Fabulous trip with tour guide extraordinaire
I’ve dreamed of getting to Kakadu for a long time and this was the perfect way to fulfil the dream. Three nights of camping under a full moon on a very comfortable mattress in a spacious trailer-tent with four days of intense but well-paced exploration by vehicle and on foot. Highlights were swimming in the amazing plunge pools, sunsets and sunrises in extraordinary settings, Aboriginal art adorning ancient living spaces, and the indefatigable and knowledgeable GT. Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Tour in September 2019.Jonathan- Melbourne
A great way to experience Kakadu
A very well-designed trip - coming back through Ubirr pulled the experiences over four days together. Amazingly varied landscapes with plenty of opportunities to hike and swim. GT was the perfect host and guide and spurred the dormant bird-watchers into action. Loved the camping, campfire and food.
Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Tour in September 2019.Wendy C.- UK
Truly Outstanding!
As a family of 4 we recently completed the 10 day Darwin to Broome trip. We couldn’t speak more highly of the trip - the stunning landscapes, the brilliant experiences and activities, and the outstanding GT! We were spoilt with stunning gorges to swim in, striking waterfalls to jump off, amazing helicopter trips over the Bungle Bungles and the Mitchell Falls (plus the spectacular surrounding coastal scenery), the lovely Coburn Ranges glowing at sunset, incredible aboriginal art, mesmerising views of the stars, abundant bird life and so much more. This was topped with GT being the best guide and companion for the trip. He is truly knowledgeable from his many years of guiding backed with a real passion and love for the area and what he does. He made the trip lots of fun with so many stories to tell as well as made the trip personal and interesting. He was always checking in on how we were doing and making sure we were getting the best out of the trip. The bush camping was a real highlight and gave us a true sense of adventure and privacy. The food was fabulous and GT amazed us each night with what he managed to cook up on the camp fire! We felt incredibly lucky to have experienced the trip but truly fortunate that we chose Charter North to experience it with. Thank you GT and Alina, truly outstanding! Travelled in July 2019 on private 10 Day Kimberley camping Tour with Camper Trailer Option.Sam, Richard & children- UK
Amazing 10 Day Private Broome to Darwin Kimberley Trip
With great excitement we booked what we thought sounded like the perfect way to see the Kimberley....private tour with Camper Trailer staring in Broome for a 10 day tour to Darwin. What followed met all our expectations plus more! GT was the ultimate host, imparting extradordinary knowledge of history, flora, fauna, geological facts & most importantly aboriginal heritage & culture. We were taken to many sacred sights viewing extraodianry rock art & were blown away with history every painting revealed. Everyday GT ensured we experinced highlights....we trekked, we swam in beautiful water holes, scrambled up & down breathtaking gorges & were rewarded every night with a gourmet campsite meal!! The variety of food (different menu every night) was fresh, healthy, & delicious! We would highly recommend this trip to those who want to get off the beaten track, avoid the touristy areas & want some autonomy over what you want to see & do at your pace! Thank you GT & Alina for giving us the ultimate Kimberley experience....your advice to experince the Bungles from the air was sensational even if we did have to request doors!!! And a big call out to GT for his driving skills in very difficult terrain. His continual safety checks & maintenance on the vehicle to ensure unnecessary break-downs, while we enjoyed ourselves, didn't go unnoticed!! Great trip, great company, we would highly recommend Charter North Tours to anyone who really wants to come back feeling enchanted by the beauty & knowledge the Kimberley holds. Travelled on 10 Kimberley Tour with Camper Trailer in August 2019.Barb, Cally & Pete- Australia
An epic adventure
We have just arrived in Broome after completing a 10 day tour with GT and Charter North. We have covered 3,200km and have seen some amazing scenery. From the Bungle Bungle range to Mitchell Falls and Manning Gorge to name a few. The organisation by GT was faultless, the food outstanding, and the bush camps spectacular and secluded. We haven’t camped for over 30 years so it stretched our comfort zone considerably. I would probably mix it up a bit if I did it again with mostly camping but a few nights in accommodation to get a balance. GT was extremely knowledgeable about the areas visited and local flora and fauna. Well done and thanks for a great adventure! Travelled on 10 Day private Kimberley Tour in August 2019.Angus & Tania- Melbourne
