21 July
Today we drove the final 400 km back to Broome. Saying goodbye is always difficult, but we have made many new friends, and we could not have been in better hands than with Kaz and Jimmy.
They did not just drive us 2,900 km over treacherous roads. They guided us across dry riverbeds, led us over rocky terrain, and prepared amazing meals every day. We cannot express how grateful we are to them. They were simply amazing!
To make the end of our journey even more special, Toni, one of our fellow travellers, and Kaz each wrote a wonderful poem that I would like to share with you.
As a team we had to choose a name for our group, we landed on The Gorge-ous Wanderers ❤️
From Kaz:
The Gorge-ous Wanderers
From Broome we rolled with smiles so bright, A brand-new crew, what a wonderful sight. The road was smooth, freshly graded with care, And excitement and laughter filled the air.
To Tunnel Creek we made our way, With Windjana Gorge to end the day. The swags and tents were down in a flash, No fuss, no panic, no frantic dash.
Was it Jimmy’s briefing, simple and clear? Or great listeners gathered here? Whatever the reason, it all went to plan, A brilliant beginning for our travelling clan.
Through Tunnel Creek where bats took flight, Red croc eyes glowed in the fading light. Little fish swam, cane toads appeared, A Kimberley welcome both strange and revered.
Back at camp the surprise was grand, Fairy lights and candles looked simply planned. Tablecloths glowing beneath the sky, While laughter echoed far and high.
Then came the news of the five a.m. rise, Met with a few wide-open eyes. Jen declared with a grin so bright, “Five-thirty would surely be about right!”
But Kaz just smiled with knowing delight, “That extra half hour is worth the fight!” Arno wasn’t impressed and he said, “I don’t like any of you…” and wandered off to bed!
The laughter followed him into the night, A perfect ending beneath moonlight.
Morning arrived before the sun, The Kimberley adventure had only begun. Michael turned toast with a knife in his hand, “Don’t electrocute yourself!” echoed across the land.
Jen still questioned the early call, Until Bell Gorge amazed us all. Floating beneath the waterfall’s spray, She finally agreed it was worth the day.
A Jabiru pair stood proud and tall, A Kimberley Rose enchanted us all. Then Mount Barnett, peaceful and still, Happy Hour beside the river filled the bill.
Manning Gorge came with challenge and pride, Ten brave walkers reached the other side. Galvans refreshed almost everyone there, Bush tucker and birdlife everywhere.
A birthday surprise for Claudia too, Flowers and balloons in every hue. A card from friends, Happy Birthday sung, While Jimmy’s famous date damper was shared among.
The campfire stories grew each night, Friendships forming by firelight.
Then came more corrugations, rough and long, the Gibb River Road sang its rattling song. But every bump was soon forgotten, With Home Valley and the Pentecost crossing.
Emma Gorge then called our name, Testing every heart the same. The climb was tough, the rocks were steep, Yet promises the gorge would keep.
Then suddenly the waterfall stood, More beautiful than words ever could. Every aching step became worthwhile, Rewarded by that magical smile.
At Pigeon Hole we gathered around, “Be like Kathy!” became the sound. For Kathy, with a K, took every stride, Outside her comfort zone—but filled with pride.
“Bloody good attitude,” she’d always say, Choosing the positive every day.
Zebedee Springs worked magic that morn, As Allan’s mossy hair was suddenly born. Fresh ginger locks for everyone to see, The newest Kimberley celebrity!
Jimmy whispered, “There’s Leeches!” with perfect timing, And suddenly everyone started climbing! One quick announcement was all it took, To empty the pools with one funny look.
Some wandered on to Amalia’s end, Others found Ochre Falls to be their friend. Then Chamberlain Gorge could have been ditched, Kaz missed the memo—but it went without a hitch.
Two boats instead of one that day, Yet nobody let it spoil the play. The laughter rolled, the stress stayed small, The team just smiled and handled it all.
Mitchell Falls called four souls away, While others travelled the Gibb that day. Then finally… bitumen met our tyres, Cheers erupted like campfire fires.
At Five Rivers birds filled the skies, Parry’s Lagoon held crocodile prize. Michael bravely bought Boab coffee too… We’re still not sure if he’ll drink it through!
Kununurra brought a slower pace, Ivanhoe Crossing’s famous place. Souvenirs found at Zebra Rock, Triple J Cruise and back by five o’clock.
Then rough roads called us back once more, The Bungles waited to explore. Happy Hour watched the ranges ignite, Golden glowing in evening light.
Cathedral Gorge with songs so strong, Echoes carried every song. Piccaninny stretched ahead, Then helicopters soared overhead.
Elizabeth preferred solid ground, While stories of flying soon went around. Echidna Chasm reached for the sky, Osmand Lookout said goodbye.
At four-thirty alarms rang clear, One last dawn was finally here. Back to the highway, shaken and stirred, Then came a beautiful black-headed bird…
No… not a bird—a python grand! Jimmy proudly held it in his hand. Everyone gathered, brave and keen, A memory few had ever seen.
Spring Creek coffee tasted sweet, Mary’s Pool brought lunch complete. One final camp beside the billabong, Where friendships now were deep and strong.
The donkey boiler warmed us well, Mexican feast and stories to tell. Apple crumble closed the night, Campfire glowing warm and bright.
