Tour Overview:

Art adventure of a lifetime! Join artist, Louise Collier on an amazing journey around some of the highlights of the East Kimberley. Feel the spirituality and connection to this extraordinary area and you will have the opportunity to interpret what you see and capture the amazing scenery and raw beauty in your art pieces. Louise has lived and worked in the Kimberley and has excellent local knowledge to ensure you get the most from the tour. She has many years teaching experience and will guide you to achieve your best results using oil paints - all art materials supplied.

The East Kimberley is magnificent; rugged escarpments, spectacular gorges, thermal springs, rainforest, majestic ranges, cascading waterfalls and more… diverse, beautiful and unforgettable; it will take your breath away and provide plenty of artistic inspiration - beautiful Kimberley landscapes all around.

The 8 days/7nights tour begins with two magic nights in Kununurra with a special evening planned on the first night - dine with a difference, the Gourmet Camp Oven Experience (highly rated on Trip Advisor). and enjoy comfortable accommodation in the newly refurbished, centrally located, Cambridge Hotel. On Sunday the setting for our first ‘en plein air’ oil painting workshop is in the Mirima National Park located at Hidden Valley on the outskirts of Kununurra - locals call this a mini Purnululu (Bungle Bungles). Mirima will delight with it’s unique rock formations and striking colours. Other highlights include a visit to the Hoochery, various Kununurra art galleries and the Pumphouse Restaurant.

On Monday, after a visit to some of Kununurra’s art galleries, you will travel up to Lake Argyle Resort by road through some amazing scenery where we will spend the next 2 nights staying in the cabins. On arrival day you will head out to explore the lake on a fabulous sunset river cruise on the expansive waters of Lake Argyle. The following day, you will enjoy our second ‘en plein air’ oil painting workshop, overlooking the magnificent orange cliffs and azure waters of the lake, plus some free time to soak up the essence of the area - your choice - relax at the iconic infinity pool, take a scenic bush walk or visit the historic Durack Homestead (don’t forget your sketch book!). On the last morning (Wednesday), you will travel by bus across the dam wall down to the bottom where you will hop aboard a Triple J tour boat for a private charter 55km down the magnificent Ord River to Kununurra. Enjoy stops along the way to soak up the beauty, abundant nature and delicious morning tea. Again, be sure to have your camera and sketchbook handy to gather artistic reference material for later use.

Wednesday is a busy day and the adventure continues! You will transfer from the Triple J boat to a bus transfer to the Emma Gorge Restaurant via the start of the Gibb River Road for lunch and optional Emma Gorge walk with camera and sketch book in hand, then off to the El Questro Station for the next 3 nights. Here you will enjoy accommodation at the air conditioned station tents. On Thursday we will kick off with a painting workshop by the river, followed by a sunset tour in one of El Questro’s open safari vehicles to Explosion Gorge and Branko’s Lookout for sundowner drinks and nibbles. The next day you will have some free time (or extra painting time) in the morning before heading off on a half day tour including a visit to thermal Zebedee Springs (fabulous), nestled in an oasis where you can enjoy a restorative and relaxing soak, followed by a Beef & Barra lunch at the station and a cruise along the Chamberlain River.

Saturday 1 July is sadly time for the tour to conclude. After breakfast at El Questro, transfers from El Questro Station to the Airport/Kununurra is included.

Suitable for the everyone, from the complete beginner to the accomplished artist. We will primarily be using oil paints and included in the price of the tour is your own set of artist quality oil paints (x10 tubes), boards to paint on and brushes (all of which are yours to keep and take home) plus sketching equipment (valued around $600 - more details in the next section). Along the way, you will receive both group and individual tuition and advice on composition, colour mixing and techniques (oils).

SEE THE FULL TOUR ITINERARY BELOW OR CLICK HERE

About the Artist…

Louise Collier is a visual artist with many years of teaching experience. Please see Louise Collier website. Louise has lived and worked in the Kununurra and Lake Argyle periodically (her husband Steve is a local) and has recently moved to Kununurra for a while. Louise has excellent local knowledge and is taking you to some of her favourite East Kimberley spots.

