Kimberley Travel Guide Blog

Jun 14, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 104

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:57:49 -0400

The latest newsletter lets you know about some updates in Destination Kimberley and addresses the question of fuel availability. I also want to add a clarification to what I wrote.
It has been pointed out to me that what I wrote about Mitchell Falls flights now also being available from Ellenbrae could be construed as me discouraging people from going to Drysdale.
Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. If you read Destination Kimberley, that is crystal clear I think. Here is how I see it: If you drive to the Mitchell Plateau and up there only take a flight but don't walk to the falls, you miss out. If you only drive to Drysdale and fly from there, you miss out more. And if you skip that, too, and fly from Ellenbrae, you miss out even more. Everytime you skip something you miss something. I think everybody is aware of that. And the reality is that most people do not have the time to do everything.
So if for whatever reason you absolutely can not or do not want to drive up to Drysdale, you now also have the option to fly from Ellenbrae.

Jun 1, Destination Kimberley Updates

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Just a short follow up to my last newsletter (see below).
The guide book updates are progressing slower than I had hoped. (I suffered a huge health setback in April/May.)
Still, the Gibb River Road and Mitchell Plateau chapter is fully up to date, and many smaller updates have been made in other chapters. When you purchase Destination Kimberley you will find a note on one of the first pages that explains where I'm up to with the updates and what I plan to tackle next. (At the moment that's Purnululu and the Duncan Road.)
And, of course, once you have made a purchase, you can request a fresh download of the latest, most up to date version, any time you wish!

Jan 12, Newsletter Special Issue

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 07:48:23 -0500

A short newsletter explaining why I have been AWOL and what will be happening from here.

Jun 9, Derby Visitor Centre - Community Hub Reopened

Sun, 9 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The Derby Visitor Centre finally reopened on June 4. It is now called "Community Hub", they can not currently offer any booking services, but they offer a lot of information and can help you with all your questions. The location has not changed. The Community Hub is located in the same building as the old Derby Visitor Centre, on 30 Loch Street. Currently open Mon - Fri from 8 am - 2 pm, but opening times will change with the seasons. The associated website can be found at
https://www.australiasboabcountry.com.au/

Apr 30, Gibb River Road Opening Dates

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 11:12:46 -0400

The Gibb River Road is currently open from the Great Northern Highway to the Pentecost River for all vehicles and from the Derby side up to Mt. Barnett for 4WD. Note that the road is not yet fully repaired, there is surface damage and you want to drive with caution between Imintji and Barnett. The Gibb River Road is still closed between the Pentecost River and Mt. Barnett, but Main Roads just published the dates they expect to be opening the last sections, which will be done in stages: On Monday, May 6, they plan to open the stretch from Mt. Barnett to the Kalumburu Road turn off for high clearance 4WD vehicles. On Sunday, May 12, the last part from the Kalumuburu Road turn off to the Pentecost River will be opened for high clearance 4WD vehicles. These dates are not set in stone! It depends on the work progressing as planned and the Barnett River dropping enough. (It's still at 800mm.) Update May 7:
As anticipated, Mt. Barnett to Kalumburu Road turn off is now open for high clearance 4WD vehicles.
The first part of the Kalumburu Road, from the Gibb River Road / Kalumburu Road junction to Drysdale River Station, was also opened for high clearance 4WD vehicles. Drive with caution. Update May 13:
Everything went according to plan so the last bit from the Pentecost crossing to the Kalumburu Road turn off is open now. Have a great trip!

Apr 25, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 102

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The latest newsletter includes opening information and dates for Kimberley national parks as well as stations along the Gibb River Road. Two addendums: 1. Manning Gorge opens on Monday, April 29 already (not May 1 as anticipated). 2. Mt. Elizabeth Station opens on May 1.

