G’day all,

Well 2001 was a ripper of a year – our busiest yet! We met some great people, swapped lots of stories (and made up a few new ones), and explored some spots that just make the planet look even better!

The year started with a trip from Sydney to the Northern Territory – over 4,000klms and what a culture shock that was – and ended with a trip from Northern Territory back to Sydney – I say again – ‘and what a culture shock that was’.

Camping out in Never Never land with the Mangarrayi people is always a highlight of our Northern Territory tours and we were able to introduce more of our guests to this unique location. In Kakadu the Yellow Waters cruise enthralled many of our guests as did the Gunbalanya Aboriginal Culture Cruise on the East Alligator River. Legendary Bill Harney guided us into some more amazing art sites in the Victoria River region and will be with us again this year.

I broke new ground this year and did a trip from Darwin deep into Arnhemland – my client was keen to see authentic Aboriginal art and art we did!
We drove to Oenpelli, Maningrida, Ramingining, Nhulunbuy then flew to Elcho Island. Around 2,500 klms all up. From there we drove back to Katherine and headed across to the Kimberley.

2002 is full of surprises and we have lots of planning to do. Already we have done a four day trip into Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves, out to the ‘Dish’ and across the Barrington Tops – that was followed by a gem fossicking trip mixed with visits to some authentic Outback Aussie Bush Pubs.

With our new base near Sydney along with our base in the Northern Territory we have as our new theme ‘Unique Australian Experiences’ so – if you want spend time with my Aboriginal mates in Arnhemland – climb Sydney Harbour Bridge – or drop in for a cuppa with Russell Crowe – just send me an email and we’ll see what we can come up with – and never forget – the ‘beaten track is travelled by the beaten traveller’. 

Oorroo for now,

Mike Keighley