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      • 2017 Trip Reports
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  • Wildlife
    • Annotated Birdlist
    • Great Bowerbird
    • Australian Bustard
    • Bugbits
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    • Pied Heron
    • Rainbow Pitta
    • Orange-footed Scrubfowl
    • Cathedral Termite
    • Species Lists
    • Top End Endemics
    • Where to Watch
  • Ian Morris
    • Introduction
    • Ian's Gallery
    • Nature Notes
  • Gallery
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17 Day Kimberley Naturalists' Tour

Gibb River Road Adventure with Mike Jarvis and Ian Morris 

Manning Gorge, Kimberley, Western Australia (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Manning Gorge, Kimberley, Western Australia  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

  


 

  • Seventeen day, seventeen night tour starting from Darwin, travelling down Stuart Highway, across to WA border along the Victoria Highway, then we explore the best of the famous remote Gibb River Road. The Kimberley region is described as a National Biodiversity Hotspot. We explore remote outback icons such as Geike Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Chinaman's Wall and Wolf Creek Crater, returning to Darwin via Kununurra, Timber Creek, Katherine and Pine Creek. Total distance covered - 4500 kilometres. 

  • Kimberley Biodiversity - 2000 plants, 230 endemic; 126 endangered invertebrates; more than 15 endemic fish species; 42 frog species including 12 endemics; 295 bird species, 2 endemic (Black Grasswren and Kimberley Honeyeater); 76 mammal species including 5 endemics.

  • Will this tour suit me?  A unique opportunity for enthusiastic nature lovers to encounter birds, reptiles, mammals, invertebrates and plants. Take in the spectacular scenery and learn about the amazing geology of a region that many people who have lived or visited the region regard as their favorite place on earth. The cultural heritage of the Kimberley region features strongly throughout this trip. Almost all accommodation is in comfortable air-conditioned rooms with ensuites, we do have three nights of camping, in comfortable stretcher beds provided. We start before dawn and stop for a bush breakfast at beautiful locations surrounded by birdlife at its busiest and scenery at its best. Lunch is enjoyed out in the field and dinners are ala carte menus at resorts or restaurants. Enjoy after dinner slide presentations by Ian on subjects relative to the days exploration. Group is small, with a maximum of only five keen fellow naturalists, plus Ian and Mike. 

  • Cost - $12990 per person twin share, single supplement $1695

  • 2019 dates - June 13-29, 2019  (five seats available)
     

"Mike

Bjorg and I want to thank you and tell you what an amazing wonderful trip you provided.  Bjorg was skeptical of this trip because she is not a hiker or a birder and at her age now prefers nicer accommodations than those on several previous eco or nature trips.  She now raves about all aspects of this tour as do I.

As you now probably have sensed I adore all aspects of nature.  I was taken in by the topography, plants and especially the trees, birds, particularly the larger ones, and animal life that we witnessed.  You and Ian are founts of knowledge about all of these and dispensed it in a comprehensive yet succinct and easy to digest way.  Each day was full without being over tiring.  Giving us aspects of Australian history and particularly for me about the Aborigines was important.

Reading about the meals in your brochure made me a bit skeptical of same, but the food and accommodations were all quite good-well beyond adequate.

You and Ian made a good team with thorough knowledge and experience of all that you described.  Any time you have professionals with the expertise you both possessed  will make for a great experience, and we were certainly not disappointed in this regard. You had everything so well organized that the tour ran seamlessly.  We also congratulate you for your consideration and kindness towards all of us in this diverse group.

So, thank you, thank you, thank you.  If we can ever be of service as a reference feel free to use us. 

Warm regards
Bjorg and Richard
USA August 2015

 

Here is a short video of highlights from our 2017 Kakadu Naturalists' Tour


 

Ian Morris spokesman for nature (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Ian Morris spokesman for nature  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

About Ian Morris: Ian Morris is a biologist, educator, conservationist and author of ‘Kakadu National Park’ and co-author of ‘A Natural History and Field Guide to Australia’s Top End’. He has worked with Aboriginal Traditional Owners of the Arnhem Land region for decades, and was involved in forming Kakadu National Park. Ian promotes the magic of the bush as an NT based environmental consultant for many national parks in Australia and is passionate about bio-geography, Traditional Aboriginal land management practices and the modern context.

Ian Morris learnt his first Aboriginal language at the age of nine in East Arnhem Land, and eventually went back there as a school teacher. He mentored and continues to mentor many young indigenous children, and has himself been mentored by Aboriginal elders in the Indigenous understanding of relationships with nature. Ian says “I was fortunate enough when young to be taught by traditionally-born Arnhem Landers. Passing on what I learned is a privilege.”

In addition to having guided land based Kimberley eco-tours for more than ten years Ian has worked with Coral Expeditions as a guest lecturer since 1987, showcasing the Kimberley from the seaward side.  


