2017), Trip Advisor

The Gibb River Road, Kimberley WA

5. Gibb River Road – “I’ve travelled the Gibb River Road” is a line many Australians wish they could say, and so ‘the Gibb’ is a top ten bucket list item.  Why?  Because the road cuts through the heart of the rugged and remote Kimberley region, providing a picturesque drive and access to the stunning ranges, gorges, waterfalls and treks.  The road is an old track which was put in so stations could transport cattle by truck instead of having to travel overland for several weeks at a time. It is 660km road of mainly gravel and at times is very corrugated. The Gibb takes you from Derby on the west coast to Kununurra (or Wyndham) on Western Australia's eastern border. 

“The things we've done on the Gibb River Road were amazing. Kimberley is a unique place and Kimberley Off-Road made this experience really remarkable and Aussie style.” - Gurcanelbek (August 2017) Trip Advisor

“The Darwin to Broome Gibb River Road Tour was spectacular.  I have never been on an organised Tour before but this one ticked all boxes.  Photos don't do it justice.  The Trekking was exactly as I had hoped exhilarating, the stunning rock formations awe inspiring and then you get to swim in incredible gorges, rivers, hot ponds and waterfalls…” – Lou M, (Darwin to Broome, May 2017) Trip Advisor

If you’re looking to tick the Kimberley and the Gibb River Road off your bucket list, and you don’t want to test your caravan or car out on the challenging Gibb; take a look at our 9-day Kimberley tour.  The tour departs from Darwin or Broome regularly during the dry season (April – Oct) and it’s run by Adam, who has 10 years guiding experience in the Kimberley.  He is passionate about the region and would love to see you on his tour.  You can read more about Adam HERE and you can find reviews on Trip Advisor.

If you’d like to speak to us directly drop us an email at info@kimberleyoffroadtours.com or give Adam or Lucy a call on 0447 740 880

Arnhem Land and Kakadu : Home to the notorious Saltwater crocodile

They inhabit our waterways in their thousands, they’ve survived for over 200 million years and they’re a human predator; the crocodile is not to be underestimated.

Despite the danger they pose, they are a definite drawcard for many visitors who come to the Northern Territory.  Each year thousands of tourists visit Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, to check out the notorious Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).  Visitors long-to-see a saltie in the wild, and it’s often high on their bucket list when they arrive, but who can blame them?  They’re fascinating creatures.

A Saltwater crocodile on the beach in Northern Territory, Australia

If you’re lived in the Top End of Australia for a while, being Crocwise around our waterways becomes second-nature; you learn to enjoy the beaches, the creeks and the rivers in a less indulgent way than maybe our cousins down south.  Once you’ve heard the stories you quickly learn that error, complacency or pure stupidity can mean fatality; as it has been proven over the years with the death of over 20 Territorians since records began in 1974.

If you come to the Northern Territory and want to see a crocodile, the chances are you will, if you go to the right places.  It is estimated there are 100, 000 Saltwater crocodiles living in our waterways.  You’ll need a careful eye as crocodiles have the ability to stay submerged under water for long periods of time, plus their ears, eyes and nostrils are on top of their head, so they don’t need to expose much when they do come up for air.  

A Saltwater crocodile found on the banks of Cahills crossing, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

Some passengers on a recent Kakadu & Arnhem Land tour were fortunate enough to not only see crocodiles in the wild, but they witnessed over 30 crocodiles lurking around Cahill’s crossing in Kakadu National Park.  The tide was changing and the crocs were waiting for their chance to snag a cheeky mullet or a barramundi.  The crocodiles, all varying in size, would either wait in the water or on the crossing, causing some disruption to those vehicles wanting to get passed.  This was a real treat for our passengers and we captured the moment on video, which quickly went viral on our Facebook page, receiving almost 5,000 shares, over 2,000 comments and 3,000 likes.   

If you would like to see crocodiles in the Top End of Australia, why not join us on one of our tours.  You can see Saltwater crocodiles on our 7-day Kakadu & Arnhem Land tour and our 11-day Darwin to Cairns (Gulf Savannah) tour.  You can also join our popular 9-day Kimberley tour (Darwin to Broome or Broome to Darwin) where you’ll have the opportunity to see the less threatening Freshwater crocodiles.

A large Saltwater crocodile in the NT, Australia

A Freshwater crocodile found in Lake Argyle in WA

Croc facts:

-        The largest Saltwater crocodile to ever be captured and put in captivity was Lolong, found in the Philippines and measured 6.17 metres in length.

-        Climate change could threaten some crocodile species, due to the fact that their gender is determined by the incubation temperature; rising temperatures could force the birth of more female crocodiles than male ones.

-        The croc has the highest bite force in the animal kingdom. It is capable of exerting 2 tonnes of pressure through its bite.

