Kimberley Adventure Tours
Kimberley Adventure Tours
Kimberley Adventure Tours
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About
Operating in both directions between Broome & Darwin and Darwin & Broome, Kimberley Adventure Tours offer the ultimate wilderness adventure giving you a complete taste of the real outback Australia. Our tours of Kimberley, Australia may be the most fun you will ever have. This is a serious adventure tour with plenty of action including hiking and swimming. Travel with other like-minded people with a sense of adventure. Small groups in 4WD vehicles. Experience campfires and swags and visit the Bungle Bungles, Gibb River Road, Lake Argyle & much more.
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5.0
398 reviews
Excellent
384
Very good
9
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Bec Y
Northcote, Australia56 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We booked this tour on a friend’s recommendation after she did the Darwin to Broome one. Al was an incredible guide... funny, knowledgeable and very capable. He clearly explained what he needed from the group and how things would go each day and was very open and honest about all decisions relating to weather/plan changes. We felt very safe and well-looked after at all times and had such a great experience. The food was really excellent, and great vegetarian options were available at every meal. There was plenty of food, the van, swags and equipment were all well Maintained and comfortable and the inclusions and tours etc were all great fun. Fresh water showers were found wherever possible after saltwater swims and bush camping was made as easy as possible for us. Can not recommend this tour highly enough... a great way to see some inaccessible spots of beauty and spend time with a fun bunch of people. Thank you so much, Al... see you for the Kimberley tour at some point!
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks heaps Becy for your great review of our 7 day Perth to Exmouth tour with Al.
For those reading this, we operate the 7 day Perth to Exmouth along the West Coast of WA through our other product called West Adventure Tours, just in case you are having trouble finding it
Written 26 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Penelope W
1 contribution
June 2023
This was a trip of a lifetime for us. We are a family of 5, with three children aged 14, 12 and 11. We had such a great time mixing with the other families on our tour, and having the cars meant that we could access some remote spots which made it even more special. Tim, Heath and Angie are true professionals, and they know their stuff! They planned an incredible adventure, and took care of all the details. We loved our holiday and highly recommend this to those interested in travelling through the Kimberley.
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Pen. Thanks so much for posting this great review of your trip, I really appreciate you taking the time to post. Hopefully we'll see you out there again on one of our other adventures.
Cheers, Tim
Written 12 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
julio d
10 contributions
July 2024 • Family
A truly incredible experience ! We had the most amazing time with Tim, Sally, Josh and our fellow travelers.
We felt so privileged to discover the Kimberley this way, sleeping under the stars, in incredible places just for ourselves, it was absolutely fabulous and the kids just loved it as much as we did.
The team took such good care of all of us, with the perfect balance between each family's need and a great group's dynamics. Thanks again !
We felt so privileged to discover the Kimberley this way, sleeping under the stars, in incredible places just for ourselves, it was absolutely fabulous and the kids just loved it as much as we did.
The team took such good care of all of us, with the perfect balance between each family's need and a great group's dynamics. Thanks again !
Written 27 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jules. Thanks so much for posting this awesome review of your trip, I really appreciate you taking the time to post. It was great to meet your clan and well done on the stunning photography.
Cheers, Tim, Joey & Sally
Written 2 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Flyer62411757575
1 contribution
June 2024 • Family
An amazing trip! I’m still on a high a month later. Challenging moments with three boys under 8 and my 64 year old mum but it was one of the best times of my life. The four wheel driving was hardcore! So much fun! And the camper provided was perfect! Loved it!!
Written 8 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Louise, luv your work! Cheers Tim, Joey & Sally
Written 20 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canoe2Freedom
Fairbanks, AK405 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
Kimberly Adventure Tours—9 Day Darwin to Broome Trip
Negatives:
(1) Be mindful of the vehicle used and the number clients contained therein.
