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.

On our first night we heard the story of Jandamurra which prepared us for our walk the next day into Windjana Gorge. The day was hot, but the freshwater crocs kept even me from the water. We left Rick asleep in the river bed while the blind led the blind in a search for rock art. We were rewarded not just with the art, but a fabulous view of the countryside, that evoked images of settlers riding through the gorge on horseback while aborigines surveyed them from the safety of the rock ledges high above.

It was hard to decide which was the best swim- was it the very first, the spa in bell’s Gorge? Or the serene Sir John Gorge? Or the early morning dip in Galvin’s Gorge? Then there was the quick but spectacular swim in Manning Gorge. And of course the lovely pool in the sun at the end of the challenging el Questro Gorge. The Fitzroy river was pretty good too. But hard to beat of course was the wonderful Zebedee hot springs, rather difficult to drag ourselves away.

And what a way to celebrate a birthday! A beautifully decorated cake, secreted in the bowels of the bus, a very creative headress, a new thermal top, a party with champagne (illegally secreted in the bus!) and then to cap it all, a helicopter ride! My first ever, and Christian, the charming young pilot, made sure it was a good one. Fantastic views of the Bungles. I have to say it was my best birthday ever.

The daily yoga sessions were enjoyed by many, thanks to Peter our guru. It was quite an odd sight to see several people lining up each morning apparently trying to drag the bus away!

Food, glorious food, was again a highlight. Rick continued to amaze with his repertoire, producing damper, roast lamb, berry waffles and fantastic curries. All this despite being crook most of the time!

The Bungles were truly amazing- you must get there if you haven’t yet seen them. And not just the beehive domes- the gorges and chasms are fantastic. We had our final night in the Bungles, before our return to Kununurra. We celebrated in customary fashion with costume, fire, wine and food. 13 days, too fast really, I think next time it will have to be a longer trip……

For more photos of this trip click here

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.

Anyway a couple of hours later we were paddling the clear blue waters of Ningaloo Reef in our very smart and very stable yellow kayaks. We made good progress, due in no small measure to a pretty hefty tail wind. We beached at South Mandu, pretty pleased with our afternoon’s 12 km. Back at Camp Paradise we were revived with a very tasty stir fry before settling down under the stars. We were warming to our paddock.

The next morning we had a great snorkel at South Mandu, an easy drift snorkel very close to shore. Then it was into our boats and off to Oyster Stacks where we had another good snorkel. I was lucky enough to see a turtle and a shark. Then it was onto the famous Turquoise bay, again with the wind at our back. Great for fast paddling, not so good for snorkelling. So we headed back to camp and then took a walk up Yardie Creek where we were rewarded with rock wallaby sightings.

The next morning our snorkelling at Turquoise Bay was not as good as it can be as the current was so strong and the water a little murky from the high swells we’d had for several days. However our paddle up to Lakeside past beautiful beachs was very pleasant, and came to an exciting end with an unexpected surf landing!

Our final paddle the following day took us into Mangrove Bay with its wonderful collection of sting rays, turtles and small sharks.

We seem to have exceeded Hal’s records for the ages of people he’s had on trips-highlighted by Patrick claiming he had climbed Kilimanjaro the year Hal turned 2!

It was amazing how we all adapted to our situation- we became quite fond of our little patch of paddock. Sandy was amused by the display of bare bottoms from her vantage point, their owners each thinking they were invisible. Peter ran a very successful yoga class from the paddock and Irene redeemed herself by giving frequent massages. We all loved our drinks at sunset on the beach.

For more great photos click here

Karijini…..

This was my second tour of Karijini and I didn’t think any trip could be as good as last year’s- but it was!!

Once again the Pilbara unfolded its magic- those brilliant orange rocks, lit up by the morning and evening sun, the ghostly white of the complicated snappy gums, the thousands of shades of green of the vegetation. And those delicious pools- how can you describe a hot and sweaty body collapsing into the fresh cool water?

The challenge of the gorges was met by the enthusiasm and support of the group. We scrambled over rocks, waded and swam along pools, negotiated rock ledges, ladders, handrails and ropes. Smiling and pleased with ourselves we emerged from the gorges into the sunlight, elated by our feats and what we had seen. Hancock, Weano, Dales- we ticked them off.

Then there were the peaks- the wonderful ridge walk of Mt Bruce with it’s challenging “crux” and steep slopes. And the fabulous 360 degree view from the top of Mt Meharry.

But it was not all slog- we had some fantastic swims in pools and under waterfalls. Kalamina Gorge provided a very relaxing, albeit cold, swim. The final dip in the “spa” pool at Hamersley Gorge was unbelievable. I have some terrific photos of Helen, Sandy, Sue and Esther under waterfalls! Not to mention Rick’s pushup into the pool!

The evenings were another treat. Our favourite were the bush camps- where we felt we shared the stars with no-one. Then there was our full moon celebration- kindly assisted by Geetha guiding us through a moving Buddhist full moon celebration occurring at the same time.

All the while Rick and I were constantly astounded by the efficency of the group. Up at 6am, gone by 7am. unbelievable. We hardly washed a dish the whole week and we had an endless supply of cutters and choppers. The much coveted Freddo Frog had a plethora of recipients, such was the calibre of the feats accomplished by our group. No wonder my square holes or Rick’s 3am breakfast preparation didn’t rate one.