COST

$5,900* per person - Twin share** - book a single bed in twin bedded accommodation

$6,800* per person - Queen room (or double) - single occupancy.

See INCLUSIONS (see above on the right)

See accommodation section below for details on the accommodation type at each location.

* Notes

• A non refundable 20% deposit per person is required at the time of booking.

• A further 30% is due 90 days prior.

• Remaining balance (50%) is due 60 days prior.

• Please note discount codes not applicable to this event.

• Your own travel insurance is recommended as refund may not be possible in the event you need to cancel.

• A reasonable level of fitness is required to access some places on the itinerary - please call Louise on 0403 343 303 if you would like to discuss.

• Minimum number of participants must be reached before the trip is confirmed.

** Regarding Twin Shares you are booking a twin share as a solo traveller, we only allow same gender share rooms on this basis. Your booking will be subject to review and confirmation that we have a suitable person for you to share with.

If you are booking a twin share and want to share with another specific person who is also booking on the tour, then please contact us at the time of booking to advise whom you wish to share with.

Kimberley Art Adventure Tour Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy

About the art…

Magnificent scenery and stunning landscape aside, it is actually all about the art! The tour includes the following:

• Approximately $600 worth of art materials - yours to keep (10 tubes of artist quality oil paints - Langridge if stocks are available), a selection of surfaces including Ampersand Gessobord for your paintings, Various brushes, palette, apron, sketch book and pencils, watercolour (will either be watercolour pencils or something like Koh-I-Noor water colour discs) and pen.

• Other equipment available for your use includes en plein air french box style easel, Windsor & Newton Liquin (medium for oil paint) and Gamblin Gamsol (odourless Mineral Spirit used with paint and for cleaning), rags etc. Note that you can carry oil paints in your checked in luggage, but you cannot carry Gamsol and Liquin so it will be supplied for your use in situ but not to take home).

• You will be encouraged to take your sketchbook, pencils and watercolour (all supplied) with you everywhere you go to do lots of reference sketches as you go. Louise with give you some tuition and tips on how best to do this.

• Skills session - Day 1 - welcome with Louise, overview of your materials and equipment, uses and techniques.

• en plein air Workshops - Day 2 (Mirima National Park, Kununurra), Day 4 (Lake Argyle), Day 6 or 7 (El Questro, depending on tour availability).

• other skills/art session - Day 6 or 7 at El Questro (depending on ELQ tour availability), there will be a window after breakfast and before the Zebedee Springs/Chamberlain Gorge tour) to optionally work on your art pieces and Louise will be on hand to provide tuition, advice and guidance. Throughout the tour, Louise will provide help and advice with your sketch books and your art pieces as you work on them.

SUMMARY OF INCLUSIONS:

NOTE: Flights are NOT included, see recommended FLIGHTS relevant section below. We recommend booking these as early as possible while the prices are at their lowest (currently in early March, return flights Perth to Kununurra available on Virgin for $517.99 - that’s $259 each way which is a low priced fare for this route).

Art Stuff:

As detailed in the “About the art…” section above and includes:

• $600 worth of artist quality art materials

• 3 en plein air workshops plus other skill sessions as per above.

Transport:

All transfers as per the itinerary are included in the cost, including Kununurra Airport to Cambridge Hotel (only applicable if you arrive on Saturday 24 June - Day 1 of the tour), Cambridge Hotel to Mirima, Mirima to Hoochery, Hoochery to Cambridge Hotel via town tour, Cambridge Hotel to Art Centres and Galleries (Waringarri, Artlandish, Artopia), Cambridge Hotel to Pump House and return, Kununurra to Lake Argyle, Kununurra to Emma Gorge, 4WD Emma Gorge to El Questro Station, 4WD El Questro Station to Kununurra Airport or Kununurra (depending if you decide to stay longer).