One vehicle used for their Darwin/Broome or Broome/Darwin 9 day trip is called a "troop carrier". It seats 8 in the rear and one with the driver up front. In the rear there are two sets of bench seats that face each other. They are poorly padded and lower than a normal seat. Adults facing each other will have their knees touching. Well, to be more accurate, your legs will be intertwined with those in front of you. There is *extremely* little room to stretch your legs or to reposition yourself in the seat. (A coach class airline seat is luxury in comparison.) Facing sideways in the vehicle you will have poor views of the countryside if you are under 1.8 meters in height as the heads and torsos of those seated across from you will be blocking the windows. Over 1.8 meters you will have no view as the windows don't extend high enough to afford one. Filled with 8, it's impossible to turn sideways to look out a window. The A/C isn't sufficient to cool the rear of the vehicle, now stuffed with 8 sweaty and stinky travelers as a result of the 30 to 40+ degree heat of the Kimberly. Thus, the windows need to be opened, so it's never really cool in the rear of the troop carrier. All in all, very uncomfortable for a 9 day trip with hours and hours of driving nearly each day. KAT touts the usage of this vehicle as a means of getting to bush camps. With one exception, the bush camps were nothing to shout about and certainly not worth the ride in the troop carrier.
(2) The driver/guide (d/g)—(a) with one exception, the d/g never carried emergency equipment with him. Although the tramps were of short duration there is no reason for not bringing along a sat phone, some basic first aid material, and, perhaps, most importantly, a couple of liters of water for clients who run into trouble. In an emergency situation, serious injury, snake bite, etc., time, be it minutes or hours, count.; (b) Our d/g seemed to take it as a badge of honor not to carry a watch. While this led to minor issues such as missed sunsets, sunrises, etc. it also led to a far more serious situation where…; (c) The d/g began a 4 hour long Grade 6 tramp after 15:00, the sun set around 17:00. The result of which was a dangerous return walk of climbing over, down and around large boulders in the dark. Remember, the d/g carried no emergency equipment like torches and much of the tramp occurred in a narrow canyon that permitted no moon or star light. Only by shear luck did two of the clients happen to have torches/flashlights. If they hadn't the group might have been forced to spend the night in the canyon until sunrise. When the d/g informed his boss about the tramp, his boss, according to the d/g, found it funny.; (d) Not being aware of the time also led to a bat-out-of-hell drive on a narrow and twisting road in an attempt to reach a sunset viewpoint—we didn't make it. Missing the sunset wasn't a big deal to me, but it was a disappointment to some. Ironically, while attempting to reach another sunset, this time driving safely, the d/g informed us that a major cause of accidents for guided trips involves hurrying while attempting to reach sunsets/sunrises. (We missed that sunset as well.); (e) Another safety issue stemmed from the KAT office selling a seat on the tour to a woman who couldn't swim. She told me that she was explicit with KAT prior to booking the trip that she couldn't swim. One of the tramps involved a bit of canyoning that requires the ability to swim. The d/g wasn't informed by the office that one of the participants was a non-swimmer. As it turned out she was able to purchase a floatation device and other members of the group got her through the swimming areas with no difficulty. Still, assuming her claim was accurate, one wonders why the KAT office would put someone in that position.; (f) Prior to one tramp the d/g informed the group that the tramp was “mandatory”. As we were starting and stopping from the same location there was no logistical reason to make such a demand. It was a foolish thing to do—if, for whatever reason, a client didn’t want to participate in an activity, coercing them into doing so is dangerous to the client and greatly increases KAT’s liability in the event of a mishap.
Positives:
(1) The d/g was very personable and knowledgable. He did a good job matching tramps to the group. He was an excellent camp cook and the logistics of the trip—food, water, chores, etc.—are well done. He did have an eye out for the safety of the group, other than the lapses noted above.
(2) Once having arrived at the tramping and camping locations the scenery was good to excellent.
Conclusion:
Under no circumstance would I recommend a multi-day “troop carrier” trip with more than 5 clients in the vehicle. KAT does use other vehicles that I’m sure are far more comfortable to ride in. KAT needs to work a little harder on safety as noted above. With attention to those safety issues and a better “ride” I would recommend KAT.