-        A croc has an average of 68 teeth and may go through as many as 3,000 teeth in its life.  Their teeth are continually replaced as they wear.

-        Despite their name, Saltwater crocodiles can also be found in freshwater.

Broome's top 6 tourist attractions by Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

The Kimberley in Western Australia has so much to offer; there is nothing quite like taking a dip in El Questro Gorge, hiking to see ancient Wandjana or Bradshaw rock art, marveling at the sunrise over the Bungle Bungles, or watching the sunset over Kununurra.  But, whether you start or finish your Kimberley adventure in Broome, the small town on the Kimberley coast also has plenty to offer, and it is well worth spending a few days taking in the local sites. 

Here, at Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours we have compiled our top six recommendations for your time in Broome.

Catalina Boat Wrecks (WWII Flying Boats) – These wrecks are found at Roebuck Bay and are the remnants of the Catalina and Dornier flying boats which were attacked on the 3rd March 1942 during WWII.  The planes were carrying refugees from Java and were attacked by the Japanese, bringing down 15 flying boats and killing approximately 80 people.  You can walk to the plane wrecks if you leave from Town Beach and walk a kilometre (allow an hour and leave an hour before low tide) across the Roebuck Bay mud flats.  Six of the wrecks are visible at tides less than 0.86m.  Alternatively, you can take a hovercraft.

Broome’s Dinosaur footprints – At least nine species of dinosaur footprints dated at over 120 million years can be found at Gantheaume Point.  You can see some of them if you take a walk at tides below 2.16m.  You can also reach the dinosaur prints by hovercraft.

An obelisk at Broome’s Japanese Cemetery

Broome’s Japanese Cemetery – This cemetery is the largest of its kind in Australia and offers an insight into Broome’s history.  The obelisk headstones pay tribute to the many Japanese divers who lost their lives in the booming pearling industry back in the twentieth century.  It’s on Port Drive on the way out to Cable Beach.

Pearl Luggers – This museum is worth a visit to see two beautifully restored pearl luggers on display in a replica tidal jetty.  The museum offers daily tours; a chance to learn about the evolution of pearling in Broome and to see pearling artefacts up-close.

A bronze statue in Broome CBD, a reminder of the town's pearling history

Willie Creek Pearls – Travel just 38km out of Broome and discover Willie Creek Pearl Farm.  Here, you can take a tour and learn about the process of cultured pearl farming, and it is a chance to see pearl-producing Pinctada maxima oyster in its natural habitat.

Staircase to the Moon – If you’re fortunate enough to be able to plan your trip around the full moon, you’re in for a treat. Staircase to the Moon is when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay at extremely low tide, and creates a beautiful optical illusion of stairs reaching to the moon.  It’s a natural phenomenon worth seeing if you get the chance.

If you’re keen to explore the Kimberley region before or after your time in Broome check out our itinerary HERE.  If you want to extend your time in the Top End of Australia, why not join us on our Kakadu and Arnhem Land adventure or head over to Cairns on our 11-day Gulf Savannah tour.  See our website for details.

Enjoy your adventures!

Adam & Lucy

Broome’s famous Cable beach is worth a visit

Broome’s historic outdoor cinema is popular with tourists

The best places to swim along the Gibb River Road by Adam Bowen, Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Have you ever wondered what to see along the Gibb River Road?

Or, where to swim? Or, how long the gorge walks are? 

This is a shortlist of the more popular swimming waterholes that are not too far from the Gibb River Road. The list guides you from East to West…. and, yes, I know there are many more, but this is a brief guide to the easy to access places.

A good tip is to take your mask and snorkel into the swimming holes.  There are loads of fish, turtles, freshwater shrimp and water monitors found in most waterholes.

All the gorges with a # are places we visit on our 9-day Kimberley Off-road Adventure Tour.

If you require any information about other parts of the top end of Australia please see our website - www.kimberleyoffroadtours.com.  I also run trips through Arnhem Land, the Gulf Country and Kakadu National Park.

# Emma Gorge

This is one of the better-known waterfalls on El Questro station, which means you’ll need to pay entry fees.  The walk starts from the resort and takes about 45 minutes over rocky ground.  You’ll arrive at a clear pool with a tall falla

Emma Gorge, El Questro Station, Kimberley

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

El Questro Gorge in the Kimberley

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

El Questro waterholes

This is a list of the waterholes in order of my favourite first.

Please note there is a fee to access El Questro station.

# 1: El Questro Gorge, 4-5km walk, 4 hours. Difficult grade.

2: Amalia Gorge, 3-4km walk, 2-3 hours. Medium grade.

3: Champagne Pools, 8-9k walk, 4-5 hours. Medium grade.

# 4: Zebedee Springs, 400m walk, 10 minutes. Easy grade.

5: Moonshine Gorge, 200m walk, 5 minutes.  Easy or long walking options available.

