Our Last 12 Months - Testimonials
‘It’s not where you walk, it’s who you walk with’
The Kimberley - June 2025
Our tour to the Kimberley was a little different this year due to unseasonal rain across the top end. While road closures required us to adapt our itinerary we still managed to work out a way to fit everything in. On the upside, the country looked fantastic and an abundance of water filled some of the normally dry creeks and waterholes. One of the changes we made was to visit Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge where we had the opportunity to experience this rugged landscape from the air. Our helicopter flight to Walcott Inlet explored picturesque gorges, waterfalls and cascading rivers with breathtaking views. Purnululu National was also special with a lot more water than normal in the creeks and river. There was also water in the Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. Of course, we saw endless starry skies, extraordinary Wandjina rock art, a golden sunset in Broome and all of the other wonders of the Kimberley region.
“ Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy little treasures in an amazing part of our country, such a wonderful way to experience this area. You are a special team.”
“Just about finished my 23 day camping and bushwalking trip through the Kimberley. Helicoptered over the gorges of Mount Hart area, float planed out over the Horizontal Falls and helicoptered over the Bungle Bungles.
Walked up creeks, explored chasms and gorges, slept out under the stars.
Watched sunrises and sunsets and skies chock full of stars. And this afternoon I’ll be dropped off in Darwin to say goodbye to the most fabulous group of people I’ve ever had the pleasure to spend time with. Thank you each and every one of you. Travel well. ”
“With thanks to Ian, Dave and Genine who together make a great team. They take us everywhere to fulfill our every dream. The drives, walks and swims where all memorable events. With birds, plants and crocodiles there was excitement wherever we went. I absolutely loved every minute of it.
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The Pilbara - May 2025
For twenty years we have traditionally programmed our Pilbara tour in the Spring to take advantage of the seasonal wildflowers and the pleasant weather. This year we decided to change it up and for the first time we did the tour in May. At this time of the year the Pilbara proved to be as spectacular as always. However, touring in May coincided with the opportunity to swim with the biggest fish in the sea, the majestic Whale Shark. During their migration, Whale Sharks visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park between March and June each year. During this four-month period, the Whale Sharks inhabit Australian waters due to the reef’s annual coral spawning. Ningaloo Reef is a beautiful coral garden, where we also encountered turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and huge schools or reef fish. It was an amazing experience that will remain etched in our memories forever.
“My deepest appreciation is for the opportunity to experience the diversity and ancient stillness of the Pilbara. You have taken us to places that provide glimpses of the geological bones, the climates, plant and animal responses, as well as contemporary and distant-past human responses to the region. My own response is one of amazement, thought, curiosity and concern for the future of this unique region. Your considered choices of place appear to reveal your own sense of connection to these locations. Other than that I reckon that the unique Exploranges combination of travelling, camping and walking is just perfect. ”
“Thanks once again for a fabulous tour. All of the sights were amazing and the range of experiences on offer - mind blowing! Swimming with whale sharks and in gorgeous water holes, viewing ‘off the track’ indigenous art, learning about mining, climbing Mt Bruce (thanks for your encouragement), taking time to soak up small town history, all mixed in with fantastic bush/gorge walks, made for a varied, jam packed and very enjoyable tour. Simply-a great touring programme. We were all impressed with the delicious meals you, Janine and Dave seemed to whip up in no time! Thank you for acknowledging my Birthday (and Janet’s and Peggy’s too); it’s those little things that made the holiday extra special and bonded the group. Upon reflection, and what I find myself telling people about my holiday now, is this. When I am away on your tour I know I am safe and in very capable hands-your crew is professional, experienced, very knowledgeable about all things touring, personable, caring, fun….just A grade peeps! All I have to do is ‘turn up’, and the rest is taken care of; this allows me to relax and just enjoy what it is I came to see and experience. Having the space to do that is golden, given my busy lifestyle. So sincere thanks to you, Janine and Dave for a brilliant tour, you have delivered, once again, in spades! ”
“We recently completed the trip to the Pilbara and thoroughly enjoyed our time. The crew led by Ian and supported by Dave and Genine was professional while at the same time friendly and supportive. Janet particularly thanks them for the adjustments they made to include her in all the activities. The little extras, and with his extensive knowledge of flora and fauna Ian was able to include in the walks was appreciated. We have no hesitation in recommending their trips to anyone interested in seeing Australia outside the cities.
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Heysen Trail - April 2025
Our first Australian tour in 2025 was private charter organised by a group of walkers, predominately from Melbourne. They wanted to experience of walking sections at each end of the iconic 1200 km Heysen Trail, which passes through some of South Australia’s most diverse landscapes. From our base in Pt Elliot we spent five days walking southern sections of the trail between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor. Then we moved north to Edeowie Station in the Flinders Ranges where we walked in Wilpena Pound and Edeowie Gorge. We had perfect weather and walked a total of 120kms. Highlights included the magnificent costal scenery in the south, climbing Rawnsley Bluff in the North, Yellow-footed rock-wallabies and of course the scenic flight over Wilpena for some.
