Kimberley Wlderness Adventures , 4WD Tours, Coast Cruising, Western Australia Tours, Northern Territory Holidays, Air Safaris
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Frequently Asked Questions As the Kimberley experts, we have the answers to your questions. When should I travel? May through to September are the best months to travel to the Kimberley. When cruising, the start of the season is ideal for waterfalls, while late in the season in September, whales are likely to be spotted. In April/May as well as September, the weather is fine and hot with mild nights (average maximum 33 degrees Celsius). From June to August, the days are fine and warm with cold nights (average maximum 29 degrees Celsius). Inland conditions at night can drop down to 2 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is rare. We recommend including layering clothing in the evenings when travelling during this time of year. What's a standard meal? There's nothing standard about the meals on any of our adventures, and are praised as being plentiful, well-balanced and healthy. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast with hot and cold options; take in a delicious light lunch; then savour a delectable three-course dinner. Should you have any special dietary requirements, you must advise these at the time of booking. What level of health & fitness is required? As tours visit remote areas and feature activities with varying degrees of difficulty, it is vital to select a tour with an activity level suited to your health and fitness. A good level of fitness is essential for you to undertake walks in hot conditions and over terrain with uneven and slippery surfaces. Some walks will require you to clamber over boulders up to one metre high. It is your responsibility to carry any medication (which may require a cooler bag). Consult your local medical practitioner for any health advice. What about the 4WD vehicles? Our specially engineered custom built Mercedes Benz and Isuzu 4WD vehicles set a benchmark. They have air conditioning, comfortable coach-style reclining seating, state-of-the-art PA system, large tinted windows and are equipped with a satellite phone, first aid kit and drinking water. How much time do you spend in the vehicle per day? Our tours are designed so that if you have a day in the vehicle, it is after a full day of activity so you can rest. It may take us up to 8 hours on some days to get to our destination from the time of leaving our origin. Each day includes stops for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, along with a number of toilet breaks and plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim at any of the gorges or rivers or to see some of the local rock art. Can clothes be washed along the way? Hand washing facilities are available at each of our Wilderness Lodges (however, washing is not encouraged at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge due to water conservation principles). In larger centres such as Darwin, Kununurra and Broome, hotels feature coin-operated washing machines and dryers. Both ships have laundry facilities available. What about alcohol? Every lodge and hotel in the Kimberley are licensed to sell alcohol. They stock a limited range of alcoholic beverages for purchase, allowing you to enjoy an evening drink (to guests over 18 years of age). Passengers cannot bring their own alcohol. Are there any luggage restrictions? Due to the 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 16kgs. Alternatively, suitcases are acceptable if they fit within the following dimensions of 70cm length x 40cm width x 35cm height. APT duffle bags are available, enquire for more details. If you have excess luggage, please arrange for it to be stored at your hotel if returning to it post tour or organise for it to be forwarded to the tour's final destination. If you have purchased a tour including small aircraft (independent air tours) further restrictions apply. Please note that the limit is 10kg on the aircraft and excess luggage will need to be stored at your Kununurra accommodation. Do I need travel insurance? Travel insurance is mandatory on all cruises and highly recommended on all land tours. Purchase comprehensive cover for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise on tour or before leaving home. (This includes cover for any cancellation penalties, medical and curtailment expenses, loss of luggage, etc.). Do I need a passport and visa? If you are travelling aboard the MS Caledonian Sky, you must have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the return date, as well as consult with the Indonesian consulate to ensure you obtain a visa. It is your responsibility to ensure these are obtained prior to departure. Passengers travelling on the Oceanic Discoverer do not require a passport or visa for their cruise. 109 INDEPENDENT TOURING / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS