Australia Ride Stage 5 - Kununurra to Broome 2012

Day 1: Most cyclists will be cycling both Stages 4 & 5 back-to-back and for you today is your rest day. For those just joining us in Kununurra for Stage 5 only, you will arrive today and prepare for the trip ahead. There is a lot to see and do around Kununurra and if you would like to explore the Bungle Bungles by charter flight, or visit El Questro Station and Emma Gorge then you could arrive a day or two earlier. If you do arrive today you may still have time to visit a few closer highlights such as Hidden Valley in Mirima National Park that provide great views of the area and are similar, although much smaller, to the Bungle Bungle formations. If the landscape looks a little familiar, perhaps it is because the movie 'Australia' was filmed in the surrounding area.

Today is also the day for ride registration, checking over your bike, meet and greet the group and have your pre-departure briefing. In the evening, we invite you to join the staff and fellow riders at a nearby restaurant for dinner (at your own expense).

Day 2: Your Kimberley adventure begins! The Kimberley covers an area larger than the state of Victoria and has a population of only 38,000; it is pristine and virtually untouched. With only one sealed road passing through the world's largest true wilderness, our route is clear.

It is a scenic route out of Kununurra, crossing the dam bridge, a vital part of the Ord River scheme, which provides the water that gave rise to the town's existence. After crossing the Durham River Bridge an initial short climb continues into a long moderate climb bringing you eventually into gently undulating to flat country, including a 7 km gentle downhill! After 45km you reach the turnoff for the Great Northern Highway which we will follow to Broome.

Tonight we rest at the comfortable Doon Doon Roadhouse with green lawns and cabins.

Day 3: Today we ride a short distance west of the world famous Argyle Diamond mine. It is the world's largest diamond mine, producing 25% of the world's diamonds, the bulk of which are truly rare and beautiful pink diamonds, the mine's signature stone. People had searched the hills for gold for over 100 years, but it was not until someone made the possible connection between the Kimberley and the rich diamond area of the Kimberley region in South Africa, which the area was supposedly named after because of the geological similarities that looking for diamonds begun. Since 1985 the mine has been operating and employs over 750 people, half of which are local indigenous people.

Turkey Creek roadhouse began as a stopping point for travellers moving to and from the Halls Creek goldfields. Drinks were laid out on racks and covered with wet hessian sacks to provide travellers who could pay, often in gold, a somewhat cool beverage. Those days are now long gone with good facilities and accommodation. There are two recommended activities to fill your afternoon if you wish. A flight over the Bungle Bungles with a helicopter, which can be booked on arrival (at own expense) and the aboriginal art centre based in Warmun community only 2km south of the roadhouse. The art here is unique, using only traditional ochres and pigments. The centre is wholly owned and managed by the artists with 100% of the income from sales going back into the community.

Day 4: Today you will be riding parallel to the King Leopold Ranges and even small hills provide you with stunning views of the region. Over billions of years the Kimberley landscape has been sculpted by violent tropical storms, ice ages and inland seas creating a unique environment like nothing else on the planet.

Halls Creek is famous for Western Australia's first gold discovery in 1885. In the following two years over 10,000 men landed in the Kimberley in the hope of finding gold. Others walked across from Queensland and up through the Tanami desert from Alice Springs! Nobody knows how many died along the waterless stretches or at crocodile infested rivers. For those that did make it to the goldfields the conditions were extremely tough and while many walked away with nothing a few become heroes. One was Russian Jack, whose mate got seriously ill and with the nearest doctor in Wyndham, he loaded his mate in a wheelbarrow and pushed him 300 km to the port.

In 1955 what was left of the town was moved 15 kms north, next to the airport and the proposed highway. In 1956 the last camel train left the town bringing an end to the old times and with the sealing of the Great Northern Highway the town has become quite modern and grown again to 4000 people to support the surrounding pastoral and mining industries.

Day 5: Travelling east along the most southern section of the ride we hope to have the prevailing winds push us along as we cycle through this ancient landscape. The ranges you will see throughout your ride are some of the oldest in the world. Once giant mountain systems like those of the Himalayas, the ranges have been eroded down over many 100's of millions of years to what geologists describe today as the skeletons of the earth.

