Crocodiles The Upper Ord River (Lake Kununurra) is the only river in Northern Australia that is protected from Saltwater crocs. The Department of Environment has the responsibility to keep the area between the Ord and Diversion dams free of salties. If there is a confirmed sighting they trap the animal and remove it to Wyndham Crocodile Farm. You'll see heaps of Freshwater (Johnson) crocs. There are about 7000 in the Upper Ord, or one every 20 metres.

Ice You can get ice at the BP Roadhouse in the morning.

Drinking Water You'll be floating in it! You can drink the water straight from the Ord. Lake Argyle is big enough to dilute just about anything. Pollution in this respect usually comes from domestic animals, like cattle, but in the Kimberley the country cannot sustain more than about 15 beasts per hectare, which is not enough to pollute our waterway. The water on tap at Cooliman Camp is siphoned from a freshwater spring, which tastes even better, and the water at Stonewall Camp is pumped up from the Ord.

Distances The first day is 23kms, the first half of which has the fastest flow to help you along. This takes 4-5 hours to paddle on average. The second day is only 9kms, or 2-3 hours paddling, to give you the chance to have a good look around in that fantastic area that you can only access from the river. The last day is another 23kms. It is the longest day, the one to get home, with less flow but usually the dry season wind will help to push you home.

Equipment Two-person Canadian canoe, 55 litre Esky, 30 litre barrel, 5 litre Dry Bag for a one day tour, plus for camping a 60 litre barrel to share for clothes and bedding (pillows supplied), Self-Inflating Mattress per person, Dome Tent (2 person) and Kitchen Bucket with plates, cups, bowls, cooking/eating utensils, frypan and billy for everyone. There is a BBQ plate on the fire, we supply wood, and gas BBQ & cookers at both camps.

Single Paddlers We have a boat suited for single paddlers, with a large bouyancy chamber at the rear to help balance the boat. One person can't go alone. An odd group may take a kayak, but these are harder to paddle and can't carry much gear, the accompanying canoe will have to carry extra. Fishing Sooty Grunter (Black Bream), Silver Cobbler (Catfish), Redclaw (Freshwater Cray). Handlines available on the bus at no cost. BYO bait

Kids Everybody has to be able to swim unassisted. We have a larger canoe manufactured to sit an extra smaller person who would travel at no cost. Kids occupying a full seat receive a 50% discount. Three kids sleep sideways on two mattresses. We have small child lifejackets, and small adult jackets.

Source: http://gowild.com.au/FAQ.pdf

Other FAQ’s

1. What happens to bookings if COVID border restrictions prevent access to the region?

There is a full refund

2. How do I get to Kununurra? Flights probably not able to be insured due to COVID uncertainty.

Check out Virgin and Airnorth for the cheap flights that are government sponsored, they are only available on certain days. The more expensive flights may have a Covid cancellation policy. Please check.

3. The FAQ above says it allows for ‘single’ paddlers, but says paddlers can’t be alone.

We won’t put a single paddler down the river, for logistics and safety reasons, but a single paddler can join a tour and paddle alone, no worries.

4. Is this a group paddle, with a tail-ender ensuring no one is left alone, or are people paired or similar so that no one person is left alone?

Usually the group stays pretty much together for the first half of the first day, which is the only section that is harder to navigate, but that is up to the group.

5. In the event of mishap what are the protocols etc?

We provide a SPOT Emergency beacon with each group, that sends a satellite text message of varying intensity up to full blown National Response emergency. We recommend that this travels in the last canoe, and can be passed around, and this acts as a sweep to ensure everyone is safeguarded.

6. Can we fish on the tour?

Yes - check out Mark & Jacque's favourite Catfish recipe! (see their story above)

7. Where can I leave my vehicle during the canoe trip?
You can leave your vehicle at Maxwell Camp provided your vehicle has fairly high clearance to get in there on the track. Otherwise Kimberleyland charges $10 to leave it there, secure inside their boom gates.

8. What can I do after the canoe trip to help justify the airfare to Kununurra?
Enquire at the Kununurra Visitor Centre  to check for any events that may interest you. Plus there are the Bungle tours, Lake Argyle Cruises, tours of the Ord Valley. As well, rent a car and spend  a day looking around Wyndham. Plus if you feel a little active, there is El Questro and Home Valley tours and Keep River National Park.

Source: gowild.com.au