These are solely my impressions of KAT. Others who were on the trip with me have written reviews of KAT that are excellent and without complaint. Then again, having spent years guiding wilderness trips myself and not being a 20-something year old, I probably have a more critical eye than most.
Negatives:
(1) Be mindful of the vehicle used and the number clients contained therein.
One vehicle used for their Darwin/Broome or Broome/Darwin 9 day trip is called a "troop carrier". It seats 8 in the rear and one with the driver up front. In the rear there are two sets of bench seats that face each other. They are poorly padded and lower than a normal seat. Adults facing each other will have their knees touching. Well, to be more accurate, your legs will be intertwined with those in front of you. There is *extremely* little room to stretch your legs or to reposition yourself in the seat. (A coach class airline seat is luxury in comparison.) Facing sideways in the vehicle you will have poor views of the countryside if you are under 1.8 meters in height as the heads and torsos of those seated across from you will be blocking the windows. Over 1.8 meters you will have no view as the windows don't extend high enough to afford one. Filled with 8, it's impossible to turn sideways to look out a window. The A/C isn't sufficient to cool the rear of the vehicle, now stuffed with 8 sweaty and stinky travelers as a result of the 30 to 40+ degree heat of the Kimberly. Thus, the windows need to be opened, so it's never really cool in the rear of the troop carrier. All in all, very uncomfortable for a 9 day trip with hours and hours of driving nearly each day. KAT touts the usage of this vehicle as a means of getting to bush camps. With one exception, the bush camps were nothing to shout about and certainly not worth the ride in the troop carrier.
(2) The driver/guide (d/g)—(a) with one exception, the d/g never carried emergency equipment with him. Although the tramps were of short duration there is no reason for not bringing along a sat phone, some basic first aid material, and, perhaps, most importantly, a couple of liters of water for clients who run into trouble. In an emergency situation, serious injury, snake bite, etc., time, be it minutes or hours, count.; (b) Our d/g seemed to take it as a badge of honor not to carry a watch. While this led to minor issues such as missed sunsets, sunrises, etc. it also led to a far more serious situation where…; (c) The d/g began a 4 hour long Grade 6 tramp after 15:00, the sun set around 17:00. The result of which was a dangerous return walk of climbing over, down and around large boulders in the dark. Remember, the d/g carried no emergency equipment like torches and much of the tramp occurred in a narrow canyon that permitted no moon or star light. Only by shear luck did two of the clients happen to have torches/flashlights. If they hadn't the group might have been forced to spend the night in the canyon until sunrise. When the d/g informed his boss about the tramp, his boss, according to the d/g, found it funny.; (d) Not being aware of the time also led to a bat-out-of-hell drive on a narrow and twisting road in an attempt to reach a sunset viewpoint—we didn't make it. Missing the sunset wasn't a big deal to me, but it was a disappointment to some. Ironically, while attempting to reach another sunset, this time driving safely, the d/g informed us that a major cause of accidents for guided trips involves hurrying while attempting to reach sunsets/sunrises. (We missed that sunset as well.); (e) Another safety issue stemmed from the KAT office selling a seat on the tour to a woman who couldn't swim. She told me that she was explicit with KAT prior to booking the trip that she couldn't swim. One of the tramps involved a bit of canyoning that requires the ability to swim. The d/g wasn't informed by the office that one of the participants was a non-swimmer. As it turned out she was able to purchase a floatation device and other members of the group got her through the swimming areas with no difficulty. Still, assuming her claim was accurate, one wonders why the KAT office would put someone in that position.; (f) Prior to one tramp the d/g informed the group that the tramp was “mandatory”. As we were starting and stopping from the same location there was no logistical reason to make such a demand. It was a foolish thing to do—if, for whatever reason, a client didn’t want to participate in an activity, coercing them into doing so is dangerous to the client and greatly increases KAT’s liability in the event of a mishap.
Positives:
(1) The d/g was very personable and knowledgable. He did a good job matching tramps to the group. He was an excellent camp cook and the logistics of the trip—food, water, chores, etc.—are well done. He did have an eye out for the safety of the group, other than the lapses noted above.
(2) Once having arrived at the tramping and camping locations the scenery was good to excellent.
