Definitions Page
Broome is 2,237km north of Perth by road. Other towns in the Kimberley region include Derby and Fitzroy Crossing in the Western Kimberley and Halls Creek, Kununurra and Wyndham in the Eastern Kimberley.
The township of Broome is situated on a peninsular north of Roebuck Bay, its eastern shoreline fringed with mangroves that extend out from Dampier Creek, which has an extensive area of mangal, tidal flat and saltmarsh. Roebuck Bay is famous for the pearl shell, Pinctada Maxima, one of the largest species of pearl shell in the world to which Broome owes its original existence when shell was commercially fished for mother of pearl from the 1880’s.
The Kimberley shows many geographical variations, its southerly perimeter, the Great Sandy Desert, characterised by red sand dunes and Spinifex grasslands. To the north and almost surrounding the Kimberley is an ancient barrier reef from the Devonian period 350 million years old. Southerly flowing rivers dissect these ranges creating famous gorges like Geikie and Windjana. Inside this natural boundary lie huge escarpments, plateaux and rugged ranges that are dominated by open savannah woodland. Large creeks and rivers are magnificently lined by huge melaleucas and eucalypt with complex under stories. Small pockets of rainforests survive in areas that provide the right conditions and are the jewels in the Kimberley crown giving extra diversity to this sub-tropical region.
You will note that most of our trips are land based camping tours, using bush camps (no amenities) and camps that have basic amenities. It is important to note that camping trips are not recommended for the fastidious. Camps are remote, sometimes with a limited use of water and the obvious lack of toilet facilities. Camping trips have the advantage of exploring remote areas and being in the middle of good birding areas early in the morning and evening when birds are most active.
As an alternative to camping we can offer fully accommodated or part camping part accommodated tours. Comfortable Station Homestead accommodation and hotel/motels are used. The accommodated trips have the advantages of no camping chores, allowing more time for birding and the obvious comfort factor. A great way to meet the locals. Prices on application.
On our North West Coast Birding Expedition we use a very experienced Kimberley Boat Charter Operator who has excellent knowledge of the Kimberley waters and coastline with a professionally run boat. We also have specialist birding cruises such as our Pelagic trip to Ashmore Reef and a cruise visiting offshore islands and breeding colonies.
Packages can be put together flying from station to station. An excellent way to see the Kimberley without having to do much driving, but visiting the top birding locations.
George also offers his expertise as a guide for your tour group or private group. He is also able to conduct bird surveys and advise on distribution of species.
Short Tours
Join this fun informative tour on the famous migratory shorebirds of Roebuck Bay. We visit the northern shores of the Bay where we enjoy close up, large numbers of spectacular migrant waders with the aid of telescopes. Experience vast flocks of birds, wheeling over the turquoise waters, then settling to feed on the mud flats with the startling contrasting back drop of red pindan cliffs. George’s enthusiasm for these amazing birds and talk about their identification, behaviour and distribution plus Roebuck Bay’s international importance to these long distance travellers will have everyone marvelling at the amazing feats these small birds achieve. Tour includes FREE pick up and drop off to your Broome accommodation, tea, coffee, cake and iced water. Use of binoculars and telescopes to view the birds.
3 Hr Sunset Tour: $85 incl. GST
Is the 3 Hr Shorebirds Tour taken in the cool of the afternoon and finishing on dusk when the wildlife becomes very active before dark. We can also experience Tawny Frogmouths, Boobook Owls and Agile Wallabies. The sunset from this side of the bay is very beautiful bathing the shoreline in an evening glow. BYO to really enjoy the experience. During the months of April and May we can witness the spectacle of thousands of waders congregating in the evening to start their epic journey north for the winter.
5 Hr Broome Environs Tour: $125 incl GST
This informative tour covers the immediate Broome region where we visit Mangroves, Pindan Woodland, & Coastal Scrub where we can see Frill Necks, Wallabies, the Bowers of Great Bower Birds - George will explain their complex courtship ritual, and sample some of Broome’s bush tucker. View some of the majestic of birds of prey and the tiny Fairy-Wrens that inhabit Broome. This tour also incorporates the Shorebirds Tour where we will also visit Roebuck Bay. Tour includes FREE pick up and drop off to your Broome accommodation, tea, coffee, cake and iced water. Use of binoculars and telescopes to view the birds and wildlife.