Mar 28, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 101

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this issue:

2024 Season Outlook
How To Request A Fresh Download Of Your Guide Book

Because I am still not well this newsletter issue is shorter than usual. Just a quick overview of what has been going on in the Kimberley since the last newsletter, what you can expect for the 2024 season, and information for previous customers who would like to download the most recent version of Destination Kimberley.

Mar 15, Destination Kimberley has been updated for 2024

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:59:06 -0400

My guide book, Destination Kimberley, has now been fully updated for the 2024 season.
(As much as that is possible, more changes will happen in the next few months!) I will be sending out a newsletter before the end of this month. That's all. :)

May 1, All Destination Guides are up to date for 2023

Mon, 1 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

I still get regular questions about this so I just wanted to confirm:
Yes, all three Destination Guides have been updated for the 2023 season (as much as that is possible.)

Jan 13, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 99

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

It has been a challenging time for many in the Kimberley, courtesy of tropical cyclone Ellie... In this issue:

Tropical Cyclone Ellie and the Fitzroy Crossing Floods
Guide Book Updates

Mar 17, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 98

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The latest newsletter summarizes opening and closure info for the upcoming season in the Kimberley.
(With the ongoing COVID confusion, quite a few businesses decided to cut their losses and not open at all this season.) It also contains some personal ramblings, explaining more about my decision to end regular newsletter dispatches.

Mar 2, 2022 Season Closures

Wed, 2 Mar 2022 06:48:39 -0500

Currently I seem to need to update my guide book Destination Kimberley almost every other day, as another businesses informs us that the decided to cut their losses and to not open for the 2022 season. As the season opening draws closer, it is becoming clearer which places will indeed be opening this year and which will remain closed. At the time of writing this, the following places along the Gibb River Road have decided to remain closed:

Mornington Wilderness Camp
Charnley River Station
Diggers Rest Station
Home Valley Station
Kalumburu (access to Honeymoon Bay, at least for the start of the season)

Below are those places that have confirmed that they WILL be opening:

Mt. Hart Wilderness Lodge
Drysdale Station
Mt. Elizabeth Station
Ellenbrae Station
El Questro Station
All the national parks

Oct 15, Kooljaman Resort Closes!

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:04:00 -0400

Kimberley and NT News, Issue 97 There is really only one major Kimberley news item in this newsletter: The very popular Kooljaman Resort at the tip of Cape Leveque announced its closure from November 1 this year.

Aug 9, Tunnel Creek Closed

Mon, 9 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Update: Tunnel Creek will reopen on October 2! Sad news for those who are travelling the Kimberley right now or in the near future:
Tunnel Creek has been closed because of unstable rock at the entrance. Nobody knows how long the closure will last. (This happened before, in 2009. It only lasted for a few days then, but this time it appears more serious.)

Jun 14, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 96

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this issue:

Home Valley Station To Open June 21
Mitchell Falls Open, Honeymoon Bay Open, Kalumburu and Kalumburu Road closed.
Glen Helen Lodge To Hopefully Reopen Soon

Update: As of June 16 towing is ok on the Kalumburu Road. You still need the closed road permit.
(This is for people wanting to go to Honeymoon Bay. Kalumburu is still closed. See newsletter for info.)

Jun 10, Home Valley Station To Open June 21

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:46:40 -0400

Finally there is official news from Home Valley Station! In July 2020 Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia had ceased the management of the tourism side of the station. All we'd known since then was that the owners were negotiating the future management.
Well, apparently the negotiations have been successful and all the details ironed out: The station is now managed by Balanggarra Ventures, a subsidiary of the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation.
Balangarra people are the traditional custodians of this country and want to focus on local Indigenous employment rather than relying on backpackers. So yes, Home Valley Station is opening this season! They have started to take bookings again, for dates starting from June 21.