5 Days we will never forget!
If your are looking for a private tour from Darwin to the National parks we would definitely recommand you Charter North. It’s a small professional company with friendly people who offer big quality. First of all we had very nice contact with the office when we booked so we could make this tour like we preffered. Sean was a great guide with nice stories, good food and always very kind and calm. At night he played guitar by a campfire. We have teenage boys and we could climb JimJim falls. That was awesome. Also the bottompool was impressive. Thanks Charter North for this wonderful week! Travelled on private 5 Day Kakadu & Beyond Camping Tour in July 2019.Inge, Maurice & children- Netherlands
Great Tailor Made Kimberley Trip- 7 Days
This trip was exactly what we were looking for. Our group—4 adults—wanted an experience that suited our interests and our guide, GT, gave us just that. First, we had options for our campsites, which we loved. We quickly got used to the daily routine of setting and breaking camp and always looked forward to GT’s great morning coffee on the campfire. The food was good and the long car trips were filled with conversation and even some singing. The countryside and camps were memorable and we got a real Kimberley experience. Highlights for us were the Bungle-Bungle helicopter flight that GT fitted into our schedule—absolutely stunning scenery—and swimming in the Kimberley gorges, especially Manning Gorge. GT made an effort to take us to swim at secluded spots away from other visitors at this busy time of year. GT also organised a lunar eclipse for us one morning: just kidding, it caught us by surprise. Overall, we are very happy that we didn’t do a large-group tour because we got a tailored experience that we took at our pace. Travelled on private 7 Day Kimberley Camping Tour in July 2019.Lucy, David, Alexander & Danah- Australia
Kakadu- Fantastic experience
Sean the guide was great. Knowledgeable and friendly and a mean hand at the cooking. A thoroughly enjoyable experience in places we could never go solo. Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Tour in August 2019.Rodney, Maria, Keith & Sarah- Australia
Unforgettable family holiday in the Kimberley!
After an extraordinary trip with Charter North through the Top End in 2017, we decided to embark on a journey with the team through the Kimberley. Again, we were impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of GT and Alina in planning an adventure for our family of 5 (including 3 children ranging from 11 to 17 years). After a long conference call to discuss the various options, we opted for an 11 day private tour with GT enabling us to see more of the Kimberley. We were not disappointed! Despite the terrain being drier than usual (following a below average wet season), we still felt we were able to experience all that the Kimberley has to offer.Highlights of our holiday included:• an amazing private overnight camp on Lake Argyle – we enjoyed an afternoon on the lake, including freshwater croc and rock wallaby spotting; jumping off a 3m high ledge into the sparkling water; a sunset swim complete with bevvies and tasty snacks; an island camp all to ourselves; and the most spectacular sunrise we’ve ever seen;• 2 full days at El Questro, enabling us to complete 3 terrific gorge walks (Amalia; Emma and our favourite rock scramble through El Questro gorge); a soak in the Zebedee Hot Springs and a magical sunset at Branco’s lookout;• 2 nights at the Mornington Wilderness camp, allowing us to engage in bird spotting along Little Annie Creek; a canoe excursion through Dimond Gorge; another picturesque sunset at St John Gorge; a restaurant quality dinner at the Station and a slide slow about the efforts of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy;• Purnululu National Park, especially time alone in Cathedral Gorge (which has fabulous acoustics!) and a 30 minute scenic chopper flight over the Bungle Bungles;• Manning Gorge, which we explored downstream from the crowds, enabling us to enjoy some indigenous rock art and a private swim.We slept in the camper trailer, which we had christened the “Taj” two years ago (and it seems that the name has stuck!). The Taj has two double beds and room in the spacious annex for the third child in a swag (note that you can choose instead to sleep in tents). We opted largely for a diverse range of bush camps, so as to avoid over crowded camping grounds and really appreciate the stars. Our favourite campsites included March Fly Creek, which was adjacent to a water hole with marvellous reflections; the dry desert camp overlooking the magnificent Cockburn ranges; The Pines where we were surrounded ghostly gums and our private campsite at El Questro within