2 Hr Mangrove Walk: $55 incl GST
On this tour we will explore the cool fascinating world of the Mangroves, this complex eco system will fascinate you, listen to the sounds of nature, birds will come close to investigate all those who enter their world, mud skippers, crabs, snails and 14 different types of mangroves – there is more to mangroves than you think! Tour includes FREE pick up and drop off to your Broome accommodation, iced water. Use of binoculars and telescopes to view the birds and wildlife.
10 Hr Creek Tour: $225 incl GST
On this excursion we travel on the dirt coastal road-heading north visiting Willies Creek, Barred Creek, Prices Point to Coulomb Point and return to Broome. We visit creeks, mangroves, beaches and wetlands experiencing fabulous plants, birds, reptiles and Agile Wallabies. George is an enthusiastic knowledgeable wildlife guide with 14 years experience of this area and its wildlife. Bring your bathers as we will enjoy a cooling swim in the Indian Ocean. Tour includes FREE pick up and drop off to your Broome accommodation, morning and afternoon refreshments of tea, coffee, cake and iced water, plus a packed lunch. Use of binoculars and telescopes to view the birds and wildlife.
Dawn ‘til Dusk: $255 incl GST
This is a serious birding experience aimed at the keen birder and is intense birding from dawn til dusk. We cover mangrove, shoreline, wetlands. Tour includes FREE pick up and drop off to your Broome accommodation, morning and afternoon refreshments of tea, coffee, cake and iced water, plus a packed lunch. Use of binoculars and telescopes to view the birds and wildlife.
We operate a 4WD air-conditioned Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier and a 100 series Landcruiser equipped with HF radio, satellite phone, taking small groups, max 6. Trailer carries all equipment.
Larger groups of up to 10 people can be catered for by prior special arrangements. So get together with some friends and enjoy the Kimberley together on your own private tour.
The prices quoted are per person and in Australian dollars.
Deposit
A completed booking form and a 50% deposit are required to confirm your tour and secure your place.
Final Payment
The balance of monies is due in full no later than three weeks (21 days) prior to departure.
Kimberley Birdwatching may refuse to allow the client on the tour if the final payment has not been paid within 21 days prior to departure.
Cancellations
If a booking is cancelled less than 28 days prior to departure, Kimberley Birdwatching shall retain the full deposit, and in addition, a cancellation fee will be payable by you as follows:-
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation cover is strongly recommended. Last minute cancellations can mean both loss of the price of your trip and your airfare. Accidents can happen to anyone. Emergency evacuation in the Kimberley can be very costly. Insurance can be arranged through your insurance broker.
Liability
Whilst every precaution will be taken for the safety of passengers no liability of any kind whatsoever can be taken in the event of death, accident, injury, loss or damage to person and property or cost of emergency evacuation on these tours.
This exclusion of liability shall apply to and be for the benefit of Kimberley Birdwatching’s agents, servants and representatives.
Without limiting the ambit or scope of the exclusion of liability expressed in the above paragraphs, Kimberley Birdwatching, its agent, servants and representatives shall not be liable to any person for any death, injury, accident or damage to a person arising out of:
(a) any swimming or bathing in any waters during the tour and any such activities are undertaken at the participants own risk.
(b) any air travel or travel on watercraft during the tour, as part of the tour or incidental to the tour.
Tours may vary or be cancelled due to tides, weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
Times shown in information supplied by Kimberley Birdwatching are not guaranteed and form no part of this contract.
Kimberley Birdwatching may without notice vary or substitute locations, transport, accommodation or tour times. Schedules are subject to change without notice. Kimberley Birdwatching assumes no responsibility for any loss arising out of any such substitutions or variations.
A completed Booking Form to be returned with the correct deposit to :
Kimberley Birdwatching
P O Box 220
Broome 6725
Western Australia
Telephone (08) 9192 1246
Facsimile (08) 9192 1246
Email info@kimberleybirdwatching.com.au
Copyright Kimberley Birdwatching 2000 Last Edited: 30/04/2007