Jun 3, Honeymoon Bay Open, Kalumburu And Kalumburu Road Closed

Thu, 3 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Honeymoon Bay has been granted the exemption from State Emergency Laws that allows them to open to visitors. BUT: The Kalumburu Road is still closed (big wash outs from the wet season) and Kalumburu Community also has not (yet) been granted their exemption, so is still closed. And that means getting to Honeymoon Bay is not exactly easy right now! But it's possible. First, you need to make sure you have a vehicle capable of negotiating the Kalumburu Road, and that you have enough supplies of everything (fuel, food...) to get there, for your time there, and to get back.
And you need to book ahead at Honeymoon Bay. You need evidence of your booking, evidence that your vehicle and the driver are a match for the road, and evidence that you have all the supplies that you need, to get a Closed Road Usage Permit from the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley. (No vans, boats or trailers!) And you absolutely MUST complete Honeymoon Bay's Covid Pre-checkin questionnaire before going. You can only do this online, so you need to do it before leaving civilization. Oh, and take a mask. You'll need it to check in.

May 31, Kimberley Season Opening Information Latest Updates

Mon, 31 May 2021 06:40:50 -0400

The Kalumburu Road is now open to the Mitchell Plateau and with that the Mitchell River National Park opens!
All the roads on the Mitchell Plateau are open (for high clearance 4WD only). You can access the Mitchell Falls, both campgrounds, Surveyors Pool and Walsh Point. Also, the Fairfield Leopold Downs Road is now open for all vehicles, including those towing, so everybody can now get to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek from both sides, from the Gibb and from the highway.

May 24, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 95

Mon, 24 May 2021 07:59:16 -0400

In this issue:

Latest Opening Information
Free Camping
Managing Expectations

May 22, The Latest Kimberley/Gibb Opening Info

Sat, 22 May 2021 05:12:00 -0400

Things have progressed nicely. Almost all places along the Gibb are open now, hooray. The only one we are still waiting for is Charnley River, which should open on June 5.
(We also still have no official information on the opening of Home Valley Station. Unofficially they are trying their best for June.) There is still a lot of water around though! All the gorges are full and the waterfalls still pumping. As is often the case at the start of the season, and I warn you about this in Destination Kimberley:
When the Gibb River Road is open and a station or park is open, it does not necessarily mean that all waterfalls and gorges at this park or station will be accessible! Currently this applies for example to Wunnamurra Gorge on Mt. Elizabeth Station, which would of course be the highlight of a visit to Mt. Elizabeth. But you can't get to it yet and it is unlikely to open before July, maybe not even then. They just can't predict yet if and when the grader will be able to repair the track. Also, if you want to make your way through Tunnel Creek, be aware that rather than knee deep the water in there is currently still over your head, so you're going to have to swim! If you are towing you also need to be aware that you can not tow anything between Tunnel Creek & Yiramalay (south of Tunnel Creek) on the Fairfield-Leopold Down Road as the road is still wet in that part. Meaning you can't get there towing from the highway, only when coming from the Gibb. So far travellers have been very happy with the Gibb River Road, the road crews have done a great job and it is currently in very good condition. It is however very busy already, camps are filling up early, and apparently a huge camper trailer/caravan migration is under way up the west coast, so do expect things to get crazy busy over the next weeks! The Kalumburu Road is still open only as far as Drysdale River. Once the northern part opens, the Mitchell Falls will open and hopefully also Kalumburu (including McGowans and Honeymoon Beach), though there is no definite information on Kaluburu yet. That's it for now. When I hear more I will update this post.

May 2, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 94

Sun, 2 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this issue:

Kimberley And Gibb River Road Opening Information
El Questro Station Sold
Top End Parks Opening Information

Recent updates: The Gibb River Road is open all the way, the graders are working on it, and according to reports from travellers the road is in very good condition! The King River Road is open and so is Diggers Rest! The Kalumburu Road is now open up to Drysdale River Station. Drysdale River Station is open. Mt. Hart campground opening is delayed until May 11 due to damage to the Mt. Hart access track. Imintji also has to delay the opening of the campground, until May 17. We finally have opening dates for the national parks on the western end of the Gibb:
Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek will open May 15 and Silent Grove/Bell Gorge on May 22.