Tours / Cruises:

Tours, as per the itinerary are included:

• Gourmet Camp Oven Dinner (Day 1) including transfers

• Kununurra and surrounds short tour (Day 2)

• Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise (Day 3)

• Triple J Ord River Cruise - private charter - Lake Argyle Dam Wall to Kununurra (Day 5)

• El Questro Explosion Gorge & Branco’s Lookout Sunset Tour (Day 6)

• El Questro Half Day Tour - Zebedee Springs/Lunch/Chamberlain River Cruise (Day 7)

Accommodation:

7 nights accommodation on either twin share or single occupancy basis as per the accommodation section below.

• Cost for visitor permit for El Questro included.

Food:

BREAKFAST (x 7) - provided daily and varies according to the location.

MORNING TEA (x 2) - included on Day 2 (provided by Art Outdoors at Mirima National Park) and Day 5 (as part of the Triple J River Cruise).

LUNCH (x 2) - included on Day 1 and on Day 7 (as part of an El Questro tour)

SUNSET DRINK AND NIBBLES (x 5) - included on Day 1 (as part of the Gourmet Camp Oven dinner tour), Day 3 & Day 4 at Lake Argyle (Day 3 on the Sunset Cruise), Day 5 & Day 7 at El Questro (Day 7 as part of the El Questro sunset tour)

DINNER (x 1) - Day 1 (as part of the Gourmet Camp Oven dinner tour).

ALCOHOL - a glass of beer, wine or soft drink provided on days where Sunset drink and nibbles is specified above (note that on tours with other providers more than one glass may be offered depending on their liquor licence, ie Gourmet Camp Oven Dinner, Lake Argyle Resort Cruise and El Questro Sunset tour).

Please let us know of any dietary requirements when you book – we are happy to cater to a variety of dietary needs.

FLIGHTS

If you are coming from Perth, the best flights to arrive and depart on in terms of dates and times for our tour are the Virgin flights shown to the right and below (a snip from the Virgin website). However, you may of course wish to extend your stay in the Kimberley and book flights on different days. Please feel free to call Louise to discuss options 0403 343 303.

Flight prices shown cannot be guaranteed (they were as as 5/3/2023)

NOTE THAT FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED - See recommended flights below.

OUTBOUND - Saturday 24 June 2023 - PERTH TO KUNUNURRA

Virgin flight VA 1635 - departs Perth at 9am and arrives in Kununurra at 12.10pm - as at 5 March 2023 this flightwas priced at $259 one way.

INBOUND - Saturday 1 July 2023 - KUNUNURRA TO PERTH

Virgin flight VA1636 - departs Kununurra at 12.50pm and arrives in Perth at 4.25pm - as at 5 March 2023 this flight was prices at $258.99 one way.

There are also Qantas/Airnorth flights available but at the time of writing these were more expensive (and the Qantas flights mostly go via Broome).

If you are coming from other states in Australia, you can fly to Perth then the information above will be relevant. However, you can also come via Darwin but in this case, you will almost always have to overnight in Darwin (there is accommodation available at Darwin airport) and catch the Airnorth flight in the morning. Prices to get to Kununurra from elsewhere in Australia will be higher than those from Perth to Kununurra.

Travel by Road due to a big wet season, flooding has damaged the bridge at Fitzroy Crossing and at the time of writing the main highway is closed. By late May, the old river crossing at Fitzroy may be available to use and the Highway, in that case, will then be open (and the Gibb River Road will probably be open by then as well. However, distance by road from Perth to Kununurra is around 3,300 kms when the Highway is open and is almost as far as driving Perth to Melbourne - it takes a minimum of 3 days driving over 1000kms per day. The Gibb River Road is slightly less km’s but as it is a unsealed road and as such, likely to take longer.

ACCOMMODATION

Details of the accommodation available below. You can choose from sole occupancy room (likely to have either a double, queen or king bed) or a twin share room (note that we can only accept same gender share rooms if you are a solo person booking a twin spot - your booking will be subject to confirmation of a suitable person to share the room with you. Sole occupancy is at a higher rate due to

ITINERARY - 8 days/7 nights - Saturday 24 June to Saturday 1 July 2023

DAY 1 - Saturday 24 June 2023 – arrive in Kununurra

The adventure starts in style! After settling into your hotel, enjoy an amazing night 3 course gourmet camp oven dinner under the stars with stunning scenery, good company, and great food (voted No 1 for the area on Trip Advisor).

