Mornington Wilderness Camp
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Mornington Wilderness Camp
Gibb River Road 83 Km, Derby, Western Australia 6728 Australia
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HOTEL STYLE
Family
Hidden Gem
Property amenities
Free parking
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
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Gibb River Road 83 Km, Derby, Western Australia 6728 Australia
67Reviews4Q+A8Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
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We had a huge on-site tent with its own bathroom (although getting to the bathroom required unzipping the tent door and crossing a narrow walkway). There was abundant fresh air in the tent with all the flaps open. The tents were well spaced so there was privacy even with the flaps open. Plenty of bedding was provided to keep warm on chilly nights. The shower was very hot. A good variety of tea bags was provided in the room but only instant coffee (and the same applied at the restaurant for breakfast). Dinners were restaurant quality but a set meal. The cooked breakfast could have been hotter, and the toast better cooked. The continental breakfast buffet needed to be spread out more as it was very congested trying to get to things. A campfire was lit one night which was an enjoyable place to have a drink. The dawn peace, listening to the birds and the creek babbling, was spoiled one morning by 5:30am helicopter flights taking off.
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Date of stay: July 2022
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.
My husband and I drove the Outback from Darwin to Broome along the Gibb River Road.
The way we chose to travel on this trip..was to push it hard in driving...and chill in a place for a couple days vs driving small distances per day. We drove almost the entire GIbb in 1 day. We drove from El Questro to Mornington WIlderness Camp in 7 hours. We are so glad we chose this route...because the Mornington Wilderness Camp was a highlight of our trip.
From the Gibb...it takes an hour and 1/2 to 2 hours to get down to the Camp itself. There is a satellite phone you can use to contact the camp as soon as you get off the road. They can let you know straightaway if there's availability to camp, etc.
We were there at the first of September...and there was plenty of space. In fact...this was the best experience in camping in the Outback. It was secluded and dark...so you could see all the stars...and was very peaceful. Plus there was a lot to do during the day.
The other great thing...was a 5minute walk...and you were at the "modern" toilets and showers. One of the nicest facilities we had experienced. Then...5 minutes more...and you're at an outback pub!
This is where you check in...and register for different tours...or for canoes, etc. They also have permanent safari camps...which are really nice.
To us...it was along the same lines as our experience at the El Questro. It's not built up the same...but has luxury to offer in the middle of the wilderness.
We canoed down the Dimond Gorge and ate lunch at the hidden waterfalls. We used the "lucky blue canoe" (say hello to all the frogs you'll find)
We then watched the sunset at Sir John Gorge....which was heavenly.
We were by ourselves almost the whole time, and we really felt like we were on a true outback experience.
Another fun thing about the camp, is they are doing research...and you can chose to be a part of the research. You can record the different birds and wildlife you see along the way.
In our case, we saw over 50 different types of birds, a dingo, herons, monitor lizards and more.
Mornington WIlderness Camp was a highlight of our trip...and we would highly recommend this stop to others...enjoy.
The way we chose to travel on this trip..was to push it hard in driving...and chill in a place for a couple days vs driving small distances per day. We drove almost the entire GIbb in 1 day. We drove from El Questro to Mornington WIlderness Camp in 7 hours. We are so glad we chose this route...because the Mornington Wilderness Camp was a highlight of our trip.
From the Gibb...it takes an hour and 1/2 to 2 hours to get down to the Camp itself. There is a satellite phone you can use to contact the camp as soon as you get off the road. They can let you know straightaway if there's availability to camp, etc.
We were there at the first of September...and there was plenty of space. In fact...this was the best experience in camping in the Outback. It was secluded and dark...so you could see all the stars...and was very peaceful. Plus there was a lot to do during the day.
The other great thing...was a 5minute walk...and you were at the "modern" toilets and showers. One of the nicest facilities we had experienced. Then...5 minutes more...and you're at an outback pub!
This is where you check in...and register for different tours...or for canoes, etc. They also have permanent safari camps...which are really nice.
To us...it was along the same lines as our experience at the El Questro. It's not built up the same...but has luxury to offer in the middle of the wilderness.
We canoed down the Dimond Gorge and ate lunch at the hidden waterfalls. We used the "lucky blue canoe" (say hello to all the frogs you'll find)
We then watched the sunset at Sir John Gorge....which was heavenly.
We were by ourselves almost the whole time, and we really felt like we were on a true outback experience.
Another fun thing about the camp, is they are doing research...and you can chose to be a part of the research. You can record the different birds and wildlife you see along the way.
In our case, we saw over 50 different types of birds, a dingo, herons, monitor lizards and more.
Mornington WIlderness Camp was a highlight of our trip...and we would highly recommend this stop to others...enjoy.
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Date of stay: September 2006Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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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.