Apr 29, Gibb River Road Open To 4WD

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

The Gibb River Road just opened to high clearance 4WD vehicles only.
It has not been fixed yet, there are wash outs and damage in parts, so take it easy. I thought I'd take the opportunity, rather than again update the post below, to publish a fresh list of the opening times for parks and stations along it, as well as in other parts of the Kimberley. Already open are:

El Questro Station and Emma Gorge
Geikie Gorge
Purnululu National Park

Most other opening dates have been pushed back, often repeatedly.

Manning Gorge: May 3.
Ellenbrae Station: May 5.
Mt Elizabeth Station: May 5.
Imintji Campground: May 8.
Mt Hart: campground May 8, accommodation and restaurant May 11.
Mornington Wilderness Camp: May 19.
Charnley River Station: June 5.
Windjana Gorge/Tunnel Creek/Silent Grove/Bell Gorge: mid May.

No info yet on Home Valley Station. Diggers Rest will open once the King River Road opens all the way to their turn off.
(It is only open up to the King River crossing at this point.) Also no opening date for Kalumburu yet. The Kalumburu Road and Port Warrender Road are still closed.
Drysdale River Station and the Mitchell Plateau will open when those roads open.

Mar 30, Kimberley Season Opening Dates

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:04:06 -0400

The last newsletter (see below) contained a string of tentative season opening dates. I warned you that due to the recent heavy rain many places will likely have to delay their planned opening. Below you find any dates that have changed from what was published in the newsletter. I will continue to update this post as more information becomes available. Last updated on April 28.

El Questro Station: open.
Geikie Gorge: open.
Purnululu National Park: open.
Manning Gorge: ~~April 26~~ now delayed until May 3.
Ellenbrae Station: May 5. (I told you their mid April goal wasn't realistic.)
Imintji Campground: delayed until May 8.
Mt Hart: campground delayed until May 8, accommodation and restaurant May 11.
Mornington Wilderness Camp: delayed until May 12.
Charnley River Station: delayed until May 24.
Windjana Gorge/Tunnel Creek/Silent Grove/Bell Gorge: now aiming for ~~early~~ mid May.

The King River Road is open for high clearance 4WD vehicles up to the King River crossing. It is still closed from there to the Diggers Rest turn off, so no access to Diggers Rest (who had hoped to open on April 2). The Tanami Road and the Duncan Road are open to all vehicles. The Gibb River Road is open for 4WD up to 7t from Derby to Mt. Barnett. It is still closed from Mt. Barnett to the Pentecost River crossing. The Kalumburu Road and the Port Warrender Road are closed.

Mar 28, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 93

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 09:07:08 -0400

In this issue:

Wet Season Update
Season Opening Dates
Gibb Bike Challenge Dates
Easter in the NT

Mar 7, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 92

Sun, 7 Mar 2021 23:00:00 -0500

In this issue:

Mitchell Plateau Open
Wet Season Update
NT Updates
Tip From A Reader: Emergency Communication

Mar 3, Mitchell Plateau Opens For Tourists

Wed, 3 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The whole Mitchell Plateau and the Mitchell Falls National Park had remained closed all of last year to protect the residents from COVID-19. So naturally tourists have been concerned regarding this season. Last week the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation announced that yes, the Punamii Uunpuu area will open for tourists this season! All the places covered by the Uunguu Visitor Pass (the area called the Ngauwudu Road Zone) will open. This includes the Mitchell Falls themselves, all the walks, the campground inside the national park, the campground at the King Edward River and the one at Walsh Point. The new page to buy visitor passes is here: https://wunambalgaambera.org.au/shop/ Theoretically, from the traditional owners' side, the area and all the campgrounds are open already. Practically you still can't get there of course, because the roads are still closed due to the wet season.
And we don't know yet when those will open... (There is also no guarantee that the area will remain open. If the pandemic situation changes, it may need to be closed again.)