Tonight we all camp, including those on the accommodated package. With the cool clear nights of the dry season and so close to the Tanami desert we should have a beautiful night to experience our million star accommodation.

Day 6: Today's ride takes you along the southern Kimberley over 400 kms inland and bordering one of Australia's largest deserts, the Great Sandy Desert. On the other side of Cummins Range, thousands of sand dunes stretch out for what appears like a never-ending horizon of sand. It is also where the Canning Stock Route winds 2,000 kms south through some of the world's most inhospitable country.

Fitzroy Crossing is set on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River and has seen its share of wet season floods, the last in early 2011. Look at the photos in the reception area and you will see why the building sits up on a small hill.

The original town site is definitely worth a visit, either today or before you set off tomorrow. The town's claim to fame comes from the legendary Crossing Inn, built in 1897 as a shanty inn and trade store for the locals and those long distance travellers waiting to ford the Fitzroy River, which sometimes took months! With a new higher bridge built in 1974, the focus of the town grew away from its original site.

Day 7: Tonight we all camp at Ellendale bush camp next to Mount Wynne Creek including those on the accommodated package. The surrounding area is famous for the Bunuba rebellion. Jandamarra, a legend of the Bunuba people was known as pigeon to the white settlers because of his totem. He was only in his mid twenties when he was gunned down in 1897, but in his short life he created a legacy that will never be forgotten. He led one of the longest and most successful campaigns to defend Aboriginal country in Australian history. His story is a sad one, but it also one worth hearing in full. Jandamarra travelled like a bird through his country to the anger and frustration of the troopers that seemed to forever be chasing this elusive man. Then when they believed they almost had him, reports of him spearing cattle 200 kms away would reach them. Even worse was when Jandamarra would sneak into the police officer's camp, steal their flour and sprinkle it on the ground leaving only his footprints behind. The police officers would wake knowing that he could have taken their lives, but instead he choose to make fun of them.

Day 8: Long straight sections of road lead you to your overnight accommodation. Often the prevailing easterlies can get quite strong along here in the mornings and the kilometres seem to disappear over the flat road. With the Great Sandy Desert only 50 km away on the other side of the Fitzroy River the vegetation is predominately grasslands, however there are boab trees, which dot the landscape like resting giants. Aboriginals used the giants as shelter, food and medicine. For the white settlers they served as easily recognisable landmarks and meeting points, and impromptu prison cells. There is a particularly large boab a few metres from the road where we will have a break that has a girth close to 20 metres and is at least 1,500 years old, making it one of the oldest creatures in Australia.

Day 9: Our last stretch into Broome crosses some interesting lagoons with birdlife. Keep a look out for the long legged Brolga crane, Australia's most stately bird. It is pale grey with red markings on the face and can sometimes be seen performing an elegant dance. Hard to miss are the Jabiru, Australia's only stork and one of our largest birds standing 1.5m tall and with a massive 2.3m wingspan. The head and neck colour is an amazing glossy, shimmery, black with blue, green and purple.

After Roebuck Plains Roadhouse the roads becomes more moderately undulating. With only 30 km to go all that is left is pumping those legs till Broome!

We made it! What an amazing 9 days in the Kimberley. Those leaving us after Stage 5 are free to organise their departure as it suits. Accommodation tonight in Broome is an optional extra and we have a centrally located motel where we can book you a room to stay.

Tonight we invite everyone to join us for dinner (at own cost) to celebrate your achievement and share a few stories in the comfort of a renowned Broome restaurant.

Broome is well worth spending 3 to 4 rest days, as there is plenty to see. Relax down on beautiful Cable Beach, famous for its pristine white sand and camel rides. It is the first safe swimming beach since leaving the east coast. A few other attractions in and around Broome are a vast array of art galleries specialising in local and indigenous art. The Historical Society Museum, definitely one of the best regional museums in Australia. Dinosaur footprints laid down over 120 million years old can be seen on very low tides. The Japanese Cemetery, the final resting place for over 900 Japanese pearl divers. Sun Pictures, opening in 1916 is believed to be the oldest operating picture garden in the world - this unique indoor/outdoor theatre has withstood the ravages of war, cyclones and king tides. And Willie Creek Pearl Farm, where managers demonstrate the intricate process of cultured pearling, including live oyster seeding.

