Would you like to breathe the world’s freshest air or stand amongst 2000 year old trees? A new Tasmanian experience allows you to do just that, with an easy day trip from Hobart to discover the Wild West Coast of Tasmania.
Departing from the outskirts of Hobart, a 50 minute scenic flight takes you over the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, one of the most remote areas in the world, towards Tasmania’s Wild West Coast. Landing in Strahan – a harbour-side village on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, you’ll board a luxury catamaran and embark on a journey to the Gordon River, part of Tasmania’s UNESCO Wilderness World Heritage Area. The area is steeped in history and is full or stories from its convict and pioneering past.
Initially heading out for a peek through ‘Hell’s Gates’ at the mouth of Macquarie Harbour you’ll cruise to see local salmon and trout farms that deliver some of Tasmania’s freshest seafood products around the country.
From there, you’ll head up to the Gordon River through one of the world’s most pristine temperate rainforests where you’ll get to walk amongst the giants of the forest – ancient Huon Pines.
Cruise the through Tasmania’s UNESCO Wilderness World Heritage Area.
After a chef prepared lunch you’ll stop to learn about Tasmania’s convict history at Sarah Island – a former Macquarie Harbour Penal Station with a reputation as one of the harshest penal settlements of all the Australian colonies. Operating for just 11 years between 1822 and 1833, Macquarie Harbour Penal Station took the worst of the worst convicts as the chances of escape were “next to impossible”. Conditions on the island were so bad that in 1824 a prisoner named Trenham killed another convict in order to be executed rather than face further imprisonment there. (source: wikipedia) The 2008 film ‘The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce’ was inspired by one of Sarah Island’s escaped prisoner’s tales of resorting to cannibalism to survive.
After visiting this interesting historic site you’ll cruise back to Strahan for some free time before your return scenic flight to Hobart.
Alquemie’s Australian Specialist Anthony Radic journeyed to the Kimberley, Western Australia in April 2018 for an eight night educational. Part of this was a 4 day, 3 night ‘Bungle Bungles Insight’ journey by 4×4 starting in Broome and ending in Kununurra with the key highlight being the UNESCO World Heritage listed bee-hive striped domes of the Bungle Bungles, only ‘discovered’ in the mid 1980s although Aboriginal occupancy in the region dates back tens of thousands of years.
Highlights included: Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Mimbi Caves, Halls Creek, Echidna Chasm, Escarpment Walk, Stonehenge, The Bungle Bungle Domes, Elephant Rock, Prison Boad Tree, Picanniny Creek & Lookout, Cathedral Gorge.
Anthony’s feedback on the journey:
Excellent guiding. Aboriginal knowledge and history was superb.
My guide Ed knew the locals really well which is perfect when guiding in these areas.
The trip is fully flexible and can also include the Pilbara region
Below is his itinerary and photos.
Day 1 Derby, Gibb River Road, Fitzroy River Lodge
Many parts of inland Kimberley are accessible only from May to October
From Broome Anthony travelled through the remote and beautiful landscape of the Western Kimberley, learnt about local history, people and the environment before crossing the Fitzroy River and visiting the a famous 1,500 year old Boab
Tree.
Next stop was the township of Derby located on the tidal mud flats on the edge of the King Sound, known for having the highest tidal range of any port in Australia. Here they also took the opportunity to drive on the remote cattle track, the Gibb River Road.
A short stop at the wonderful Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre set the scene for the rest of the journey, educating Anthony about the Wandjina & Gwion Gwion spirits, so important in the region. Afterwards they passed the Oscar Ranges before arriving at comfortable accommodation on the banks of the Fitzroy River.
Day 2 Halls Creek, Spring Creek Track, Mimbi Caves
The next day they ventured into Purnululu National Park by way of the Mimbi Caves, which Anthony loved. A Welcome to Country ceremony by the local people whose land they were on started the proceedings. Inside the caves he sat in the dark and listened to stories of how traditional landowners lived in caves as late as the city of Darwin getting bombed. The afternoon was an adventurous 4WD journey along the Spring Creek Track.
Day 3 Echidna Chasm, Scenic Flight
Echidna Chasm
Anthony loved his day at the northern extremity of Purnululu National Park exploring Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees. His walk up the creek bed was rewarded with a bird’s eye views of the shaded escarpment. Another walk through the bloodwoods went around the base of the massif.
