Testimonials & Reviews

Commendation – Adventure Wild

We have just returned from the 12-day Kimberley Adventurer Tour with hosts Phil and Liz.  Expectations were high given we coincidentally bumped into a bubbly couple who had just been dropped off from an Adventure Wild tour just as we arrived to booked into our Broome accommodation.

There are many reasons why we recommend this tour:

Pre-tour engagement was best practice.  Simone was our key point of contact prior to booking and in the leadup to arrival.  If you want to check how you might be treated, email Simone a serious question and see how long it takes for her to get back to you.  As newbies to the area, we had many many concerns – she was right onto them all and made us very comfortable to commit.  Simone also turned up just before we departed – for a group photo.

Economical – we did lots of homework and it seemed to us to be very well-priced.  There are a bunch of (usually expensive) add-ons that might be included as obligatory in other operator’s tours and, overall, we still found the arrangement significantly cheaper than the others.  At the lower total tour cost it meant we felt more happier to buy things (artwork, souvenirs) during the tour itself.  The relatively small group size helped a lot to breed camaraderie and gave us more latitude to ask questions.

Young-at-heart tour guides made the difference.  Phil was both brains and brawn, keeping the operation on schedule with his great 4WD skills and geological knowledge.  Phil ensured the luggage was stowed safely on top of the bus and that he was always on the lookout for photo opportunities and firewood.  Liz, however, was the Eveready Bunny who was always looking for how she could look to identify and fix a problem even when it didn’t need fixing (or wasn’t even a problem – a proper mother hen).  Both of these guys were a happily-married couple who were mostly happy but could be serious when they needed to be – the perfect combo for a seamless operation.  I don’t know what they earn but whatever it is Simone should give them a pay rise.

Flexible where it mattered.  Because Simone knows everything about the Kimberley region, she was able to advise Phil and Liz that a particular gorge had just opened after the recent cyclone damage.  So, after consulting us, Phil & Liz slightly adjusted the itinerary to allow us to walk in on our final day.  They also provided some dietary options to one of our tour groups without a hassle, even though it was a last-minute change.  When presented with change, these guys seem unflappable.

Simple but interesting menus.  Liz was great with simple menus that were tasty and didn’t upset any tummies.  They also pre-prepared several dinners so it was a rather quick process after arrival at a campsite.  Cold cuts for lunch were great and easy access to the group esky meant our cold drinkies were close at hand.

Knowledge and experience.  The map indicates a rather simple loop but as newbies to the region we had no idea of the long days between sights and sites.  One 53km section took 3 hours each way.  Efficient logistics are probably the domain of all tour operators but I could see how some would be tempted to avoid a long enjoyable morning tea stop in preference to making it easier on a driver.

Busy.  We had some long days, sometimes leaving a campsite at 6am.  However, after a few days there was no grumbling because we realised Phil and Liz knew how to timetable touristy places in while ensuring we arrived at the next place with plenty of daylight left in which to set up camp.  Liz was also full of fascinating information and wasn’t far from the microphone while we were trundling along.   It didn’t stop some of us from snoozing between stops (even on the Gibb River Road, which indicates how much activity was packed in).

All places unique – none the same.  Photos definitely do not do justice to the age, wildness and variety of landscapes we saw on this trip.  The itinerary crammed in loads of swimmable gorges, and the walks to them weren’t nearly as hard as the notes suggested.  The landforms to see from the bus were also amazing.   The optional air and water tours (also with very friendly and efficient guides) added an extra dimension again, and I’d recommend spending some extra shekels if you can afford to.   Phil and Liz also knew lots of quiet places with interesting things to see.

Very few flies and bities.   From the east coast, I was shocked at the lack of flies and mozzies here.  Perhaps it as the time of year, but the bus’s bottomless Aerogard warded off everything.  And we saw a few freshies who were thankfully less interested in us.

Apolitical.  There is always the risk that a tour guide, or a speaker at a stop-off, might want to use a trapped audience to espouse certain personal points of view.   This was definitely not the case on this tour, and we are sure we found a greater appreciation for the local peoples, and their long and proud history, when we were ‘left alone’ to experience it for ourselves.

Well done team.  11/10!!

August 2023.

Rob & Cynthia Thomson

Good morning Simone and Karl

Wow! What an amazing “Adventure” it was to travel on this truly spectacular  12 day Broome to Broome tour.

The tour was far beyond expectations and I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to partake in all walks and swims.