12.10pm - Assuming most people will arrive on the Virgin flight at 12.10pm - you will be transferred to Cambridge Hotel (note flights at your own cost - see flight section above).  If you are already in town (if you decide to come earlier) or arriving on a different flight, please let Louise know with plenty of notice – 0403 343 303 art@artoutdoors.com.au.

1.30pm - At the Cambridge Hotel - welcome, intro, distribution and overview of art materials being supplied and itinerary review (light lunch will be supplied).

4.30pm - Pick up at the Hotel and transferred to the location for the Gourmet Camp Oven dinner (and transferred back to the hotel after).  You will enjoy the ambiance of Kimberley sunset drinks in a scenic location and then a delicious three 3 course gourmet camp oven dinner – all dishes are created using a combination of locally sourced produce and bush tucker with an emphasis on flavour and freshness.  Live Music played during the main course.  A truly magical Kimberley evening.

Night 1 - Accommodation in Chamberlain Rooms at the Cambridge Hotel, Kununurra.

DAY 2 - Sunday 25 June - Kununurra

The art really starts today.  Immerse yourself in the creative process at the beautiful Mirima National Park then spend the afternoon and evening enjoying some of the highlights of Kununurra.

7.00am - Breakfast at The Cambridge Hotel.

7.45am - Transport to Mirima National Park.

8.00am to 12pm - en plein air (outdoor) art workshop in Mirima, includes morning tea.  Louise will be providing advice, tuition and demonstrating techniques to get the best result from your oil painting palette.

12.15pm - Transport to the Hoochery for optional lunch, Rum tastings etc (food and beverage at your own cost).

2.00pm - Pick up from the Hoochery and a short tour of the highlights in and around Kununurra before returning to the Cambridge Hotel.

4.30pm - Transport to the Pump House Restaurant overlooking Lake Kununurra for Kimberley sunset – drinks, nibbles, dinner available a la carte style (food and beverage at your own cost).

Approx 8.30pm to 9pm - Transport back to the Cambridge Hotel.

Night 2 - Accommodation in Chamberlain Rooms at the Cambridge Hotel, Kununurra.

DAY 3 – Monday 26 June – Head to Lake Argyle

A very interesting day today!  First off to some of the fabulous art centres and galleries in Kununurra before heading on a 75km road trip to Lake Argyle – the scenery along the way is breathtaking and you’ll have time for a quick swim in the amazing infinity pool at the Lake Argyle Resort before heading off on a wonderful sunset boat cruise on the lake.

8.00am - Breakfast at The Cambridge Hotel.

9.00am - Transport to Waringarri Aboriginal Arts.  It was established in the 1980’s and sits on Miriwoong country; it is a living, growing art centre showcasing culture and country – see the amazing art works produced by the artists, visit the onsite galleries and shop.  Artists specialise in natural ochre paintings on canvas and paper, limited edition prints, wood carvings and sculpture.

10.00am - Transport from Waringarri to Artlandish Aboriginal Art Gallery and Artopia Gallery where you will have the opportunity to view a diverse selection amazing artworks before being picked up for the journey to Lake Argyle.  

11.00am - Bus transfer to Lake Argyle (75km / approx. 50 mins). 

12.00pm - Lunch at the Resort Restaurant and Cafe (at your own cost).  Opportunity to look around the Resort and maybe have a dip in the amazing infinity pool before heading off on the Sunset Cruise.

2.10pm - Sunset Cruise on Lake Argyle – transfer bus picks up from the resort at approximately 2.10pm and returns to the resort at approximately 6pm.  Includes afternoon tea and sunset drink and nibbles.  You will be astounded by the size and beauty of the lake!

Evening - Optionally meet at the Lake Argyle Restaurant & Cafe for dinner (at your own cost).  Note that the Studio Cabins do have small kitchenettes with gas rings, microwave and fridge if you prefer to prepare your own food (bring food from Kununurra).

