What to bring - The Kimberley

When you visit the Kimberley between June and July you can expect the weather to be warm and dry, with a temperature range of about 15° to 32°C. Remember that we will be combining ocean climate with land climate, and that sea breezes will moderate the temperature. If you are concerned about protecting your skin from the sun, wear loose-fitting, light-coloured, long-sleeved, cotton shirts and trousers.

Otherwise, wear shorts and t-shirts. In keeping with our expedition style of voyage, informal attire is the order of the day. Hopefully everyone will be wandering around the ship in bare feet by the end of the second day!

Zodiac Cruising and Shore Visits

You should bring a hat (preferably broad-brimmed), plenty of sunburn cream; chap stick (useful for protecting lips from wind and sunburn), a small backpack, and a shower-proof jacket (for protection against sea spray). You should always carry a water bottle when walking ashore. Do bring binoculars, if you can, and you may like to bring a notebook for recording plant and animal species. 

We plan to walk as much as possible while ashore. If you are a keen walker, bring hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes and socks. If your boots or shoes are new, bring moleskin for the parts of your feet and toes that may blister. Gaiters are advisable for the Kunmunya walk to guard against spinifex and keep grass seeds out of socks. For wet landings you may like to use a pair of old sandshoes, running shoes or reef walkers that you don't mind getting wet in salt water.

Don't forget your bathers, as we plan to swim wherever possible in gorges and freshwater pools. You'd be well advised to bring a day-pack for carrying camera and other necessities so that you can keep your hands free. Insect repellent (preferably roll-on), such as Rid or Bushman, will ward off flies, sandflies and mosquitoes.

First Aid Kit

Consider bringing a small personal medical kit, with seasick tablets (if required), dressings, paracetamol, antiseptic, personal medications etc. There will be a comprehensive first aid kit on board, but you must bring with you any prescription medicines that you may need.

The Kimberley region is very dry and dehydrating and people should be drinking 1 – 2 litres of water every hour when walking, so it is important to take a water bottle on shore excursions.

Shipboard Attire

Generally people wear slacks, jeans, skirts or shorts, casual shirts and t-shirts around the ship. Evenings may be cool, so come prepared with a jumper or sweatshirt and windproof jacket.

The following items may also come in handy:

• Water bottle (although you will be supplied with an Aurora 750 ml. water bottle on board)
• Small flashlight
• Folding umbrella
• Travel alarm clock
• Laundry supplies and toiletries
• Extra prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Pocket-sized notebook
• Reading and writing materials

Note: If you wear contact lenses, we suggest you also bring spare glasses. You should bring an ample supply of any prescription drugs you use. Packing them in your carry-on luggage is always recommended. Please keep all travel documents such as airline ticket, insurance emergency hotline card and travel vouchers with you during your flights.

Kunmunya Walk

This is a rock-hop for approximately 3.5 kilometres before traversing the remaining 6 kilometres of undulating sandy or stony ground. The walk is classified as ‘hard’ but the expedition leader will brief those passengers who wish to walk prior to the day. People contemplating the walk should be fit, have appropriate clothing and footwear and take plenty of water, as it is often very dry and dehydrating. The beauty of the walk is that it takes you inland and allows you to feel the environment and share the memories of our expedition leader, Mike Cusack, of his ‘Year in the Wilderness’ with his wife Susan, as part of the Australian Geograhic's first ever 'Wilderness Couple'.