Nancye Miles-Tweedie

A World-Class Adventure through the Kimberley Region – Unforgettable!

I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a magnificent 12-day journey through the captivating Kimberley Region, and I must say, it was an experience beyond compare. Highly recommended by an old school friend, the tour took place on the 14th of July, 2023, and brought together a diverse and lively group of friendly couples and adventurous individuals, ranging in age from 55 to an inspiring 80-year-old traveller.

From the very start, our tour guides, Liz and Phil, impressed us with their consummate professionalism. Their caring, passionate approach combined with a fantastic sense of humour made the journey engaging, educational, and truly enjoyable. The itinerary was superbly organized, transforming our trip into a world-class experience filled with varied adventures and spectacular scenery.

One aspect that struck me was the depth of my newfound understanding of the Kimberley Region. Having grown up in Australia, it was humbling to realize how little I knew about this magnificent part of my own country.

The tour exceeded all my expectations, thanks to the meticulous attention to detail spearheaded by Simone and Karl. The operation ran like a well-oiled machine, allowing us to focus solely on immersing ourselves in the stunning landscapes, forging new friendships, and capturing our experiences through countless photographs. The breathtaking gorges and sensational national parks that adorned our journey left us in awe at every turn.

Our accommodation was comfortable, featuring top-quality tents and swags, complete with a mattress, a fitted and flat sheet, a pillow with pillowcase, and a sleeping bag that we could keep or ask for to be donated to a Broome charity on our return. All meals and snacks were provided, and frequent hydration breaks were an essential part of maintaining energy and clarity in this environment (a groovy water canteen was provided).

During the day, we ventured on numerous treks through varied and sometimes challenging terrain, and trekking poles were thoughtfully provided, proving essential for many in our group. Safety was paramount throughout our journey, from the clean, air-conditioned, reliable 4WD bus to the practical advice offered for each trek. The Kimberley night sky was a sight to behold, offering excellent opportunities for astrophotography, and the sliding windows on the bus allowed for effortless landscape photography on-the-go.

Among the high points of the tour was the remarkable Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre with astounding acoustics, located within the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park. The vastness of our surroundings often left us speechless, and frequent swims in thermal pools, gorges, and rivers added an element of refreshment and fun to our journey.

Conveniently, laundry facilities were available at Kununurra and El Questro, the latter of which was an excellent spot for picking up unique gifts either in their gift shop/bar or from the artist-in-residence studio shop.

The indigenous healing circle held at El Questro was an optional activity and provided profound insights into some local indigenous culture. However, while on the Ord River Cruise we were somewhat disappointed when questions about indigenous history were brushed aside as being too political by that tour company.

Each night, we retired early, ready to embrace the dawn by 5 or 6 am, allowing us to make the most of our days. Along our journey, we encountered a variety of wildlife and admired the beautiful Boab trees lining our route. Birdwatching opportunities were abundant for those with a keen eye.

Packing advice: Thongs (flip-flops) for the showers are a must, and avoiding overpacking is wise. The canvas bag provided by Adventure Wild is a perfect size, strong, and easy to carry. Perhaps consider investing in a pair or two of Patagonia’s Happy Hike Studio Pants, which can be easily washed (a small squirt of detergent and water inside a zip-lock bag then agitated) and will dry by the following morning if you squeeze, wrap, squeeze again in a towel, and hang up in your tent overnight, making them ideal for travelling comfortably, easy to get on in the dark and after swims too!
Now I’ve returned home, I have countless cherished memories and an abundance of photographs to process, which I eagerly look forward to sharing with my fellow travellers and tour guides. To all those considering a journey through the Kimberley Region, I cannot recommend this tour highly enough. It was an awe-inspiring, outstanding experience that I will never forget. This is not just a trip; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deeply explore and appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the Kimberley Region.

For those contemplating when to book, I wholeheartedly recommend the cooler months of June, July, or August, as September begins to heat up apparently.
Well done Adventure Wild!