Cecilia & Rob Wright

We were sooo excited to embark on this “trip of a lifetime“ which Rob booked over 12 months ago, especially as our “all inclusive” Adventure Wild Kimberley Tour included the infamous Gibb River Road. Finally the day arrived for us to set off in an “all terrain” air-conditioned vehicle, together with our 2 drivers / tour guides (Liz & Phil) and 11 fellow travellers (from New Zealand, Netherlands, Sth Aus, & WA).

Liz was extremely informative about the history and Phil shared loads of information and insights about the geology of every place we visited. They both also had extensive knowledge of the ever-changing flora and fauna, which they freely shared. This helped us to truly understand the vast, colourful Kimberley area and prompted us to find out more on the odd occasion that we had internet coverage. Their kindness, unwavering compatibility and teamwork was exemplary.

For some unknown & weird reason, I misinterpreted what I read in the tour brochure and very quickly discovered that “large spacious tents” does not mean we were “glamping” – we were camping complete with swag & mattress, pillow, sheet, sleeping bag, a variety of showers (including a bush shower) & toilets (sometimes the bush and/or “drop” variety), no power and the temperature was mid-30’s during the day and high-20’s at night. It reminded us of when we used to go camping in Gove (NT) 38 years ago. However camping was vastly different when we were in our 30’s than now that we are in our 70’s. Also, it was quite a physically challenging trip, with medium to high grade hikes (clambering over & around boulders) & rolling up our swags, which meant that we were all tired & ready for bed between 8.30 – 9pm and awake really early to be ready to go again by 6.30 – 7am every day, which is so outside “the norm” for us but we adapted extremely quickly. Having said all that we thoroughly and wholeheartedly embraced the experience and we both had the most memorable, fun-filled and totally enjoyable trip ever.

We savoured the delicious gourmet snacks, scrumptious, filling lunches and dinners (& desserts) and we enjoyed so much variety at breakfast time. I enjoyed playing dice & card games with Nicole, Kylie & Geoffrey. We were a cohesive and cooperative group and all “pitched in” to set up / clean up before & after meals and to unpack and pack the vehicle morning and evening and help / look out for each other, as needed. Nothing was too much trouble for Liz & Phil, they went well & truly “above & beyond” the call of duty and both were 100% dedicated, extremely approachable and caring with each of us for the whole duration of our trip. Our snack/meal stops were always “just right” and in the shade. We loved being immersed in nature at it’s absolute best – so healing for the soul. We also learnt a lot about the resilience of the people who call the Kimberley their home, they are all so phenomenal, especially the hardworking staff in the remote roadhouses, National Parks and tour operators.

The pools, gorges & waterfalls were epic to swim in. We’ve wanted to visit El Questro Station for a very long time and loved our 3 night stay. Rob & I enjoyed a 15-min. informative helicopter flight over the expansive El Questro Station. We had fun on our Ord River cruise complete with scrumptious afternoon tea. Our whole group enjoyed a champagne (& fresh fruit platter) Chamberlain River sunset cruise. The highlight was us feeding the Archer Fish their special pellets, so hilarious for all of us who got “zapped” by the fish shooting water at us.
The “icing on the cake” was Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) for our 2 night stay. Rob & I enjoyed a 42min. helicopter flight over the “beehive” domes & National Park – a thrilling “bucket list” adventure – we’d highly recommend.

Liz & Phil kindly organised bubbles & nibbles (complete with a stunning sunset on the banks of the Durack River) for our 52nd wedding anniversary, which was memorable. Cecilia felt special sharing her birthday with Liz, while on this tour, complete with delicious birthday cake. Phil & Liz took us up a spectacular lookout (in Wyndham) on Mt. Bastion (325m) to the 5 rivers lookout, overlooking the King, Pentecost, Durack, Forrest & Ord Rivers entering the Cambridge Gulf. Next we visited the historic & fascinating Wyndham Museum. We finished off with lunch directly outside the museum – which was awesome. We arrived back in Broome safely thanks to the skilful driving of both Liz & Phil.

We will have no hesitation recommending this EPIC tour to all and sundry.