Conclusion:
Under no circumstance would I recommend a multi-day “troop carrier” trip with more than 5 clients in the vehicle. KAT does use other vehicles that I’m sure are far more comfortable to ride in. KAT needs to work a little harder on safety as noted above. With attention to those safety issues and a better “ride” I would recommend KAT.
These are solely my impressions of KAT. Others who were on the trip with me have written reviews of KAT that are excellent and without complaint. Then again, having spent years guiding wilderness trips myself and not being a 20-something year old, I probably have a more critical eye than most.
Written 18 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the feedback. it is our policy to carry the first aid kit and sat phone on all hikes, even short ones, there is no excuse for not having done this on your tour and I have stressed with our guides that this must occur on every hike. In particular I have spoken to the guide involved and he has apologised for the oversight. It won't happen again.
Yes the vehicle is uncomfortable, however we did warn you, we even offered to book you on our competitors product who use more conventional vehicles, despite this you chose to book our tour anyway. To then complain about this point is not very fair, if you order a burger a cheese you can't then complain that you don't like cheese! We delivered what we promised.
Also, I think for transparency you should have have mentioned in your post that you didn't actually do the night walk which you describe in detail, preferring to stay with the vehicle. You have stated that I laughed at this dangerous (your words) situation - really!, I probably expressed some sort of joy that the group had been faced with a challenge and were all OK. You see, like you, I have also spent years as a wilderness guide, and I understand that challenges, whilst hard at the time, are the stuff of life, they are often finished off with a hi five and years of great memories. Our job is to guide our clients through challenges like this, not hold their hands - Re the woman with questionable swimming abilities getting through the gorge! How cool is that!
If you come with KAT you will be challenged, your limits may be pushed, you will experience comfort issues, you will need to carry your own water and you better like cheese, because there's heaps of it.
Written 10 June 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ivan Power
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
July 2016 • Family
Our family (two adults, four children aged five through eleven) just finished a tour from Darwin to Broome with Kimberley Adventure Tours. We hoped for the trip of a lifetime, we were not disappointed. The Kimberley is spectacular, a world-class destination right here in Australia, and still deserted compared to destinations of similar quality. Our guide (Tim) was knowledgeable, sensible and respectful, and great company. He knew the Kimberley and how to make all aspects of the trip (camping, sightseeing, gorge hopping and waterfall jumping) as rewarding and enjoyable as possible. It seemed we had privileged access to the Kimberley for ten days. We all loved sleeping in swags under the stars, and our kids slept like logs, testament to how active they were and their involvement (our choice) in setting up, packing up and washing up. And my wife and I were pleasantly surprised at the quality of food that Tim prepared when we were (quite literally) in the middle of nowhere. To be clear, this is not “glamping”, but a well-organised, properly-resourced adventure, run by someone who really knows what they are doing. It was a truly special experience we will never forget. I can’t recommend KAT highly enough, delighted to answer questions of people who are contemplating this trip with small children. Do it.
Written 22 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Ivan, it was a pleasure to share the wilderness of the Kimberley with you and your family on our 10 day private charter, I'm so glad you enjoyed the style of trip that we run.
Thanks for all the help and hard work that Vanessa, the kids and yourself put in, whilst it's not compulsory it was certainly appreciated and I think everyone got a lot more our of the experience as a result.
It was great to meet all of you guys, I had a fun time, especially getting to know the kids, I loved that both Seb and Harry pushed themselves to jump off those high cliffs into the water, I've got Anika's boa constrictor song in my head and still laugh when I think of Al's antics. They'll all have memories that last a lifetime.
The enthusiasm that you showed for everything was contagious, I came off the trip a lot more positive purely by standing near you! That's a great skill. So thank you.
Cheers. Tim.
Written 26 July 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ana F
Zurich, Switzerland6 contributions
July 2015 • Solo
I've done this tour at the end of July 2015 and I am still completely stunned by the experience.
