Testimonials & Reviews

We thoroughly enjoyed our 12 day Safari through the Kimberley with Mark (Corf) and Adey and the rest of our group. Prior to the trip Karl and Simone had been very responsive and helpful with our different queries, and our excitement was building. Corf and Adey very quickly helped us all to feel relaxed with each other and gel together as a group. We felt confident with their skilled and careful driving, and they took us to places we hadn’t even dreamed we would visit – as well as the more well-known highlights of the Kimberley. We were amazed at the beautiful gorges and rivers, waterfalls and landscapes. One night we had the beautiful experience of sleeping under the stars in our swags – a first for us.

Corf was very knowledgeable – his stories to tell us the history of the different places we visited really brought it alive for us and made the trip memorable. He also seemed to know a lot about the geology, astronomy, birds, plants – and many other things! Adey seemed to effortlessly produce gourmet meals for all 15 of us, in camp conditions. We were very well fed and impressed by her abilities. Corf went the extra mile for us one day – Lesley wanted to do some bird-watching, so Corf offered to get up extra early one morning and took us to a bird hide where we saw Gouldian Finches in the wild, along with other birds!

Barry and Richard attempted to estimate how many corrugations we drove over along the Gibb River Road. A conservative estimate was over 2 million! We were very glad that we had gone with a tour group as we are not people who have done 4WD trips ourselves and we wouldn’t have seen half of what we saw on this trip had we gone on our own. Besides, we were able to relax and enjoy the scenery while Corf or Adey concentrated on the driving.

We saw most of the things people had expressed a desire to see – gorges, waterfalls,  Aboriginal Art, crocs, rock wallabies, a python, dingoes, an emu, brolgas, jabirus and many other birds – even the blue-winged kookaburra that seemed to elude me until the very last day! All in all we came home extremely satisfied and VERY glad that we had gone with Adventure Wild. Thank you Corf and Adey for a WONDERFUL safari!!

Rating 5/5

Lesley and Barry Earp

John and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and have no hesitation in recommending it to all our friends. The last night camp site was perfect and so good would have loved another night here to unwind before heading back.  Carmel and Mark were excellent, patient and very professional guides an asset to your company.

I have written this piece which I hope you will share with Carmel and Mark as a tribute to the excellent tour and experience they contributed to.

An adventure wild…..

The intrigue and anticipation of meeting and participating in a unique adventure with fellow Kimberley explorers descended on a group of travelers early on 29 June 2016.

Apprehensive but encompassing visions  of what possibly lay ahead pounded as we all boarded the 4 wheel drive chariot, hosted and guided by Carmel and Mark for 12 days.

A buddy system devised to account our whereabouts was fruitful and entertaining almost as much as were  the yarns, tales, sing-a-longs, storytelling, autobiographies, future plans, family dynamics, jokes, facts and figures discussed; some regurgitated multiple times promoting fun, frivolity and close friendships, a bonding that none expected or prepared for.

The colours of the outback intoxicated, multiple shades of yellow and ochre teamed with the  mesmerising azure of the cloudless sky and inland oceans  hypnotised and enchanted us through our journey.

The scenery was awesomely spectacular. The beauty, pure and overwhelmingly spiritual. Every viewpoint totally overcome and framed by panoramic vistas. rugged ranges, deep ravines, gorges, rock formations, flora and fauna; unique, delicate, savage, narrow, grand and steeped in colour not even artists could create and photography could pay justice. Gob smacking sighs echoed our bewilderment and enticed our expectations. Each accomplished challenges, broke records and ticked off bucket lists.

The campfire gatherings allowed a reflection each day of what elated and what lay ahead whilst we breakfast at the crack of dawn and wined and dined under the stars, forging deeper bonds and reliving the aura of each sunrise and sunset.

The experience was void of any conflict or dissatisfaction and everything went to plan. The sound of zips echoed and repeated ringing out in the silence of the night and dawn  becoming an anthem of our tour.  Least we forget the rolling of the swags, just as much as the stunning scenery.

We swam with the freshies, conquered rocks, sank in mud, used ropes, entered caves, accomplished water crossings, beat the madding crowd for advantage points and mastered the art of open air toilets and hygiene unpretentiously. Bower birds built exclusive pretty abodes to attract mates. At night we were warned by barking owls and as we travelled brumbies, wild donkey and mules flickered their heads up to see who was approaching.

Mingled in the brush on the skirts of enormous stations were bulls, cows and calfs avoiding the spinifex and spear grasses that also caused anguish as we tried to hike past. The pretty but noisy black and sulphur crested cockatoos delighted. The red rose of the rosella bush and colourful native grevillea intoxicated the scenery in color and interest and of course there also lay the lethal red berries that are now synonymous with our tour.

The cat fish, turtles, green frogs, cane toads, olive Python and multitude of spiders bewildered and entertained us.

The flora was plentiful and beautiful. The iconic nut and rare flower of the Boab tree attracted photography, the bird flower, river red gum and ghost gums, bunches of limestone grasses, ribbon and black spinifex all danced in the breeze and coloured hillsides in hues of green and grey.

