pre-departure information

Weather

Being so close to the equator, the Kimberley doesn't experience Summer, Winter, Spring or Autumn. Instead, there are 2 dominant seasons separated by short transitional periods. Local indigenous tribes recognise many variances within these seasons, so they have their own seasonal calendars. Read more about the weather on this page.

your guide

COMMUNICATIONS

Our vehicles are fitted with satellite telephones, however, these are not available for use by passengers due to high operating costs. Messages to our passengers are best conveyed via our office. Mobile phone coverage and internet services are very limited in the Kimberley and the outback.

WHAT TO PACK

Below is a list of items to assist you with your packing. While many people think that the Kimberley is warm year-round, in fact the night-times can get very cold! In the middle of the year, in some places, temperatures can drop to almost zero at night. Please bring warm clothing to sleep in. Layering clothing is recommended.

• Hiking boots or comfortable and sturdy walking shoes

• Hat

• Chemical-free sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Small backpack (for day use)

• Water bottle (we provide water on tour, but you may like to bring a re-usable drink bottle)

• Swimsuit/Sarong

• Torch

• Insect repellent (also provided in the vehicle)

• T-shirts/shirts

• Shorts

• Warm clothing for nights and to sleep in

• Waterproof jacket/light raincoat

• Underwear and socks

• Toiletries

• Personal medication (take adequate supplies for your entire tour)

• Camera, memory cards and spare batteries (recharging of batteries is not always possible)

• Drip-dry, hand washable clothing is recommended.

• Most people dress very casually on tour.

ELECTRICITY

Please be aware that power point availability at your accommodation may be limited. Power points are not always located next to the bed. We recommend carrying spare batteries for your camera.

HEALTH ON TOUR

Washing your hands is the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading infections.

• Please be mindful of your fellow travellers with respect to coughing, sneezing and the disposal of used tissues.

• It is important to protect yourself from mozzie bites, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. At these time of day, be sure that you cover as much of your skin as possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and shoes.

• The weather will be variable on your tour and drinking plenty of water is important to prevent dehydration. A hat and good sunscreen are important for preventing sunburn, even on overcast days.

MOBILITY

A good level of health and fitness is essential to undertake walks in hot conditions, or on uneven terrain, steep steps and slippery surfaces. If you have trouble with balance, walking poles are great for stability. Please note, walking frames are not recommended for our tours. In the lead up to your trip we recommend you start walking 3 times a week (including steps), building up to an hour at a time. This will ensure you have the stamina and energy to see and appreciate all the sights your tour has to office. You should ensure your walking shoes fit properly and have been worn in prior to departure.

YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH

Your GP or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventative measures. We recommend you consult your GP or local travel clinic for detailed advice to ensure maximum pre-travel preparation. If you have health problems, ask your doctor to prepare your medical history for a doctor, should you need to see one on tour. It should include your name, address, emergency contact, blood type, medical history, current medications and dosages, drug allergies, reasons for prior hospitalisation and a list of vaccinations and dates.

A copy of your prescriptions is vital in case of any health problems. Prepare a list of your medications, including the name, dosage, prescribing doctor and their phone number.

Pack sufficient medication for the duration of your tour. Your medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag. It is always good to carry a list of your medications in case they are lost and remember to leave everything in its original container so it can be easily identified.

It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription for glasses or contacts.

ITINERARY VARIATION

Although every effort is made to follow the itinerary, there may be times when it will have to be varied due to weather or other conditions prevailing at the time.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The unique Kimberley and Outback scenery is a photographer’s delight. So bring your camera, batteries and spare memory cards. It may not always be possible to charge camera batteries at every accommodation so extra batteries are recommended.

SMOKING

Due to Australian government regulations, smoking isn’t permitted on aircraft or tourist vehicles. Frequent stops are made during the day to provide comfort stops or the opportunity to smoke. Smoking isn’t allowed in the tented cabins at our Wilderness Lodges.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance, which will cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise on tour or before leaving home (this includes cancellation fees, medical and curtailment expenses, cover for remote evacuation, loss of luggage, etc). Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Ensure all pre-existing medical issues are declared to the insurer so that non-covered conditions are ascertained in advance. Have the details recorded and accessible at all times during travel. We recommend your travel insurance includes coverage of events such as itinerary disruption as we will not be liable for any direct or indirect costs that you incur as a result of such an event or other factors beyond our control.

Thank you and see you soon in the Kimberley!