Night 3 - Accommodation in Standard Studio Cabins, Lake Argyle Resort.

DAY 4 – Tuesday 27 June – Lake Argyle

It is definitely worth starting your day with an outside yoga session offered at the resort, before getting into the rest of the day which is all about the art!  A whole day’s workshop today where you will have the opportunity to paint ‘en plein air’ (there is a wonderful view).  Louise will be demonstrating techniques and providing you with tuition and advice along the way.

7.00am - Optional yoga with a view on the cliff overlooking the lake (subject to confirmation from the Resort – at your own cost; pay cash on the day).

8.00am - Continental breakfast (supplied in your room).

8.30am – 4.00pm - Art session on the cliff – this is a big art day with ample time to paint the amazing view and to learn some news skills and techniques with oil paints.  You may also want to use some of the time to put finishing touches on your paintings from Mirima National Park.

12.30pm - Break for lunch (at your own cost, either in the Resort Café or make your own in your room with provisions brought from Kununurra).

4.30pm- Sunset Drinks and nibbles on the cliff overlooking the lake.

Evening - Optionally meet at the Lake Argyle Restaurant & Cafe for dinner (at your own cost).  Note that the Studio Cabins do have small kitchenettes with gas rings, microwave and fridge if you prefer to prepare your own food (bring food from Kununurra).

Night 4 - Accommodation in Standard Studio Cabins, Lake Argyle Resort.

DAY 5 – Wednesday 28 June – Lake Argyle to El Questro Station

Wow! This is a very busy day, jam packed, full adventure and magnificent scenery. You will travel from Lake Argyle to Kununurra, 55km down the Ord River to Lake Kununurra, then hop aboard a bus transfer to Emma Gorge (part of El Questro). Here you can enjoy the beautiful setting, facilities, restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop etc and then optionally walk up the gorge to the stunning waterfall and deep pool where you can have a refreshing swim in the bracing fresh water.  An El Questro 4WD vehicle will then transfer you to the El Questro Station where it’s finally time to relax with sunset drinks and check in to your air-conditioned Station Tent.  Optionally finish the day at one of the restaurants and Swinging Arm Bar.

7.00am - Continental breakfast (supplied in your room).

7.30am - Check out of your Lake Argyle cabin.

7.45am - Transfer from the Lake ArgyleResort, over the dam wall to the Ord River boat ramp at the bottom of the dam.

8.00am to 11.00am - Cruise 55kms down the magnificent Ord River (it must be one of the most scenic rivers in Australia) to Lake Kununurra on a private charter with Triple J tours. Enjoy fast boat cruising, soak up the amazing scenery with stops along the way, abundant bird and wildlife and morning tea at Triple J’s secluded river camp.

11.00am to 12.00pm - Bus Transfer from Kununurra to Emma Gorge.

12.00pm to 1.00pm - Lunch at Emma Gorge Restaurant (a la carte - at your own cost).

1.00pm to 4.15pm - Free time to optionally walk Emma gorge and have a dip in the magnificent waterfall and pool (you will need a reasonable level of fitness and mobility to do this (return journey with a swim at the end pool, allow 2.5 to 3 hours), alternatively have a swim in the Emma Gorge Resort swimming pool and relax in this beautiful location, a great place to get your sketch book out.

4.30pm - 4WD transfer to El Questro station.

5.00pm - Sunset drink and nibbles.

Evening - Dinner – optionally choose from two eating places – Cantina or the Steakhouse a la carte (at your own cost), relax afterwards at the Swinging Arm Bar.

Night 5 - Accommodation in the air-conditioned El Questro Station Tents.

DAY 6 - Thursday 29 June – El Questro Station

Kicking off with an art session by the river at the Station – a very relaxing and creative day topped off by a fabulous Sunset Tour taking in Explosion Gorge and Branko’s Lookout for sunset drinks and nibbles.

7.30am - Packed breakfast supplied by El Questro.