Feb 12, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 91

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:33:00 -0500

In this issue:

Wet Season Update
2WDs On Unsealed Roads
Guide Book Updates

Jan 29, First Australian diamond found in situ

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 07:05:35 -0500

In May 1977 I was recruited by Maureen Muggeridge to work for CRA Explorations on their diamond exploration program in the Kimberley. Because I had had

Jan 8, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 90

Fri, 8 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this issue:

Wet Season Update
Cape Leveque Road Now Fully Sealed
Argyle Diamond Mine Closed
Stations Change Hands/Management

Dec 14, Cape Leveque Road Sealed

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

It's done. The work to seal the last 90 km stretch of the Cape Leveque Road has been completed. Work began in 2018, was projected to take three years, and was completed as planned in November 2020. With that the communities on the peninsula now have an all-season, all-weather access road. Naturally, dry season tourists benefit, too, with the drive up the peninsula becoming easier and faster. But don't be fooled into thinking that you can now easily zip around the peninsula in a two wheel sedan. The vast majority of wonderful places that I write about in Destination Kimberley are not exactly located right on the bitumen.
The side tracks you need to negotiate to reach those places are just as sandy, boggy and corrugated as before!
Gnylmarung, Middle Lagoon, Pender Bay, Whalesong, Smithy's, Bully's... to name but a few.
Hopefully those places will retain their character for many years to come.

Oct 6, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 89

Tue, 6 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In this issue:

2020 Closing Dates
What Is The Weather Doing?
What Will The Weather Be Doing?
Popular Kimberley Tourist Destinations Renamed

Aug 7, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 88

Fri, 7 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

At the time of writing the last newsletter (issue 87 from June 30) there was the hope that restrictions would continue to be gradually eased and that the borders will eventually open, allowing for a good second half of the tourist season.
By now it's abundantly clear that that isn't going to happen.
Given that, today's newsletter has some information for those lucky enough to travel in Western Australia this year, and also some information for those who are looking forward to a trip next year. In this issue:

What To Expect Travelling This Year
Outlook For Next Year

Jun 30, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 87

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 05:20:56 -0400

In this issue:

Summary Of Closures
New And Changed Opening Dates
International And Intestate Travel
Attention Dog Owners / Horses On The Gibb / A Plea

Jun 19, Northern Territory Borders To Open July 17

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:54:19 -0400

The Northern Territory announced that it will open its borders to interstate travellers on July 17. Unfortunately, to date there is no information about the WA borders and when they may open. So while people from the Kimberley could now travel to the NT, they would not be able to return without undergoing the mandatory 14 day quarantine. But it's a step in the right direction, and it's still one month to go, and since the NT has technically eradicated Covid-19, maybe WA will rethink things... Here's hoping!

Jun 9, Some Additional Little Kimberley Updates

Tue, 9 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Geikie Gorge boat tours are now running daily at 8am and 4pm.
Imintji Roadhouse will open July 1. This includes their campground.
Mt. Hart, which is already open for camping, will in addition start selling diesel and bar meals from July 17.

Jun 4, Attention Dog Owners

Thu, 4 Jun 2020 07:26:25 -0400

A new tick-borne disease has been found initially in the East and now also in the West Kimberley: Ehrlichiosis. Ehrlichiosis is a serious condition that can become chronic. I has already made many dogs very sick. If you are travelling with a dog, be aware that new movement conditions and controls are being implemented.

Jun 4, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 86

Thu, 4 Jun 2020 07:13:47 -0400

In this issue:

Opening Sooner Than Expected
Not Opening
It Rained!

Some small additions to the info in the newsletter:

Ellenbrae Station announced that they will remain closed for the whole 2020 season.
Drysdale Station also says they will remain closed all of 2020.
Parry Creek Resort will only open July 1.
And Kooljaman Resort at Cape Leveque is open! (Not running tours yet, though.)

