Our Last 12 Months - Testimonials
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!
“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!”
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.
Southwest Western Australia - October 2025
This year we added two more days to our Southwest Western Australia itinerary so that we could literally slow down and smell the flowers. And the flowers were magnificent, the trees were majestic, the birds were plentiful, and the weather was kind. Our time in Mt Frankland, Fitzgerald River and Cape Le Grande National Parks was packed full of great walks as usual. Climbing Castle Rock, Bluff Knoll or East Mt Barren certainly provided spectacular views. And of course travelling the Nullarbor also provides many great opportunities to explore. ‘Amazing’ was a word commonly used in our visitor’s book this year - and we agree it is a pretty amazing part of beautiful Western Australia.
“A highlight for me was the lookout at the top of Castle Rock - an engineering masterpiece, which I saw only thanks to the patience of Genine, the encouragement of David and the inspiration of Ian. The whole trip has breathed new life into me, and I am very grateful to everyone for their kindness.”
“Another fantastic Exploranges tour! So good to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. The wildflowers, the walks, the mountains and views far exceeded expectations. A whale and calf was a thrill. Getting to so many places along the Great Australian Bight was wonderful, I loved the swim at Streaky Bay! As always, I loved the company, particularly the Koonalda site and Genine’s camp site, Brilliant! Thanks everyone.”
“Many thanks Ian, Dave and Genine for an amazing three weeks. SWWA is amazing and very different to what I thought. Likewise the Nullarbor. You are very knowledgeable and organised and prepared for any mishaps etc. Keep up the great work!”
“Thank you for another exploranging adventure. Beautiful walks, delectable food and amazing opportunities to see parts of SWWA that I would never otherwise have had the opportunity to see. Your knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology add so much more to the experience. And your energy in providing those experiences continue to amaze me. Thank you Ian, Dave and Genine.”
The Pilbara - September 2025
Our September Pilbara tour this year was a charter -booked by the Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club in Victoria. They have travelled with us for many years and it was great to see a lot of new club members coming along. We had great seasonal wildflowers in Kalbarri and around Perth but the Pilbara region was quite dry this year. The group swam with the manta rays at Coral Bay, hiked in the Cape Range NP and saw all the gorges in Karijini. It was another fantastic tour and many of the Diamond Valley members have already booked again for next year. We can’t wait to see you all again.
“Wow + Wow. Thank you all for your hard work giving us an amazing holiday. Highly organised, a wonderful variety of experiences. You took great care of everyone, encouraged and assisted with the walks. For me thanks for helping up the big steps and catching me as I jumped down. Most of all thanks for sharing your love of this unique area of Oz. I have had a fantastic trip and been able to visit places that I would not have seen otherwise. Many, many thanks.”
“You opened my eyes to the most beautiful places Aust has to offer. I never knew such beauty existed. The experience was truly amazing even the red dirt I shall take home with me. The whole trip was a wonderful experience from the food to the knowledge imparted. Many Thanks.”
“What an awesome 22 days! You guys worked so diligently to give us the best time of camping in the Pilbara. Everything was perfect. Food was awesome and you did your best to accommodate our varied requirements. I was unable to do some of the hikes, but Dave and Genine were fabulous in the alternative hikes. I thank you for your care and I am going home with a sense of achievement that fills me with joy.”
“I’ve had the best time ever. Our group of 19 has exceeded my expectations. Such fun with a group of people you know and can share memories with afterwards. Genine and Dave are great additions to your team. Loved the walking, flowers, gorges, meals and friendship. Looking forward to another trip soon.”
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