Day 4 Picanniny Creek, Cathedral Gorge, (Optional Helicopter)
Cathedral Gorge (after a record dry monsoon season)
Picanniny Creek
Anthony’s last morning was spent exploring the extraordinary World Heritage protected Purnululu National Park and the famous Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s.
A gentle walk along the dry Picanniny Creek took Anthony to a look out and then into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre.
After a picnic lunch he travelled to the Bungles airstrip for a scenic flight over the Argyle Diamond Mine landing in the vibrant East Kimberley town of Kununurra for the end of his trip.
Anthony’s trip was with Instyle Adventures and he stayed at Fitzroy River Lodge (1 night) and Bungle Bungle’s Savannah Lodge (2 nights). Please contact Anthony for more detailed information about his journey.
The Kimberley is one of the world’s last great wilderness frontiers where many tracts of pristine country are inaccessible by road. What better way to grasp the vastness of this amazing land than on a one day scenic Kimberley air safari? Beginning and ending at Broome, this is the perfect journey to add another dimension to your Kimberley itinerary and combines well with a luxury Kimberley cruise where you can also experience this stunning area by sea.
Highlights of this scenic air safari include:
Fitzroy River
Geikie Gorge
Fitzroy Crossing
Windjana Gorge
Mount Hart
Horizontal Waterfalls
Koolan and Cockatoo Islands
Cape Leveque
Dampier Peninsular
Willie Creek
The below suggested itinerary can be tailored to meet your needs.
Departing Broome, head inland across the southern parts of the Kimberley to land at Fitzroy Crossing for a journey along the stunning Geikie Gorge by boat. Formed around 350 million years ago, this area was once covered by a tropical sea and is part of the Devonian Reef – an ancient limestone barrier reef. These days it is rich in wildlife and showcases spectacular landscapes.
The limestone cliffs and interesting rock formations of Geike Gorge were carved by the Fitzroy River as it flowed through this reef turned rock.
As you drift peacefully along Geike Gorge it’s likely you’ll encounter fresh water crocodiles, sea eagles and rare purple-crowned fairy-wrens.
Geike Gorge at Fitzroy Crossing
After your cruise you’ll fly over the ancient Devonian Reef at Windjana Gorge for a bird’s eye view.
The remains of the Devonian Reef
Your plane will then land in the heart of the King Leopold Conservation Park for a delicious lunch at Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge. This area contains isolated patches of remnant rainforest, with ridges rising up to 300 meters above the surrounding plains.
After lunch, fly over the Horizontal Waterfalls – a powerful tidal flow of unto 10m through two narrow gorges in Talbot Bay.
Horizontal Falls from the air
Then you’ll journey over the remote Buccaneer Archipelago to Koolan and Cockatoo Islands, 250 kilometres north-east of Broome, which were home to the world’s richest iron ore deposits. As you fly over you’ll see how the land has be transformed by human activity. Now mostly depleted, you’ll learn about the importance of the iron ore, and the future of the islands, with Cockatoo Island set to be restored to a tropical paradise resort, originally envisioned by disgraced tycoon Alan Bond.
See the coastline by air on a Kimberley air safari
In the afternoon you’ll enjoy afternoon tea and a swim at Kooljaman at Cape Leveque – a remote wilderness camp owned and run by the Indigenous Bardi Jawi Communities. Cape Leveque is an area of amazing wildlife, a vast array of marine life and a stunning coastline.
As with all Kimberley activities this Kimberley air safari is best done from May to October. To enquire about this luxury Kimberley air safari please contact Alquemie.
The iconic Gibb River Road is little more than a 660 km long bush track that links remote cattle stations to Derby and Kununurra. For the traveller, however, the Gibb River Road provides adventure and access to the virtually untouched natural beauty of the Kimberley wilderness.
It’s one of the country’s greatest 4WD adventures.
The road cuts through King Leopold Range, Philips Range, Barnett Range, Gibb Range, Mosquito Hills, Pentecost Range and Cockburn Range. There are spectacular geological formations, a rich aboriginal history, incredible scenery as well as rare flora and fauna. Wildlife concentrates around the densely vegetated waterholes, creeks and many gorges.
The best months to travel are from May to September as the road is often closed during the wet season, which is typically November through March.
Highlights of the Gibb River Road
Windjana Gorge
Three hundred million years ago the Napier Range was part of an ancient barrier reef system and this whole area was under the ocean. More recently The Lennard River has carved out a 3.5 km gorge that is up to 100 metres deep. A 3.5 km walking trail winds its way through the monsoonal strip of vegetation along the permanent pools of water that remain.