6: Jackeroos waterhole, 50m walk, 2 minutes. Easy grade.

7: Station pools at campground.

Bindoola Falls

These falls are on Home Valley Station are about 10km past the station turn-off, access is via the truck parking bay on the Gibb River Road.  It’s a medium walk to the falls, 1km return. These are best seen early in the dry season as they dry up quickly after the wet.

Hann River

About 10km before the Mt Elizabeth turn-off you cross over the Hann River. This is a nice clear flowing river up until late July and it is perfect for a dip to break up a long drive over corrugations. It’s not deep and has a sandy bottom.  You can free camp here too.

A Short-eared Rock-wallaby in the Kimberley WA

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Barnett River Gorge

This gorge is located about 40km east of Mt Barnett and is looked after by the local indigenous rangers who allow free access into the gorge.  It’s changed in recent times and the car park has now been moved so it is 1km from the gorge.  It’s an easy walk in along the old road and then a sandy trail to the swimming area.  The gorge is very nice and has a small cascade at the far end.  It’s a great spot to see Short-eared Rock-wallabies and bird life.

# Galvans Gorge

This is a little gem, it is picture perfect and about 15km west of Mt Barnett.  It’s an easy grade, 15 minute walk to the falls and entry is free.  On top of the falls there is a Boab tree and on the right-hand wall of the gorge, behind the pandanus trees, there is a fine example of Wandjana rock art.

# Manning Gorge

This is a must do in the early dry when there is a huge amount of water flowing over the falls. Access is via the Mt Barnett Roadhouse. There is an entry fee to the gorge which goes to the local indigenous owners. The walk starts from the campground where there is a river crossing; if you’re lucky there’s a small boat to use but if not, you’ll need to swim across about 40m. The walk takes an hour or so each way and is medium grade.  Allow at least half a day to explore and swim at the gorge.  There are good examples of Bradshaw Rock Art found here.

Manning Gorge in the Kimberley WA

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

# Adcock Gorge

Adcock gorge is located about 30km west of Mt Barnett with a 8km drive in.  Entry is free and the walk is easy and takes about 15 minutes. I would recommend parking before the little creek crossing where the no camping signs are and then walking, as the track is constantly changing and I have seen a few damaged cars over the years.  On the left-hand side of the gorge is a great place to see the Brown Tree snake and the Magnificent Tree frog.

Saddler Springs

A kilometre before Imintji you cross over this creek, just before the crossing there is a track which takes you to a nice lilly-filled pool that may still have a rope swing.  On the left after crossing the creek, there is a track which takes you to the APT wilderness camp, on the right is a track to the waterhole.  In recent years “No Camping” signs have been put up at the waterhole.   

# Bell Gorge

Bell Gorge is one of the best places to visit along the Kimberley’s Gibb River Road.  It’s a 30-minute walk to the falls from the car park.  There is an ankle-deep creek crossing to get to the bottom of the first set of falls, so you may need to take your shoes off.  The second set of falls is roughly a 200m walk or you can swim downstream to the top of these falls where there is a great view down the gorge.  I suggest allowing 3 or 4 hours here for the walk and swim.  This is a national park, so entry fees apply.

Bell Gorge in the Kimberley, western Australia

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Bell Creek

Just before you head into the King Leopold Ranges there are dirt tracks on both sides just after the creek. These take you to some nice swimming spots on the creek.  I noticed last year it’s become really busy with free campers which leads me to believe it’s been put on WikiCamps; therefore I’d stick to the tracks on the left, as they’re less popular so you may get the pools all to yourself.

Dog Chain Creek

About 2km before the Lennard River Gorge turn-off you pass over Dog Chain Creek. On the right you will see a clearing; here there is a nice pool with blue lilies and lots of shade by the water.  I’ve often stopped here for lunch and a swim, and people also free camp here.

# Windjana Gorge

This is a limestone gorge. A few people decide to swim here although its not recommended.  There are sometimes a huge number of Freshwater crocodiles in the water and they have been known to be aggressive.  There are no waterfalls in this gorge, it’s an open-style gorge.  It’s an easy grade walk, only 800m return from the car park.  In my opinion this gorge is a highlight of the Kimberley and certainly worth a visit, it’s different to other gorges along the Gibb River Road and there is an abundant of wildlife found here.  This is in a National Park so entry fees apply.

# Tunnel Creek

This is an easy 2km walk through a 750m limestone cave formed by the creek flowing through. You will need a torch as there are places where you walk through water sometimes knee-high.  There are stalactite and stalagmite formations within the tunnel and also many different types of bats including the endangered Ghost. There are many Aboriginal paintings and occupation sites in and around Tunnel Creek and you are asked to please respect these areas.  There is a swimming hole at the end of the tunnel.  By late dry season it goes a bit stagnant so I wouldn’t recommend swimming due to bat poo in the water!