The small group became like a big family during the 9 days and it never felt like you were on a tour, it feels like you're traveling with friends. I've travelled a lot but the Kimberleys took my heart. The beauty and drama of the landscape is something everyone has to experience, and the only way to do so is with KAT.
Sleeping in swags under a blanket of stars, swimming in luscious waterholes and under waterfalls away from the crowds is just breathtaking and chatting around the campfire eating delicious food on a remote island on Lake Argyle is unforgettable.
The one night we spent at the Manning Gorge campsite made me realize even more how fortunate we were to really go into the bush and that civilization is complete rubbish.
Thanks KAT and our guide Tommy for an adventure of a lifetime. I will be back!
The small group became like a big family during the 9 days and it never felt like you were on a tour, it feels like you're traveling with friends. I've travelled a lot but the Kimberleys took my heart. The beauty and drama of the landscape is something everyone has to experience, and the only way to do so is with KAT.
Sleeping in swags under a blanket of stars, swimming in luscious waterholes and under waterfalls away from the crowds is just breathtaking and chatting around the campfire eating delicious food on a remote island on Lake Argyle is unforgettable.
The one night we spent at the Manning Gorge campsite made me realize even more how fortunate we were to really go into the bush and that civilization is complete rubbish.
Thanks KAT and our guide Tommy for an adventure of a lifetime. I will be back!
Written 27 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ana F, so glad that you like the way we see the Kimberley.
Written 28 August 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DavidW47
Zurich9 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
I was on the same trip as Eduard K, on the 9th September 2014, and his comments are a perfect description of the holiday - so why repeat!
Alan's music choice was worth the trip alone :-) !!!!!! His personality, was for some, an acquired taste, but suited me 100% - he made the trip special. As Eduard has said; He was a great driver, knew his subject (and a lot more) and his cooking was really good. He could have made life easier for himself by not making the extra effort of cooking the lamb roast, cake and bread during the trip, but he did do them and it reflected how much he cares to provide that trip experience more special.
HIghly recommended
Alan's music choice was worth the trip alone :-) !!!!!! His personality, was for some, an acquired taste, but suited me 100% - he made the trip special. As Eduard has said; He was a great driver, knew his subject (and a lot more) and his cooking was really good. He could have made life easier for himself by not making the extra effort of cooking the lamb roast, cake and bread during the trip, but he did do them and it reflected how much he cares to provide that trip experience more special.
HIghly recommended
Written 7 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vickypara
6 contributions
Aug 2019
Highly recommend the tour from Darwin to Broome. Every day is adventure packed and you get to sleep under the stars every night. There is no “room service” so look elsewhere if that’s your kind of trip. The essence of the
Kimberley will get into you, dirt under your nails, dry grotty hair and occasionally you get to shower! Be prepared! The hikes over rocks and boulders, in 35 degree heat is well worth it for the swim at the end. Nothing but fresh air and sunshine every day. Our tour guide, Niall, has knowledge of the area and is a wildlife enthusiast. He is well mannered, observant of people in the group, in total control of his vehicle and multi skilled. We certainly felt safe with him in remote areas. Was amazed at his great cooking skills, plenty of food for everybody and he makes a great coffee too! Had loads of fun with other people on the tour, ages ranged from 18 to 50+ we all loved each other’s music and ready to party. The whole experience is so refreshing, a great break from regular life and a great adventure. Don’t hesitate. JUST DO IT!
Kimberley will get into you, dirt under your nails, dry grotty hair and occasionally you get to shower! Be prepared! The hikes over rocks and boulders, in 35 degree heat is well worth it for the swim at the end. Nothing but fresh air and sunshine every day. Our tour guide, Niall, has knowledge of the area and is a wildlife enthusiast. He is well mannered, observant of people in the group, in total control of his vehicle and multi skilled. We certainly felt safe with him in remote areas. Was amazed at his great cooking skills, plenty of food for everybody and he makes a great coffee too! Had loads of fun with other people on the tour, ages ranged from 18 to 50+ we all loved each other’s music and ready to party. The whole experience is so refreshing, a great break from regular life and a great adventure. Don’t hesitate. JUST DO IT!
