Experience the Kimberley 2008
The Kimberley in “winter”…certainly the place to escape the southern winter! The days were hot, with clear blue skies. We began the trip on a full moon and gradually, as the moon subsided, so the evening sky filled with stars. So many it was hard to recognise familiar constellations.
The Gibb River Road is not a road to be travelled fast- the corrugations and pot holes see to that. It was different from the Pilbara in that we were often camped in “civilised” surrounds- stations that came complete with showers, bar and restaurant. However, walks away from the campsites took us wonderful gorges and waterholes that haven’t changed in millions of years. [Read more]
Ningaloo and Karijini 2008
Ningaloo……
Well what a fantastic trip we had! Great weather, great sights and great company! Where to begin….
It all started at Camp Paradise-that’s the name we affectionately gave to the paddock where we tossed our swags. 
Mind you I wished I had photos of our faces when Hal directed us to our sleeping quarters. He waved his arm towards the paddock, suggesting we camp on the right side of a bush so as to gain some protection from the early morning winds. Those of us eyeing off the shade of the few trees were soon redirected by his warnings of ticks. [Read more]
2007 Cape to Cape Walk - What An Amazing Trip
Our first two Cape to Cape walks were based in Augusta at Sheoak Chalets. And how comfortable we were! Steve looked after us very well and we had great chalets with wonderful views. Diane as per usual created her masterpieces, and Alf was always a welcome sight at the end of the day. [Read more]
Three walking tours at The Cove, Denmark
I’ve just finished 3 trips based at the beautiful Cove at Denmark. Situated right on Wilson Inlet amongst karri, tingle and jarrah, where could you find a better place to be? We didn’t have fantastic weather, I would have liked a bit more sunshine. But I still managed to partake of the southern ocean! And besides it’s rather nice returning from a walk to a cottage warmed by a wood fire. [Read more]
The Queen of Sheba
With a trip title of the Queen of Sheba, it had to be a good trip. And it was. I wonder how many people rejected the trip on the basis that the Stirlings in early September would be wet, cold and miserable?? Well it was warm ,sunny and fantastic. We saw a total of 31 species of orchids, including the Queen of Sheba, that elusive orchid we’ve been searching for for years. [Read more]
Digital Photography Workshop at Dwellingup
The wet weather we encountered on our photographic trip to Dwellingup didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the potential professional photographers who spent 3 days exploring how to better use their digital cameras. Under the careful guidance of Karen Castle, we gradually expanded the capability of our cameras. Banksia Springs was a great venue- a very comfortable lodge and very photogenic surroundings. [Read more]
Pam and the Pyrenees
This is a bit of a summary of a trip I did in July in the Pyrenees. Walking we a friend, we started in Hendaye in France and used the long distance walkilng trails called the GR 10, 11 and HRP, crossing to and fro between France and Spain. We trekked about 400km, getting approximately just under half way from west to east in the time we had. The rest is for another year! [Read more]
Star Trek Australian Style
‘Every molecule in our body contains matter that was once subject to the tremendous pressures at the centre of a star. That’s where the iron in our blood cells comes from. It’s really cause for inspiration’ — Dr Victor Gostin
On a balmy evening, I recently watched the awesome sight of the sunset, and the moonrise over the Pinnacles. Slowly as the sky darkened, the solar system and our milky way dotted the sky above. [Read more]
Back from my Pyrenees Adventure (Karijini & more)
Well if I wasn’t getting ready for my Pyrenneen adventure I think I would have a bad case of PTD (post trip depression) after our fabulous Karijini trip. Great people, weather, scenery, food, vehicle, even leaders!
12 enthusiastic walkers (all previous IO customers) set out from the Midland train staton 7.30 one Saturday morning. This was the first joint venture between Coates Wildlife Tours and Inspiration outdoors. (And we were already planning the next before this one had ended!) Our first overnighter was near Mullewa- a bush camp, an option that was to prove very popular thoughout the two weeks. An isolated spot in the bush, often a water hole (for the women to bathe in) and much camraderie around the fire- well as much as you can fit in before 8pm which seemed to be the self imposed curfew of the group! [Read more]
Larapinta Track
I’ve just returned from walking the Larapinta Track in the West MacDonnell Ranges in central Australia. One of my fellow walkers, Ollie Brown, has submitted this report:“On some websites the Larapinta Trail is euphemistically referred to as a ‘desert ramble’. A ramble suggests leisure, wandering, freedom to linger over a picnic lunch and perhaps to gaze meditatively at the scenery, the birds, the clouds or whatever else takes your fancy.” [Read more]