Data Loading...
APT KWA Tour Hints 2022 Flipbook PDF
APT KWA Tour Hints 2022 Prepare for your Kimberley Wilderness Adventure with our tour hints. It covers everything you ne
179 Views
44 Downloads
FLIP PDF 671.15KB
Kimberley Wilderness Adventures Tou r Hints
APTOURING.COM.AU | 3
Contents YOUR APT CREW & 4WD VEHICLE Your APT Crew
5 5
GENERAL TOURING INFORMATION Communication Services
Seat Rotation
5
Departure Return Points/Times 18
Custom-Built 4WD Vehicles
5
Electricity18
APT WILDERNESS LODGES Facilities In Your Tented Cabin
6 6
Liquor Licences
6
Limiting Our Impact
7
Dining7 KIMBERLEY HOTELS, RESORTS & STATIONS An Authentic Experience
8 8
Check In / Check Out
8
Special Requirements 8 Facilities In Your Room
8
Dining Information
9
Alcohol9 WHAT TO PACK Dressing For The Climate Luggage Requirements
10 11 11
STAYING HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY Preparing For Your Tour
12 12
On Tour
14
APT Health & Safety Protocol
17
Useful Websites
17
18 18
Itinerary18 Internet & Email Access
18
Late Wet Season
19
Personal Expenses
19
Photography19 Pre & Post Tour Connections 19 Sleep Apnea Machines & Other Medical Devices 20 Smoking20 Taxis20 Time Zones
20
Tipping21 Tour Feedback
21
Travel Insurance
21
KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION CRUISING
23
DISCOVERING THE KIMBERLEY
23
THE KIMBERLEY CLIMATE
26
APTOURING.COM.AU | 5
4 | YOUR APT CREW & 4WD VEHICLE
Your APT Crew & 4WD Vehicle Your APT Crew From the moment you join the tour, your friendly crew are on hand to ensure your comfort, take care of all arrangements, answer questions and provide a friendly face. Your Driver-Guide is a highly trained industry professional, committed to making your adventure memorable. Your Driver-Guide’s informed and entertaining commentary will showcase their passion and knowledge of the area, while their organisational skills, backed by our dedicated support staff, will ensure that your trip is completely hassle-free. On each Kimberley Wilderness Adventure your Driver-Guide will be joined by additional guides on most challenging walks.
Seat Rotation To ensure everyone gets to enjoy front and window seats, a daily seat rotation system will be put in place by your Driver-Guide.
Custom-Built 4WD Vehicles APT’s 4WD vehicles are carefully built to take you over rugged terrain in comfort, safety and style. Designed especially for the Kimberley, our dynamic fleet of custom-built Mercedes Benz and Isuzu 4WD vehicles set a global benchmark. APT’s vehicles have an impeccable reliability record and traverse some of the roughest terrain. In the event of a late wet season, our 4WD vehicles provide greater reliability on roads which may be closed to larger vehicles. All vehicles feature air-conditioning, reclining seats, a state-ofthe-art PA system and large tinted windows to protect you from the sun, while providing unimpeded views of the passing scenery. For your safety and convenience, each vehicle is fitted with a heavy duty bull-bar and also carries a satellite phone. Our Driver-Guides are highly experienced in driving across the rough terrains of the Kimberley and Outback.
APTOURING.COM.AU | 7
6 | APT WILDERNESS LODGES
APT Wilderness Lodges In partnership with the Indigenous land owners, our network of lodges are exclusive to APT guests. Each lodge is strategically located to place you in the heart of wilderness country. By day, enjoy convenient access to all the highlights and hidden gems. By night, take pleasure in exceptional and often remote locations. APT’s friendly on-site lodge hosts make your stay all the more memorable. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice their exceptional level of personal service and care, ensuring a convivial atmosphere throughout.
Facilities In Your Tented Cabins APT’s Wilderness Lodges include a range of Standard and Superior tented cabins designed to blend into the local surrounds while providing ‘a touch of luxury’ in the wilderness. Bedding Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge and Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge offers a twin and double bedding configuration. Bathroom/Ensuite All tented cabins feature private ensuite bathroom facilities with hot showers. Your bathroom will have a shower, flushing toilet, hand basin, towels and soap. Deck All tented cabins feature a front deck with chairs and bush views. Electricity Please be aware that power point availability at each lodge may be limited and only some tented cabins have accessible points. Each lodge draws electricity from independent power supplies and these systems can sometimes experience ‘surges’. Usually harmless, be aware that Sleep Apnea Machines are sensitive to these occurrences. If required, advise your travel agent or APT at your earliest convenience. Please note at our APT Wilderness Lodges humidifiers cannot be used in conjunction with Sleep Apnea Machines.