Nature provided much material for the clicking cameras. Many wildflowers were out, including fabulous displays of Sturt Peas. The geological formations (ably explained by Eric our resident geologist) never ceased to amaze us and we saw our share of lizards, roos, wallabies, emus and birds, rapidly identified by Rick.

Our last couple of days saw us in tranquil Millstream before we hiked the Camel trail across the Chichester Ranges. By then our clothes and our skin were thick with the Pilbara dirt, the Nivea was running out and Snake Gully Pie was on the menu. Time to go home.

For more great photos click here

For information about this trip click here

This trip is run in conjunction with the Glyde In Community Centre, to book phone 93393964.

This session is run in conjunction with he Glyde In Community Centre, to book phone 93393964.

This trip is run in conjunction with the Glyde In Community Centre, to book phone 93393964

We leave Walpole walking along its inlets and then enter the majestic tingle forest. These enormous trees are only found this part of the world. We spend the first two days in the forest where we also encounter the Frankland river. The Bibbulmun track campsite at the Frankland is considered by many walkers to have the best location along the whole track. We pass the Tree Top Walk before we make out way to the coast at Conspicuous Cliffs. Then there is some fairly hard walking to gain the top of the cliffs., where are rewarded with fantastic views. A coastal section follows with delightful bays, deserted beaches and a canoe crossing of the Irwin inlet. The beautiful Boat Harbour is a welcome reward after a hard day. Then we have a fantastic section of granite rocks, and the spectacular green Pool and Elephant Rocks. The final day’s ascent of Mt Hallowell is a fitting end to this 7 day stretch of the Bibbulmun track.

Dates:
30 October 2008 - 7 November 2008
10 November 2008 - 18 November 2008

Pricing:
AUD$1900 per person

Includes:
Includes all accommodation, transport, meals and guiding. Transport to and from Perth is available at no additional cost.

Additional Information:

• Walpole to Denmark Trip Itinerary 2008 (Oct 30-Nov 7) PDF, 64kB
• Walpole to Denmark Trip Itinerary 2008 (Nov 10-Nov 18) PDF, 64kB

For the next 3 days we enjoy the stunning coastline, as the track takes us past the windmills, Mutton Bird island, Shelley Beach and Dingo beach. Eventually we head back inland with vistas over the lakes until we make our way to the Nullaki Peninsula. Each evening we return to our chalet accommodation at The Cove on the banks of Wilson Inlet, near Denmark, a beautiful 60 acre bush property. This is a 7 day trip, with 5 days of walking. Distance varies from 14-18km per day, with some hills and sand, requiring a moderate level of fitness.

A hardworking team of staff ensures you have a memorable experience. We supply knowledgeable guides, a dedicated driver and a dedicated cook, whose delicious meals bring clients back time and itime again! All you have to do is walk!
Date:
21 October 2008 - 27 October 2008
Pricing:
AUD$1650 per person
Includes:
Includes all accommodation, transport, meals and guiding. Transport to and from Perth is available at no additional cost.

Download Albany To Denmark Trip Itinerary 2008 (PDF, 57kB)

This special package combines two of our finest walking trip at a discounted price. We will walk all the way from Albany to Walpole, with 4 free days in the middle (accommodation included on these break days).

More information on the Albany to Denmark and Denmark to Walpole trips can be found here:

• Albany to Denmark
• Walpole to Denmark

Date: 1 October 2008 - 7 November 2008

Pricing: AUD$3300 per person

Includes: Includes all accommodation, transport, meals and guiding. Transport to and from Perth is available at no additional cost.

In September the wildflowers will astound you, with the hillsides ablaze with purple scaevola and pink pimelia. The sandy patches will reveal an amazing variety of orchids. There is also a chance of seeing whales at this time of year. Dolphins are often sighted surfing the waves, along with the board riders. This is an 8 day trip, with 7 days of walking. Each night walkers return to the same chalet accommodation on the outskirts of Augusta. A dedicated chef provides all meals. The total distance is 135km, or approx 20km/day. There is a lot of sand and beach walking and a good level of fitness is required, with preparation recommended.

Dates:
1 October 2008 – 8 October 2008
11 October 2008 – 18 October 2008

Pricing: AUD$1900 per person

Includes: Price includes all accommodation, transport, meals and guiding. Transport to and from Perth is available at no additional cost.

For more information, download the following documents:

Cape to Cape Trip Itinerary 2008 (Oct 11-18) PDF,93kB

Cape to Cape Trip Itinerary 2008 (Oct 11-18) PDF, 93kB

The location for this workshop is ideal. We stay at Banksia Springs Lodge on the outskirts of Dwellingup. Not only is it a very comfortable lodge, but it offers many photographic possibilities with its beautiful garden and quaint cottages filled with memorabilia. The Bibbulmun track runs through Dwellingup and is great for bushwalking, while the Murray River should provide some interesting photos at this time of year. This trip is suitable for novices and the more experienced camera user. The group size is small so individual tuition is possible. The novice will be introduced to the various settings on the camera and their uses. Specific topics such a low light, fast moving objects, flash and macro photography will be covered. There will be a bushwalk on one day and ample opportunity to photograph during the walk. Back at the lodge, photos will be analysed with the use of a laptop. Some tuition on photo software may be given. All meals will be prepared for you.

Date: 2 September 2008 - 4 September 2008

Pricing: AUD$550 per person

Includes: Includes accommodation, food, guided walks and photographic instruction. Note: Transport is not provided on this trip.

Download Digital Dwellingup Trip Itinerary 2008 (PDF, 41kB)