metres of the Pentecost River. Unlike the Top End, the Kimberley gets cool at night, but we were super cosy around the camp fire and enjoyed snuggling under the doonas in the Taj. We enjoyed terrific meals cooked over the open fire, including BBQs, curries, fried rice and stir fries.The key reasons we booked with Charter North are as follows: (1) GT has more than 22 years’ experience in guiding. He knows the Kimberley and Kakadu like the back of his hand. Through his expert planning, we were able to enjoy pockets of the Kimberley all to ourselves, without the crowds. Quite simply, he took us where no other tours go. (2) With Charter North, we could book a private tour for our family, which gave us the ability to customise the itinerary according to our preferences and the needs of our group. (3) Charter North takes all the stress away. We were not worried about whether we had enough food or water, whether we’d wash away in a river crossing, get eaten by a croc or get stuck by the side of the road with a flat tyre or no petrol. They know what they are doing, leaving us to enjoy the ride. (4) All tours – even those with set itineraries - are in very small groups. We were not one of a large number, being herded around like cattle. (5) GT is a funny, personable man who gets on well with people of all ages. He has a great voice, joining in when we were all belting out the tunes. He’s also a fabulous cook – a master of the camp fire! If you book with Charter North, you’ll have a lifetime of happy memories. Do it people.Travelled on private 11 Day Kimberley Tour in July 2019.Lisa, Geoff & family- Australia
A great trip to Kakadu and beyond – Amazing
Thank you for what was a magic family holiday experience over 6 days across Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield. We are not “campers”, but we were able to safely sleep, eat, see and hike to places we wouldn’t have on our own, in a relaxed manner over our entire trip. Sean was exceptionally easy going and extremely knowledgeable about the land, culture, wildlife and the current issues impacting the area. In addition, he prepared great meals throughout the trip which kept us all well feed. We have and would highly recommend a Charter North trip as a great way to see this part of Australia. It will live long in our memory’s. Travelled on private 6 Day Kakadu & Beyond Tour in July 2019.Richard & Amy B.- Australia
Fantastic family holiday in Kakadu
We are a family of five (kids aged four, six and nine) and were looking for a great way to see Kakadu. Charter North really provided an amazing experience. The six day private tour was exceptional and included all of the major sites in Kakadu along with a boat ride on Katherine gorge and a day in Litchfield national park. Our guide Sean was superb and extremely knowledgeable about the area. The variety of delicious meals he could prepare in a camp oven was astounding. He also managed to make two birthday cakes in two days, had great chat and can play guitar like a pro! Highlights were swimming in the rock pools at Jim-Jim falls, Maguk falls and Gunlom falls, seeing the rock art at Ubirr rock and seeing crocodiles on the wetlands tour. Our four year old thinks licking green ants butts was the best part (surprisingly flavoursome). We have enough photos for two albums (a waterproof camera or a Go-Pro would have been handy). The only unfortunate part was going home to work.Travelled on private 6 Day Kakadu & Beyond Tour in July 2019.Mark B. & family- Australia
Charter North - The only way to see the Kimberley!!
We spent about 13 days with Greig of Charter North exploring Karijini National Park, The Kimberley and the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu) taking the camping option, sleeping in tents and swags. What a wonderful holiday he created for us. Greig is an excellent professional guide, safe driver and he cooked healthy meals. Hw was also a good 'campfire singer' - move over Guy Sebastian. Travelling with Greig through this amazing part of Australia was very enjoyable. He made it a real adventure for 'city slickers' like us with campfires, bush camps, staying on outback stations, star gazing, and camping on an island in Lake Argyle. The campsites were well located, mostly having showers and non stinky toilets or a river to swim in if no shower existed. We wanted to truly experience the remoteness and beauty of the Kimberley and Greig delivered in spades. Thanks Greig and Charter North for delivering a truly memorable holiday. Many thanks Phil and Liz. Travelled on private 16 Day Karijini & Kimberley Charter in June 2019.Liz & Phil- Sydney
THE MOST AMAZING TRIP WITH A WONDERFUL GUIDE AND EQUALLY WONDERFUL COMPANIONS. I CAN HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOOKING THIS TRIP!
