The Great Kimberley Overland
from $5815
Duration: 13 Days
Get wild on a 13-day tour through the remote Kimberley. Sparsely populated and ruggedly beautiful, the Kimberly is the ultimate adventure destination. Swim in gorges filled with clear waters and under waterfalls. Hike through red-rock formations and palm oases. Learn about the rich First Nations history of the area from Traditional Custodians, take guided walks that illuminate local geography and listen to Outback yarns over a beer in the pub. Get active in this unique and captivating corner of Australia.
  • Cruise between the sheer, multi-coloured walls of Geikie Gorge and discover the huge array of wildlife like freshwater crocodiles, wallabies and wren.
  • Explore the Tunnel Creek cave system with a Bunuba guide and learn about Janamarra, a First Nations freedom fighter who used the caves to evade police in the late 1800s.
  • Take a guided hike through the King Leopold Ranges to Manning Gorge, where you can swim under a waterfall and see ancient First Nations rock art.
  • Spend two nights in a private safari camp in the heart of Purnululu National Park, with glorious views of the Bungle Bungle Range.
  • Walk on the white sands of Kooljaman’s Western Beach, where red pindan cliffs meet the crystal-clear waters of the ocean.
  • Dampier Peninsula - King Sound & Giant Tides Cruise
  • Dampier Peninsula - Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community & Church Visit
  • Dampier Peninsula - Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Visit
  • Dampier Peninsula - Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Tour & Grading Session
  • Dampier Peninsula - Ardyaloon One Arm Point Hatchery & Aquaculture tour
  • Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park - Tunnel Creek guided walk
  • Derby - Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre
  • West Kimberley Gorges - Manning Gorge & Falls
  • Purnululu National Park - Echidna Chasm walk
  • Purnululu National Park - Cathedral Gorge walk
  • Yiyili Aboriginal Community - Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery
  • Halls Creek - China Wall
  • Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park - Geikie Gorge Experience
  • Day 1 Location: Broome / Dampier Peninsula / Cygnet Bay
    Depart Broome in the early morning, travelling up the red 4WD track and learning about the region's fascinating history with your local leader. The Dampier Peninsula is an extraordinary blend of stunning coastline and First Nations cultures. Your first stop is morning tea at the Beagle Bay Community – home of the Beagle Bay Church and its glimmering pearl shell altar. Next, visit the garden community of Lombadina, home to an old bush church, a local craft shop and a delightful community bakery – enjoy their fresh wood-fired bread for picnic lunch. Then head for the remote Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. In 1946 Dean Brown skippered a rickety wooden lugger into an unknown frontier to discover this hidden paradise: his descendants continue to operate what is now the oldest Pearl Farm in Australia. Later embark on an extraordinary cruise through the Islands of the Giant Tides. This phenomenon is part of some of the world’s strongest tropical tides, creating standing waves and if you’re lucky, a waterfall in the ocean!
    Day 2 Location: Dampier Peninsula / Broome
    This morning, return to the pearl farm to gain an insight into this remote pearling industry on the Farm Tour, concluding with an in-depth pearl grading and appreciation session that will leave you feeling like a pearl expert! Next, head to Ardyaloon, or One Arm Point, which is home of the Bardi-Jawi people – a local community living on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula. Visit the community’s aquaculture hatchery for barramundi, pearl and trochus shell. You'll also enjoy the company and cultural insight of local guide Wossy, as he shares stories of growing up in the remote Bardi-Jawi community and a few bush tucker secrets. After a picnic lunch visit the Round Rock viewpoint to search the bay for dolphins and turtles, while a refreshing dip at nearby Jologo Beach is a great way to finish up. Driving back to Broome in the afternoon, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Arrive back in town at approximately 5pm, where your trip ends on arrival.
    Day 3 Location: Broome - Tunnel Creek
    Embrace an early start this morning and leave Broome when the sun begins to rise. Enjoy a morning tea break by the Fitzroy River and visit the Derby 'Boab Prison Tree' and Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre. Continue along the Gibb River Road. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Tunnel Creek with a local Bunuba guide. Go inside this 750-metre-long cave system and discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of wildlife. You'll also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800s. From here you’ll travel to Windjana Gorge in time to set up camp and go for a walk down to the gorge itself where you’ll be able to spot freshwater crocodiles and enjoy the sunset over the Napier Range. Tonight, settle in for an evening under the Kimberley night sky.
    Day 4 Location: Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges / Mt Barnett Station