Accommodation tonight is an optional extra. For those that are connecting this stage with Stage 6 this is first of 3 rest days. Enjoy!

AllTrails is a proud Australian owned company with over 14 years experience running cycle tours throughout Australia and overseas. During the course of running over 100 tours since 1997, we have established a top reputation in the bicycle tour industry and cycling community that has been earned through hard work and dedication and we sincerely care about every person on every tour.

Our large community of loyal AllTrails riders that keep coming back year after year are testament to the high standard of tours that we provide. The safety and confidence that comes with riding on one of our tours is one of many great reasons to book your cycling holiday with us.

Check out our testimonials page for some recent feedback from our clients.

Feel free to contact us at any time through our website ‘Contact Us’ page, phone or email. We love what we do and want to get you on the best bike ride for you. Speak to us about what's on your mind and we'll help you make your decision.

Recommended arrival date and time: We suggest you arrive no later than midday on Saturday 2 June 2012, allowing you plenty of time to settle into your accommodation or camping (included in tour price) and set up your bike for the next day’s ride departure. A suggestion, especially for those arriving from overseas is to allow at least one day prior to 2 June, which will provide you with a more relaxing time in Kununurra before your cycling holiday and minimise the risk of flight or other delays.

Recommended departure date and time: We suggest you begin your onward travel the day after the tour finishes, allowing you sufficient time to pack up your bike and gear and get to your departure point whether it is the airport, train station or bus terminal

Registration time and location: 2 June 2012 – 4pm All Seasons Hotel, Kununurra

Tour finishing time and location: 10 June 2012 – 4pm, Broome, Centrally located accommodation or camping

Closest airport to the destination:

• Start: Kununurra, Western Australia

• Finish: Broome, Western Australia

Key airlines servicing Kununurra:

• Airnorth to Broome, Darwin, Perth www.airnorth.com.au

• Skywest Airlines to Broome, Darwin, Perth www.skywest.com.au

Key airlines servicing Broome:

• Qantas

• Virgin Australia

• Airnorth

• Skywest

For bus transport or freight options check www.greyhound.com.au or call 1300 473 946

Post touring options: Australia Ride Stage 6, Broome to Coral Bay

This depends on whether you plan to ride the entire stage or divide each days ride distance between a team. If you have a good level of general fitness, are in good health and are a reasonably keen cyclist that is prepared to do some additional training you shouldn’t have a problem with our tours. As a guideline you should work on being able to comfortably ride at 20 km/h on the flat with consistency more important than speed.

To get the most out of your ride leave plenty of time to build your kilometre total distance in training, to gradually attain about 110 km a day for 2 days straight or the distance agreed amongst your team members that you will ride each day. A training outline will be sent to you in your pre-tour info pack. In situations where you cannot complete a particular section of the ride for any reason we will always have support vehicles to transfer you and your bike or in the case where you have your own additional support vehicle you will provide that assistance to your team members.

We have a great safety record and do our best to inform motorists so that they can drive accordingly, however cyclists have to play their part in keeping well over to the left. We have support vehicles on the road showing 'Caution Cyclists' signs and a ‘tail end Charlie’ (vehicle following the last rider) with a flashing beacon to warn traffic about our cycling group. You will also be briefed before each day's ride pointing out parts of the road that may get narrow or have any known hazards.

Always a big part of any cycling holiday! Check tour details for meal inclusions on your ride. Our emphasis is on fresh food and balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, fruit and vegies catering for a cycling holiday. We successfully cater to most dietary requirements, however feel free to contact us with any questions. Most meals are included as part of our tours, however you may be required to purchase some meals as per the inclusions and daily itinerary.

We always try to obtain great accommodation in the best location for you to rest your weary head (and legs) in each town whether it be a motel, hotel, cabins or similar, usually 3, 3½, 4 star. We choose the best and most welcoming motel for cyclists and our tour group needs. On occasion we travel through some very small towns where accommodation is extremely limited. If for whatever reason, such as limited options, the accommodation one night is below normal standard, we strive to improve this with an extra good room the next night or nights following.