“Greatest trip ever. Great walks, food, company and only two swag rolls! Heaven! Thanks Ian, David and Genine for giving us a wonderful trip.”
“Fantastic scenery, fantastic food, fantastic company. All in all a Ripper.”
“Thank you Ian for taking on this Heysen Trail Charter tour. A long time goal achieved to climb Rawnsley Bluff and see the terrain at the Cape Jervis end. Thanks as always for the input from Dave and Genine, great teamwork from you all”
“What an amazing trip. I loved the whole concept of a bushwalking trip like this. It did not disappoint. The swags were so warm, the food was always so good and the constant work by the team made for a brilliant trip. ”
Indochina - March 2025
Our small group of 12 set out in March to explore the highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam, a region colloquially known as French Indochina. We spent seven days in Cambodia based in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. In addition to visiting the magnificent Angkor Wat, the group favorite was our day visiting the Tonle Sap UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the floating lake village of Prek Toal. After crossing into Vietnam by boat we then spent another eight days exploring the Mekong Delta based from Chau Doc, Can Tho and finally Ho Chi Mihn City. With the help of our wonderful local guide, Miss San, we saw the best of local markets, floating fish farms, traditional village food production, bustling river life and so much more. The colourful and humorous Vietnamese water puppet show was a definite highlight of the entire tour.
“Thank you for a wonderful trip. We seem to have seen so much but it never felt like too much. Your expertise in herding cats is exemplary - you managed not to lose any of us , despite our best efforts. So many times you went above and beyond what would normally be expected of tour guides”
Western Tasmania - November 2024
Our Western Tasmania tour was originally programmed in March. However, due to challenges with ferry bookings it had to be rescheduled to November. Western Tasmania is well known for its wild and changeable weather. That is what makes it such a great wilderness area. This year the weather was no exception, but with good planning we were prepared for it. We were blessed with some fabulous days on our mountain walks and had good shelter when the weather was bad. Our group certainly didn’t let the few patches of rain dampen their enthusiasm. It seemed they were ready to take every opportunity to break into a party. In particular, they put together a ‘spirited’ Christmas party which was a great way to finish off what was a great 2024 season.
“Thank you for this excellent trip. I have enjoyed it enormously. The OKAs are comfortable, the swags are cozy and you guys do such a wonderful job of feeding me. We have seen so many beautiful things, on very interesting walks. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to do them. ”
“What and awesome way to experience Tassie for the first time. Loved it all. Thanks”
“Each experience of our wonderful country is special. Thank you for taking us to places we would never see without your planning and the OKAs. Thanks to a great team for the food, fun and fabulous walks.”
“I have seen things, experienced things and done things that I wouldn’t have done alone. Together we have. Thank you.”
Sri Lanka - November 2024
In addition to our Australian tour program, in 2024 we sought expressions of interest for another Exploranges led tour of Sri Lanka. This was our 5th tour to Sri Lanka and our first since 2018. Our itinerary included all of the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Triangle, the tea plantation regions of the high country and some wonderful wildlife safari experiences. This country is beautiful and is steeped in history and culture, the people are warm and friendly and to be able to get up close and personal with so many wild elephants is truly a special experience.
“Thankyou for a very enjoyable, well organised trip to Sri Lanka. Thanks also for your card of magnificent photos I thought my photos were pretty good until I saw the clarity of your shots which really captured the trip. (a better quality camera and slick operators doing the trick) I have a few different pictures especially of the local people. Thankyou again We may meet again on one of your other trips. ”
Southwest WA - September 2024
The biodiversity in WA is amazing, it has mountains, tall trees, coastal areas and the Nullarbor. We always aim to visit Southwest WA around September to make the most of the areas abundance of flowering plants. This year was no exception, and it didn’t let us down. While the weather started out a bit cloudy, and we had to wear our jackets a few times, we certainly got some glorious blue sky days as the tour progressed. All up it was perfect walking weather all round. Unfortunately, we forgot to pack our Visitor’s Book so you will have to take our word for it that everyone loved Southwest WA and the Nullarbor experience.
Great Outback Stations - September 2024
This year our Great Outback Station tour was more focused on the areas around the Flinders Ranges. Being specifically designed to be something different, this tour is accommodated in shearer’s quarters on working stations. With less time spent setting up and packing up camp this means we have more time to get out and about exploring some amazing outback areas - most of which are on private station property. Cooking in the shearer’s kitchens also gives us the opportunity to include some old fashion recipes that would delight hungry bushwalkers and shearers alike. This tour not only showcases some fantastic walks but also immerses you in the history of South Australia’s early settlers in what is a beautiful but harsh land. This year we climbed Mt Hack for the first time, a challenging but spectacular hike, and our visit to Holowiliena Station stands out in the testimonials as a definite favourite.