+1
Mornington is about an 8 hour drive or, as we did it, just a one and a half hour flight by light plane, East of Broome. We were met at the air-strip and driven back to the camp, about 5 minutes, and shown our accommodation. It is called a bush camp, but that does not really give the correct impression. Our 'tent' was one of about 10, situated along the banks of the creek. The tent part is indeed canvas, but is plenty big enough for a 180cm (6 foot) tall person to enter and walk about inside without ducking. We had a large Queen size, comfortable bed with spotless linen and towels, plus another single. Room to walk around all of them and on the other side of the tent, a couple of pieces of furniture to put bags on or clothes inside. The room included bird and plant books reference books of the area. At the end of the tent overlooking the pandanus lined creek, was a small deck area, with a light, table and 3 chairs. It was very pleasant sitting outside, listening to the sounds of the creek and the many birds. At the other end of the tent, where the steps up to it are located (the whole thing is built up on stilts so it is above flood levels and also to deter wildlife), is the en-suite area. There, we found a small, well stocked and reasonably priced small fridge, a safe, a kettle and coffee making facilities and then, through some swing doors, as seen in old pubs in Westerns, the shower with plenty of hot water, a wash basin with plenty of room around it for your personal stuff and a proper sit-down flushing toilet. The toilet comes with a warning to keep the seat down so the local tree frogs don't get in. We never had any, but our friends in two other tents both got frogs - I was very jealous. The beds and shower area were cleaned thoroughly every day. Meals are included in the price at the restaurant/bar area. The usual continental breakfast range, plus a cooked breakfast if you wanted it. Dinner was also excellent, with a different main course and pudding each night. We did a couple escorted tours each day in a Landrover and were given an excellent packed lunch of salad, snacks, drinks and fruit all neatly done up in a cool pack. We saw heaps of rare and endagered birds, had kangaroos coming down to drink under our tent each day and the scenery is stunning. The camp is an hour or two off the main Gibb River road and camp sites and meals can be booked from a phone at the turn off before driving in. If you are driving the Gibb River Road through the Kimberley, do yourself a favour and stop for two or three days to explore the area and nearby gorges, hire a canoe and even leave the camping gear in your trailer and blow the budget and stay in these tents for a spot of comfortable luxury.
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Date of stay: June 2011Trip type: Travelled with friends
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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.
This place really annoyed me! It's run by the Australian Wildlife Conservatory, and we were interested in their work, had planned to stay 3 nights.
Now their expensive cabins might be great. However we were on a camping trip.
They refuse to take bookings for the campsite - instead they expect you to line up at the gate and ask for admission, first come first served. But as they limit places to 50 people, that makes getting a group of 10 in rather tricky. Our group got up at 4am to break camp and drive there, only to be turned away, and told to try again in a couple of days! However, they saw others being admitted, making them wonder if there was some preferential treatment going on.
I would not bother returning there, despite their supposed work, as I felt their attitude and this process of admittance is arrogant and dismissive.
Now their expensive cabins might be great. However we were on a camping trip.
They refuse to take bookings for the campsite - instead they expect you to line up at the gate and ask for admission, first come first served. But as they limit places to 50 people, that makes getting a group of 10 in rather tricky. Our group got up at 4am to break camp and drive there, only to be turned away, and told to try again in a couple of days! However, they saw others being admitted, making them wonder if there was some preferential treatment going on.
I would not bother returning there, despite their supposed work, as I felt their attitude and this process of admittance is arrogant and dismissive.
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Date of stay: July 2014Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Service
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.
We camped 2 nights here, no booking, just called them on the radio at the junction to check availability. The campground has very nice facilities, flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water taps. I can recommend a swim at Bluebush, the kids will love the rope swing. Canoeing down Dimond Gorge was pleasant and very picturesque, the little waterfall near the end was barely flowing and very cold. Sunset at Sir Johns Gorge was also worth it. We found planning ahead necessary since you need to drive for at least 20-30 mins to get anywhere from the camp, sometimes 40 mins. We did see some great wildlife here, including a dingo and a bustard. The staff were very friendly. They make a big deal of their "not for profit conservation" approach, though we found it to be one of the most pricey places along the Gibb. The road in is well maintained, if you have time then I'd recommend staying here for 3 nights.
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Despite the nail biting suspense preceding our arrival at the Mornington radio booth (we arrived around 7.40), luckily there were still camping spots available and we spent two nights here. After many dusty roads we decided to opt for a spot of luxury and booked a sunset tour as well as dinner for the first night. The tour guide was very knoweldgeable about the area and also about the wildlife. We saw some crimson finches along the way and a barking owl at the gorge. Sir John Gorge was absolutelly stunning, particulalry when bathed in the apricot sunlight of a setting sun. We had some bubbles, cheese and biscuits and took many photos. Dinner was very good with a scrumptious desert. The next day we did some early morning bird watching and then hired canoes and drove down to the Dimond Gorge, also wonderful. Mornington is a very peaceful place, helped of course by the cap in the number of people who can visit. They are doing a wonderful job in terms of conservation and have a lot of information available about the local fauna and also evening information sessions.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Good points:
- Only 50 adults can camp at Mornington at once, making it a cozy group
- Campsites are well separated
- No generator noise
- Diverse birdlife close at hand, which supporting bird list
- 2 excellent gorges, for those with transport
- Staff is enthusiastic
- Free lectures some nights
- Food in restaurant is excellent
- Full bar available
- Bread, milk and ice available for purchase
Bad points
- Would be nice to have real reservation system to avoid the stress of having to book from the radio along the GRR first thing in the morning.