We were very lucky to have Sonya and Andrew as our Tour Leaders. They were supportive in every way ensuring each traveler fulfilled their goals so as to get the most out of the tour.

I would recommend this tour to any person wanting to see the Kimberley.

Kindest regards

Robyn Edmistone

Hi Simone and Karl,

We have just returned from the best holiday in the Kimberley with Adventure Wild.  We want to thank you and your wonderful Team for your care, attention to detail and coordination of this amazing experience.  Sonya and Andrew ensured we had everything we needed to enjoy every day.  Their passion for sharing their knowledge and love of the Kimberley was infectious and we loved every minute.

Warmest regards,

Suzanne Randall & Rob Holdaway

Hi Simone

The last 3 weeks while in the Kimberley have been a never ending series of ‘wow’ moments, each equaling or surpassing the last.  Our trip with Sonia and Andrew was so much more than I had hoped for- and I’ve wanted to explore the Kimberley for many years so the anticipation was high. So professionally organised from beginning to end, both so caring of the group and focussed on helping us all achieve our goals whatever they may be.  So much laughter, side splitting at times, such wonderful food you couldn’t help but eat way more than you needed, both Sonia and Andrew so knowledgeable about the areas we were exploring, the flora and fauna, the bird life.  Moments to store and treasure include the quiet and lack of people noise, and the bird songs in the early morning- what better way to wake up as you watch the sky lighten.

Camping has to be the best way to go, you feel part of the environment rather than an observer and I would recommend this to anyone- swags are comfortable and warm and it was even fun putting up tents when we had to- and bringing them down again in the early morning.

My thanks to you as well Simone for helping change my Horizontal Falls booking when the original was cancelled- it was so worth the effort of changing flights and having been high on my bucket list I’m so thankful to have been able to go.  It’s a must for anyone in my books!

It’s been lovely to sort through photos since arriving back and reliving the trip- I think it was the best holiday ever and I now have a fascination to come back and explore more!!

Best regards

Susie Birdsall

Simone

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team (especially Sonya and Andrew) for one of the best holidays I have ever had – and I have had some special holidays in the past.

Your organisation and personal attention to detail was exceptional.

The Kimberley is unique with daily highlights that just got better and better. So many happy memories.

I have been telling my friends and family to add this experience to their ‘bucket list’. It’s been so special.

Thank you all again.

With kind regards

Sandra Linsley

Hi Simone,

I had a wonderful holiday and Thommo and Gools are the most amazing tour leaders/guides.  What an asset they are for your business.  So knowledgeable and always keen and willing to answer our questions and educate us on all matters relating to the Kimberley and the indigenous people who live there.

Will definitely recommend Adventure Wild to anyone who is thinking of coming to this part of the country

Regards

Gerry Martin

Hi Simone,

I just wanted to say what a fantastic adventure we had with Phil and Liz. They looked after us so well. Their organisational skills are incredible and only matched by their enthusiasm and kindness. So thank you to them and you.

Kind Regards

Sharron-Del Wakely

I want to tell you what a fantastic adventure our holiday with Gools & Thommo was (12 day tour starting 5 July 2023). Chris & I started talking about the trip before Covid but I still wasn’t sure what to expect. Especially coming from England I didn’t know much about the Kimberley’s – their beauty, size and remoteness.

Despite flooded roads and rerouting I had a wonderful time. The whole Adventure Wild team worked really hard to keep us on the road when several road crossings were flooded. In particular I want to thank Gools & Thommo for their tireless effort to keep the group going on top of all the hard work they would do organising, cooking, driving, setting up & striking camp for the group. They made the whole experience one I will never forget.

Thanks again to you all for a fabulous trip

Pud

Pauline Bagherli

Hey Simone

I just want to say how much Graham and I enjoyed the tour  – we really want to endorse how wonderful Sonja and Andrew were – they are an incredible, sensitive, caring team and they did their upmost to make it a wonderful experience.

Thanks again.

Judy & Graham Baird

Hi Simone & Karl,

We had a wonderful trip with Liz and Phil who looked after us like members of their family.

The itinerary was great- a mix of “technical” challenges and down time around the campsite. The amazing scenery just kept coming and Liz and Phil were really knowledgeable.

We appreciated the unscheduled stops at the aboriginal art sites.

We even got used to the early starts and we’re still on that schedule now!

We highly recommend Adventure Wild tours.

Cheers

Libby & Malcolm Dale