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Bungle Bungle Range |
The doors to the Kimberley have opened and the self drive touring
season has begun. With a deluge of new visitors expected to travel to
the region, local expert James 'Jimbo' Hunter, who works for award
winning tour operator APT in the Kimberley, shares his secrets on how to
ensure you have an awesome time travelling around Australia's last
frontier:
- Planning, preparation and patience: If you're
heading to the Kimberley then you're going to have the most amazing
experience of your life. But you need to remember that this is the
Outback. You need to be respectful of your environment and learn how to
look after yourself. So before you hit the road, make sure you plan your
route; prepare your car, yourself and your family for any adverse or
extreme situations; and make sure you pack plenty of patience. Road
trips always take more time that you think. So slow down, allow a few
extra days on your itinerary and make sure you stop and enjoy the view.
- Service your steed: Have your vehicle thoroughly
serviced beforehand and take at least two spare tyres. Keeping tyre
pressure and speed down will ensure a smoother ride for you, your
vehicle and your passengers.
- Stay at a Homestead: Mt Hart Homestead is a great
example - get yourself a cheese platter and a bottle of wine, make your
way up to Sunset Hill and take in the amazing 360 degree views. If you
prefer to camp for your entire trip then you can do that here too and
still enjoy the food and hospitality as well as a few wines or beers at
the licensed bar.
- Make new friends: Take time to meet the other
travellers at campsites like Silent Grove, Manning Gorge, Drysdale River
Station and El Questro. It's a good way to pick up tips on road
conditions and places they've been.
- Don't be afraid to get off the beaten track: If you
want to see some of the spectacular sights that the tour groups don't
visit then head to Lennard Gorge, Adcock Gorge and Dimboola Gorge (HV8) –
all of them are spectacular, usually quiet and not far from the Gibb
River Road. The Kimberley holds a multitude of secrets everywhere. Even
our most experienced guides are constantly finding species of plants and
animals they haven't seen before and rock art can potentially be found
just about anywhere if you take the time to look. Just check Park or
station regulations before exploring too much though!
- Mix camping with culture: Include a night camping
at Manning Gorge. It has a great campsite near Barnett River Roadhouse.
There's a swimming hole right near the campsite. The longer walk (it's
around 3km) to the gorge is well worth it and has spectacular falls,
swimming and Gwion Rock Art (Bradshaw). Most people miss this and just
stay at the lower swimming hole.
- Go wild and then go luxury: Take a break from
camping and treat yourself to an unforgettable stay at an eco-certified
Wilderness Lodge. APT's Bell Gorge, Mitchell Falls and Bungle Bungle
Wilderness Lodges are each ideally located to maximise sightseeing
opportunities in each location.
- Stay longer at El Questro: El Questro needs at
least two nights - three if you can. There is just so much to see and do
there. Accommodation ranges from the most basic camping to a five star
luxury Homestead so there's something to suit all tastes and pockets.
There are multiple gorge walks and 4WD tracks for catering for beginners
to advanced. There's also Barramundi fishing all year round. You can
either pick up loads of great information from the station to self guide
you, or if you'd prefer or book on to any of the stations guided tours.
- High flying: Keep a few dollars handy for scenic
flights. Fixed wing planes are OK but Helicopters are much better. It
will give you an incredible extra perspective from the air. Mitchell
Falls, Purnululu and El Questro all have Heliwork services operating. My
advice is to spend the extra money for the longer flights at Bungles
and Mitchell Falls.
- Kimberley characters: If you're thinking of doing a
cruise on one of the gorges then the Geikie Gorge is great. Extra
special though, is the Darngku Heritage Cruises. Owned and operated by
the Bunuba people it gives a thorough and intimate cultural insight into
the area from a true 'Kimberley character” as opposed to ordinary
sightseeing.
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Drysdale River Station |
James Hunter has been working for APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures as a driver-guide for six years.
To book an APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventure or to stay at an APT Kimberley Wilderness Lodge call 1300 196 420, visit
aptouring.com.au/Kimberley or see your local travel agent or tourist office.
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