Limiting Our Impact As the only major tour operator in the Kimberley to have achieved Advanced Ecotourism certification, we are passionate about conserving the local environment and sacred Indigenous land. Each lodge is designed and run on a ‘leave no trace’ philosophy, to ensure a minimal ecological footprint. We ask for your assistance with this by following these simple guidelines: •W ater is a precious commodity in the Kimberley and Outback regions and we ask that you use this natural resource sparingly and wisely. Due to this limited resource, we are unable to offer laundry facilities at our lodges. •W e ask that you bring with you biodegradable personal care products, which will not adversely affect the natural environment. Eco-friendly body wash and shampoo are provided at our Wilderness Lodges. •D ue to our dry environment, smoking is only permitted in designated areas. •A t night, camps are lit by low voltage lighting to enable you to move about with safety and ease.
Dining Each night, enjoy a superb three-course dinner, with a hearty full breakfast served each morning before your next adventure-filled day. Be amazed by the variety and quality of food on offer, using only the freshest ingredients. Regional specialities are often served with a sprinkling of Indigenous herbs for an authentic Outback flavour. All included meals are indicated on your personalised itinerary.
Liquor Licenses All of our lodges have a liquor license which enables you to purchase a select range of alcoholic beverages if you choose. Alcohol cannot be brought on tour with you.
Relax in the serene surrounds of APT’s Wilderness Lodges
8 | KIMBERLEY HOTELS, RESORTS & STATIONS
Kimberley Hotels, Resorts & Stations An Authentic Experience APT offers an extensive range of hotel, resort and station accommodation throughout the Kimberley All the properties we offer will enrich your overall experience and give you an authentic taste for some of Australia’s most outstanding destinations. Please note that in very remote regions, choices of accommodation are limited and standards may vary. On rare occasions, shared facilities may replace private facilities at certain hotels due to their unique Outback location.
Check In / Check Out Australian standard hotel check in time is 3pm and check out time is 10am. This may vary between hotels.
Special Requirements If you have special requirements such a preference for adjoining or neighbouring rooms, double beds, ground floor room or a room near the main hotel facilities, please advise your Travel Agent or APT as early as possible prior to commencing your tour so that we can try to fulfil your request.
Facilities In Your Room Bedding Twin bedded accommodation usually represents two single beds, though some hotels present twin share accommodation as one double bed and one single bed. A double room comprises one double bed designed for two people to share. Bathroom/Ensuite APT accommodation usually features private facilities (with the exception of some remote locations). Your bathroom will have a shower, toilet, hand basin, towels and soap.
APTOURING.COM.AU | 9
Television/Telephone Some rooms will have a television and telephone, however in-room telephones can be expensive and most hotels have public phones available. In remote areas, these room facilities may not be available. Laundry Facilities There are limited hotels along the trip with coin operated laundry facilities.
Dining Information The cuisine you will enjoy on tour goes above and beyond the standard meals you would expect in Outback Australia. We pay careful attention to the negotiation of our menus, to ensure choice and a healthy variety of quality food which caters to all tastes. Meals that are included in your tour price are indicated on your personalised itinerary. Dietary Requirements – Please ensure you advise your Travel Agent or APT prior to your tour commencing of any dietary requirements. Every effort will be made to fulfil requests, but these cannot always be guaranteed. With the wide selection of menus and choice of dishes available at hotels, special dietary requirements will be met where possible. For strict dietary requirements, please check with your Travel Agent or APT. You may need to carry a small supply of necessary food (that does not require refrigeration).
Alcohol Consumption of alcohol on board vehicles is strictly prohibited. Most hotels in which you stay have licensed restaurants where you can purchase alcoholic beverages with your meal. As Arnhem Land is a dry region, alcohol will only be available in selected places.