Itinerary

Day 1 Thursday June 13 DARWIN to VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE

Gouldians drinking at Fergusson River (photo copyright Frank Taylor)
Gouldians drinking at Fergusson River  (photo copyright Frank Taylor)

Pre-dawn pick-up from your Darwin accommodation then breakfast with Gouldian's near Pine Creek. Continue on to Victoria River Roadhouse where we search for resident Purple-crowned Fairywrens.

Distance covered for the day - 540km

Purple-crowned Fairywren - Vic River (photo copyright Laurie Ross)
Purple-crowned Fairywren - Vic River  (photo copyright Laurie Ross)

Dinner and accommodation at Victoria River Roadhouse

Day 2 Friday June 14 VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE to LAKE ARGYLE

Bush breakfast at 5k ford, Buchanan Highway, waterhole at Gregory NP, or bush breakfast at Menggen, Bill Harney, lunch at Cockatoo Lagoon, rock art at Keep River NP, 

4WD track river crossing in Judbarra (Gregory) National Park (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
4WD track river crossing in Judbarra (Gregory) National Park  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Continue on to Lake Argyle.

Distance covered for the day - 320km

Dinner and accommodation at Lake Argyle

Darter Parry's Lagoon (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Darter Parry's Lagoon   (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Day 3 Saturday June 15 | Lake Argyle Cruise – Parry Creek Farm

5.30 am (WA time) Lake Argyle Cruise (5-6hrs), lunch at Kununurra. We cross the mighty Ord River and continue on to Parry Creek Farm, where we explore the wildlife of Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve.

Distance covered for the day - 170km

Dinner and accommodation at Parry Creek Farm

Day 4 | Sunday June 16 | Parry Creek Farm to / Home Valley

Lake Argyle (photo copyright Caroline Gully)
Lake Argyle  (photo copyright Caroline Gully)
Bush breakfast at Five rivers – Bastion lookout, explore the Grotto (picnic lunch), to Gibb River Road – Home Valley

Distance covered for the day - 120km

Dinner and accommodation at Home Valley

Cockburn Range, mid-way between El Questra and Home Valley (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Cockburn Range, mid-way between El Questra and Home Valley  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Day 5 | Monday June 17 | Home Valley

Visit Emma Gorge, Pentacost River crossing accom and dinner at Home Valley. We enjoy views of the nearby Cockburn Range are iconic and memorable parts of a trip along the Gibb River Road and are mid-way between Home Valley Station and El Questro.

Distance covered for the day – 100km

Dinner and accommodation at Home Valley

Darnggu Cruise Fitzroy River (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Darnggu Cruise Fitzroy River   (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Day 6 | Tuesday June 18 | Home Valley – Mt Elizabeth Station

Explore the section of Gibb River Road between Home Valley and Mt Elizabeth Station

Distance covered for the day - 300km

Dinner and accommodation at Mt Elizabeth Station

Day 7 | Wednesday June 19 | Mt Elizabeth Station | Manning Gorge – Black Grasswren expedition, in broken sandstone, spinifex tussock country. Continue on to Manning Creek, explore Manning Gorge, see the southern most known examples of ‘Bradshaw’ art, camp and dinner at Manning Gorge

Bell Gorge 1 '05 (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Bell Gorge 1 '05  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Distance covered for the day – 100km

Camp and dinner at Manning Gorge

Day 8 | Thursday June 20 | Manning Gorge to Bell Gorge | Explore Bell Gorge, swim, walk… Bell Creek is a major watercourse from east to west to King Sound. Dinner and accommodation at Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Distance covered for the day - 100km

Dinner and camp at Iminji Campground and Art Centre

Galvan's Wandjina (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Galvan's Wandjina  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Day 9 | Friday June 21 | Bell Gorge to Windjana | lunch and explore Windjana Gorge, outlaw story of Djandamara, the aboriginal ‘Ned Kelly’ folk hero. Easy gorge walk. Leonard river pushes its way through the old Devonian Reef and on to the coastal plains, emptying into King Sound. Camp and dinner at Windjana,

Distance covered for the day - 150km

Dinner and camp at Windjana

Billy's Sugar Glider Menggen Station (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Billy's Sugar Glider Menggen Station  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Day 10 | Saturday June 22 | Windjana to Fitzroy Crossing | we follow the Napier Range, down the ‘coral reef’ (Devonian Reef) to the Great Northern Highway and stay at Fitzroy Crossing

Distance covered for the day - 200km

Dinner and accommodation at Fitzroy Lodge

AJ making Fire Darnggu (photo copyright Ian Morris)
AJ making Fire Darnggu  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Day 11 | Sunday June 23| Fitzroy Crossing | explore Geike Gorge, Bundburra Lookout,  meet the Bunaba people. 