Wow! My husband and I recently went on the 9 day camping trip from Broome to Darwin. We were not sure what to expect, but with all the information provided by Alina and Greig, we felt very well informed. From the very beginning of the trip we knew we would all get on very well. The other 2 couples from Hobart, our super guide GT plus ourselves all had a great sense of humour, adventure and comradeship - a great combination while travelling the great expanse of the Kimberley. The scenery & experiences during our trip through the Kimberley was fantastic, breathtaking and unique The swimming holes, the views, the treks, the night skies with all those amazing stars (still need to download that app Garry :)), and of course the daily sunrises and sunsets. Our camps each night were like a well oiled machine. While everyone put up their tents for the night, "master chef GT" would cook our sumptuous meals on the camp fire. We ate extremely well thanks to GT's mastery on the open fire. GT provided very entertaining commentary during the entire journey and had an extensive knowledge of the history, geology, flora & fauna of all areas we visited and continued to amaze all of us with the dates, names, facts & figures he has in his head. I can't highlight enough the exceptional way Charter North conduct their business. From the very first communication, we were made to feel welcome and Alina would answer any questions we would put to her with very speedy responses. We had the best time and wish we were still up their travelling and seeing the great expanse of our wonderful country. Well done GT and Alina 🙂
Travelled on 9 Day mixed group Kimberley Tour in May 2019.Ian & Didge- Newcastle, Australia
9 Day Kimberley Tour Broome to Darwin
What a fantastic trip! Great time of year to go as not too many travellers in the early dry season. 6 of us embarked on a wonderful trip with GT seeing the vast and amazing land of the Kimberley - landscapes that went on forever, sunrises, sunsets, night skies, rocks, red earth, boab trees, rock gorges, swimming holes and much more. GT was a great guide - fun, knowleadgeable, organised, great camp cook and passionate about the Kimberly. We always felt safe no matter the state of the track or the remoteness of the bush camps. Camping was easy, the 4WD comfortable and our fellow travellers congenial. All contact with Charter North prior to the trip was easy, informative and prompt. All round a great experience - thank you Greig and Alina for making one of my bucket list trips very memorable. Travelled on 9 Day mixed group Kimberley Tour in May 2019.Judy M.- Hobart
Love the Kimberley!
My wife and I have just spent a sensational 10 days with Greig in the Kimberley. Our journey started in Broome and after 2,831 KMs we made it to Darwin. We went via the Gibb River Road with several detours along the way. Our driver/guide/host, Greig, we just great. Apart from conveying us safely Greig told many stories and showed us many sights. His knowledge (22 years of guiding) was invaluable and we both appreciated it. Evening camp fires were another time for story telling/learning about the Kimberly. Greig is also a sensational cook and we never went hungry. Greig also does a mean morning coffee which helps get the early morning starts underway. Our 4WD vehicle was very comfortable. Great suspension and air conditioned, although it wasn’t that hot. Being isolated (no mobile communications) from the day-to-day life was valued and it allowed us to connect with the Kimberley environment and our fellow travellers. We enjoyed the hikes and swims. The swims allowed some of the Kimberley red earth to be removed. And so much more. It was just brilliant. Travelled on mixed group Kimberley Tour in May 2o19.Garry R.- Hobart, Australia
14 Day Kimberley Adventure
My wife has always wanted to visit the Kimberley, but we are retired and whilst we had been to Australia before, we had never been to the top end. We did not have so many firm ideas, but we knew that we wanted to see the real rural outback, and we knew that we did not have knowledge to plan it ourselves, we needed local expertise. I e-mailed a couple of UK travel companies, and got no response. I contacted Charter North and got an immediate and very comprehensive reply. Right from the first contact we got good responses and lots of ideas, accommodating our thoughts and needs. We were planning our trip for almost a year, and during this time my wife had some health issues. We talked to Greig and Alina and made adjustments to the plan to cope with our limitations. The trip was excellent in every way, the journeys, the route, the scenery, the accommodation (we did mainly accomodated but some camping as well, the food. All this with great local knowledge and a sense of humour. We can't say anything other the excellent to the whole experience from planning to delivery. Travelled on 14 Day accommodated Kimberley Tour in May 2019.Tim & Denny A.- UK
Kakadu 4 day private tour
We have recently finished a 4 day Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks Tour with Charter North. Alina was very helpful from the beginning answering all my queries and then planning a tour to suit us. Sean was our wonderful guide who showed us the parks major sights and was a wealth of knowledge of the area. We certainly learned a lot along the way. The food was really good especially the barramundi Sean cooked on the first night. We stayed in cabins at Anbilik in Jabiru and Mount Bundy Station. Both were good. We even got to hear Sean sing and play guitar around the campfire at Mount Bundy Station which added to our whole experience. We highly recommend Charter North to see the Top End.
Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu & Litchfield Tour in May 2019.Angela D.- Australia
What an amazing adventure!
