The Kimberley is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west, the Timor Sea to the north and the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts to the south. It covers 424,517 square kilometres and has an estimated population of 40,000 and growing.
It was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia, with the first arrivals thought to have landed around 40,000 years ago from the islands of what now form Indonesia. European settlement began around 1885 when cattle were driven across the vast continent in search of good pasture lands. Soon after, miners arrived when gold was discovered around Halls Creek.
To get to the Kimberley's largest town, Broome, takes five days of straight driving from Perth or three-and-a-half hours by air. Known as the pearling capital of the world, the historic town smells sweetly of frangipani and colourful bougainvillea grows in profusion.
Broome buildings nestle among coconut palms and there is a blend of colonial Australian and Asian cultures creating an ambience found nowhere else.
Just six kilometres from Broome is the town of Gantheaume Point, a scenic area of red, craggy cliffs providing a contrast to the azure water of the Indian Ocean. When the tide is less than 1.5 metres you will see 120 million-year-old dinosaur footprints. The reef area is very fragile and care must be taken when exploring.
Kimberley Kayak Fishing's Gregg Davey has over 30 years’ experience as a paddler and fisherman. His knowledge, carefully chosen equipment and instruction ensure that everyone from beginners to competent paddlers will totally enjoy the experience.
Gregg will take you gliding past the cliffs, tropical mangroves and pearling luggers. You will see an amazing variety of marine life — turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, dugong and sea snakes are all regular visitors.
When you decide to wet a line, you may well find the evening dinner of Spanish mackerel, tuna, queen fish, cobia or barramundi.
There are single and double kayaks available and while they are extremely stable, life jackets are provided. If you've never paddled before, you will learn in just 10 minutes! Take along bathers, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, towel and camera. A change of clothing in a provided dry bag for later is a good idea.
