Our Last 12 Months - Testimonials
Gawler Ranges & Eyre Peninsular - October 2026
To avoid the threat of inclement weather and several road closures, this year’s Gawler Ranges tour was done in reverse. While the trip started a little colder than usual, we managed to dodge most of the bad weather, with rain only dampening our spirits on the final day. One of the definite highlights was our camp at the wonderful Mikkira Station Koala Sanctuary, home to more than 100 wild koalas. These delightful residents could be spotted resting in the low branches of their favourite eucalyptus trees, the manna gums, providing the perfect opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Coffin Bay National Park was literally teeming with little ‘stripy’ emu chicks, while a spectacular blue-sky day provided perfect conditions to enjoy the breathtaking coastal views from the summit of Mount Greenly. In the Gawler Ranges, the country has never looked better! The landscape was awash with knee-high Elegant Spear-grass, creating a magnificent spectacle across the rolling hills and plains. Even Lake Gairdner held water, providing a rare and memorable sight against the dramatic backdrop of this ancient landscape. This was another fantastic adventure through some of South Australia's most remarkable country, with spectacular scenery, wonderful wildlife encounters and plenty of memorable moments along the way.
“As my first camping experience I could not have wished for Exploranges to organise a better trip. I have seen so many of the best places in the Gawler Ranges and the Coffin Bay oysters were superlative. Thanks to Ian, Dave and Genine for making this a No.1 experience.”
“So many fabulous experiences, Mikkira Station’s koalas being the absolute number one! Thanks for sharing the places you know Ian.”
“My second trip in 14 years and I am certain I will join the Pilbara trip in 2027. Your tours take me to amazing places where I wouldn’t be able to get to myself. Plus it is away from the touristy places. I loved waling in the bush, rock scrambling and seeing the birds, kangaroo etc. The food and the company was great - thank you all.”
“Dear Ian, Genine and Dave, Another fantastic trip through our ancient land, with so much history and amazing landscapes. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time again with Exploranges. Thanking you all gratefully for your friendship.”
The Pilbara - September 2026
This year’s tour along Western Australia’s spectacular coastline and through the rugged Pilbara was enjoyed by a wonderful group of ladies who were already friends before setting off on their adventure. What a fantastic trip it was! The wildflowers along the coast to Exmouth were simply magnificent, putting on their best display in more than a decade and transforming the landscape into a sea of colour. Highlights included some wonderful walks around Kalbarri and the Murchison River Gorge, swimming with manta rays at Ningaloo Reef, and exploring Yardie Creek in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth. Although the Pilbara was exceptionally dry this year, Karijini National Park certainly didn't disappoint. Its towering red cliffs, ancient landscapes and spectacular gorges were as impressive as ever. It's easy to see why this tour remains one of our favourites. We can't wait to do it all again in August and September 2027!
“Ian, Dave, Genine & Damian,
This has been a wonderful trip. A big thanks to all the crew for everything you have done for us. You never rest. A particular thank you for making this trip so enjoyable and wonderful for all of us. Ian, thanks for your patience with our dithering and slow responses in the planning phase, and we’re sorry we didn’t manage to fill the trip. Having said that, what a wonderful group we’ve had.
This trip is very well designed. It starts with highlights and builds all the way. Thanks for the excellent design. All of the beds & bedding have been very comfortable and you know we’ve slept well – and long! Thanks once again for your so wonderful provision of food for me. I know it’s difficult. I appreciate it enormously. And thanks for all the delicious foods we have every day.
Dave & Genine told me to say they’re my favourites – and they are! So are you Ian! And Damian’s not bad either. :)
Thanks for everything and best wishes as you head home.”
“Had a fabulous time. Thank you Exploranges team. Organisation – excellent, communication – clear, facilities, comfort, venues & activities – absolutely wonderful. Favourites: snorkelling, Kennedy Ranges, Karijini. You run a fantastic tour Ian & Co.”
“Definitely an awesome adventure. It is such a privilege to see and experience all the beauty of the Pilbara and Gascoyne region. The care taken by you and crew was second to none.
Thank you so much.”
Lake Eyre & East Macdonnell Ranges - July 2026
The Red Centre looked very different this year, transformed from its familiar red hues into a sea of vibrant green. Following exceptional rainfall earlier in the year, the outback looked magnificent, and the ever-spectacular East MacDonnell Ranges certainly didn't disappoint. We based ourselves at the newly opened Arltunga Bush Resort, with time to explore this beautiful part of the ranges and the fascinating historic gold mining settlement of Arltunga. Heading south, we visited Molly Clark's Old Andado Station, the Mt Dare Hotel and the crystal-clear Dalhousie Hot Springs. As many who have travelled with Exploranges know, every outback adventure brings a few unexpected changes. With rain approaching, we travelled via Oodnadatta and Old Peake Station, reaching William Creek just before around 80 mm of rain turned the campground into a sea of mud. Thanks to the generosity of the locals, we sheltered in one of their sheds and made the best of the situation. The scenic flights over Lake Eyre were the undisputed highlight of the tour. Every guest experienced the breathtaking sight of Australia's largest lake transformed by floodwaters—an unforgettable experience. Road closures extended our planned overnight stay in William Creek to four nights. Rather than being an inconvenience, it became one of the highlights of the journey, filled with laughter, new friendships and true outback hospitality. Sometimes the unexpected creates the best memories, and this remarkable journey through a lush, Red Centre was one we'll never forget.