    Rise and shine! Head for Bell Gorge early this morning. A hidden highlight of the West Kimberleys, this idyllic retreat boasts cascading waterfalls and crystal clear pools formed over millions of years. Spend a few hours enjoying the serenity, then continue slowly along Gibb River Road to Mt Barnett Cattle Station. On the way, make stops to explore the ancient Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges. Tonight, camp by the Manning River.
    Day 5 Location: Mt Barnett Station
    Spend today exploring this wild paradise. Cross the Manning River and hike through the rugged Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges to arrive at Manning Gorge. Swim beneath the cascade of Manning Falls, relax in the deep clear pool, discover Aboriginal rock art and look out for wildlife on the edges of the water. Tonight, camp on Mt Barnett Cattle Station.
    Day 6 Location: El Questro
    This morning, drive the back end of the Gibb River Road into the Pentecost Range. Stop at a lookout for views over the mesas (flat-topped elevations) of the Cockburn Range with the Pentecost River snaking its way past the mountains out to the sea. Drive down to the Pentecost River for a photo opportunity, then cross the river to El Questro Wilderness Park. Get settled into your permanent camp.
    Day 7 Location: El Questro
    Enjoy a full free day at El Questro today. If you want a little guidance there are plenty of optional activities to choose from. Perhaps take a refreshing dip in the Zebedee Springs or join an optional cruise on Chamberlain Gorge. Or maybe sample local bush tucker on a guided walk. The choice is yours.
    Day 8 Location: Lake Argyle
    The morning is free to sleep in or continue exploring El Questro at your own pace. clear waters of Lake Argyle, a manmade wonder that provides a tranquil oasis in the heart of the region. On arrival, enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to pay a visit to the Historic Durack Homestead Museum to brush up on the history of the region, or perhaps explore one of the many bush trails that weave through the landscape.
    Day 9 Location: Lake Argyle
    The day is yours to discover all this slice of paradise has to offer. Be sure to speak to your leader for tips on how to get the most out of a day here. Why not take a relaxing dip in the infinity pool and soak in sweeping views of the lake, or perhaps explore its waters from a kayak. If you’d like to see the lake from a different perspective, there are also scenic flights available, or you may like to round of the day with a fabulous sunset boat cruise.
    Day 10 Location: Purnululu National Park (The Bungle Bungles)
    After a leisurely morning, head south down the Great Northern Highway to Purnululu National Park, home of the magnificent Bungle Bungle Range. Spend the next two nights in a private safari camp in the heart of the park, with glorious views. Today, you will have time to begin exploring the area, including the famous ‘beehive domes’.
    Day 11 Location: Purnululu National Park (The Bungle Bungles)
    Explore Echidna Chasm on a roughly two-kilometre walk. Next, take another short walk of roughly three kilometres into Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre. There's time in the afternoon to take an optional scenic flight and enjoy a birds-eye view of the beehive domes (approximately AUD 379 per person) to put it all into perspective. Otherwise, you can relax at camp or keep exploring on the ground.
    Day 12 Location: Fitzroy Crossing
    Leave Purnululu National Park for Fitzroy Crossing. Break the long journey with a visit to the gold rush town of Halls Creek to see the remarkable China Wall – a natural ‘wall’ of white quarts that rises from the ground. Enjoy lunch at Mary Pool and perhaps visit the remote Laarri Aboriginal Art Gallery, before an evening camping by the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.
    Day 13 Location: Broome
    Take a morning cruise through the majestic Geikie Gorge. Nature carved this wonder through the Napier Range during the Devonian geological period. Learn of the fascinating geology and discover the huge array of wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, birds and fish. Explore Old Fitzroy Crossing and enjoy lunch by the river before returning to Broome, where on arrival your Kimberley adventure will come to an end.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    07JUL2023
    Return Date:
    19JUL2023
    5815NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    14JUL2023
    Return Date:
    26JUL2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    19JUL2023
    Return Date:
    31JUL2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    21JUL2023
    Return Date:
    02AUG2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    28JUL2023
    Return Date:
    09AUG2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02AUG2023
    Return Date:
    14AUG2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04AUG2023
    Return Date:
    16AUG2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    11AUG2023
    Return Date:
    23AUG2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    16AUG2023
    Return Date:
    28AUG2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    18AUG2023
    Return Date:
    30AUG2023
    5815NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    The Great Kimberley Overland

