Birding in the Kimberley 2010
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| Accmdated: | No |
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| No.of days: | 17 |
| Ex: | Broome Broome |
| Departure: | 26th June - 12th July 2010 |
| Price: | $3,500 $3,500 |
| Deposit: | $250pp |
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Join us for a Birding Adventure to the Kimberley Area Departing Broome we visit the Broome Bird Observatory Windjana Gorge Mornington Station King Edward River Mitchell Falls Kununurra before traveling back to Broome via the Bungle Bungles and Geikie Gorge.
The Birding Leader for this tour is Judy Harrington.Judy is a committee member of the Birds Australia NSW and ACT regional group and a founder of the BA Discovery Centre at Sydney Olympic Park, where she works as a Park Ranger. for a full Biography please see our Staff page.
Trip Overview
Birds we hope to see At Broome we will have the chance to see migratory shorebirds that are overwintering. The birds of the mangroves such as Whitebreasted and Mangrove Golden Whistlers Broadbilled Flycatcher and Redheaded Honeyeater are present throughout the year. While exploring the gorges and savannah woodland of the Kimberleys we will see the species that occur throughout this spectacular rocky terrain. We will visit Mornington Station owned and managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. A haven for wildlife the endangered Gouldian Finch is regularly seen on the Mornington. There will be time to search in the pandanas along the rivers for Crimson Finch and Purplecrowned Fairywrens. We must always be alert for the elusive Red Goshawk or Grey Falcon. Of special interest will be the Mitchell Plateau where we will be after the elusive Black Grasswren. Other species of the escarpment are Whitequilled Rockpigeon and Sandstone Shrikethrush. Around Kununurra different species will be found in the lush irrigation areas such as Yellowrumped Mannikins. We will have to opportunity to add many waterbirds on a relaxing cruise on Lake Argyle where Yellow Chats are often recorded.
Details of Trip
BIRDING GUIDE Each Birdwatching tour is lead by a specific Birdwatching guide who will lead the group with its bird finding and identification. BOOKINGS Can only be confirmed with the payment of $250 deposit. Final payment falls due 45 days before departure. Cheques are to be made payable to 'Outback Track Tours Pty Ltd'. We also accept VISA MASTERCARD. All credit card transactions over $250.00 will attract a 3 fee. TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly recommend travel insurance against loss of possessions accident and cancellation through unforeseen circumstances. Insurance is available at the office if you require it. If weather road conditions or other circumstances necessitate a change in itinerary the decision to make such changes is solely that of the Tour Guide.
Included
INCLUDED IN FARE Travel by airconditioned OTT 4WD vehicle. All meals unless specified denoted as B breakfast L lunch D dinner some assistance with preparation is required. All camping fees. All National Park entrance fees. All camping gear including twoperson tents foam sleep mats tables and chairs. Any additional flights cruises side excursions are optional extras. Note on the itinerary "Bush Camps" do not have facilities "Camps" are at Caravan Parks with full facilities National Park campsites have limited facilities.
Minimum Passengers
10
Itinerary
DAY 1 SAT 26 JUNE BROOME Arrive any time as some flights come in at lunchtime. Today we spend time birdwatching around Broome. In the afternoon we will move to our overnight camp at the Broome Bird Observatory allowing plenty of time to set up camp. Camp Broome BO LD
DAY 2 SUN 27 JUNE BROOME An optional tour with the staff from the Observatory to nearby areas. Alternatively we will bird along the beach in the mangroves and woodland. Camp Broome BO BLD
DAY 3 MON 28 JUNE WINDJANA GORGE We depart Broome and follow the Gibb River Road via Derby to visit the Tunnel Creek National Park in the Napier Range and then on to our camp at the beautiful Windjana Gorge. Camp Windjana Gorge BLD
DAY 4 TUE 29 JUNE MORNINGTON STATION We continue along the Gibb River Road to our overnight stay at Mornington Station. This vast remote pastoral lease comprises 312000 hectares of scenic wilderness on the northern rim of the mountainous King Leopold Range and includes two river gorges and four major river systems. There is a bird research facility here for the endangered Gouldian Finch. Camp Mornington Station BLD
DAY 5 WED 30 JUNE MORNINGTON STN A leisurely day birdwatching in this very scenic reserve. Camp Mornington Station BLD
DAY 6 THUR 1 JULY MANNING GORGE We leave Mornington Station to rejoin the Gibb River and travel on to Manning Gorge. Bush camp Manning Gorge BLD
DAY 7 FRI 2 JULY KING EDWARD RIVER We leave the Gibb River Road and travel 4WD tracks to arrive at our camp at King Edward River. There is also excellent birding around the campsite. Bush Camp BLD
DAY 8 SAT 3 JULY MITCHELL FALLS Today we travel from King Edward River to the fantastic Mitchell Falls the second highest falls in WA with a combined height of 80m. Bush Camp Mitchell Falls BLD
DAY 9 SUN 4 JULY MITCHELL FALLS Time to explore the plateau with its magnificent palms. We have the full day to find the key species of the area Black Grasswren and the recently split Kimberley Honeyeater. Bush Camp Mitchell Falls BLD
DAY 10 MON 5 JULY MINERS POOLS Leaving the Mitchell Plateau we travel back along the 4WD tracks to Miners Pool on the Drysdale River another great birding spot. Camp Miners Pools BLD
DAY 11 TUES 6 JULY HOME VALLEY We travel along the Gibb River Road to Home Valley a picturesque gorge with abundant birdlife. Camp Home Valley BLD
DAY 12 WED 7 JULY We leave Home Valley to travel via Wyndham to Kununurra near the WA/NT border. We will have time to birdwatch at Parrys Lagoon on the way. Camp Kununurra BLD
DAY 13 THUR 8 JULY KUNUNURRA A free day to explore at leisure and birdwatch around the area. Choose from a selection of optional flights over the Bungle Bungles or enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Argyle. Yellow Chats are often seen during the cruise. Camp Kununurra B
DAY 14 FRI 9 JULY PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK From Kununurra we travel down the Great Northern Highway via Turkey Creek to the Purnululu National Park. We spend the next two nights at our Base camp right inside the spectacular Bungle Bungles. Bush camp Bungle Bungles BLD
DAY 15 SAT 10 JULY BUNGLE BUNGLES Time to explore the Bungles. We visit Piccaninny Creek Cathedral Gorge and the Beehive. Some may choose to take an optional helicopter flight over this natural wonder. Bush camp Bungle Bungles BLD
DAY 16 SUN 11 JULY FITZROY CROSSING This morning we travel out of the Bungles along the Great Northern Highway to Halls Creek. We arrive at Fitzroy Crossing for our overnight stay. Tonight will be our last dinner together. Camp Fitzroy Crossing BLD
DAY 17 MON 12 JULY BROOME After a morning scenic cruise along the Fitzroy River in the Geikie Gorge National Park we travel on to Broome were we will drop off at hotels in Broome for convenience. Air North flies BroomeDarwin if you require this. BL