Tunnel Creek in the Kimberley WA

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Enjoy your travels whether you come on a Kimberley tour with us or go it alone… there are so many adventures to enjoy! All the best - Adam Bowen, Guide and Owner, Kimberley Off-road Adventure Tours

The best things to see and do at El Questro Station - Adam Bowen, Kimberley Off-road guide

El Questro Station is situated at the eastern end of the Gibb River Road.  It was originally set up as a million-acre station running around 6, 000 head of cattle.  These days, the cattle roam alongside an adventurer’s wonderland; where hiking trails, swimming holes, lookouts, four-wheel drives and horse riding excite those who come to explore.  

El Questro caters for all types of travelers.  The station offers powered and unpowered campsites, en-suite safari tents, hotel style rooms and the pinnacle of them all, the luxury Homestead that overlooks Chamberlain Gorge.

The station incorporates two stunning mountain ranges, the Durack and the Cockburn, along with two mighty rivers known as the Pentecost and the Durack. As you can imagine, having mountain ranges and rivers in the one place provides spectacular rocky landscapes, gorges, waterfalls and springs.

This is a short list of some of my favourite walks which I recommend while at the station.

El Questro Gorge, El Questro Station in the Kimberley, WA

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

El Questro Gorge*, El Questro Station, Kimberley WA

The walk into El Questro Gorge is a challenging one.  It takes between 4-5 hours including the swim in the gorge at the top.  The first half of the walk is relatively easy; you’re walking over the creek bed, sometimes having to hop, skip and jump between rocks to keep your feet dry.  As you venture further into the gorge it becomes narrower and the Livistona palms begin to provide shade as you walk.  About halfway along the walk there is a refreshing watering hole; after this the walk becomes more difficult, as you need to climb to get around large boulders and waterholes.  Once you reach the top you are greeted by a small picturesque waterfall with a plunge pool for swimming.

It is worth noting the 4x4 track into the car park is a bit rough, there is a big water crossing so a snorkel for your car is not a bad idea. The base of the crossing is firm.

*We visit this gorge on our 9-day Kimberley tour which departs from Broome or Darwin

Emma Gorge*, El Questro Station, Kimberley WA

It’s about a 3-hour return journey to Emma Gorge (including a swim) and the walk is over rocky terrain under trees which provide some shade. There are two good swimming pools; the first one is a nice deep blue pool about 150 metres before the end and the second pool is surrounded by huge cliffs which offer a trickling waterfall from pretty high up.  The rocky cliffs are covered in ferns making it a lovely spot to rest and take in the surroundings.  The water in the last pool is typically very cold but there is a nice little hot spring on the right of the gorge providing relief from the cold water. 

It is worth noting the road to the Emma Gorge car park is suitable for 2WD and there is also a nice pool at the Emma Gorge resort at the start of the walk.

In April and October Emma Gorge is only open between 7am and 12 noon.  During other dry season months it’s open all day.

*We visit this gorge on our 9-day Kimberley tour which departs from Broome or Darwin

Emma Gorge, El Questro Station in the Kimberley WA

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Amelia Gorge, El Questro Station, Kimberley WA

This is a great little spot with an awesome half-way pool full of fish and sometimes a freshwater crocodile or two. The end pool has a pretty high waterfall and big plunge pool at the bottom.

The walk in is up a creek bed and at the halfway pool there is a bit of a tight squeeze past a small ledge. I would allow at least 3 or more hours for the walk.  After July the gorge starts to dry up so I recommend seeing it in April or May.

Champagne Pools, El Questro Station, Kimberley WA

These pools are a hidden gem, possibly because it is a 10 km walk-in to see them.  It’s a relatively easy walk with great views of the ranges and lots of bird life along the river.  About halfway along there is a huge and very impressive Boab tree with a beehive in the back, so take note if you’re not keen on bees. The second half of the walk involves crossing the river and passing over some dry, rocky spinifex country.  When you reach the pools at the end, you’ll find the Champagne pools sit between the last two large waterholes.  In these pools, bubbles come up threw the rocks due to all the minerals.  There is no shade on the second part of the walk so I recommend starting the trail early in the morning to avoid the heat. 

Zebedee Springs*, El Questro Station, Kimberley WA

Zebedee Springs are perfect for an early morning dip.  The walk in is easy and takes about 5 minutes.  They are thermal pools full of minerals that are good for your health. Take note they only open the gates between 7 and 12 noon all year round.

*We visit this gorge on our 9-day Kimberley tour which departs from Broome or Darwin

Moonshine Gorge, El Questro Station, Kimberley WA

This a great gorge if you like an easy walk to a swimming hole.  It is only a minute from the car park and the pool has lots of lilies and fish.  If there’s been a big wet season Barramundi also get caught in the watering hole.  You can continue walking up the gorge to find more pools, then follow the trail back through the dry, rocky country.