    Trip code

    PKOL-B

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2022 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    Get wild on a 13-day tour through the remote Kimberley. Sparsely populated and ruggedly beautiful, the Kimberly is the ultimate adventure destination. Swim in gorges filled with clear waters and under waterfalls. Hike through red-rock formations and palm oases. Learn about the rich First Nations history of the area from Traditional Custodians, take guided walks that illuminate local geography and listen to Outback yarns over a beer in the pub. Get active in this unique and captivating corner of Australia.

    Style

    Basix

    Themes

    Explorer,Overland

    Transport

    Private 4WD vehicle

    Physical Rating

    3

    Joining point

    Kimberley Travellers Lodge departing 07:00am

    9a Bagot Street

    Broome

    AUSTRALIA

    Joining point instructions

    The default pick up location for this trip is at 7:00 am at Kimberley Travellers Lodge. The default pick up point is where we will meet you for your tour, unless you or your travel agent requests an alternative location (contact our Reservations team for more information). It is your responsibility to contact us with your preferred pick up point well ahead of departure. We do not take responsibility for missed tours if we have not been advised of an alternative in advance and you are not at the default location on time.

    Finish point

    Broome

    Broome

    AUSTRALIA

    Important information

    TRIP STYLE & SLEEPING BAG This is a Basix-style trip. For the same itinerary in our Original style, please see code PKOL-O. Please note that this trip requires a sleeping bag. START & END TIME This trip starts in Broome with an early pick-up at 7:00am on day 1 at our default pick-up location, unless you request an alternative pick-up location well ahead of departure. The trip finishes in the late afternoon or early evening on the last day. We recommend you arrive a day prior to the trip's departure date and onward travel should not be booked until the following day. OPERATOR This trip is operated by our partners Kimberley Wild SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A Single Supplement is available on this trip for nights 1 & 2 only, subject to availability. You will have a tent to yourself on camping nights, however in the permanent tented camps you will be paired up with another single traveller of the same gender. Please note this trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 56 days out from departure (prior to full payment due). We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided of monies paid.

    Group leader

    All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is also your driver, taking you from start to finish in a specialised safari vehicle. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, organise the camp and cooking for camp cooked meals (though passengers are required to help out) and recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the areas visited on the trip, including historical, environmental, cultural and social aspects. This trip is made of two smaller trips connected by a flight. You will be travelling with different Guides on each trip who are specialists in their region, and will not have an accompanying Guide. Your flight ticket will be issued before travel, please get your itinerary from your booking agent.

    Safety

    REMOTE AREA TRAVEL: We carry a satellite phone on all of our remote/overland trips to be used by our leaders in the event of an emergency and for your safety. In addition, all of our leaders are First Aid trained and certified. HYDRATION: Daytime temperatures can be extreme from Oct to March with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Please bring a large refillable water bottle. We strongly recommend the use of dehydration salts and sports drinks as a way to combat dehydration during times of extreme heat. BEACH SAFETY: Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Rip currents are responsible for around 15,000 beach rescues and up to 120 people being drowned each year in Australia (source: Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA). To enjoy Australia's beaches safely, take the following simple precautions: * Always swim between the red and yellow flags, as these indicate it is a supervised location where a lifesaving service is currently on duty. * Do not swim at unsupervised locations. * Observe and obey safety signage, which indicates current and typical hazards for that location. * Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for advice on conditions; they are there to make your experience safer and more enjoyable. * Always swim with a friend; never swim alone. * If you get into trouble, stay calm and signal for help by calling and waving your arm above your head. Be aware of your own limitations in terms of your physical health and your swimming ability in the given conditions. Never swim while, or after, consuming alcohol.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ Please see here for the most up to date COVID-19 information about travelling to and within Western Australia, including any current border restrictions: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-wa