With visiting friends from overseas, we decided choose charter North for their expertise and flexible itinerary. From the beginning, Greig was professional and knowledgeable of the areas we visited, Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield National Park. He catered to our every need and abilities. We enjoyed the food he made for us everyday, we didn’t go hungry! A huge thank you to Charter North for a fantastic, memorable adventure... I look forward to our next trip with them, Kimberley is next!!!! Travelled on 6 Day Kakadu & Beyond Tour in April 2019.Robert B.- Sydney
Wonderful Private CamperVan Safari with GT
Our trip to the outback of Darwin with GT was great. He taught us a lot about the environment and nature. He took us to great waterfalls and given the season (April) at some we were on our own. GT is a great campfire cook. The meals were delicious and so all breakfast and lunches with a great variety. Our sons loved helping out getting the wood and lighting the fire. GT is not only very service minded, he was great with our kids (10 and 11 years old). GT's knowledge of the parks comes in handy as he is able to change plans while on tour depending on your needs and wants or weather circumstances. A must do if you consider going to Darwin.
Travelled on 4 Day Kakadu & Litchfield Tour in April 2019.Ruben, Anuschka, Damian & Maxim- Singapore
Unforgettable adventure in the land of fire and flood
Pre dawn, Day 6…..there is a familiar rustling sound in the semi darkness. 5 days ago we might have suspected an inquisitive wallaby had wandered into camp. Now we recognise the sound of our guide, GT, quietly taking down his tent, rolling up his swag and making first preparations for breakfast. That means lighting the campfire. We’ve grown to love this time, just before sunrise. It is cool and peaceful. It is October, so the Kimberley is getting hot. We fell asleep on top of sleeping bags but now lie underneath them. Last night the sky was filled with activity. Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars were all visible, in a vertical line, starting at the horizon. Aquarius, Pisces and the incomparable Scorpio were also seen. We are lucky. The crescent moon started our trip as just a sliver, and so after 6 days remains no impediment to star gazing. But now the earth has turned away from the part of the sky that last night held these planets and constellations….(please, attend Greg Quicke’s stargazing presentation in Broome to learn more about this wonderful terminology)…new stars are faintly visible in the lightening sky, but we will soon face the part of the sky that contains our sun. GT has set up the camp so that we will be shaded from the early morning rays. I’m especially excited this morning, as last night I donated a valuable can of beer to the production of dough….and this morning we will devour the damper that GT is baking on the open fire. Breakfast has been a highlight on this trip, we’ve had eggs, pancakes, cereals, honey and yogurt, fire cooked toast and wonderful fresh coffee. There’s an easy pace to life on the trip. An early start each day is followed by a hike, a swim in a dazzling waterhole or a wildlife excursion. We look to travel in the heat of the day. The Land Cruiser is very comfortable. The girls, aged 7, 9 and 11 have space in the back and can enjoy the views, play games or read books. GT knows the history, landscape and wildlife of the region and has the stories to bring it to life. We might talk for an hour, then spend the next in quiet contemplation. We stop for lunch, have an afternoon excursion and set up camp, which means a beer and cards around the campfire whilst GT makes dinner. The Gibb River Road is an adventurous drive, a harsh road in harsh conditions. We feel very safe with our guide, who has decades of experience in the region and is his own mechanic. On a particularly rough stretch of road, a ruined ‘shocker’ on the trailer is quickly replaced whilst the family tuck into ham sandwiches by the side of the road. GT explains to us that the Kimberley is a land of fire and flood. The haze on the horizon is testament to the wildfires that are a part of life here. The rains will come in the next month, turning the parched landscape green. The wildlife is varied. We’ve been introduced to Wallabies, Rock Kangaroos, freshwater crocodiles, (no salties outside of the wildlife sanctuary) native bees, flying foxes, bats, ‘screeching’ corellas, freshwater crustaceans, fish who use their mouth as a water pistol and even a nosy Bandicoot. After 8 nights out, we set eyes upon the impeccable white sands of Broome and the adventure is over. 4 days at the beach makes for a wonderful finale to the holiday. I won’t rehash a lot of what has been said in other reviews, other than to confirm that our experience matched the most positive of those you can read there. The communication and preparation pre arrival was excellent. GT was very flexible with our activities and he understood what we liked to do and what conditions allowed. You can swim in the gigantic Lake Argyle, you will visit the edge of a giant desert and travel one of the world’s great off road tracks. You will learn about mountain ranges that are millions of years in the making, and observe a night sky that is aged in the billions of years. It is a trip we are thrilled to have taken. Now, if they will just sort out regular direct flights from Singapore, we can visit more frequently. Travelled on private 9 Day Kimberley Tour with Camper Trailer in October 2018.Summerbell Family- Singapore
