Did you think the recent floods in the Kimberley meant the 2023 season was off the table? Not so! APT report it’s back, open for business, and ready for your support! Plus, they’ve got early bird deals to get travellers to the Kimberley in 2024.
The past couple of years has shown us that there’s no more resilient an industry than the travel industry. We’ve survived fires, floods, cyclones, and a global pandemic. We’re very familiar with the rally-cry of support required to get back on track. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that in less than three months, the Kimberley (and APT) are ready for travellers.
With APT’s experienced Broome crew, plus all the regional mates they’ve made running tours through the Kimberley for 45 years, APT has been able to give us real-time updates on how fast the part of the region affected has recovered.
One of those updates has been a reminder about how vast the Kimberley region is. Like 420,000+ square kilometres vast! Like twice the size of VIC and three times the size of the UK next-level vast! Many areas within the region were unaffected by the floods, and the parts that have been quick to bounce back. Hurrah.
Minimal itinerary changes
So how back is back? APT report minimal itinerary changes to their tours. They’ve already sourced fab alternatives, where needed, from the local businesses in the area.
Alongside, the Western Australian and federal governments, plus Tourism Western Australia, APT report the incredible team effort they were part of to get the season on track for launch by late April 2023.
Roads through the region have already reopened, river crossings are reinstated, and barges deployed so everyone can still go about their business (including those with the goal of reaching monumental Kimberley landmarks).
Plus, the rainfall has transformed the Kimberley in a spectacular way. Every area visited by travellers in 2023 will be seeing the lush bounty of those downpours. Hues of verdant green have sprouted forth, and both flora and fauna are thriving. Consider it a worthwhile trade for the couple of gorges that currently remain closed.
And mega brill news, APT’s three gorgeous wilderness lodges in Mitchell Falls, Bell Gorge, and the Bungle Bungle remain unaffected. And, of course, APT guests will still see the best of the Kimberley from the comfort of custom-designed 4WDs, led by the same legendary expert driver-guides.
The current closure of Bangilngan Windjana Gorge and Danggu Geiklie Gorge National Parks only cause minimal disruption for APT’s Kimberley touring. Fortunately APT has sourced alternative afternoon activities for these days such as a special visit to Ellenbrae Station to enjoy their famous Gibb River Road scones and hear from the owners themselves to learn about the cattle station. Or an exclusive a visit to the Hoochery Gin and Rum Distillery in Kununurra to enjoy Rum Brownies and a Gin Citrus Cake tasting, followed by a distillery tour.
Rest assured Gorge Enthusiasts will not be disappointed as on the 15 day Kimberley Complete there are no less than 4 other gorges to delight you including Cathedral, Emma, Galvans and Bell Gorges – (plus Echidna Chasm that we think also makes the list!).
APT’s focus on staying faithful to the local communities – who rely heavily on tourism – brings a smile to our faces. The kind of smile you get when you see a wee kitten cuddling up to a puppy on a soft blanket. Awww.
The early bird catches the 2024 worm
If your 2023 travel plans are all set, then APT’s 2024 early bird booking incentive will set your travel wings aflutter. There are Superdeals savings of up to $5,600 per couple on adventure tours, lush cruises, and a slew of Luxury Short Breaks released.
APT’s Superdeals include travel to the Kimberley, of course, as well as other intriguing Outback destinations. Valid until 31 May 2023, get maximum savings when combining land and cruise journeys. Just what we’d pick if we got invited on an APT Kimberley trip (hint, hint)!
Cher Lontok, APT’s Head of Product for Kimberley and Outback Australia, is amped for the upcoming seasons, “It’s thrilling to be the only operator whose Kimberley cruises can be combined with our land journeys, providing the ultimate adventure.”
New for 2024
In other hot APT Kimberley news, they are introducing the luxe Le Jacques Cartier expedition ship to the fleet. It joins Le Laperouse to cruise the Kimberley coast between Broome and Darwin.
Save up to $4,600 per couple of the 11-day Kimberley Coastal Expedition cruise when booking by 31 May. This includes daily Zodiac excursions, an expert expedition team, attentive crew services, plus 29 meals and a wide range of beverages onboard.
Agents, read this
To book your clients a dream APT trip to the Kimberley, head here. Alternatively, contact your APT BDM or call 1300 278 278.
Got clients booked with APT for the 2023 Kimberley season? No worries, APT has been in touch about the tour changes and remain up to date before their trip commences.
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