For some of our more remote trips around Australia the accommodation at times has more character than charm and when we are between towns for a day or two we may organise a bush camp. In which case we provide you with a single or twin share tent, depending on your choice. Instructions, assistance and an air mattress will also be provided. Check the tour details for more information.

On the online entry form you can nominate any travelling companions that you would like to share a room with and/or be accommodated close to so that couples or friends can be roomed together. This can be in a double bed or in twin beds. If you are travelling alone like many of our riders, you can choose to 'twin share' where single riders are paired with other riders of the same gender and sometimes changed at each accommodation to create interest in sharing rooms. Single Supplement is also available for those that would like their own room for the whole trip. If you are a chronic snorer or have other habits that may affect your fellow room-mates we suggest booking your own room.

Due to the long distance between accommodation in some of Australia’s more remote areas, camping may be necessary for the entire tour group. Check tour details for specific information. These nights out in the bush are often the highlight of the tour for many people. We will provide basic amenities with an emphasis on hygiene. We often have a fire which is used to cook delicious dinners on for an authentic outback experience.

Those that have chosen a full camping option will spend the nights in designated camping grounds and caravan parks and we do our best to keep the group together as much as possible. You will need to provide your own tent, air-mattress and sleeping bag unless a hire option is available on your tour from the ‘Optional Extras’ area on the booking form. Those booked on the accommodation option can choose to have their air-mattress and tent provided free of charge for any nights where camping is necessary. Packing a small comfortable pillow can add a lot of comfort to a night sleep.

• Airfare and transportation to and from the tour pick-up/drop-off locations

• Accommodation before and after the tour (check for pre & post accommodation in the ‘Optional Extras’ under the ‘Pricing’ tab)

• Personal accident or travel insurance

• Personal items purchased during the tour

• Some meals may not be included allowing you the opportunity to explore the regional cuisine and choose your own meal. Check tour details for more information.

• Optional activities and sightseeing

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We suggest you carry a spare tube, tyre levels, two full water bottles and your own personal goods such as camera, wallet and perhaps rain gear if it’s threatening. We transport your luggage*, day packs*, food & extra water. A detailed list of what is required and provided will be sent to you in your pre-tour info pack.

(*riders travelling with their own vehicle will be required to transport their luggage, day packs and bikes. We will provide mechanical and safety support and additional support if unforeseen circumstances arise)

People from all parts of Australia and overseas. Ages generally range from 25 - 70 with the average age about 50 years old. Adventurous cyclists usually about 40% women & 60% men with a mix of singles, friends and couples.

Our tours have been specifically scheduled to take into consideration the best time of year to travel to that destination. This takes into account the temperate range, possible rainfall and the prevailing winds. Of course, we can’t ever control the weather however this only adds to the adventure and excitement of your travel experience!

For more specific weather and climate information visit www.bom.gov.au or for our international tours visit www.worldweather.org

A comfortable racing bike, road bike or touring bike with a good seat and road tires with slick or near-slick tread. A hybrid or mountain bike is also possible if you are comfortable riding the daily distances of the tour at an average of 20 km/h on the flat.

A tour guide with bike mechanical knowledge will be part of our crew and will have most items that are required, including a good stand-pump for different valves. The bike parts used for replacement will be charged at shop prices. Labour is free for the first fifteen minutes, there after costs may be incurred at the mechanic's discretion. Cyclists with rare or different bikes are asked to contact us at AllTrails as parts can often be very difficult to obtain.

We have a great safety record, but accidents can happen. We have comprehensive First-Aid Kits with trained 1st aiders as tour guides and drivers, mobiles and a satellite phone for emergency calls and the locality of hospitals in the areas that we travel through. We also have vehicles that can take anyone injured or sick for further treatment.

Tents, air-mattresses and sleeping bags are often available for hire. Check ‘Optional Extras’ under the ‘Pricing’ tab to view exact hire costs. Tents are usually 2 or 3-man dome tents which are quickly and simply assembled. Staff can also assist you with setup and pack-down if required when they are available. If you wish to share a tent with a travelling partner, make this request when booking and we will try to provide you with a larger tent. Air-mattresses are comfortable inflatable air-pads and included with each tent hire.

Yes, you can rent a bike. We often have overseas riders coming to Australia, or interstate riders that would rather not take their bike around Australia on a plane, or road riders that want to come on a mountain bike ride with us (or vice versa).