Windjana Gorge in the Kimberley
Tunnel Creek
The creek flows through a water worn tunnel beneath the limestone of the Napier Range, you can walk 750 metres through the tunnel to the other side of Napier Range, wading through several permanent pools and watching for bats and the stalactites that descend from the roof in many places. Freshwater crocodiles are occasionally found in the pools. You may see goannas, wallabies, bats, herons and owls.
Bell Gorge
This is one of the most beautiful gorges in the Kimberley. The waterfalls cascade down the perfectly U-shaped cliffs, into a deep pool, a great place for swimming. The large flat rocks along the side are a great spot to sit, sun bathe and picnic.
Mornington Sanctuary
Covering 358,274 ha (885,311 acres) of the Pentecost sub-region the property incorporates sections of the impressive King Leopold Ranges and much of the upper catchment of the Fitzroy River. Aboriginal people have occupied this land for thousands of years and a small indigenous community still lives within Mornington. From 1901 Mornington was managed primarily for cattle grazing but in 2001 it was acquired by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and the property has been modified to promote conservation of biodiversity.
The Mornington landscape is immensely beautiful. The Baulk Face Range dominates the central part and Fitzroy Bluff stands majestically in the south. There are several permanent rivers flowing through the vast savanna plains to drain into the Fitzroy River.
These waterways sometimes dissect the terrain for several kilometres to form spectacular vertical-walled gorges such as Dimond Gorge and Sir John Gorge. The dominant habitat of Mornington is tropical savannah; the grasslands are lightly sprinkled with stands of low eucalypts, Kimberley Bauhinia, Acacias, Boabs and native kapok.
The diversity of habitats on Mornington supports an extraordinary assemblage of wildlife. 202 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, 76 species of reptiles and 22 species of frog are known to occur on the property.
The Central Kimberley is very poorly surveyed, and these lists will no doubt expand with further research. At least 13 threatened animal species find refuge on Mornington, including the Northern Quoll, Freshwater Crocodile, Red Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Grey Falcon, Australian Bustard, Purple-crowned Fairy-wren, and the extraordinarily beautiful Gouldian Finch, one of Australia’s rarest birds. The Spectacled Hare-wallaby, Ghost Bat and the Orange Leaf-nosed Bat are also likely to occur here.
Zebedee Springs
Not far from the Gibb River road you can wander through the lush vegetation to the natural spring waters of Zebedee Springs, where gentle cascades and water holes are surrounded by palm forest.
Purnululu National Park
Nestled in the sweep of the Ord River Valley is the newly listed World Heritage Purnululu National Park. Although a mere 250 km south of Kununurra, it was only discovered by the outside world in the early 1980s. The Bungle Bungle sandstone massif dates back some 380 million years, and the striking beehive domes have protected Aboriginal rock art, sacred sites and rare vegetation for centuries. Within the spectacular massif lie Cathedral and Piccaninny Gorge. A visit to either requires a stroll along the ancient creek bed of Piccaninny, amidst the towering striped domes. As you venture deeper into the national park the narrow cleft of Echidna Chasm, and Mini Palms are accessible with a little more effort. The beauty of the park is striking. The Bungle Bungle represents the grandest of the distinctive Kimberley formations.
How to see the Gibb river Road in style
The Gibb River road is best seen on a guided private 4×4 journey (allow roughly 9 days) or air safari staying at luxurious properties such as El Questro Homestead, or the comfortable tented camp of Mornington Wilderness Camp. Talk to Alquemie for the best way to organise your Gibb River road journey.
Australia is blessed with space and that means there are plenty of opportunities to look up and see the night sky in all its glory. From our first International Dark Sky Park to the Southern Aurora, why not build an itinerary that makes the most of the night time as well as the day.
Visit our International Dark Sky Park
Warrumbungle National Park is as spectacular by day as the stars above it at night.
Ever heard of an ‘International Dark Sky Park’? It’s described as ‘a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.‘ Put simply, International Dark Sky Parks are special places where the stars look AMAZING!
International Dark Sky Parks are becoming more and more important as the world becomes more and more populated. With cities expanding and the wilderness disappearing bit by bit, light pollution is spreading and many children are growing up these days without seeing the stars.