Written 15 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David Clark
Perth, Australia10 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
I took the nine-day Darwin to Brome tour, along with 12 others (aged from 18 to 72) plus our guide (Duffman) and driver (Carlya), ending last week. It was quite simply an experience of a lifetime! I know that my great friend Erik, who travelled from Sweden especially to do this trip, feels the same.
The Adventure was made all the more special by Duffman and Carlya, two wonderful human beings. It's been quite a while since I have met someone like Duffman. He is an inspirational character, full of energy and passion and heart! So many talents!
The places we saw were just amazing. I have fallen in love with the Kimberley. How can one not? The tour was special in that there was always something different. The places we visited were well chosen. I loved sleeping under the stars and greatly appreciated going off the beaten tracks to find some of our campsites.
At the Pentecost River campsite with the Cockburn Range as a backdrop, I found a peace I have not found in many years. The helicopter ride over the Bungle Bungles was simply stunning. The gorges along the Gibb River Road were beautiful, with probably Bell Gorge being my favourite. Walking in the water in the caves of Tunnel Creek with crocodiles around was exciting. Listening to Dream Stories with Bill Harney and looking at the art on his Country was a real honour. The experience touched my soul.
Even the 'adversities' added to our Adventure in a positive way. The sense of camaraderie when we got bogged for 90 minutes, when we got stuck on a stone, and when parts of our transport needed 'fixing'. No one seemed concerned, it was just part of the journey.
The food was excellent. Chef Duffman's cooking done over the campfire was amazing. There was plenty of food and it was very tasty. Not being able to shower for nine days - not a problem at all. One just got used to it - and swam in the gorges. As for toilets, again not a problem.
We were lucky in having a great 'team' who bonded well quickly. Of course that process was facilitated by Duffman and Carlya, and by our experiences.
Erik called the trip a saga, one we would never forget. I am sure all my fellow travellers would agree. And the price for the tour is very reasonable... in fact it is a bargain.
I knew this trip would be special... I just didn't know how special.
The Adventure was made all the more special by Duffman and Carlya, two wonderful human beings. It's been quite a while since I have met someone like Duffman. He is an inspirational character, full of energy and passion and heart! So many talents!
The places we saw were just amazing. I have fallen in love with the Kimberley. How can one not? The tour was special in that there was always something different. The places we visited were well chosen. I loved sleeping under the stars and greatly appreciated going off the beaten tracks to find some of our campsites.
At the Pentecost River campsite with the Cockburn Range as a backdrop, I found a peace I have not found in many years. The helicopter ride over the Bungle Bungles was simply stunning. The gorges along the Gibb River Road were beautiful, with probably Bell Gorge being my favourite. Walking in the water in the caves of Tunnel Creek with crocodiles around was exciting. Listening to Dream Stories with Bill Harney and looking at the art on his Country was a real honour. The experience touched my soul.
Even the 'adversities' added to our Adventure in a positive way. The sense of camaraderie when we got bogged for 90 minutes, when we got stuck on a stone, and when parts of our transport needed 'fixing'. No one seemed concerned, it was just part of the journey.
The food was excellent. Chef Duffman's cooking done over the campfire was amazing. There was plenty of food and it was very tasty. Not being able to shower for nine days - not a problem at all. One just got used to it - and swam in the gorges. As for toilets, again not a problem.
We were lucky in having a great 'team' who bonded well quickly. Of course that process was facilitated by Duffman and Carlya, and by our experiences.
Erik called the trip a saga, one we would never forget. I am sure all my fellow travellers would agree. And the price for the tour is very reasonable... in fact it is a bargain.
I knew this trip would be special... I just didn't know how special.
Written 6 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow thanks David, what a great wrap of your tour with Duffman and Carlya, we are very lucky to have both of them in the team and I'm so glad that you not only enjoyed our style of touring, but you actually get what we are trying to do with it.
It's awesome that you understand that being stuck on a rock is not an opportunity to get online and complain that your holiday was ruined, but an opportunity for 13 people who don't know each other to work together to solve a problem and feel great about fixing it, there are plenty of tours where you can be escorted around in comfort and observe, not so many where you can really be involved, plenty where they say, "at this place 30 years ago this happened to someone else", not so many where you can say "we are doing this now, we are living it now."