The mighty Fitzroy River enticed us and wet our curiosity and fascination for crocodiles. It was Tunnel Creek where for the first time we walked through croc infested waters which stirred our appetite whilst marvelling the prehistoric cave system. But more, much more was to come; Windjana Gorge, Bell Gorge, Emma Gorge and Manning Gorge. Spectacular, awesome and the challenge of conquering the ruggedness elated. The cool water, the pristine but rugged paths sided by lush grasses, trees,  smooth and menacing boulders and a via against steep and more gentle ridges climbed to arrive at the most beautiful water falls and swimming holes marvelled at as if we were the first to discover them.

At night we sat around a campfire identifying planets and tracking satellites. In the blue black sky multitudes of stars provided light and in the dark of the night the trip to the latrine became an opportunity to turnoff our head torch and become surrounded by the sounds of silence as we marvelled at the Milky Way in all its glory. So many stars, millions, never experienced. The barking owl bought our attention back to the purpose of our stroll whilst shooting stars ignited across the night sky.

The ancient indigenous nomads that created their stories through their rock inscriptions and drawings provided a spiritual connection to our journey, we reflected ancient passings of people through this land and took a moment to acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present and future inhabitants of this sacred land.

The Pentecost River another of the big four inscribed its importance over a region blessed with volumes of water to hydrate the dusty plains providing a welcoming oasis that spasmodically frames iconic homesteads such as Home Valley Station and El Questro before we continued our journey over the infamous Gibb River Road running through the land weaving jolting rocking and rolling to once again traverse the Pentecost. River crossings excited us.

We survived the mighty Gibb River Road not an easy feat but our guides provided skill and expertise to allow us this unique experience in the comfort and safety of a well equipped vehicle.

The sunsets over these magnificent plains each day were painted as beautiful as anything that could be created by the masters of art or architecture. Cathedral rays of colour blessed our arrivals from streaks of grey and blue to explosions of orange, yellow and red. Red, red earth and blue, blue sky greeted our journey only outdone by the sunsets and sunrises each day that exploded as we drank champagne and saluted its beauty.

Zebedee Falls teased romance as couples relaxed in warm waters along the pretty waterfall, fringed with ferns and palms. Throughout the journey many remnants of ancient tropical rainforest palms would peak through rugged dusty, rocky slopes and tracks to persist and thrive in a landscape that was once bigger than any ocean.

Kununurra bought us back to the reality of commercialism which was required to replenish our sources before we headed for the beautiful Argyle an inland ocean measured by how many Sydney Harbours it would hold currently sitting at 18. The Ord River weaving amidst vital mangroves teaming with life supporting a delicate ecosystem of flora and fauna we cruised through.

We tracked towards the Pumululu National Park and if we thought beauty and grandeur had already blessed us we were surprised and all expectations were surpassed by this visual cosmic aurora. The Bungle Bungles striated honeycomb domes, words and photography cannot describe or reproduce. A spiritual and visual awakening of grand proportions , the Dome walks, Picinniny Creek, Cathedral Gorge and Echinda Chasm rose above us as we walked often speechless at what we were witnessing. The helicopter flights allowed a birds eye view which enthralled us even more.

China Wall, Halls Creek and the Fitzroy Crossing provided a gorgeous, serene and relaxing finale as we cruised Geike Gorge a prehistoric reef system again supporting spectacular and diverse wildlife along mangroves.  A perfect final night under the stars and a swim. We reminisced, ensured contact details and made plans for reunions, we a group of newly found friendships, a group of people that have together shared and experienced so many personal milestones, and captured so many memories.

The Boab Tree, iconic throughout our travels as it did on our outset, at the Prison Tree now framed our arrival back to Broome, friendships, photos, notes and tales will forever keep our experiences safe and memories alive perhaps connecting us for time to come.

To quote the message at the gate of Home Valley Station that provided a poignant reminder to a motto well served

…we are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose is to observe, to learn, to grown. And then we return home…..

The Kimberley truly once the garden of Eden, remote, pure and rugged  you evoked our spiritual, physical and emotional being even if for a short moment in time and we take from you a truly adventure wild.

Liana

Rating 5/5

Liana & John Benini

We were lucky to be on Tour 17, leaving Broome on 29th June with Carmel, Mark and 15 fellow adventurers!  What a fantastic time we had.  So many beautiful destinations, walking along trails, swimming in gorges, hot springs, boat cruises, watching wildlife, driving through amazing country where the red soil and blue skies added to the experience.  We sat around campfire, having laughs. sharing stories under the millions of stars above.  The swags were comfortable and we became good at rolling them!!!

Carmel and Mark were fantastic, flexible and informative.  They were supportive, aware of everyone’s individual abilities and made sure everyone’s needs and expectations were met.  The food was awesome!  Carmel and Mark worked hard and presented us with a different delicious meal throughout each day.

We would not hesitate to recommend Adventure Wild, it certainly delivered on making the Kimberley an experience of a lifetime.