    Why we love it

    Cruise between the sheer, multi-coloured walls of Geikie Gorge and discover the huge array of wildlife like freshwater crocodiles, wallabies and wren.

    Explore the Tunnel Creek cave system with a Bunuba guide and learn about Janamarra, a First Nations freedom fighter who used the caves to evade police in the late 1800s.

    Take a guided hike through the King Leopold Ranges to Manning Gorge, where you can swim under a waterfall and see ancient First Nations rock art.

    Spend two nights in a private safari camp in the heart of Purnululu National Park, with glorious views of the Bungle Bungle Range.

    Walk on the white sands of Kooljaman’s Western Beach, where red pindan cliffs meet the crystal-clear waters of the ocean.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip is operated and run by our trusted partner, Kimberley Wild Expeditions. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Kimberley Wild Expeditions customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Kimberley Wild Expeditions to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away This trip involves strenuous activities like hiking on uneven terrain. It is best suited to travellers with a very high level of mobility and fitness. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary. Weather conditions can be extreme in the Kimberley. Have a think about what time of the year best suits you best to travel in. Accommodation on this tour is a mixture of camping with limited facilities, camping with full facilities and a hostel. You’ll be travelling through regions with very little mobile service or internet connection. Rise and shine! This trip includes lots of early starts.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. This tour is only for fit and active people, who can hike 3-9kms a day over uneven terrain, often in high temperatures. Some hikes require sections of walking/swimming through water. Temperatures can be extreme; very high during summer days and very cold during winter nights. The operator reserves the right to assess the fitness capability of passengers prior to tour departure. Tour is not suitable for children. There is limited electricity on this trip, and limited refrigeration and any medical supplies requiring refrigeration.

    Food and dietary requirements

    DIETARY REQUIREMENTS All food for this trip is purchased and packed prior to your group leaving on Day 1. After we’ve left town it can be very difficult to source food to meet dietary requests. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure so that we can purchase appropriate food prior to Day 1 of the trip. You may be asked to pay for any additional food if you have not advised us of any special dietary requirements in advance. The below dietary needs can be easily catered for. Unfortunately, dietary requirements outside of these are generally unable to be catered for on these trips. Vegetarian Gluten free Dairy free (soy alternatives available) Pork free

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. BUDGET FOR MEALS NOT INCLUDED: Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. CURRENCY The Australian Dollar (A$ or AUD) is the currency of Australia. CREDIT CARDS Credit and debit cards can be used for purchases in most shops and restaurants. ATMs are common across Australia but may be limited in remote areas. Your leader will advise when this may occur so you can withdraw enough cash in advance. Credit cards in Australia require a PIN rather than a signature and may have a small surcharge for purchases.

    What to take

    LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS: Larger suit cases are not appropriate for this trip and risk damage in the loading and unloading of the vehicle. Due to the longer haul overland nature of this trip, the amount of camping equipment needed and space limitations within our 4wd vehicles, a 15 Kg (33 Lbs) luggage limit per person applies for this trip. If you are travelling with more than this amount of luggage, you will need to make prior arrangements to have it couriered to our finishing point city for pick up at the end of your trip. This is usually done by coach, such as Integrity Coachlines. This luggage transfer is at your own expense but is for the safety and comfort of all members of the group.