Take note; you have to pass through the same water crossing to get to the car park as into El Questro Gorge.

There are other walks on the station but these are the better-known ones.  

Pigeon Hole, El Questro Station, Kimberley region WA

Photo credit: Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours

Best lookouts in my options.

1.      Brancos lookout

2.      Pigeon Hole

3.      Saddleback Ridge

Please note; these all require a 4x4 as there are river crossings but also steep inclines/ declines.

Other cool places to check out around the station if you have a 4-wheel drive include:

Chamberlain Gorge

Durack tree

Explosion Gorge

Jackeroos Waterhole

Karunjie stock route up to Wyndham

I hope this helps when planning your Kimberley adventure.  I’ve been taking camping trips through the region for the past 9 years and have visited these place many, many times. 

Happy travels - Adam Bowen, Kimberley tour guide

Lighting up the Kimberley in Western Australia

I have amazing memories of my first trip through the Kimberley and a highlight is most definitely sleeping in a swag under the stars.  It seems so simple yet, as I read our passenger reviews, many of them talk about how special it is to sleep under the Kimberley sky, and the Milky Way.

“It was magical to sleep under the stars every night.” – Maddie

“Just you, your swag and the most spectacular night sky you will ever see.” – Holly

“Sleeping in swags under the stars was a great experience.” - Terry & Diane

Our Kimberley truck under the Milky Way

Photo credit: Lara Endlich

What makes the Kimberley sky so magical and memorable?

For so many of us we live in cities where artificial light pollutes the sky and affects our visibility of the stars.  In these urban environments we’ve become accustomed to the fact that we miss out on a spectacular natural light show every night.  In the Kimberley when you throw your swag out for the first time, you gaze up at nature’s magical light show and it takes your breath way.  The clarity of the Milky Way is beyond impressive and there is good reason for this. 

Due to the fact that the Kimberley in Western Australia is so remote, there is no light pollution and therefore it offers some of the darkest night skies on earth.  The Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley’s Purnululu National Park draws astronomers from all over the world, who want to see the Milky Way from one of the best locations on the planet.

“ …sleeping in a swag under the stars and the Milky Way is one of the highlights.” – EuniceTen

“Best part is cooking our own meals and having an open fire every night and to top it all sleeping out under the stars.” – Michael

“Sleeping under the stars in swags is an experience not to be missed.” – Pat

The Milky Way is the name of our galaxy and it is filled with 100 – 400 billion stars.  The galaxy got its name because of its milky appearance and during the Roman times it was called Via Lactea meaning “The Road of Milk”. 

Just like the ground beneath it, the Kimberley night sky offers breathtaking beauty that remains in the minds of all those that visit.  The Milky Way is part of the Kimberley’s magic and for those that have seen it, its unforgettable.

By Lucy Periton, Kimberley Off-road Adventure Tours

Australia’s fattest tree in the Kimberley

The Kimberley and Victoria River Region Boab tree is unmistakable. Its sheer size and boldness catches everyone’s attention. How much do you know about these truly amazing trees?

The Australian Boab’s botanical name is Adansonia gregorii.  It’s one of nine species, two of which are found in Africa and Arabia, and six of the species are found in Madagascar.  Strangely enough the Australian Boab tree has always been in Australia, it arrived many thousands of years ago, however no one knows how it arrived.  Some theories say it drifted in with the ocean currents and others wonder whether people brought it in.  Some believe it may have arrived with Australia’s ancestors who are responsible for the ancient aboriginal rock art found in the Kimberley, the Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion paintings that are dated to around 17000 years. How the Australian Boab arrived is a mystery that may never be solved. 

A Boab prison tree

The tree grows to around 15 metres tall and its trunk has been known to reach 16 metres in diameter.  The tree looses its leaves in the dry season to conserve water, and it produces flowers and fruit in the wet season between November and March. The white flowers are fragrant and reach 10cm in width.  The fruit of the tree can grow to the size of a small football but typically grows no larger than a tennis ball.  It has a hard woody outer later and a white powdery pulp that protects the small bean-shaped seeds inside.  The powder inside is very heathy for you, it contains high levels of vitamin C and about 50% of the powder is made up of soluble and insoluble fibre.  Some health food companies sell boab power as a superfood.

The timber of the tree is very fibrous and when dried out it’s very light. It is not used as a building material because it’s not very strong and is susceptible to dry rot and termites.  It also doesn’t make very good firewood.  I was once told that in Madagascar you could see Boab trees disserted in open paddocks because the wood is useless for building and for firewood so the Boab is the only tree still standing.  

Early explorers who arrived in the northwest of Australia used to carve into the tree trunks as a way of recording their presence at a place.  The well-known Boab tree known as the Mermaid tree is where one of Phillip Parker Kings’ crew carved ‘HMS Mermaid 1820’ onto the Boab’s trunk.  The Gregory tree is another Boab tree with a carving and it says ‘2nd July 1855’.