We will be able to help you out with organising bike hire through our local contacts near our office in Melbourne, or closer to a ride departure location. When you make your booking just let us know that you would also like to hire a bike and we will get the ball rolling for you and put you in touch with the right people.

You can also bring your own seat and/or pedals to give you that little bit of 'home comfort'.

Yes. Either Bicycle Network Victoria membership insurance, Cycle Queensland membership insurance or similar, travel insurance, or another personal accident insurance is compulsory on our AllTrails rides. We also strongly suggest travel insurance to cover cancellation fees and lost/damaged luggage.

Bring your friends and save some money! For all groups of 5 or more entrants you will receive 5% discount off your respective entry fees. This excludes any optional extras such pre and post tour accom, cycling jersey, tent hire etc.

Contact our office for more details and information.

Contact us if you would like to find out about booking an info session for your group of friends, or if you would like to find out about a travel talk happening near you in the future.

Be inspired, hear from the experts, learn more about a destination and even book your tour on the night.

Not a problem! You’ll find other like-minded cycling companions taking part in our rides. If you’re a solo traveller we will pair you with other solo travellers of the same gender in twin share accommodation or you can opt for Single Supplement (additional cost) to receive a room of your own. If the tour has a camping component tents are single occupancy unless otherwise specified.

Each stage has been specifically scheduled to take place when as many factors important to a great cycling holiday are likely to, or will, occur. We have taken into consideration the prevailing winds, hence the anticlockwise direction of the circumnavigation of Australia as well as the south to north crossing for stages 17 & 18 from Adelaide to the Top End. We have also taken into account the temperature range, potential risks, possible rainfall and the best times to view the attractions on route. Of course, we can’t ever control the weather however this only adds to the adventure and excitement of your travel experience!

For more specific weather and climate information visit www.bom.gov.au

You can download an AllTrails brochure from our homepage, otherwise contact us with your postal address and we will mail you a copy.

Absolutely. We will be happy to give you the names and telephone numbers of people who have participated in the ride or a similar ride that you are considering. Where possible we will provide you with the details of someone within your city or state.

Another good place to look is our ‘Testimonials’ page.

Will my mobile phone work on tour? Part of the appeal of a holiday is to get away from the hassles of everyday life! If you can’t leave home without your mobile phone, check with your service provider to see where you will have coverage. Telstra Next G provides the greatest coverage for remote towns and areas in Australia. As you may not always have mobile phone coverage, particularly if you travel into remote locations, it's best to purchase a phonecard or calling card before you leave home, as most public telephones do not take coins. If travelling overseas check before you depart that global roaming has been activated with your service provider. Otherwise it may be cheaper to purchase a local SIM card on arrival at your destination.

Some towns may have an internet café or access to an internet terminal, so you may be able to check your emails from time to time while you’re away. If you don’t already have a web-based email account, it is a good idea to set one up before you leave, e.g. Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail.

Welcome! Traditionally most of the clientele on our rides have been from Australia or New Zealand, but we also have had many riders from USA and UK/Europe. You just need to make sure that your passport and visas are in order and check the cost of transferring your bike to Australia, or rent one here.

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for all our Australian rides at the time of deposit and ensure that it includes coverage for cancellation fees if for some reason you are not able to travel. For our international tours we require all participants to have Travel insurance to assist you in the event of a medical emergency, lost baggage, personal liability, cancelled tour or any other trip related issues.

Should you wish to change your booking with AllTrails to a different tour, there will be a very reasonable service charge. We try to keep this figure as low as possible to allow flexibility where we can as we want to make sure that you get on the right tour for you.

For cancellation and refund policies for your tour click the ‘Book Your Place Today’ button on the relevant tour page of our website and scroll down for Conditions of Contract.

We recommend you bring a soft bag or backpack. We advise against bringing a suitcase as they are bulky, difficult to stow on board vehicles or trailers and heavy. You may be required to lift or carry your own luggage from time to time, e.g. into accommodation. Any excess luggage may need to be stored or forwarded on to your final destination at your own expense.

Information about what to pack is included as part of your Pre-Departure information. Generally we advise that you pack as light as possible.