In 2016, Warrumbungle National Park about 550km northeast of Sydney in outback New South Wales, received International Dark Sky Park status. Here the sky is free from light pollution and the it the perfect spot for stargazing and amateur astronomy. Adjacent to the park is Siding Spring Observatory – Australia’s premier optical and infrared astronomical observatory. It is home to the 4-metre Anglo-Australian Telescope, the largest in Australia. It’s possible to visit this working observatory to learn about the discoveries made from here. Then by night, in Warrumbungle National Park we’ll help you see the stars like never before with renowned astronomers or nighttime photographers.
See the Southern Aurora (Aurora Australis)
The Southern Aurora as seen in Tasmania
Unknown to most, the southern skies of Australia can illuminate in a rainbow of colours just like its northern counterpart – the Aurora Borealis. In fact all it’s possible to catch a glimpse of the Southern Aurora all over Tasmania and all year around although in winter the days are shorter meaning you won’t need to stay up as late until the sun sets. The conditions need to be just right though, and this is usually when there has been a burst of solar wind that ejects tiny particles that interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. There is a service that monitors the magnitude of the aurora with a 3 day forecast so if this is something that interests you, we can plan a flexible itinerary that gives you the best chance of seeing this incredible natural light show.
Learn about Aboriginal navigation by the stars
The night sky has held incredible importance to the Australian Aboriginals for tens of thousands of years. The stars were used in every day life to determine where food was or when to plant. They had their own zodiac with fascinating stories (some, such as the story behind the seven sisters (Pleiades) match those of far off nations) and they even used the stars to transmit moral codes of conduct. Spend time learning about this ancient knowledge with one of Australia’s leading experts.
Sky dive on a full moon
As if you need more adrenaline when jumping out of a plane, but full moon skydiving takes it up another level. In Australia there are some spectacular locations to sky dive over the coastline at full moon where you can land on the beach.
To weave any of the above into an itinerary, please get in touch with the Alquemie team.
Enjoy a 3, 4 or 7-day bespoke Walking & Creativity Retreat in Margaret River. Walk along selected sections of the Cape to Cape track, be inspired & replenished by the natural beauty of the region and explore your creativity under the guidance of local artists.
Walks and creativity sessions are tailored to each guest.
Creative sessions could include painting, sculpting, textiles, weaving, pottery, theatre, writing, glass-blowing, drawing and photography. Other activities available are sound healing, yoga, canoeing, dance and wine-tasting.
Below is a sample 4 day itinerary.
Day 1 – Perth to Margaret River – walk 5km – wildflowers – canoeing
Let us drive you from Perth to Margaret River via Meelup Beach to enjoy brunch before a fun canoeing experience.
Walk from Cape Naturaliste to Sugar Loaf Rock – one of the most photographed coastal features in this region. Look out for whales and more unique wildflowers.
Day 2- Wilyabrup Cliffs – walk 5km – yoga – painting session
Start the day with gentle yoga. Walk along the spectacular Wilyabrup cliffs before a local cuisine degustation at one of the oldest wineries in the region & taste world-renown wines before our 3-course meal. During the afternoon create your own colourful canvas in a painting session with award-winning local artist.
Day 3- Boranup Forest – walk 9km – sculpture session
The stunning Boranup forest will take your breath away as you walk and feel deeply reconnected to nature.
Create your own site-specific sculptures deep in the heart of the Karri trees with our award-winning, international environmental sculptor to guide you.
Relax in the afternoon with free time to reflect & take in the beauty of our surroundings.
Day 4- Cape Leuwin walk
Walk through another magical stretch of Karri forest, coastal woodlands & heath all the way to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse &
enjoy lunch at the White Elephant overlooking Gnarabup Beach. Explore Margaret River town before our drive back to Perth.
Tanja Lagoon Camp is one of those beautiful conservation stories that you dream of creating in retirement. Once a dairy farm with nothing but grass and cows, this gorgeous property has been converted by labour of love into a peaceful wilderness camp with tall trees and abundant wildlife.
A chilled out mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos call Tanja Lagoon Camp home, as do Swamp Wallabies, Echidnas, White-footed dunnarts, Ring-Tail Possums and a variety of other mammals. In conjunction with funding from the Local Land Services, owners Loz and Sam are planting vegetation across the property to create a wildlife corridor for the rare and endangered Long-Nosed Potoroo.
Located on the Sapphire Coast about 6 hours drive south of Sydney, this small pocket of privately owned land sits on the edge of a coastal lagoon surrounded by National Park. The region is know as Australia’s Coastal Wilderness and blissfully remains relatively unvisited due to the distance from any capital cities or major airports. You’ll often have miles of beach entirely to yourself.