Tea/Coffee Making Facilities Your accommodation provides tea and coffee making facilities in your room (with the exception of some remote locations). Mini Bars/Refrigerators With the exception of some remote locations, most hotels feature a small refrigerator in the room and on some occasions a mini bar. Please remember that these items can be expensive.
Relax at the stunning Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge
APTOURING.COM.AU | 11
10 | WHAT TO PACK
What To Pack What you should pack depends on personal preference, however below is a list of items to assist you with your packing. Drip-dry, hand washable clothing is recommended. Most people dress very casually on tour, however if the group is going out in town you may want to wear something a little more dressy. When packing, take into account the time of year you are travelling and that it can potentially be cold at night. Layering is recommended. Please refer to pages 30 and 31 for weather information. Hiking boots or comfortable, sturdy walking shoes; Walking poles to assist with walking over uneven ground omfortable walking shoes with good grip in water C (e.g reef sandals or aqua socks)** Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses Small backpack (for day use) Water bottle* Swimsuit/sarong Towel*; T orch* Insect repellent (also provided on the vehicles) T-shirts/shirts Shorts Warm clothing for winter months (e.g. long pants and jumper) Waterproof jacket/light raincoat ‘Sports’ underwear and socks Warm sleepwear required for winter months (e.g. thermals) oiletries (it may not always be possible to power electric T shavers. Eco-friendly body wash and shampoo are provided at APT’s Wilderness Lodges) Personal medication (take adequate supplies for entire tour) amera, memory cards and spare batteries C (recharging of batteries is not always possible)
Dressing For The Climate Open air dining and campfire evenings are an important part of your Kimberley experience. It can be very cold at night, sometimes dropping to below zero, and during the day the sun can be very hot, so bring clothing to keep you warm and to protect you from the sun, as well as a hat.
Luggage Requirements Due to the small vehicle size and strict regulations for vehicle weight, there is limited luggage capacity. Please pack your required items into one small bag (no hard suitcases) weighing no more than 16kg (35lbs) and that fits within the dimensions of 66cm length x 35cm width x 32cm height. A small day bag or backpack to be taken on board the vehicle is also required. If you have excess luggage, please arrange for it to be stored or forwarded to your tour’s final destination prior to arrival at your departure point. Air travel within the Kimberley is in a small aircraft, which places further restrictions on luggage allowances for safety and compliance reasons. If your escorted tour entails air travel, please note you will need to pack down your luggage and personal items to a maximum of 10kg (22lbs) per person for the flight. Any extra luggage will be taken on the 4WD vehicle. Adventure Pack You will receive a complimentary Adventure Pack four weeks prior to embarking on an escorted tour of six days or longer. You will have the option of either a duffle bag or a backpack to be included in your Adventure Pack.* (Please advise your travel agent or APT of your preference)
A small travel alarm clock ** recommended on Kimberley tours
Explore the incredible sights at Bungle Bungle
*Provided on escorted tours of six days or more
APTOURING.COM.AU | 13
12 | STAYING HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY
Staying Healthy On Holiday It’s important for you to be as healthy as possible before you travel, and to maintain your health by applying good hygiene practices whilst on tour. Respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, whilst usually minor in nature, can spread rapidly within a tour group, and have a major impact on everyone’s enjoyment. APT is committed to reducing the spread of infections on tours, and we do ask that you read and follow our recommendations to ensure a healthy, safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your fellow travellers.
Preparing For Your Tour Mobility & Fitness On a Kimberley Wilderness Adventure, 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 on tour. Due to the rugged and uneven terrain we traverse on occasions they are unlikely to be of much use. A good level of fitness and agility is necessary to enjoy these tours to the fullest. In the lead up to your trip we recommend you start walking, three times a week (including some 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 offer. You should ensure your walking shoes fit properly and have been worn in prior to departure.
The striking colours of Echidna Chasm will leave you in awe
See Your GP 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. Please take a copy of your travel itinerary with you to assist with the recommendations of appropriate medications. 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.
Unwind as the sun goes down over the Bungle Bungle Range
APTOURING.COM.AU | 15
14 | STAYING HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY
Pack a Medical Kit
Practice Good Hygiene
A small medical kit is recommended for all travellers. Pharmacies in large towns will likely stock most basic medicines and supplies but they may be difficult to access and a script may be required for some medications.
•W ashing your hands is the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading infections.