Dinner and accommodation at Fitzroy Lodge

Distance covered for the day - 70km

Dinner and accommodation at Fitzroy Lodge

Day 12 | Monday June 24| Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek | Continue on the sealed Great Northern Highway to Halls Creek, explore Mimbi Caves with the Gunuyandi people .

Acacia pyroformis at Mimbi (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Acacia pyroformis at Mimbi   (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Distance covered for the day - 400km

Dinner and accommodation at Hall’s Creek

Day 13 | Tuesday June 25| Halls Creek | see China Wall, explore Wolf Creek Crater – observe the vegetation patterns in the crater that reveal unique micro-climate influences

China Wall, near Hall's Creek (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
China Wall, near Hall's Creek  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Distance covered for the day - 350km

Dinner and accommodation at Hall's Creek

Day 14 | Wednesday June 26| Hall’s Creek - Doon Doon – Visit art centre at Turkey Creek (Warmun) Dinner and accommodation at Doon Doon

(photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Distance covered for the day - 280km

Dinner and accommodation at Doon Doon

Day 15 | Thursday June 27| Doon – Timber Creek | Bush breakfast at lookout near the Carr Boyd Ranges. Continue through Kununurra back across the NT border to Timber Creek – Dinner and accommodation at Timber Creek Distance covered for the day - 350km

Gregory's Tree 1855 1'05 (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Gregory's Tree  1855 1'05  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Dinner and accommodation at Pine Creek 

Distance covered for the day - 450km

Day 16 | Friday June 28|  Timber Creek – Pine Creek | Bush breakfast at the Five Finch Ford, Buchanan Highway. Continue through to Katherine and on to Pine Creek – Dinner and accommodation at Pine Creek Distance covered for the day - 390km

Gregory's Tree 1855 1'05 (photo copyright Ian Morris)
Gregory's Tree  1855 1'05  (photo copyright Ian Morris)

Dinner and accommodation at Pine Creek 

Distance covered for the day - 450km

Day 17 | Saturday June 29| Pine Creek to Darwin | Breakfast at Pine Creek then continue the last leg of our journey together to Darwin. We have lunch, our last group meal, at a restaurant in Darwin.

Drop off at Darwin accommodation around 2pm.

Hooded Parrot at Pine Creek (photo copyright Stefan Schlick)
Hooded Parrot at Pine Creek  (photo copyright Stefan Schlick)

Distance covered for the day - 250km. Overall trip distance - approximately 4500km

 


 

Red-headed Honeyeater (photo copyright Marie Holding)
Red-headed Honeyeater  (photo copyright Marie Holding)

Please Note: The above itinerary is based on the outcomes of many previous tours to the areas described. Ian Morris’s experience in the area is vast, and his expertise could lead to some unexpected and memorable wildlife experiences. Each season is different and as various wildlife observing opportunities arise, adjustments will be made.

Inclusions - Thirteen nights comfortable air-conditioned accommodation with ensuite, Lake Argyle Birdwatching Cruise, Geike Gorge Cruise, Mimbi Cave tour, Tunnel Creek tour. Three nights camping with comfortable individual stretcher beds. All meals. Cold water, tea, coffee and refreshments available at all times. 

A Natural History and Field Guide to Australia´s Top End by Ian Morris et al (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
A Natural History and Field Guide to Australia´s Top End by Ian Morris et al
  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Checklist, Itinerary and Journal - 24 page A5 sized booklet for you to record your sightings, add notes, and keep as a reference and momento from your trip. (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Checklist, Itinerary and Journal - 24 page A5 sized booklet for you to record your sightings, add notes, and keep as a reference and momento from your trip.  (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

A comprehensive checklist/journal is provided which will help each participant to make the most of this tour. Each evening after dinner we review the days experience as a group, tick off all the species we have seen, and then view a slide-show presentation featuring a theme to be explored on the following day.

Also included is a free copy of ‘A Natural History and Field Guide to Australia’s Top End’ by Ian Morris et al. This is a 202 page full photos (nearly all Ian's) and information on climate, habitats, geology flora and fauna of the Top End.

Exclusions - Alcoholic drinks, purchases of a personal nature such as souvenirs, internet use, etc.

Group - $10990 per person twin share, single supplement $1695. 
All prices are in Australian dollars. Please click here for conversion to your currency.

Booking Procedure - You can book directly using our secure online booking site by clicking here. Payment options are Visa, Mastercard, Paypal or Bank Transfer. A 20% deposit secures the booking, the balance is due 30 days prior to start of tour. Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries regarding the tour.

Download a printable copy of this itinerary

Click Here to Check Availability and Book Now!

Further Information - Please click here for our Terms and Conditions document. Visit our FAQ page to learn more about how our tours run. Visit our 'Darwin Accommodation' links page to find some helpful suggestions for pre and post tour arrangements. Email enquiries@experiencethewild.com.au or ring Jenny or Mike on 0400 404 058 


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