Both Loz and Sam are former outdoor education guides and have a wealth of knowledge on the natural world.
Luxurious Safari Tents
Just four large, luxurious safari tents overlook the lagoon. Inside each tent is a beautiful and comfortable handcrafted queen size bed positioned to enjoy the best of the view when the tent is fully opened. There is also a lounge area with a sofa and writing desk. During the cooler months there is a Noirot heater to take the chill out of the room.
The ensuite bathroom of a safari tent at Tanja Lagoon Camp
Off the back of each deck is an ensuite bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave and cooking equipment. There is no restaurant on property however there is a quality gas barbecue with a hotplate, grill, oven chamber and side burner for you to self cater if you choose.
The spacious front decks have views of the lagoon, a comfortable dining setting, an ethanol brazier in the cooler months and the sofa is easy to move outside to be enjoyed as a daybed.
Each tent also has it’s own fire drum with camp chairs and fire wood provided to allow guests to enjoy the pleasure of sitting around a camp fire.
Middle Beach is just a short bush walk from Tanja Lagoon Camp.
Activities at Tanja Lagoon Camp
At Tanja Lagoon Camp you can be as active or as lazy as you please. Nearby is Middle Beach where the lagoon meets the ocean. Here you can surf, swim or explore the rock pools and sand bar that divides the lagoon from the sea. To access this magical place there’s a short bush walk, or you can take a canoe and paddle your way to the ocean. There is also a walk through the Mimosa Rocks National Park forest amongst the spotted gums and cycads. No matter what you choose, you’ll be sure to see the abundant wildlife and feel at peace in this natural wonderland.
Within an hours drive of Tanja Lagoon Camp are a variety of other activities both on and off the water. Beaches abound for surfing and swimming. There are a range of mountain bike trails for the active, and art trails for the creative. You can discover the Aboriginal heritage of the area at Aragannu, a site of special cultural significance to the local indigenous people or visit nearby oyster farms. You won’t get bored!
One activity that is recommended is to enjoy the sunset over the lagoon from the deck of your safari tent with glass of cold wine in hand.
Tanja Lagoon Camp is perfect for those who are after a wilderness experience near the beach. It is set up for those who self drive and self cater as there is no restaurant on site, however it can easily accomodate those who need full service.
You might find it hard to believe but it does actually snow in Australia. We even have ski fields. Granted, it’s nothing like the Alps of Europe or the Rockies of North America, but that’s exactly why you should put it on your Australian to do list.
Our alpine region is home to a unique variety of flora and fauna found nowhere else in Australia. There’s really nothing like the beauty of seeing snow on gumtrees. You may even be lucky enough to see a wombat burrowing in the snow or the occasional kangaroo looking a little lost.
Our mountains (perhaps just big hills to some of you from the Northern hemisphere) are located in NSW and Victoria and some can easily be visited on a day trip by helicopter so you can discover our little winter wonderland down under.
Here are a few facts about snow in Australia
The Australian Alps receive more snow than Switzerland!
The world’s longest continuously running ski club is in Australia (Kiandra Pioneer Ski Club).
Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain stretches to 2,228 metres above sea-level.
Mt Buller is one of the busiest ski resorts in Victoria and only 3 1/2 hours drive away (or 1 hour helicopter ride) from Melbourne. With 22 lifts and around 80 kilometres of ski and snowboard terrain, this resort is open from early June to mid September each year, depending on the snow. There are even dog sled tours!
Mt Hotham, a Victorian ski resort in the Great Dividing Range, is upside down. The ski in / ski out accomodation is nestled at the top of the mountain not the bottom so when you ski out, you head straight down, not to the chair lift.
Perisher in in the heart of the Snowy Mountains in NSW is the largest ski resort in the Southern hemisphere.
An old settler hut on Mt Bogong
A snow-shoe safari at Mt Sterling
Only an hour’s chopper ride from the centre of Melbourne takes you to Victoria’s High Country where you’ll discover the alpine wonderland and snow in Australia. On route, you’ll get an incredible sense of the vastness of the country.
As you take flight out of Melbourne, passing through our vibrant and creative city you’ll see just how flat the surrounding landscape is, with only a few dots of elevation to be seen – the Dandenong Ranges to the East, and the You Yangs and Grampians far to the West.