Rating 5/5

Julie and Harry Vertsonis

Hi Simone, Karl and Rory

Wow, wow, wow!!!   Pre tour communications were great – the tour was the ultimate in adventure and experiences.  Carmel and Mark were the best tour guides I have come across.  It was like travelling with good friends we had known for a long time!  The tour group all gel’d and that also made for an exceptional tour.  What we saw on our journey was all and more then envisaged.   Starting the tour at Tunnel Gorge was a great way to ease into the walks and gorge explorations.  My first night was in a dome tent minus the cover so I could experience sleeping under the starts (thanks Mark – great suggestion).  The final night at the private campsite on a working cattle station was an ultimate in surprise and appreciation.  The joke about having my 70th in Fitzroy Crossing back-fired!   The camp on the bank of the billabong, and the Geike Gorge tour was a lovely finale!   My birthday celebrations were awesome!  Fancy having a damper birthday cake!   So very special as was the map and all the trimmings that Carmel and Mark organised.

To complete the guest satisfaction survey…..

Pre Tour Service – Welcoming and tinged with excitement.

Itinerary – Spot on!

Meals – Tops!   Couldn’t asked for better.

Campsites – Great.  Was nice to arrive at camp and see tents set up.

Tour Guides – Exceptional.

Comfort Generally – Excellent.  I can’t think of anything to suggest to improve it!

Hygiene – Excellent

Other Suggestions……   I have none!   The whole trip from start to finish was the ultimate in adventure and enjoyment.

Cheers guys …. Thanks again for everything….

Rating 5/5

Elaine Capps

Hi Simone,

I’ve just returned home after an amazing tour with your company, followed by some extra time in Broome.

I definitely made the right decision in booking with Adventure Wild – the tour had a tripe A rating in my eyes – Absolutely Amazingly Awesome!  It lived up to all expectations and exceeded them in some areas.

With the region’s unbelievable scenery, great guides in Carmel and Mark, fun and enjoyable experiences, a detailed daily journal and about 1500 photos, the tour has produced some unforgettable memories for me.

A huge thank you to everyone involved and especially to Carmel and Mark.

Cheers

Rating 4/5

Charmaine Harris

Just finished a scrumptious meal of chicken using Adey’s secret recipe which rekindled those truly wonderful days in the Kimberley. We both had a unique experience with a group of really friendly travellers who all teamed spontaneously in making the camping fun, easy and special.

Of course, the tour leaders, Adey and Corf, were brilliant with their boundless energy, gregarious nature, sense of humour, emphasis on safety and knowledge. In fact, we dubbed Corf, ‘The Universal Man mach 2’ with his multitude of skills which included: photography; mechanical prowess; information on fauna, flora, geology; background on aboriginal mythology and stories on pioneers and settlement just to mention some of them.

The whole trip was highly memorable with those picturesque walks, waterfalls, water holes, crocodiles, 85 river/creek crossings, savannah landscapes and sunsets.

Would highly recommend this tour as it provides a superb insight into our outback in the company of like minded people.

Thanks for such an experience.

Rating 4/5

Terry and Kathy Dooley

Hi Simone and all those Adventure Wild guys,

Apologies for the belated thanks for finding and returning my sunglasses.  This is just another example of the efficiency, professionalism and thoroughness of your organisation and of course the meticulous care which Adey and Corf conduct their tours.

Thanks ever so.

Rating 4/5

Kathy Dooley

Tour guides Liz and Phil provided an excellent service through their passion and knowledge of this region.

They were both careful safe drivers over the difficult roads of the Kimberley.

Last but not least, they were both extremely good cooks who catered for a variety of dietary requirements and provided intersecting nutritious meals.

The itinerary was well thought out and  any queries we had pre trip were answered promptly by Simone or Karl.

If you are looking for an outback experience which caters for individual needs and with no worries about your vehicle’s maintenance- then we highly recommend Adventure wild.

Phil and Liz will give you a tour to remember !

We had a marvellous holiday.

Rating 4/5

Mary and Greg Stuhmcke

In June 2016, 14 strangers left Broome on a 12 day Kimberley adventure with our tour guides Liz and Phil.  Twelve days later a very cohesive happy group returned having experienced the adventure of a lifetime.

Liz and Phil’s organisational skills from the route, the catering, camp sites, support and care of us, the travellers, was outstanding and ensured the success of our adventure.

Thank you both.

Rating 4/5

Jill Clarke

Hi Simone,

Where to begin……
From the very beginning we had a good feeling about “Adventure Wild”!! Every time I rang or emailed, which as you know was quite a bit!!! , you never sounded irritated or rushed! You were always so friendly & helpful!!  When we were picked up on the 1st, Carmel & Mark were delightful.

We had a great group… We were so lucky! Everyone was happy, friendly & pitched in @ every opportunity!

The professionalism, friendliness & unlimited energy & enthusiasm of Mark & Carmel was extraordinary!! Nothing was a problem!! They made us all feel special as they shared their obvious love of the Kimberleys & the great outdoors!

You are probably already aware of the value of Mark & Carmel as they take such care of your clients & are fastidious with all your equipment!!

We have not hesitated to recommend Adventure Wild to our family & friends!

Congratulations on your well oiled organisation!!

Rating 4.5/5

Paul and Rosemary Pettiford