Your medical kit should include: •A general purpose antibiotic to cover respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections (e.g. azithromycin). •Y our preferred cold and flu medication e.g. cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges, nasal decongestant. • Your preferred painkiller e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen. •M edicine for gastrointestinal upsets e.g. antacids, ‘stoppers’ for diarrhoea and a laxative for constipation. •O ther supplies including bandaids, blister pads, scissors, tweezers, saline nasal spray, eye drops for dry eyes, etc. In case of more serious injury or illness, medical care can be obtained in main towns. In the event you leave the tour because of illness, your return to the point of departure will be at your own expense and own arrangement. It is important you purchase travel insurance prior to departing from home.
On Tour Practicing good hygiene is vitally important in stopping the spread of common viral infections such as colds, flu or gastro, which can spread quickly.
Discover the incredible King George Falls
•H ealth experts recommend you wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds or longer, before eating, after sneezing or coughing and after touching high contact surfaces (such as door knobs, elevator buttons and railings). •P lease be mindful of your fellow travellers with respect to coughing, sneezing and the disposal of used tissues. •O n tour, APT recommend the use of instant hand sanitiser. For your convenience, there is a bottle readily available on board every vehicle.
Gastro & Traveller’s Diarrhoea Traveller’s Diarrhoea is the second most common infectious illness affecting travellers. The illness can be due to a number of different bugs including viruses and bacteria. Viral gastroenteritis is generally spread by person-to-person contact, whereas bacterial gastroenteritis is generally spread from consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. The incubation for the illness is variable depending on the cause. Symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment includes rest, rehydration, simple diet, antinausea and anti-diarrhoeal medications. Antibiotics are generally reserved for use when symptoms are more severe or protracted, e.g, fever, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea or duration of symptoms for more than two days. Strict personal hygiene measures, particularly hand washing, helps protect you from getting sick and of course spreading the infection to others.
Relax in the comfort of your air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
APTOURING.COM.AU | 17
16 | STAYING HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY
Colds & Flu Viral respiratory infections are the most common infectious illnesses affecting travellers. Colds and flu are primarily spread by people coughing, so please practice hygiene and respiratory courtesy – wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and use anti-bacterial wipes/hand sanitiser prior to meals and frequently throughout the day. Influenza can be commonly contracted while travelling. The ‘Flu Vaccine’ protects against flu viruses expected to be prevalent during the current flu season. You should discuss this with your GP.
Avoiding Mosquito Bites It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Precautionary measures include: • Using a DEET-based insect repellent. •W ear light coloured clothing. Research has shown that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. Light coloured clothing also has the advantage of keeping you cooler in the summer heat.
Sun Exposure & Dehydration The weather will be variable on your tour and drinking plenty of water is important to prevent dehydration. APT’s 4WD vehicles carry water on board for your convenience and is easily accessible during vehicle stops. A hat and good sunscreen are important for preventing sunburn, even on overcast days.
APT Health & Safety Protocol APT has created a Health and Safety as well as Covid-19 Protocols that all our Driver-Guides and Tour Directors are required to adhere to. You may be requested to assist in reducing the spread of viruses if you are showing symptoms while on tour. If you are showing symptoms of a cold or a virus whilst on tour, you may be asked to wear a face mask, have meals in your room instead of the dining room, or remain in your room until the symptoms improve. Refer to out website for our most up to date protocols
Useful Websites www.traveldoctor.com.au www.travelclinic.com.au
•B e sure that you cover as much of your skin as possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and shoes.
www.travelvax.com.au
•W ear clothes made of tightly-woven fabric which mosquitoes are unable to penetrate.
www.tga.gov.au/travelling-medicines-and-medical-devices
•W ear loose-fitting clothing so that mosquitoes cannot bite through to your skin – however not too loose or they could fly up sleeves and or down collars.
www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
www.smartraveller.gov.au www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk www.masta-travel-health.com
•A lso avoid wearing perfume or cologne as these are known to attract mosquitoes.
See incredible views from the Kimberley Coast
Enjoy a Yellow Water Billabong cruise in Kakadu National Park
APTOURING.COM.AU | 19
18 | GENERAL TOURING INFORMATION
General Touring Information Communication Services Our 4WD vehicles and our lodges 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 limited in the Kimberley. It is recommended that passengers carry small change that can be used at public telephones along the way.