The scenery changes as we approach our destination – Mt Sterling a nature lover’s winter paradise. With no lift system, recreational activities consist mainly of snow shoeing and cross-country skiing, and is a great way to be immersed in the Australian snow.
We land at the famous “Craig’s Hut”as featured in “The Man from Snowy River” movie. After some short refreshments, you’ll be kitted out with snowshoes for an incredible guided snow safari through wintery bushland.
Upon return, a delicious catered feast, complete with High Country wines and mountain tales await you, and you’ll have time to explore and be photographed with this icon of the High Country.
On your final leg we fly over the Mt Buller Alpine Resort so you can see an Australian ski field in action before heading back to Melbourne.
Note: This experience is weather dependent and available May to October and snow coverage cannot be guaranteed.
Kimberley Coastal Camp in the far north of Australia is one of our favourite places in the Kimberley region. With no ensuites, only cold showers, and sandy floors it may be seen as an odd choice but these details are minor compared to the incredible experience you will have. This unique destination is so remote that there is no road access, and with a maximum of just 16 guests, you will truly feel like you are one of the luckiest people on earth.
The small lodge is nestled unobtrusively on the pristine shores of the Admiralty Gulf, opposite the Mitchell Plateau and famous Mitchell Falls in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of the Kimberley. The camp has been built in a rustic style with timber beams and corrugated roofing with an eclectic combination of books, fishing tackle and beachcomber treasures for decoration. There are no pre-set itineraries here. You set the pace and can be as active or laid back as you like.
Kimberley Coastal Camp
The area is a fisherman’s paradise and if you can catch it, they can cook it! Guided bush walks take you to Aboriginal rock art galleries that include the unique Bradshaw paintings and the younger but equally beautiful Wandjina art. Other activities during your stay will include boat trips to fish, visits to remote islands and beaches or even a helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls.
This is one of the least explored and most spectacular coastlines in Australia – the craggy cliffs coming down to the water’s edge, with sandstone and shell covered beaches make this area nearly inaccessible. All the ingredients for a perfect wilderness holiday are here – a pristine environment, deserted beaches, wildlife and birds, marine adventure, delicious fresh food, a cooling pool and magnificent scenery.
The Lodge
The Lodge at Kimberley Costal Camp. Photographer – Travis Hayto
The ‘Shed’ is the open sided living area with high raked ceilings and is the place to socialise or chill out with a good book. An open plan kitchen and ‘help yourself to the fridge’ attitude ensures a relaxed, friendly camp atmosphere. The nucleus of the lodge with its high raked ceilings is open to the gentle sea breezes and features rustic handmade furniture from recycled timbers, designer soft furnishings, a unique outback bar, and is the setting for wonderful gourmet meals Kimberley Coastal Camp has become famous for.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in hand built spacious guest gazebos scattered amongst native grasses and red sandstone. Just sixteen guests can be accommodated in the comfortable but simple wooden chaletsEach gazebo takes full advantage of the tranquil views over the Admiralty Gulf and is elegantly furnished with 5 star king size or twin single beds fitted with luxurious Sheridan linen, screened walls, handmade timber furniture, reading lamps and a ceiling fan. Crushed coral and sand make up the floor with small bedside mats and there is a bedside lamp, mirror, bedside table and a fan. The shared bathroom facilities that open to the sky are utterly in tune with this wild and remote environment and are not in any way an imposition.
Incredible Indigenous rock art
The ultimate in experiential travel, Kimberley Coastal Camp is ideally located at the centre of one of the world’s finest repositories of indigenous rock art. With many rock art panels and caves within close walking distance, guests are invited to experience intimate encounters with this ancient culture via fully guided bush walks or scenic boat rides. The rare Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) is dated no less than 17 500 years old (some suggest older) and is currently testing the world’s best scientific minds. The more recent Wandjina rock art with radiating headdresses and mouthless faces decorate thousands of caves throughout this country known to traditional owners as Yalrundair.
Superb fishing
Superb fishing conditions entice the most avid anglers and adventurers. The Admiralty Gulf is considered one of Australia’s greatest fishing destinations. Guests can choose to take their catch ashore on an island fringed by Boab trees where our guide will prepare it ‘bush style’ on the open coals.
Even by Kimberley standards, Kimberley Coastal Camp is isolated. With access limited to helicopter and float plane, and numbers kept to a minimum, fishing here is for the privileged few.