The trees hold special significance to the aboriginal people, as they’re an important food source and some of the larger trees are used for ceremonies, however many decades ago the large boab trees were also used as prison trees for the aboriginals who were being transported.  Examples of prison boab trees are the Derby prison tree (you will visit this on our Kimberley tour) and the Wyndham prison tree.  Sadly, Kimberley aboriginals were chained to these trees when they were being transported to the prisons in Derby or Wyndham.  Some aboriginals were taken to Rottnest Island and never returned to the Kimberley again.

These days the boab nuts are sold as souvenirs.  Aboriginals decorate the boab nuts by carving images of animals or their creation spirits, such as the Wandjana, on to them and then sell them on to tourists. 

If you’d like a boab nut as souvenir or you’d like to see the boab trees in the Kimberley, book on to one of our Kimberley tours for an experience of a lifetime. 

When should I travel the Gibb River Road?

If you’ve never heard off the Gibb River Road, it’s a road that allows access to parts of Australia’s remote Kimberley region.  It is a former cattle route between Wyndham and Derby but today its most common traveller is the tourist rather than cattle.  The road itself is around 660km in length and is almost entirely gravel with the exception of asphalt at either end.  At times the road gets very corrugated, and at the beginning and end of the dry season the road can have big washouts and many water crossings.  It's a road which is on many people's bucket lists as it gives any traveller a great sense of achievement to say "I completed the Gibb River Road"!

The road gets its name from a government geologist Andrew Gibb Maitland, known to his friends as Gibb Maitland.  He explored the area in 1901 as part of the Brockman Expedition.  A river that follows nearby the Gibb River Road’s Kalumburu turn-off was named after him as well as the Gibb River Station.

Our Kimberley truck crossing the Pentecost River on the Gibb River Road

Typically, the best time to travel the Gibb River Road is early in the dry season, between April and September when the waterfalls are still flowing after the wet season.  From December to March the Gibb River Road is cut-off due to the heavy wet season rains causing the rivers to rise and flood the roads. 

The Gibb River Road allows access to some of the Kimberley’s most amazing gorges, rock formations, caves, aboriginal rock paintings, waterfalls and spectacular scenery.  Today some of the Gibb River Road’s most popular gorges and attraction’s include Bell Gorge, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Adcock Gorge, Galvan’s Gorge, Manning Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Home Valley Station and El Questro Station to name a few.

Bell Gorge, King Leopold Conservation Park in the Kimberley

One of the best ways to see the Gibb River Road and the Kimberley region is to join one of our all-inclusive camping tours. We camp out in swags under the stars, cook great meals over the fire and hike into loads of gorges and other sights with like-minded travellers. To learn more about our tours and where we go check out our website or give me a call 0447 740 880.  Thanks, Adam 

The magic of the Kimberley wet season

It’s 2017 and already this year I’ve been able to do something I’ve always wanted to do, which is see the Kimberley in the wet season.  Over the years I’ve lived in the Top End I’ve been lucky enough to go on several Kimberley tours in the dry season and see waterfalls such as Manning Gorge and El Questro Gorge flowing ferociously.  I really thought I’d seen all the Kimberley had to offer, but I was wrong. 

I’m now learning that no Kimberley tour is ever the same; every time we’ve travelled through, we’ve managed to discover another amazing waterfall or swimming hole, or have a new encounter with the native wildlife, or nature has thrown us a new challenge.  It’s what makes the Kimberley such a unique adventure and it’s why I keep going back.     

For the 2017 New Year Adam & I wanted another Kimberley adventure so we decided to go in the wet season.  We left Darwin and travelled along the highway to Broome before continuing down the west coast to Perth.  The Kimberley is a place we both love, so it was an easy holiday choice and even though Adam had visited in the wet season before, it was new for me and it was something I’d always wanted to do.  

We couldn’t travel the Gibb River Road, which cuts through the heart of the Kimberley because the rain during the wet season makes it impossible to cross; however it didn’t mean the Kimberley was off limits.  There is a highway still connecting Darwin to Broome and it allows you access to some parts of the Kimberley. 

It was the waterfalls on the outskirts of Kununurra that gave us the best day of our entire trip.  Adam knew there was a good chance they would be pumping but you can never predict exactly how much, so it’s always a surprise, which is part of the fun.  During the dry season from May - November these falls aren’t usually flowing, so by seeing them now we could view them at their full potential. 

The first waterfall we went to visit was Black Rock Falls.  I remember taking the short walk up the path and hearing water crashing down from a reasonable height.  When I peered around the rocky wall I got my first glimpse, water was pouring over the cliff and thumping into the pool below, it took my breath away.  No-one else was around, we had the place all to ourselves, and the water looked clear, refreshing and inviting.  Naturally we jumped in and swam to the falls to cool off from the morning sun.  I was beyond impressed and didn’t want to leave. 