Glad you liked it and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Cheers. Tim
Written 10 September 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Does everyone set up their own tent? Do you have tents for a family of four?
Written 2 March 2020
Hi, the camping set up that we use, is that everyone is supplied with a swag. (for others reading this unfamiliar with what a swag is, it is canvas roll up bed containing a mattress and sleeping bag which is designed to be placed on the ground under the stars, normally without a tent).
However In addition to getting a swag, we also supply tents, so it is also possible to put the swag inside a tent. Typically this would happen if it's raining, if we need protection from insects (both unusual occurrences during the dry season in the Kimberley), or for anyone who is a bit nervous about sleeping out.
The tents that we use are designed to fit 3 people, however we carry enough tents so that we can have 2 people per tent.
The tents are made from a mesh material which you can see through and allows the breeze to pass through, they are commonly called 'mozzie domes' so they are a nice alternative as you can still see the stars at night but feel protected.
Finally the tents have fly system you can also fit, this is a water proof cover which is normally used if it's raining or if you want more privacy.
So in your situation as a family of 4, you could use 2 tents.
I hope this helps, Tim
Written 4 March 2020
01Malky84
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hi, what temperature rating sleeping bag should I bring traveling in August
thanks
Written 2 May 2019
Bring a 5 degree Celsius sleeping bag. 0 at minimum if you get cold easily.
Written 21 May 2019
Hey guys have 4 kids 6,4,3 and 1 and a half is it possible we could do a 10 day adventure or should we wait till they are older?
Written 15 January 2018
Hi, I have 3 kids myself, if it were me I'd wait till the youngest was at least 5, it's going to be a challenge to enjoy it our there with 4 little ones, and the smallest ones won't even remember it, it's hard being a parent, kids really can cramp your style! especially if you love the outdoors and adventure, personally i tried a trip like this when mine were little and it was really hard, and in the end I didn't really get to do half the stuff I wanted to do.
That's just my opinion as a parent, there are probably easier outdoor camping experiences that you could have with little ones, then hit the Kimberley for a proper adventure once they can hike and swim by themselves.
Good luck
Written 16 January 2018
Hi, we've already travelled from Perth to Exmouth and around Uluru with an organized tour and we've enjoyed it very much. We dream of Kimberleys, but my husband can't sleep in a swag (he 's AFRAID of snakes...only in the swag, otherwise it's ok). Is it possible to have a simple tent for him? Thanks for your answer
Written 31 December 2017
Hi Denise, yes we carry tents so you can choose to put your swag inside the tent or have it outside.
The tents we use are made from a mesh material, this keeps the bugs and snakes out but allows you to still see the stars and feel the breeze etc.
The tents also come with a fly so if you need privacy or want a traditional style tent where you cannot see in or out you can use the fly.
If you go to our website and type "/our-camping" at the end of the address (sorry I cannot paste a link) you can see a photo of the tents there.
For those with similar fears, it is highly unusual to have a snake come into camp at night, in 20 years of running these tours I have experienced this once, and this was not in the Kimberley and it was a harmless python.
Snakes are ectothermic (cold blooded) so they need the heat of the day to move and be active, it's normally cold at night so this restricts their movement, even if it is warm enough to move around we always have a campfire and are making noise so they stay away.
But the tents offer a great solution.
I hope this help. Tim
Written 1 January 2018
Hi! Oh I definitely need to go on this trip! I went to a 4 day long trip in Kakadu a few years ago and all the mosquitos at that time of the year (hmm... I think it was around this time) prevented us (due to recommendations from the tour guide, not our idea) from using the swags and instead we slept in tents (which was a bit of a disapointment. I guess its dependant on which part of the year you go...? Sorry for this really stupid question, but I'm from Sweden and can just refer to how its here. I will definitely go on this trip :) but the question is if it's Ok conditions in Sept re mosquitos or if it doesn't matter when you go? I am very happy with damp heat, no problem with that and a fitness/crossfit/yoga instructor so I love a great workout in heavy terrain in hot weather. Sorry again for this weird question...