Species
Fish these abundant waters for Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Mulloway (Northern Black Jew Fish), Threadfin Salmon, Giant Trevally, Spanish Mackerel, Tuna, Queen Fish, Coral Trout, Blue Bone and numerous other tropical species. In one day it is possible to catch everything from Barramundi to Blue Bone to Blue Fin Tuna.
Fishing Conditions
Huge tidal rivers together with mangrove lined creeks, estuaries, flats, offshore reefs and islands as well as blue water, ensure an exciting variety of fishing options. Kimberley Coastal Camp is one of very few fishing destinations in Australia able to offer such diverse options to the keen angler.
Yalrundair
Wild dingoes, sea eagles, olive pythons, endangered quolls, and many other native animals share this country known to traditional owners as ‘Yalrundair‘, a rich expanse of land made up of towering escarpments and sandstone rock formations. This is true wilderness, unspoiled by the introduction of feral animals, roads and pollution.
Guided walks cater to those wishing to venture on a short stroll or a challenging all day hike. Explore by boat scenic river systems and abundant bird life. Or relax on the daybed and admire wild dingoes, sea eagles and Brahminy kites as they descend at sunset to enjoy their share of the day’s catch.
Kimberley Coastal Camp has been catering to the discerning traveller since 1994 with personalised itineraries, a staff to guest ratio of no less than 1 staff member per 3 guests, and gourmet food utilising fresh local produce and native Australian bush tuckers. This is hosted accommodation at its best.
This ultimate adventure offers a truly unique experience. Picnic island, spectacular coastal wilderness, Wineglass bay and so much more. Discover the feeling of freedom and rejuvenate in the fresh sea air of Freycient National Park.
Kayak to Hazards Beach
Over 4 days experience a true escape with this ultimate Freycinet Adventure. This unique adventure is so much more than just a walking tour. This hosted experience includes wildlife, kayaking, walking, boat tours and plenty of relaxing. The base camp is on a private island (Picnic Island). It is completely unique and has a truly a spectacular outlook of Freycinet National Park.
View of Tasmania mainland from Picnic Island
This trip starts with the stunning drive from Hobart to Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula. From here you’ll board our Aqua Taxi and head out to our exclusive island accommodation. Once you’ve settled in, experienced guides will take you through your exciting itinerary for the next few days.
Included is kayaking, walking, boat trips and wildlife encounters. Your accommodation will be in a luxurious cabin overlooking the water on the island. Your meals are prepared lovingly in the ‘birdhouse’ on the island by the passionate guides and include local produce and Tasmanian wines.
Highlights
Private evening penguin colony tour
Aqua Taxi tour on the Freycinet Peninsula taking in pristine deserted beaches
A picnic at Wineglass Bay
Sunset Kayak Tour
Oyster Tasting
Walks within Freycinet National Park including Mt. Graham & Mt. Amos
Accommodation
Accommodation on Picnic Island
Your unique accommodation will be a highlight of this experience. Situated 800m offshore from Coles Bay & Freycinet National Park is Picnic Island. This architecturally and environmentally sensitively designed lodge makes this experience a true escape. Each sleeping quarter is decked out with a comfortable queen been with stunning water views. The common area (The Birdshouse) boasts a wood-fire, dining and lounge area.
Sundowner will have a new meaning for you. We also share the island with a colony of little penguins and some other spectacular visiting wildlife.
Itinerary
Day 1: Your transfer from Hobart is included. You will be collected from your hotel and taken on a picturesque drive up the East Coast. On arrival, the Aqua Taxi will shuttle you out to the island for a late lunch. Optional afternoon short walks in Freycinet National Park.
Day 2: An Aqua Taxi will take you down to Hazards Beach to enjoy some coastal walks within Freycinet National Park. The guides will take you on a hike from Hazards Beach to Wineglass Bay for a picnic lunch. After dinner, is optional penguin viewing on the island.
Picnic Island is the ideal base in Freycinet National Park
Day 3: The morning consists of a walk up Mt. Freycinet (5.5 kms) which has picturesque views of the whole Peninsula. You will undertake the award winning Freycinet Paddle -3 hour guided sea kayaking tour at twilight.
Day 4: Included is oyster tasting at the local Marine Farm followed by a transfer back to Hobart. There is also plenty of ‘island time ’to enjoy a spot of fishing off the jetty, birdwatching, or relaxing around the island.
All walks/activities are optional.
For more information about this 4 day Tasmanian itinerary contact your Australian specialist at alquemie@alquemie.com.au.