    CLOTHING & CLIMATE: During dry season months (May-July) overnight temperatures can drop below 0 Celsius but daytime temperatures can still exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures and humidity can be extreme in the shoulder seasons of March, April and September, October with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius. Night time temperatures can also be high at this time of year. Australia has relaxed attitudes to standards of dress, however during the day extreme sunshine can cause sunburn all year round. We recommend that you bring loose, cool, cotton clothing to protect yourself from the harsh sun. A sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, sturdy walking shoes and sunglasses are a must.

    WATER BOTTLE: Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

    BATTERIES/POWER: Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt “cigarette lighter” socket which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. Hotels and many campsites have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking out the following day.

    HEADLAMP OR TORCH: A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night. Some properties have limited lighting and are powered by generators that switch off at a certain time. It’s a good idea to bring a headlamp or torch, particularly as there are some nights spent camping.

    KARIJINI and THE KIMBERLIES Please ensure you pack two towels, as you may swim frequently on these trips. You will also need to pack at least 2 pairs of walking shoes/trainers as you will be walking through water in Karijini National Park, and also Tunnel Creek. It is also useful to have a pair of slip on shoes/sandals that you can carry in your day pack for riding the bus and casual wear.

    Climate and seasonal

    WEATHER Given the unpredictable nature of weather and travel in the tropics, we are sometimes forced to make late itinerary changes due to unexpected heavy rain and/or storms and road closures. In the event of this occurring, itinerary changes may need to be implemented after commencement of you trip. In this event, your Tour Leader/Driver has full authority to change the itinerary and/or order of activities and substitute alternative destinations and activities as necessary. No refunds are available due to itinerary changes and missed activities caused by extreme weather conditions and/or road closures. Itinerary may vary and/or attractions substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes, and traditional owner/national park requirements. The Gibb River Road and Purnululu National Park may be closed in the shoulder seasons (approx. April and October). See terms and conditions of travel for full details. While Australia's south and the West Coast experience a traditional four season year, Australia's north including the Kimberley and the Top End - has a tropical climate with a Wet Season (November to March/April) and a Dry Season (April/May to October). All of our tours in the north operate during 'the Dry', when it can get surprisingly cold overnight, depending on where you are — in Broome it can get down to 12ºC, while in the Bungle Bungles, it can fall as low as 5ºC! During the day, in Broome and Darwin we usually enjoy a lovely 28 to 30ºC. The Islands of the Giant Tides cruise is tidal dependent. On neap tides, we will enjoy the alternative Kimberley Island Explorer Cruise.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: PERTH AND BROOME: ALL general enquiry must be directed to our Reservations team on 1300 654 604. In the case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the DAY OF DEPARTURE ONLY please contact our Operations Manager in Broome . If your call does NOT warrant an emergency situation you will be asked to call our Reservations team in business hours.’ Broome Operations: 08 9193 7778

    Responsible travel

    Every place Intrepid visits is special – and we want it to stay that way. Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to local communities. On all our tours we strive to work in a socially and environmentally responsible way. Contributing to local environmental and cultural conservation, we are not only helping the community but giving our travellers a more authentic experience, whether it's enjoying a homestay in a tribal village or sleeping in small, family-run accommodation. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/rt/responsibletraveller RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

    Accommodation notes

    This trip is a Basix trip. Accommodation on this trip is a combination of swags with pop-up tents, and permanent tents with basic beds. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

    Transport notes

    You will be travelling in a vehicle specifically designed and built for Australian outback conditions. All our vehicles are air conditioned for your comfort, have CD players and/or Ipod connections and large panoramic windows for uninterrupted sightseeing. Each seat is fitted with an over shoulder seatbelt, it is Australian law to wear your seatbelt anytime the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle is equipped with one television complete with a DVD player for entertainment. The vehicle has tinted windows to shield the sun as well as curtains for further comfort. DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

    Travel insurance

    AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

    Your fellow travellers

    PARTICIPATORY CAMPING On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your leader will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour but you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer. As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

    Accommodation

    Private Camp - shared facilities(3nts),Camping - shared facilities (1nt),Bungle Bungles Safari Camp - shared facilities (2nts),Safari Tent - shared facilities (2nts),Safari Tent - with ensuite (2nts),Private Room - shared facilities (2nts)

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