“Great company, lots of fun and some great places visited. A few weather issues which were very well managed. Thans for the safe driving and great memories.”
“The start and finish points were correct and what happened in between was a delightful adventure. I now know I can cope with camping in the rain. Always a wonderful trip, thank you to everyone and see you again soon.”
“Thanks again for the enormous care you take in giving me such tasty food. I really appreciate your efforts. I really enjoyed this wet weather outback trip. Very few people have had this experience. I’d really like to see the places we missed and the Simpson Desert, so I hope you’ll run these again. Your great care of us is evident in that we’re still cheerful and positive, even through the rain and changes in itinerary.”
“Thank you so much Ian and team for sharing this magic part of Australia with us. We weren’t sure what to expect but have been overwhelmed by the slick organisation, excellent quality of food, the comfort in difficult conditions and above all the new friendships we have established with such a fun group. It’s been an absolute hoot of a trip”
The Kimberley - June 2026
Conditions were perfect this year for our pilgrimage along the iconic Gibb River Road. From Alice Springs, our journey crossed the vast Tanami Desert before reaching the tropical north at Kununurra. From there, we headed west along the Gibb, visiting all the favourites – Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Windjana Gorge and, of course, the fascinating Tunnel Creek. The adventure continued with a spectacular sunset over Cable Beach in Broome, while unforgettable helicopter flights above the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park provided a perspective few will ever forget. From rugged gorges and crystal-clear waterholes to ancient landscapes and endless outback horizons, this tour once again showcased why the Kimberley remains one of Australia's most extraordinary destinations, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“Thank you Ian, Dave and Genine. Words cannot describe the last three weeks. How I have enjoyed every minute. You truly go above and beyond and hopefully I will see you all again on another Exploranges adventure.”
“Ian, Dave & Genine, you are legends! On this trip I have been astonished, astounded and awestruck more times than I can count. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Kimberley with us. I heard a Barking Owl, felt the cool freshwater pools, smelt the fresh fragrant air of the bush and seen a far away galaxy! May the Wandjina always protect you on your travels. Thank you for ‘going the extra mile’ to make this trip so special and unforgettable.”
“Some highlights among three weeks of highlights; the Tanami camp an howling Dingos, the Kunanurra camp and the Blue winged Kookaburra, all of the swims, walks and the company. The superb organisaiton runs like a well oiled machine. I hope you will have me again!”
“Your slogan says it all. Exploranges has given me the opportunity of a lifetime. I have learnt so much, experienced so much and met wonderful people. The food is absolutely gourmet. The three of you are ‘A Team’ and ‘MacGyvor’ all in one. Thank you for the wonderful memories.”
Carnarvon NP & Channel Country - May 2026
Our first charter tour of 2026 had to be postponed after heavy rainfall and widespread flooding swept across much of outback South Australia and central Australia. The same rain also inundated large areas of the Channel Country in south-west Queensland, meaning the route for our second scheduled tour needed to remain a little "fluid." Despite the changing conditions, we still managed to visit almost all of our planned destinations, and along the way we shared plenty of laughs and memorable experiences. And what better experience than an evening at Ben's famous Chicken Racing in the Schnitzel Stadium behind the Royal Carrangarra Hotel in Tambo? It was classic outback hospitality, plenty of friendly competition, and a whole lot of fun!
“Another trip to new destinations. Thank you for plans B, C, D ......undertaken cheerfully and with humour. An excellent effort from you all.”
“Quite an eye opener to see the wide spaces and endless skies of what I have known in theory as the Outback - now it is real. Even more magnificent after all the floods. Thanks for your forethoughts and expertise.”
“Thank you Ian again for another fantastic trip, my 11th with Exploranges, You are so generous and skilled to alter the trip due to bad weather, but still make it rewarding and always interesting. Thanks also to Dave and Genine - what a team!”
“Many grateful thanks for a safe, caring and happy trip in very challenging conditions. You all deserve a rest. All the best and see you in Spring for our8th trip.”
Victoria Alps & Grampians - November 2025
We finished 2025 walking in the Victorian Alps and Grampians. We had some rain and wind and some beautiful sunny days - perfect for walking. Victoria’s mountain tracks did not disappoint with some spectacular views, plenty of wildflowers and of course the colourful snow gums. At our alpine lodge in Dinner Plain we celebrated Christmas with plenty of fun and laughter. Merry Christmas to everyone and we look forward to seeing you again in 2026.
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