Departure/Return Points & Times Please check your travel documents for further details of pickup and departure points and times.
Electricity Power point availability at each accommodation may be limited and only some tented cabins have power points. Power points are not always located next to the bed. Charging stations for camera batteries and mobile phones are available in the common areas at APT Wilderness Lodges.
Itinerary 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.
Internet & Email Access Internet is available in some hotels and you can also access your email through public internet cafes located in major centres. There is free limited Wi-Fi access to use the Internet at our Wilderness Lodges.
Experience the spectacular phenomena of Horizontal Falls
Late Wet Season In the unlikely event of a late wet season, touring itineraries will be subject to change due to road closures, weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control.
Personal Expenses We recommend you bring money or a credit card for incidentals such as refreshments, souvenirs, meals (when not included) and alcohol. You may also wish to budget for optional scenic flights that are available at, but not limited to, the Bungle Bungle Range and Mitchell Plateau (all major credit cards are accepted).
Photography The unique Kimberley 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.
Pre & Post Tour Connections Some of our guests may choose to make their own air or extra accommodation reservations. In this case, it’s your responsibility to confirm your own arrangements and we suggest that you reconfirm your bookings prior to starting the tour. Please note that if the return of your tour is delayed for any reason, APT does not accept responsibility for any additional charges that may be imposed by the operator of your ongoing travel arrangements.
Explore the wonders of Bell Gorge
APTOURING.COM.AU | 21
20 | GENERAL TOURING INFORMATION
Sleep Apnea Machines & Other Medical Devices We travel through remote areas and cannot always provide facilities to charge or plug in electrical devices. The majority of accommodation options we use can accommodate sleep apnea machines however we recommend you bring a second battery source as we cannot guarantee an uninterrupted power supply. Power points may not always be located next to the bed and your own extension cord is 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. If you specifically desire a smoking or non-smoking room and haven’t advised us, please contact us as soon as possible. Requests are not guaranteed. Smoking isn’t allowed in the tented cabins at our Wilderness Lodges.
Time Zones Western Australia is 1.5 hours behind South Australia and the Northern Territory, and two hours behind the Eastern States (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania), Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Time differences vary during the Australian summer.
The diverse wonders of the Kimberley make for an unforgettable journey
Tipping Tipping is not customary in Australia, however please feel free to tip should you wish.
Tour Feedback As part of our commitment to providing quality touring experiences, we welcome and encourage your feedback. Your driver will share with you a feedback form. Please take the time to answer the questions and make relevant comments. All feedback is read and a summary of each tour is given to all members of APT management.
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.
APTOURING.COM.AU | 23
22 | CRUISING
Kimberley Expedition Cruising Please refer to your Australian Expedition Cruising Tour Hints booklet if you are travelling on one of our Small Ship Expedition cruises.
Discovering The Kimberley The Kimberley is home to a wonderful range of flora and fauna, which is often only found in this area. The natural highlights, lush rainforest, hidden gorges, stunning coastline, rocky outcrops and cascading waterfalls also draw travellers to the Kimberley for an adventure you won’t forget. From Broome to Darwin, the dusty Outback tracks of the Kimberley to the Top End all provide the journey of a lifetime. Your Driver-Guide will have a broad knowledge of the region and will be able to show you many examples of the unique flora, fauna and natural features of the land during your adventure. Every effort is made to try and see the wildlife while maintaining our commitment to the preservation of World Heritage areas, National Parks and sites of Indigenous cultural importance.
Gibb River Road Dating back to the late 1800s, the Gibb River Road is an old stock route stretching approximately 660 kilometres. Only accessible by 4WD, you’ll traverse with APT in the comfort of custom-built vehicles. The thrill of travelling this pioneering route is heightened by the beauty of the native flora and fauna along its length. The road conditions will change throughout the season and can be a bit rough, however our vehicles ensure that the ride is comfortable.
Our vehicles are custom built to handle the toughest Kimberley terrain
APTOURING.COM.AU | 25
24 | DISCOVERING THE KIMBERLEY
Kalumburu Road Stretching into the reaches of the Kimberley’s north, the Kalumburu Road and Port Warrender Track offer a truly adventurous journey to the Mitchell Plateau. These roads wind past a range of fascinating Indigenous rock art sites that your knowledgeable Driver-Guide will explain to you. This experience is a unique highlight because of our exclusive permanent accommodation on the Mitchell Plateau, APT can comfortably go where most other tour operators can’t. The road can be quite rough, however our vehicles are specially designed to ensure the trip is as smooth as possible.