And after twelve days they all agreed, A WhatsApp name was what they’d need. At last the perfect choice appeared… The Gorge-ous Wanderers loudly cheered.
Now every traveller leaves a mark.
Arno, coffee grinder working away, One perfect brew to start each day. Camera always close at hand, Recording memories across the land. And every meal, without much bother… “Tastes like chicken!” just like the other.
Jen, looking simply fit and fine, Her little pantry worked every time. She questioned mornings with great delight, Yet conquered every day in sight.
Allan wore moss like a fashion king, Giving everyone something to sing. Always laughing, always game, The Kimberley suited him all the same.
Elizabeth, knitting whenever she could, Sleeping through corrugations so good. The helicopter wasn’t her favourite view, But she embraced the adventure through and through.
Helen quietly helped from start to end, A thoughtful traveller and faithful friend. Beside Tony through every day, Helping others along the way.
Tony, always lending a hand, Swags and bags were carefully planned. Birds were his passion, binoculars say, Tail-end Charlie day after day.
Pauline could name each bird in flight, Her binoculars always sitting just right. Nature’s soundtrack she understood, Teaching us all what flew through the wood.
Kathy… with a K, don’t forget! One of the bravest travellers yet. Outside comfort, she still would go, Showing us all just how to grow.
Claudia, birthday girl from afar, Our German traveller, our shining star. And from the back we’d always hear… “Crossing!” ringing loud and clear.
Warren counted each creek we crossed, One hundred and eleven—not one was lost. Farmer, traveller, steady and true, The crossing champion right on cue.
Donna stood firm when she’d made up her mind, Changing it? Impossible to find! Stubborn perhaps—but wonderfully so, Always determined wherever we’d go.
Margie smiled through every mile, Keeping footy scores in style. A laugh, a grin, a cheerful face, Bringing warmth to every place.
Sue, our little pocket rocket bright, Showed remarkable courage and strength each night. Even with worries waiting back home, She kept on walking, determined to roam.
Michael guessed the scones just right, Winning the game with pure delight. Sharing laughs and glasses of wine, With Geri beside him every time.
And Geri proved what we’d always known, That courage and confidence steadily grow. With just a nudge she’d always succeed, Stronger than she’d first believed.
So here’s to this wonderful travelling crew, Every one of you saw something new. Not just the gorges, rivers and skies, But strength you perhaps didn’t realise.
You’ve crossed rivers and mountain tracks, Dusted off countless outback cracks. You’ve laughed until your cheeks were sore, And found friendships worth so much more.
Though this adventure now must end, You’ll always remain our Kimberley friends. So wherever life may lead you through, We’ll always remember The Gorge-ous Wanderers… and you.
But this tour was never really about roads.
Or waterfalls.
Or helicopters.
Or campgrounds.
It was about people.
Friendships.
Kindness.
Helping hands.
Quiet courage.
Shared laughter.
And discovering we’re capable of more than we think.
Eleven nights.
Twelve unforgettable days.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for trusting us. Thank you for your laughter. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for embracing every challenge the Kimberley placed before you.
We hope you leave with dusty boots, full hearts, and memories you’ll treasure forever.
Because while this journey may be ending tomorrow, the stories are only just beginning.
Safe travels, wherever life takes you next.
And remember…
A little piece of the Kimberley will always travel home with you.
And from Toni
The 5 O’CLOCK FANATICS
Oh- Jimmy is our Captain
He drove the bus with skill
He cooked us awesome meals BUT
It taste like chicken still.
Oh -Kaz she is our hostess
She served us with a smile
And all the facts about our trip
She delivered them with style
Oh – Claudia joined us on the trip
All the way from Singapore
She celebrated her birthday
And we wish her many more
Oh – Warren found a boab nut
He marvelled at its size
He checked his own were still in tact
Tucked safe between his thighs
Pause – you’re all nervous now aren’t you
Oh – Pauline is our bird expert
Her keen eyes always peeled
Binoculars always with her
As she ventured far afield
Oh- Arno is our cameraman
His big lens always ready
Despite the corrugations
He kept his camera steady
Oh – Liz she had a special skill
To snooze on roads so rough
But when she was not sleeping
You’d find her knitting stuff.
Oh- Sue is our geologist
She certainly loves her rocks
Her painted stones are left behind
And have you seen her coloured socks.
Oh – Gerri is a trooper
With her legs so very long
She’d join us on the gorge walks
And always finished strong.
Oh- Kathy with a K
Could sometimes lose her tent
We had to check she had her phone
Every where she went.
Oh – The farmers wife from way down South
Donna is our girl
With her smiling friendly nature
She gives everything a whirl
Oh – Margaret from South Aussie
Supports the bloody Crows
She’s very fond of gardening
And grows a pretty rose
Oh – Michael is our yuppie
He dresses rather smart
He loves the swans and tigers
But Gerri has his heart
Oh – Allan is our artist
And not the bullshit type
You could often find him sketching
Avoiding all the hype
Oh- Jen she is amazing
You’d never guess her age
She also takes great photos
They’re on her travel page
Oh- Helen from the Coast
She loves to walk quite fast
And take a million selfies
To help the memories last
Oh- that just leaves the writer
Who wrote this little ditty
When tent zippers go all through night
He’d often get quite shitty.
Oh- Adventure Wild has been the best
When all is said and done
You all have been amazing
Geez we’ve had some bloody fun.