-90km off GRR (but well graded!)
- Only 50 adults can camp at Mornington at once, making it a cozy group
- Campsites are well separated
- No generator noise
- Diverse birdlife close at hand, which supporting bird list
- 2 excellent gorges, for those with transport
- Staff is enthusiastic
- Free lectures some nights
- Food in restaurant is excellent
- Full bar available
- Bread, milk and ice available for purchase
Bad points
- Would be nice to have real reservation system to avoid the stress of having to book from the radio along the GRR first thing in the morning.
-90km off GRR (but well graded!)
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Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â pick a campsite with plenty of noon and afternoon shade
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.
We stayed in safari tents overlooking Annie Creek - with green frogs in the toilet (in spite of keeping the lid down). This is a beautiful place which offers a range of experiences rather than just accommodation. We swam at Sir John Gorge and canoe-ed in Dimond Gorge, which were both spectacular. The 5am bird watching tour was definitely worthwhile, as we saw both brolgas and a jabiru. The food was impressive, considering the remoteness of the location, and Joey, our guide, was knowledgeable and helpful.
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Date of stay: September 2011Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
We stayed in one of their "safari tents". These have basic furniture (beds and furniture on which to put your suitcases/bags). They are spacious and very clean. They have very good reading lights, which we much appreciated, since it does tend to get dark quite early and there is no internet service for guests. Our nights were quite cool, so very comfortable to sleep. I cold imagine that it may be less comfortable in the summer. The bathroom is attached to your tent. The tents are sufficiently far from each other so that you have total privacy. We did see wallabies every morning outside our tent, and were always woken up by the very vocal birds.
The restaurant/reception is done charmingly. The food is nothing extraordinary, but good. The staff is very helpful and always open to suggestions or special requests. The guides are very good and knowledgeable. They all are obviously very interested in the flora and fauna of the region, as well as its history. They are always willing to share the knowledge with you and advice you on the different hikes to be done. Don't miss the talk given in the evening by one of the resident researchers. Also, do not miss canoeing at Sir John Gorge. Most people go to Dimond Gorge, so you most probably will have Sir John Gorge for yourself. It is like being in a mini Grand Canyon; beautiful and untouched.
Remember to take your hiking shoes, bathing suit and a very good 4 Wheel Drive car.
The restaurant/reception is done charmingly. The food is nothing extraordinary, but good. The staff is very helpful and always open to suggestions or special requests. The guides are very good and knowledgeable. They all are obviously very interested in the flora and fauna of the region, as well as its history. They are always willing to share the knowledge with you and advice you on the different hikes to be done. Don't miss the talk given in the evening by one of the resident researchers. Also, do not miss canoeing at Sir John Gorge. Most people go to Dimond Gorge, so you most probably will have Sir John Gorge for yourself. It is like being in a mini Grand Canyon; beautiful and untouched.
Remember to take your hiking shoes, bathing suit and a very good 4 Wheel Drive car.
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Date of stay: July 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Just returned from 3+ weeks on the GRR (Gibb River Road) with myself and my husband and another couple. This wilderness camp is quintessential Kimberley - tented safari tents (camping available as well) - run as a wilderness sanctuary. The tents were great - with en-suites - just watch out for the resident frogs. The gorges are great - but a bit of a drive from the main camp. Most amazing is the food (breakfast and dinner is included, a packed lunch is provided at additional charge) - excellent - how they can produce such fresh quality in such a remote location is amazing. The staff are all recent graduates in various eco sciences doing research as well as assisting with the hospitality side of things - all were so professional, friendly and interesting.
A must stay place in the Kimberley.
A must stay place in the Kimberley.
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Date of stay: May 2010Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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 Tom,
Yes you can book through the Mornington Camp link in the Australian Wildlife Conservancy web site. Di Scarsi is the camp manager and is very helpful.
Note the road in off the GibbRiver road is pretty rough.
As for fishing you cannot do it within the conservancy so it would be on adjoining properties, again the team there would know. When we stayed there one of the guides, Richard, was a fisho and did fish not too far away.
Enjoy the place when you get the chance.
Pete
"If you don't like trickling water try & get a tent away from the very small waterfall"Read full review
"all the rooms were lovely , some a bit closer to the bar/ restaurant than others but all felt private and quiet."Read full review
LOCATION
AustraliaWestern AustraliaKimberley RegionDerby
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mornington Wilderness Camp
Which popular attractions are close to Mornington Wilderness Camp?
Nearby attractions include Norval Gallery (1.0 km), Boab Prison Tree (4.2 km), and Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre (6.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Mornington Wilderness Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Mornington Wilderness Camp?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Mornington Wilderness Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Mornington Wilderness Camp?
Conveniently located restaurants include Jila Gallery Cafes, Neaps Bistro, and Spinifex Hotel.
Are there any historical sites close to Mornington Wilderness Camp?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old Derby Gaol (1.9 km) and Derby Pioneer Cemetery (1.7 km).