“Thank you for a wonderful experience with Exploranges again. I enjoyed the walking (even Mt Hack after we had finished) and just can’t get enough of those rocky Flinders Ranges creek beds.”
“I really appreciate all the effort that goes into the fantastic holidays you have organised. My dream has always been to see Australia in my retirement and I have achieved this with you. Thank you for showing me a different part of South Australia I would never of otherwise seen. I look forward to my next trip.”
“Outback South Australia has been on my must see list. It’s a wonderful par of Australia with so much interesting history. Staying in sheep stations was a wonderful experience especially at Holowiliena where the very knowledgeable Francis took us on a history tour of the property that has been in her family since the 1850s.The food, walks, mountains, creeks and company were exceptional.”
“I have enjoyed the experience of staying in the Shearer’s Quarters. Each place was a new adventure - finding our rooms and checking out the bathrooms. I’ve enjoyed being immersed in the Flinders Ranges scenery and geology - which provided me with many rocks to examine. I always think it worth going on Exploranges’ tours just for the food!”
Murray Lands & Mallee - September 2024
The Murray Lands and Mallee is not a big iconic tourist destination like Kakadu or the Kimberley. Close to home, the Riverland of SA and the north west corner of Victoria is virtually part of our backyard. So we know it is a destination with wonderful diversity, beautiful remote places teaming with birdlife and best of all - hardly any other people. This year our group were all ladies and while many were keen birdwatchers our testimonials indicate the tour was more about camaraderie, good conversation and kicking back in the evenings to enjoy the campfire.
“I am not a birdwatcher but came to enjoy the camping experience, do some bush walking and sit around the campfire in the evening. 13 of us rare female ‘birds’ managed to keep our nests clean and eat the delicious food prepared by Ian and Genine. You guys are so patient, I don’t know how you do it.”
“Thank you for another great trip. As usual, great food, locations and company. Lots of laughs and good birds and walks. I look forward to my next one.”
“What a wonderful trip we all had and more so for the care, attention to detail and camaraderie. This was a novice trip for me and I enjoyed every day of it. Thank you again for a remarkable camping tour of the Mallee, a place I had little knowledge of until now - and I am now converted to ‘Birding’.”
“Thank you for another wonderful trip - shorter and more relaxed than some I have been on recently. I was especially impressed with the river redgums and the Mallee areas are fascinating.”
Kakadu & Arnhem Land - June 2024
Kakadu is a special and significant place that has been cared for by Australia’s indigenous people for at least 50,000 years. Today this means that at times some areas are closed or have restricted public access. Similar to out Gulf of Carpentaria tour, this year site closures provided opportunity to reinvent out itinerary and include some outstanding aboriginal guided tours that allowed us to experience parts of Kakadu not open to the public. Being given an appreciation of these special places, by the traditional owners of the land, was definitely a highlight.
“Yet another great Exploranges expedition! Good walks, great flowers and some birds I’d never seen before. Into Arnhem Land was very special.”
“In spite of coming to Kakadu many times you took me to many wonderful places that I had not been to before. I especially enjoyed the indigenous tours and it was great to get to the Victoria Settlement and Coburg Peninsula. It is wonderful that you continue the great service and magic of Exploranges.”
“Our 6th trip with you was as always a great adventure, taking us to special places we would not get to ourselves. Thank you so much to a wonderful crew for looking out for us in every way. Until next time.....”
“We enjoyed the trip very much and learned a lot about this northern part of Australia. Not least about the variety of rock art and aboriginal culture.”
Gulf of Carpentaria - June 2024
Getting to the Gulf of Carpentaria is not just a tour - it is an unforgettable journey. From Brisbane to Darwin this is definitely one of our most diverse itineraries. Since our first Gulf tour in 2016 our itinerary has always include a few days exploring Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, right in the heart of Gulf country. This vast station property has now been closed to the public which provided us an opportunity in 2024 to spend more time in Burketown and include two outstanding new aboriginal guided tours into our itinerary.
This proved to be an excellent addition to a journey already full of highlights.
“What a fantastic trip we’ve had. Thank you so much for all you’ve put in to make such a fun, educational and adventurous trip. We’ve seen places we would never have been able to see if not for this trip. The Meals have been amazing, You’re such a great team - thanks again for making it a wonderful time.”
“OMG - What a fabulous way to see some amazing, remote parts of Australia. I am so impressed with the planning, safety and competence of the crew - really loverly human beings. Such a great way to travel! It is about who you travel with. I have never been so relaxed in my whole life. I loved my fellow travelers. Thank you so much.”
“What an unforgettable trip. So well planned to include all those amazing out of the way places, a surprise every day. The food outstanding, so much so, I have to change the way I manage my meals at home! The organization and equipment is unsurpassed by anything I ahave ever experienced before. Always feeling safe in the care of this outstanding team.”
“Another Triumph! Always remember the special places included in this trip. Thank you for all the good fun, food and friendship. ”
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Our reputation is built on this promise & it is the reason many of our customers keep coming back.