May 28, Rain Closing Several Kimberley Roads

Thu, 28 May 2020 09:25:31 -0400

After three days of unseasonal rain the following roads had to be closed:

The western part of the Gibb River Road up to Mt. Barnett is only open to 4WD vehicles and vehicles up to 4T.
In the east, the Gibb River Road between the Kalumburu turnoff and the Pentecost River crossing is only open to 4WD vehicles and vehicles under 15T.
The Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road plus Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek access roads are closed.
The Silent Grove and Bell Gorge Road is closed.
Mt Hart Road is closed.
Mt. Elizabeth is open but roads to their gorges are closed and their access road is very wet, too.
The Cape Leveque Road is open for 4WD vehicles only.

Update: As of June 3, everything is open again!

May 25, Kimberley Travel Restrictions Likely To Be Lifted Early, On June 5

Mon, 25 May 2020 09:38:18 -0400

The WA state government has asked for the Kimberley travel restrictions to be lifted on June 5, and apparently the federal government is likely to agree. The 274 remote Aboriginal communities across the state will remain closed, as will the state borders.

May 21, Silent Grove Campground And Bell Gorge Now Open

Thu, 21 May 2020 13:43:21 -0400

Well, the Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers must have been doing overtime.
Less than a week ago Parks and Wildlife said Silent Grove and Bell Gorge would open on June 1, after the maintenance work is finished. It is finished and Silent Grove and Bell Gorge are open and ready for visitors!

May 18, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 85

Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

From today, May 18, travel between Kimberley shires is allowed again. At the same time, many roads, parks, campgrounds and businesses are opening.

If you live in the Kimberley, and you can get some time off, this is an opportunity to have many usually overrun places all to yourself.

If you don't live in the Kimberley, then unfortunately you will have to wait a little while longer. Or maybe a lot longer. It depends where in Australia or the world you are.

But at least it looks as if finally there is light at the end of the tunnel.

In this newsletter, we will look at what exactly is opening in the Kimberley and what isn't. And we'll also look at the timeline for travel into the Kimberley, as much as that is known today.

May 14, Some Roads, Campgrounds And Tourism Businesses In The Kimberley Reopen

Thu, 14 May 2020 07:38:22 -0400

On Monday, May 18, travel between the Kimberley shires can resume. At the same time some, but not all roads, campgrounds and tourism businesses in the Kimberley will open. So where can you go?

The Cape Leveque Road and the Gibb River Road will open, but there will be no roadhouse services along the road!
The Djarindjin Roadhouse at Cape Leveque as well as the Imintji and the Mt. Barnett roadhouses on the Gibb remain closed. All of them belong to local Aboriginal communities, which also remain closed. You should be self sufficient with regard to fuel and food.

On the other hand you can get help with tyre and mechanical trouble. Nev at Over The Range Tyres & Mechanical Repairs will be open.
All Kimberley national parks and the campgrounds within them will open, except for Silent Grove. Silent Grove remains closed for maintenance until some time in June.
Kalumburu Road and Mitchell Plateau remain closed!
The following businesses plan to remain closed for the whole 2020 season:
El Questro/Emma Gorge, Home Valley Station, Mornington Wilderness Camp, Charnley River Station, Bachsten Bush Camp.
Other commercial ventures across the Kimberley are gradually opening, many at this stage offering camping but no accommodation, meals or tours yet, though those will be starting over the next weeks. Some tour businesses are offering an adapted program. Please check their respective websites or contact them, there are too many to cover them all here.
All Aboriginal communities and the businesses operating out of them are still closed, restricted by the Federal Biosecurity Act 2015, see below.
I will be putting together another newsletter issue soon with more details.

May 12, Travel Resumes Between Kimberley Shires

Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

From May 18, the travel restrictions between the Kimberley shires will be lifted.
That means Kimberley residents will be able to travel across all of the Kimberley again.

It does NOT mean that people from the outside can enter the Kimberley! The restrictions on travel into the Kimberley will likely remain in place for at least another month. They are expected to be reviewed on June 18.

