K2O Kimberley to Ocean are proud to be an accreditated member of the Tourism Council Of Western Australia - this gives the consumer the assurance that the K2O operations meets the industry standards and complies with legislation and regulations. You can be assured of this quality wherever you see the yellow tick.

In addition to meeting Tourism Council standards we are now working towards a new certification in Eco Tourism. We are in the final stages of the certification and hope to be proudly showing the gecko logo before long.

In the meantime, I thought I might talk a little about Eco Tourism and why it is so important.

First and foremost it is about working together sustainably, to protect the conservation and bio-diversity values of the areas we visit, in our case, the Kimberley coast and very soon, the Rowley Shoals.

There are 2 stages to the certification, the first one having been completed, Nature Tourism is defined as:

“Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas.”

K2O is currently progressing to Ecotourism certification which under the program is defined as:

“Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.”

Eco tourism in a natural area offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator that uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities. It encompasses the triple bottom line (environment, social, cultural) and gives companies guidelines to work with local communities, conservation groups, and raising awareness of the issues to the visitors to the area. The Kimberley coast is a unique wilderness and we are working to keep it that way.

If you wish to know more visit Eco Tourism Australia or to learn about the issues facing our region and how you can help, visit Save the Kimberley.

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is responsible for management of Western Australia’s State Forests, National Parks, Conservation Parks and Nature Reserves. The Department uses planned fire to manage these natural ecosystems in order to maintain the biological diversity of habitats and species richness, and to protect life, community assets and natural resources from damage by uncontrolled fire later in the season.

Edward Hatherley, Regional Fire Coordinator (DEC) for the Kimberley Region recently sent out the annual notification of the end of the DEC burn program, and I asked him to elaborate on the reasons behind fire in the Kimberley.

“The objectives of the burning is to create fuel reduced buffers that may limit the extent of wildfires and create a mosaic of different age vegetation that will assist in maintaining the biodiversity of the area. DEC also works closely with adjoining stakeholders in the interest of developing a strategic fire plan to address the issue of large late dry season wildfires that are having a significant impact across the Region. Generally DEC operations run over a 12 week period commencing around April 2008 through to late June and an aircraft may be used to ignite these burns.

Over the past 12 months an increased number of DEC resources have been directed towards engagement and training of indigenous people in order to increase capacity and knowledge across the Kimberley region. DEC, with the assistance of the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) is actively engaging and involving Traditional Owners in the planning and implementation of its prescribed burning program. This has been a significant step towards engaging aboriginal people in how fire is managed across the Kimberley.

DEC has been developing its fire program to include “landscape mosaics” or “patch burning” as well as strategic buffers. Such burning allows for mosaics of burnt and unburnt patches to be developed in the landscape. Mosaics in the landscape provide refuge for native fauna during late fires, strategic buffers are designed to try and limit the size of large fires. Fires lit in the early part of the dry season are generally less intense, and of a more “patchy” nature owing to the diversity in vegetation structure, curing rates. Fires that burn late in the dry season consume a greater percentage of the combustible vegetation, run for several weeks, and burn under far more extreme intensity and conditions.

In 2008 we also saw the further development of a close partnership with “Ecofire” a National Heritage Funded project aimed at strategic fire management of Pastoral leases. DEC’s prescribed burning program which covers the conservation estate, unallocated Crown Lands and some Aboriginal Lands surrounding the Ecofire project area, was closely aligned to ensure truly strategic approach. This aims to limit the size and extent of wildfires, which impact on the Kimberley Region each year.

For the second year in a row the Kimberley received widespread rainfall in June with falls of up to 47mm being recorded. This rainfall not only promotes the quick recovery of the early dry season fire areas, but has the added advantage of extinguishing most fires across the Region, effectively creating a distinct end to the Prescribed Burning Season.

Fire is and always has been a part of the Kimberley environment, however the contemporary regime of large, intense, late fires are impacting on the ecological and aesthetic values of the Region. With vast inaccessible areas, limited resources and a fire prone environment the best approach is to work strategically with all stakeholders towards a mutual outcome.”

For more information visit the website for Department of Environment & Conservation (formerly CALM)

The Horizontal Waterfalls or “Horriez” as they are locally known, are located deep in Talbot Bay, nestled amongst hundreds of islands that make up the Buccaneer Archipelago. This natural phenomena is quite possibly one of the most famous attractions on the Kimberley coast.

“…but how can a waterfall be horizontal?”
I hear you ask with a look of confusion and wonder….

Well the science behind it is that the McLarty Ranges where the falls are found, comprises of 2 ridges running parallel, 300 metres apart. The first opening is approximately 20 metres wide and the second, 10 metres. Given these narrow gaps compared to the massive tidal movements found in the region (up to 10 metres) the water cannot get through the space quick enough. This can create up to a 4 metre ‘horizontal waterfall’ effect as the water is pushed up against the side of the narrow cliffs.

To witness the thrill of this natural phenomena, take a scenic flight from Broome or Derby. Alternatively, there is nothing quite like hopping into a boat to feel the adrenalin rush of speeding through the falls. Experience the power of the whirlpools of the pristine, turquoise waters as you traverse the gaps then exit to marvel at the vivid red landscape as it opens up before you. A sight that David Attenborough has been known to describe as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”.

Twitch twitch, twitch twitch…..

Cruising along the Kimberley coast you cannot help but sit back and take notice of nature; the rustle of the trees, the lapping of the waves and the song of the many birds that call the Kimberley home. Pure serenity…

For some, bird watching is a serious quest to sight that particular bird found only here in the Kimberley. Some see this as a challenge and for others it is just the thrill when they finally do catch a glimpse of that bird yet to be ticked off the list!!!

There are indeed numerous activites to enjoy in the Kimberley and bird watching is certainly popular. Needing just a pair of binoculars you can twitch anywhere at anytime on your travels.

Below are some of the species you may find on your Kimberley adventures…binoculars poised, let’s twitch…

The Kimberley is undoubtedly an unique, pristine wilderness which we are striving to protect not only from industrialization (Save the Kimberley) but also the invasion of the greatest threat to our eco-system, the Cane Toad (Bufo Marinus).

Introduced to Qld from Venezuela in 1935, the Cane Toad has few known predators and is wiping out reptiles, rodents and marine life wherever it goes. With toxic glands and poisonous roe, it not only has the ability to defend itself, but also kill the animal once it has digested the eggs of the toad itself.

Keep up to date with the latest information at Frog Watch who are fending off this alien invasion.

When you are travelling through the NT and WA, be aware and report any sightings 1800 243 546. See the photos below to help you identify the Cane Toad and help protect the Native Frogs.

Adult Cane Toad

Juvenile Cane Toad