Swimming There are numerous gorges to be discovered and rivers to be crossed and, on many days, you’ll get the chance to take a refreshing swim.
Distances Due to the remoteness of some regions, daily distances travelled can vary. Some days you may travel over 500 kilometres (300 miles) and other days it will be considerably less. On unsealed roads, the going can be rough so covering the required distance can take longer. Some days we won’t even travel 100 kilometres (60 miles). A comfort stop is made approximately every two hours. The total size of the Kimberley region in Australia is an astounding 423,500 square kilometres. For comparison: California Japan Germany New Zealand United Kingdom
424,000 square kilometres 378,000 square kilometres 357,000 square kilometres 268,000 square kilometres 241,930 square kilometres
Kimberley Road Distances via Great Northern Highway Broome 220 396 686 1044 1055
Derby 258 548 906 909
Fitzroy Crossing 290 648 659
Halls Creek 358 369
Kununurra 101
Wyndham
Kimberley Road Distances via Gibb River Road Kununurra 86 El Questro 560 474 Kalumburu 407 321 373 608 522 574 712 626 678 Approximate road distance in kilometres
Mount Barnett 201 305
Windjana Gorge 144
Derby
26 | THE KIMBERLEY CLIMATE
The Kimberley Climate The Kimberley region is characterised by both a tropical and monsoonal climate, which can be divided into two seasons – a wet season and a dry season. The wet season (November to April) – This season is warm to hot, and humid with spectacular thunderstorms, lightning displays and amazing sunsets. The downpours tend to be brief and dramatic, and the flora flourishes in these months. Most roads are inaccessible at this time. The dry season (May to October) – It will be mild to warm during the day, although temperatures can drop significantly to be very cold at night. The weather tends to be more stable at this time of year so you can expect clear blue skies, light breezes and dry weather most days. Please note: the temperature at night can drop below 0°C in June and July.
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Broome Max (°C) 33 33 34 34 32 29 29 30 32 33 34 34 Min (°C) 26 26 25 23 18 15 14 15 19 22 25 27 Rainfall mm 182 180 101 26 27 20 7 2 1 2 9 58 Kimberley Region Max (°C) 36 35 36 35 33 31 31 33 36 39 39 38 Min (°C) 25 24 24 21 18 15 14 16 20 23 25 25 Rainfall mm 203 208 133 41 9 4 4 0 3 22 61 145 Kununurra Max (°C) 36 35 36 35 33 30 31 33 37 39 39 37 Min (°C) 25 25 24 22 19 16 15 16 20 24 25 25 Rainfall (mm) 202 220 153 31 7 4 2 0 3 23 60 137 Darwin Max (°C) 32 31 32 33 32 31 31 31 33 33 33 33 Min (°C) 25 25 25 24 22 20 19 20 23 25 25 25 Rainfall mm 426 375 319 102 21 2 1 5 15 70 142 251 *Please note: The above statistics are a guide only as Australian weather can be variable and unpredictable.
Marvel at the vast wonders of Bungle Bungle
APTOURING.COM.AU | 27
APT TRAVEL CENTRES APT Head Office Level 4, 1230 Nepean Highway Cheltenham, VIC 3192 Enquiries and Reservations Phone: 1300 278 278 International Offices (when phoning from within the country) APT International Tours Limited NZ Phone: 0800 278 687 Suite 5 Level 1, 20 Augustus Terrace, Parnell, Auckland 1151 UK Office 1st Floor, Chalfont Court 5 Hill Avenue, Amersham Buckinghamshire HP6 5BD United Kingdom Email: [email protected] Freephone: 0800 012 6686 Outside UK: +44 1494 738 667 aptouring.co.uk United Kingdom & Europe Phone: 0208 812 3400 North America Phone: 1800 290 8687
Visit our website: aptouring.com.au
Follow us on:
This booklet is designed as a guideline to assist you when preparing for your tour. Much of the information within is subject to change and while all care has been taken to ensure all information is correct at time of printing, we cannot take responsibility for any subsequent changes. Publication No. H5285. Printed in Australia. Effective April 2021. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd (ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825)