Adam checking out a Kimberley waterfall in the wet season

Our next stop was Molly Springs and the Grotto.  They were both filled with water too and looked spectacular.  We knew we had to start making our way towards Broome as we had a deadline to get to Perth for my flight, but we couldn’t stop ourselves from exploring.  We continued searching for waterfalls and found some hidden gems, which would normally go unnoticed, however the large flow of water meant they grabbed our attention from afar.

We didn’t see many people on our travels and those we did bump into were from the Top End, making the most of the off-season and seeing what was on offer.  They agreed that having this amazing landscape all to ourselves in the wet season was certainly a great reason to live in northern Australia! 

Without a doubt this was the most memorable day of the whole trip and we ended up driving into the night to get to Broome because we were having such a great time.  The great thing about this trip is that it showed there has been plenty of rain so far this 2016/2017 wet season and there is a good chance these falls could still be flowing in May and June. 

It was hard not to be impressed by the show the Kimberley was putting and although the west coast of Australia was beautiful nothing could quite beat our Kimberley adventure. 

How I came to love the Kimberley… by Lucy Periton

My Kimberley adventure tour in western Australia

I landed my first footsteps on Australian soil almost 6 years ago and at the time, I had no idea that my life was about to change in a big way.  I’d chosen Australia as the destination for my first trip travelling solo, and after working hard in the UK for many years I was ready for an adventure. 

It began in 2011 in Darwin when I joined a group of fellow travellers on a tour bus and we made our way from Darwin to Alice Springs.  Back then, when I arrived in Darwin, I never imagined living there, not because I didn’t like it but I simply couldn’t fathom how my life would lead me to live in an outback town in tropical northern Australia.

I had a wild time on the journey from Darwin to Alice Springs, and when it was over a group of us jumped on a plane to Cairns to begin the tour from Cairns to Sydney.  It was whilst on this tour that I learnt about the Kimberley, we were shown a promotional video of the region and from that moment on I was hooked. 

When I arrived in Sydney at the end of the tour I knew Australia wasn’t going to let me go; I loved the people, the lifestyle and the weather.  After having such an amazing time I promised myself I’d be back, and 7 months later I was.  I had a job in Sydney and I had my heart set on a Kimberley adventure tour.  In April 2012 I booked the trip and I left Broome on a 9-day Kimberley tour up to Darwin. 

I discovered the Kimberley has an innate ability to make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the major cities and is able to transport you to a simpler life.  It was heaven.  I truly loved it all; from the Bungle Bungles to Tunnel Creek and everything in between.  For me I loved the style of travel, it was basic but you had everything you needed.  The Kimberley allowed me to completely escape my life and believe that all I knew was my existence in the Kimberley, for 9 days anyway. 

The Kimberley adventure tour was a constant whirlwind of activity; we spotted native wildlife and I saw so many creatures I’d never seen in the wild before, including blue-tongued lizards, short-haired rock wallabies and an olive python.  I was able to enjoy endless sunrises and sunsets, laugh around the campfire and my biggest treat of all was sleeping in a swag under the stars.  The Kimberley has an amazing starry ceiling, it’s unpolluted and allows you to lie down at night and have a clear view of all the constellations in the sky.  The entire Kimberley is so magnificent you simply have to see it to believe it.  I was blown away by the whole experience; it was nature like I’d never seen it before, completely untouched wilderness and breathtaking views all around.   

Since this Kimberley tour I have been back several times and I’m currently planning my fourth trip!  The Kimberley changed my life in so many ways and not least of all because I was fortunate enough to meet Adam; he made me want to take my life in a new direction and he is the reason I now call an outback town in tropical northern Australia my home. 

Adam & I on one of our many adventures... this time in Vietnam.

International experts go on a 5-year Kimberley adventure to map ancient rock art

The Kimberley is a land of beauty.  It’s home to stunning waterfalls, endless adventure and amazing wildlife, but it also has a deep history connected to our aboriginal ancestors.  For thousands and thousands of years the Kimberley has been home to aboriginal clans, and many still call it home today.  These ancient clans have left their mark on the land through their use of rock art.

Aboriginal rock art is a term used to describe images carved, drawn or painted onto rocks by aboriginal groups many, many years ago using materials such as ochre and clay.  It can be found all over Australia but some of the oldest rock art is believed to exist in the Kimberley.  It dates back to 20, 000 years ago when the first Australians occupied the land and used the method of rock art to leave messages for one another and to tell traditional dreaming stories. 