Blessings, Maria
Written 24 June 2017
Hi Maria, generally speaking you get a lot more mosquitos in Kakadu than you get in the Kimberley, a big part of Kakadu consists of flood plains where water sits in stagnant pools and billabongs, which mosquitos love and thus breed up in the millions.
The Kimberley landscape we travel through does not have these flood planes and billabongs, it's more of a rocky landscape where rivers have cut out gorges.
Most of the time we are OK to sleep out under the stars at most of our camps, we normally get a few mosquitoes at our island camp on lake argyle, so we normally use tents there, however our tents are also mozi dome tents, which means they are constructed of a see through mesh, so whilst you are in the tent, you can also see the stars and feel the breeze etc.
If privacy is preferred these tents also come with a fly or normal tent material.
I hope this helps.
Tim
Written 25 June 2017
Hi Kimberley adventure tours, my husband and I are active, moderately fit fab mid 50 year olds! I would love to do your Darwin to broome tours. There seems to be a lot of swimming involved. For medical reasons my husband is unable to swim any more. He can sit in the water to cool off but that's about it. Would this be a problem?
Regards
Fiona
Written 30 May 2017
One thing to consider is that without swimming it might be hard to keep clean, as there are not many other opportunities for washing.
Written 22 July 2017
Hi,
I'm flying into darwin and flying out of darwin for my 8 day holiday. I want to see the kimberly. Are there any extended tours that do a round trip through the Kimberly back to Darwin or are they all one way tours and I'll have to find my way back from broome?
Thanks,
AW.
Written 6 June 2015
Hi AW, I am not aware of any trips to the Kimberley which leave from and return to Darwin.
There are tours out of Broome, some return to Broome and some end in Darwin. And a couple out of Kununurra.
Most people who do our tour from Darwin to Broome either continue travelling down the west coast or fly home from Broome, if you needed to return to Darwin I suggest having a look at Air North, they often have competitive flights.
Our trip is 9 days, we can sometimes pick people up in Kununurra and do a 7 day Kununurra to Broome, or do Broome to Kununurra, so this may be an option for you?
If we can't help then I will be happy to recommend an alternative, perhaps email me directly.
I hope this helps. Tim
Written 9 June 2015
I'm in late 70's and my wife early 70's and we can't walk much; I use a stick, BUT we want to do the Kimberley if possible - Broome to Darwin + Kakadu or reverse, if possible. Yet as cancer survivors we recognise we have issues, however there may be a suitable small touring group which travels in a bit more comfort. Ideas please ???? John
Written 19 March 2015
Hi John, our regular tour is pretty rough and really suits a younger traveller or super fit and eager older travellers, you definitely need to be a strong walker.
However this year have a new product which is run in a comfortable 6 seater vehicle which may suit, trip advisor forbids the posting of links via this system however if you would like to contact me directly I can provide you with the information, you will find our email address on our website, hopefully there is a link to this at the top of trip advisor.
Written 19 March 2015
Sorry....I replied in the answer section! 2 carry on suitcases each. One is the size for international travel and could hold up to 20 kg ( probably less). The other is the size for domestic travel in Australia, and could hold up to 7 kg. I doubt we will have nearly this much weight, so am concerned with dimensions.
Written 14 January 2015
This should be fine, even if you give me the dimensions I can't do anything with them, all the luggage goes into a luggage section in the trailer. A lot hinges on how much others bring, just turn up with what you have and we'll deal with it. Cheers. Tim.
Written 14 January 2015
Hi, Tim. Not sure whether I sent the last question correctly.
Could you give me an idea of the dimensions allowed for both the large and small bags. We should be okay, but I need to check. Intend to book soon!
Written 13 January 2015
We don't have dimensions. Most of our passengers have 1 large backpack with all their stuff, ideally around 15kg, plus a small bag around 5kg, if you can fit into this then you'll be OK. How much do you have?
Written 14 January 2015
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