8.00am – 3.00pm - Art session by the river – choose to paint en plein air from your surrounds or use your sketches and reference material to paint something from your travels of the previous few days.  Again, Louise will provide demonstrations and further tips and techniques for getting the best results with your oil paints.

12.00pm - Break for lunch (at your own cost).

3.00pm to 4.00pm - Free time.

4.00pm - Depart for Explosion Gorge and Branko’s Lookout Sunset Tour.  One of El Questro’s 4WD open safari vehicles will drive you along a 4WD track past some spectacular scenery including the Elgee Cliffs and then into Explosion Gorge and cruise along it.  Following this the safari vehicle will take you up to Branko’s Lookout where you can enjoy magnificent views for sundowner drinks and nibbles.

Evening - Dinner – optionally choose from two eating places – Cantina or the Steakhouse a la carte (at your own cost), relax afterwards at the Swinging Arm Bar.

Night 6 - Accommodation in the air-conditioned El Questro Station Tents.

DAY 7 - Friday 30 June – El Questro Station

A free morning to relax or maybe explore some more of El Questro (optional walks, scenic helicopter rides, horse rides available subject to availability and at your own cost).  Alternatively, Louise will be on hand to assist anyone who’d like to spend the time finalising artworks or sketching.  Late morning, head off on an El Questro tour to the amazing thermal waters and oasis of Zebedee Springs (an El Questro highlight!).  Here you will be able to enjoy a restorative soak, then on to a Beef and Barra lunch followed by a cruise on the Chamberlain Gorge. A fantastic tour to finish on.

7.30am - Packed breakfast supplied by El Questro.

8am to approx 11am - Free time to explore or spend some extra time with Louise finalising your artworks.

Approx 11.30am - Half Day El Questro tour to Zebedee Springs followed by Beef and Barra lunch then on to a cruise along the Chamberlain Gorge.

Approx 5.00pm - Sunset drink and nibbles.

Evening - Dinner – optionally choose from two eating places – Cantina or the Steakhouse a la carte (at your own cost), relax afterwards at the Swinging Arm Bar.

Night 5 - Accommodation in the air-conditioned El Questro Station Tents.

 DAY 8 - Saturday 1 July – El Questro Station

Sadly, it’s time to pack bags and for the tour to finish.  After breakfast, savour the stunning scenery along the Gibb River Road as you travel by 4WD transfer back to Kununurra airport (or your accommodation if you’ve decided to stay on in Kununurra). 

7.30am - Packed breakfast supplied by El Questro.

Approx 9.30am - 4WD transfer to Kununurra Airport (drop off’s into Kununurra if you are staying on longer). This transfer is scheduled to arrive at the airport in ample time for the departing 12.50pm Virgin flight.

12.00pm - Lunch available to purchase (at your own cost) at the airport café before you departure.

What to bring:

• Sunscreen and hat.

• Water bottle.

• Personal belongings for a seven night stay (see suggestions below).

What to wear:

• For art activities you are provided with an apron for the trip (that is yours to keep) but also wear clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on - oil paint can be difficult to remove.

• Weather appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suited to walking - note that evenings can be cool, so be sure to have some warm clothes and always a good idea to have at least one pair of long pants and a long sleeve shirt to keep the sun off and to protect for mozzies in the evenings. The average temperature in late June is 29 degrees max and 16 degrees min - see here.

• Bathers (so you can have a dip in Lake Argyle and the infinity pool at the Resort, El Questro Station, beautiful Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge swimming pool and some of the natural gorge pools!

• The extras like an extra pair of shoes just in case and thongs for the pool and shared bathroom facilities at El Questro.

Appropriate for:

• Adults only.  All levels – Suitable for the complete beginner to the accomplished artist.

Weather policy/contingency:

The Kimberley Art Adventure Tour will proceed regardless of weather conditions. If the weather prevents us from painting ‘en plein air’ (outside) we will either provide shelter or provide an alternative in an undercover/indoor venue and paint from reference material.

PLEASE NOTE KIMBERLEY ART ADVENTURE TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY - See here