May 5, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 84

Tue, 5 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In this issue:

Wet Season Summary
Travel Restrictions
When Will The Kimberley (And NT) Reopen?

May 2, National Parks Reopen BUT...

Sat, 2 May 2020 06:49:23 -0400

Yesterday both WA and the NT started to reopen their national parks and the campgrounds within them to the public. However, the remote Kimberley national parks and also the Kakadu and Uluru Kata Tjuta national parks were closed by the Federal Government under the Biosecurity Act 2015, which came into effect March 26. And that means that those parks will remain closed until at least June 18, the date the Biosecurity Act restrictions will end. Again: for now the remote Kimberley national parks remain closed!
(As does the whole Kimberley, see below.)

Apr 1, Kimberley Travel Restrictions

Wed, 1 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In short, the Kimberley is closed. Travel to Australia is restricted.
Travel to WA is restricted.
Travel between the WA regions is restricted.
In addition, the Kimberley is closed to tourists and visitors and travel between the Kimberley shires is restricted. Please see the following links: Travel restrictions within the Kimberley region Frequently Asked Questions regarding travel restrictions for the Kimberley region Travel to the Kimberley is subject to a higher level of restrictions than the rest of WA under the Federal Biosecurity Act 2015. These restrictions started on 26 March 2020 and will end on 18 June 2020. They may be extended. This means even once travel within WA or travel to WA becomes possible again, the Kimberley may remain closed. For how long is anyone's guess.

Mar 18, Kimberley and NT News, Special Issue

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:09:17 -0400

I have already received several emails over the last couple of days, from people planning a trip in April or May, asking me about possible COVID-19 related travel restrictions and closures in the Kimberley. I realise that many of you who are planning a trip in the near future are concerned how the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 may affect your plans.
The questions made clear to me that many people still do not realise what lies ahead. Hence this special newsletter issue.

Mar 5, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 83

Thu, 5 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this issue:

Finally! The Wet Season Is Here For Real, Yay
Updates
Booking Hire Cars
2020 Destination Guides

Feb 10, Australian 4WD Hire Saga Continues

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 04:56:12 -0500

I have already covered the shady Queensland based car rental company Australian 4WD Hire in my newsletters several times. (See issues 68, 73, 78 and 82.) ABC just published the latest news in this apparently neverending and maddening saga. Despite my warnings, I still receive regular emails from readers who had booked with this company and are now unable to get their bond money back. (Up to $5000!) Therefore once again: Please, before booking a vehicle for your Kimberley holiday, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Or even better: Get competent, free help from someone you can trust.
I can not recommend this service enough and all my readers who have taken my recommendation have been very happy with the service they received!

Feb 1, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 82

Sat, 1 Feb 2020 10:19:34 -0500

In this issue:

Wet Season 2020
Updates
Australian 4WD Hire Continues Trading Under New Ownership
2020 Destination Guides

Jan 15, Whalesong Campground Closed For 2020 Season

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

The lovely Whalesong campground on the Dampier Peninsula will unfortunately be closed for the whole 2020 season and under refurbishment until further notice.
With one more year to go before the Cape Leveque Road will be fully sealed, Lenny and Jacinta are taking the opportunity to do some much needed works.

Additionally they are concentrating on their kakadu plum business.
Their Gubinge products are available throughout the Kimberley at various stockists or directly from their website.

Whalesong is one of my favourite places so I am not happy that they are closed for now, but luckily, these days you have many alternatives for relaxed bushcamping in stunning surroundings on this side of the Dampier Peninsula.
Just have a look through Destination Kimberley for your options:
Gnylmarung, Pender Bay, Smithy's...
It would take a fair bit of time to visit everyone anyway!

Oct 9, Kimberley and NT News, Issue 81

Wed, 9 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400

In this issue:

Season Review And Preview
Win a $560 Pangea map of the Dampier Peninsula
About Road Conditions
Trip Report And Reader Feedback