Wandjina rock art in the Kimberley

It’s thought that as little as 1-2% of Kimberley rock art has been recorded which means there is much more to be discovered.  A group of international experts have teamed up in western Australia to embark on a 5-year project to uncover more of the Kimberley’s lost art.  They are trekking long distances and using boats as well as helicopters to locate some of the most remotely positioned work.  They are also working with local rangers who are keen to record their ancestor’s history.  The team works together to find areas where Aboriginal families may have spent time gathering for ceremonies, cooking and storytelling.

It’s hoped that the work they carry out over the next few years as part of the Kimberley Visions project will shed light on the region’s distinctive art styles, including the Gwion figures and Wandjina spirit figures.  The first findings from this initial work is due to be published in 2017.   

If you travel through the Kimberley today both Gwion and Wandjina rock art can be found.  Manning Gorge and Galvans Gorge offer plenty of adventure as well as the opportunity to observe the ancient works of Australia’s first inhabitants. 

Early wet season rainfall means great things for the 2017 Kimberley season!

Manning Gorge in the Kimberley 

The Kimberley in western Australia is home to an array of stunning waterfalls, which have formed due to many centuries of heavy rainfall descending on the land.  The dramatic falls such as Emma Gorge in El Questro, Manning Gorge and Bell Gorge in King Leopold Conservation Park, are brought to life during the wet season when the monsoonal rains arrive, and water gushes over the escarpment creating nature’s very own swimming pool below.  In April, the dry season rears it’s head and tourists begin to venture into the Kimberley, where they are greeted by these amazing waterfalls performing at their very best.

The Kimberley is classified as having a tropical climate because it has two seasons - the wet and the dry.  The wet season or monsoon season runs from November until April, and is when the area expects to receive the majority of it's annual rainfall; the dry season runs from May to October and, as the name suggests, no rainfall is expected during this period.   

The past couple of wet seasons in the tropical north have delivered a disappointing amount of rainfall and the Kimberley has dried up much sooner than anyone would like.  The 2014-2015 season saw the East Kimberley region receive 300 millimetres less than their average, and the 2015-2016 wet season was mostly dry apart from the month of December.  This ultimately resulted in significantly less than average rainfall totals and was in fact the hottest wet season on record for the Northern Territory. 

If we look at the predictions of the Bureau of Meteorology for this coming wet season, anyone planning to travel the Gibb River Road in 2017 can expect plenty of water to be flowing.  They are predicting an early wet season this year and September has already seen an unusual amount of rainfall for this time of year.  Areas around Katherine and Mataranka plus the Kimberley gained more then 100 millimetres of rainfall over just a few days.  There is also the potential for a La Niña weather event; this basically means increased wet weather due to extensive cooling of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.   

The prediction of a great wet season is not only good for farmers but tourists as well. It’s a fantastic opportunity to capture the Kimberley at it's best, by witnessing the dancing wildlife, lush scenery and over-flowing, glistening waterfalls.  The perfect chance to experience the natural magic of this vast, untouched land.  It could be THE year to visit. 

We are up and running!

Adam & I would like to welcome you to our website. 

We are a bundle of emotions as we officially launch our site and show you what we have been working on for most of 2016.  It’s very exciting to finally go live and to know that we are on track to take you on an unforgettable trip through the remote Kimberley wilderness in 2017!

It was a spark that ignited about 3 years ago in 2013, when Adam & I had a conversation about our dreams and aspirations and discovered we both had an ambition to run our own company.  It was a no-brainer that running Kimberley tours was our best chance at success!  The Kimberley was what brought us together; we are passionate about it, we have extensive knowledge of the area and Adam has 8 years experience guiding in the region. 

Bell Gorge in the Kimberley

Adam & I aren’t strangers to travelling.  We’ve spent time backpacking through Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, Europe & India.  In fact it was in Africa earlier this year, whilst exploring a volcano and the sulphur springs in Northeast Ethiopia, that we decided we were ready to take the leap and start up our own company.  On our adventures we keep our minds open, take in the local culture, embrace spontaneity and keep a look out for the next adventure.  Our approach to the Kimberley in western Australia is no different; we combine our experience of travelling around the world with our knowledge of the Kimberley in WA, and strive to create the best adventure possible! 

Adam & Lucy at the Dallol Sulphur springs in Ethiopia 

“I’ve spent the last 8 years taking tours from Broome to Darwin and back, along the Gibb River Road.  Every tour is unique, and I never get bored.  There is always something new to be discovered and a different adventure to be had.  Nothing is ever the same, that’s why it’s so great.”

 – Adam Bowen, Guide 

Check out our website to see the types of adventures we can take you on and the amazing locations we have access to, including Manning Gorge, El Questro, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles.  You can also re-visit this blog anytime, as I will be bringing you highlights from our tours as well as Kimberley news. 

We are very excited to be up & running with our website!  We invite you to get on-board and come on the journey with us!

Happy adventures & we hope to see you very soon. 

Lucy