What's the maximum number of guests on you take on tour?
Many tour companies advertise a ‘small group’ as 20 guests or more, however, we really believe to enjoy a truly intimate touring experience, a small group should consist of just a few people. That’s why our 4WD tours are guaranteed with a minimum of two guests on our Private Departures and a maximum of only eight guests on our Shared Departures. On certain included activities and tours which not operated directly by InStyle Adventures there may be other guests and expert local guides.
Our tours are offered as Private Departures, ideal for couples, families & friends, which are tailored to your own interests, abilities and time frame. Alternatively join a scheduled Small Group Shared Departure, where you will still receive our famous personalised service on a great value tour.
Who will be leading my InStyle Adventures tour?
Because InStyle Adventures is owned and operated by Broome locals we ensure that only exceptional & very experienced Driver Guides accompany your tour, really the best in the business. It is quite possible you may have one of InStyle Adventures owners, Ed or Kerry, as your Driver Guide. For more information on our fantastic guides check out our About Us page.
Is my tour fully inclusive?
All transport, accommodation, entrance fees, and meals specified are included in your tour price. Occasionally we allow you the flexibility to choose your own meals on tour as many of the ‘group buffets’ included at accommodation venues are not as satisfactory as the a-la-carte options. We also have optional tours such as scenic flights on some departures which can be booked whilst on tour. All inclusions and optionals (with the approximate cost) are available to view on our detailed itineraries.
What vehicles do we travel in?
InStyle Adventures operates a fleet of custom designed 4WD’s specifically tailored for travelling in the sometimes remote and harsh conditions we encounter in the Kimberley and further afield. Currently (2024 touring season) our fleet consists of 1 x Toyota LandCruiser 200 series, 2 x Toyota Hiace 4WD and 1 x Mercedes Sprinter 4WD. To ensure our vehicles are as robust and reliable as possible they are fastidiously maintained with regular mechanical servicing and daily checks, fitted with aftermarket accessories such as Bull Bars, Snorkels, 2nd Batteries, Fridges, and more. Safety and comfort is of paramount importance so we remove the rear seats of the LandCruisers (no one is cramped up in the rear section), fit Cargo Barriers, carry UHF Radios, Satellite Phones & 1st Aid Kits and all our vehicles are Air-Conditioned. On an outback road trip, whilst we do cover vast distances, we ensure we travel in style and comfort whilst exploring the spectacular region.
Will I need travel insurance in order to travel?
We highly recommend you have appropriate travel & cancellation insurance. Our tours operate in remote regions and our travel and itineraries are subject to changing weather conditions, road closures and other unforeseen events that may impact on our journey. There is also limited medical assistance in many areas where we operate and a medical emergency may result in an air evacuation, for which travel insurance may assist. Please bring a copy of your policy and if you’re travel insurance is covered under your Credit Card then please bring details such as 24 hour Insurance Contact Number and Policy Coverage. Please note that the emergency Royal Flying Doctor Services (RFDS) are free to Australian citizens however fees apply to International travellers.
Who will I be dealing with when I plan and book my tour?
We like to think we offer a very personalised and attentive level of service. For Direct Bookings from the time of your first enquiry until the time you return home you will be dealing with the InStyle Adventures team – Ed & Kerry, from our office in Broome, Western Australia. Do you want to know what the weather is like in the Kimberley? We can open our window, stick our head out and confirm to you it is as it always is – just beautiful!
What if I have a disability?
The majority of our journeys are active and engaging however our tours are structured to allow for different levels of fitness and abilities. Unfortunately there is a lack of suitable disabled facilities throughout much of our remote regions (especially the Kimberley & Pilbara) with the majority of sites such as gorges & walks not wheelchair friendly, even in National Parks. Our vehicles are also not able to carry wheelchairs due to space restrictions. Having said that we will always endeavour to offer an alternative where ever possible and access is an issue. Please contact us directly and we are more than happy to discuss the options and come up with a feasible & realistic trip that is tailored for your personal abilities and interests.
What style of accommodation will I be staying in?
We stay in stylish outback accommodation, from remote wilderness lodges, to working cattle stations and comfortable motel style rooms. The properties that we have selected have all been personally road-tested by us. We have selected them because they have character, are extremely comfortable, provide warm and personalised service and offer the very best regional dining. We also offer the option to upgrade many of our Wilderness Adventures to our Ultimate Journey tours where we stay in some of the very finest outback lodges available anywhere in Australia.
When is the touring season? What is the weather like?
The main Kimberley and Pilbara touring season is in the Australian winter. In Australia’s North West we have a ‘wet season’ from around December through to March and sometimes a bit later, with occasional cyclones bringing heavy rain – this is nature rejuvenating the country. Prior to then from September onwards it tends to get rather hot as the weather ‘builds up’ and can be very humid as well, especially from mid October through November. By then most of the outback accommodation has closed up as well as most Kimberley National Parks and when the first rains come roads become inaccessible.
That’s why our primary touring season commences in April and runs through to September. The shoulder seasons are great times to travel as there are less people around and during early season tours through May and June you will witness the amazing force of the rainy season as we explore the gorges and waterfalls, often in solitude. July and August are the busiest months as the weather in the Kimberley is perfect whilst September again has it’s special benefits as again the country transitions through the season.
When ever you chose to travel through this extraordinary wilderness you are ensured of an unforgettable experience.
Are the itineraries flexible?
Because our groups are so small and intimate (only a maximum of 8 guests per vehicle), we have the ultimate flexibility to be able to change the order of the itinerary in a day depending on your interests, spend a little longer somewhere or enjoy impromptu experiences. We think our tours give you the best experience by feeling like you are travelling independently, exploring and discovering whilst we take care of all the nitty gritty – it’s the best way to travel!
If you are after even more flexibility then talk to us about a Private Departure which will be tailored to your very own interests, abilities and time frame.
Will there be time to relax? What's a typical days touring like?
We love to ‘smell the roses’ when we travel. You will find that due to our very small groups (between 2 – 4 guests) and our careful planning of the tour itinerary there is plenty of time to enjoy the incredible sights of the region. We incorporate many 2 night stays when possible to allow us plenty of time to explore and also to enjoy some down time – sometimes there is nothing better than putting the feet up and reading a book enjoying nature’s theatre.
A typical day on tour starts with a delicious cooked breakfast, exploring the country, learning about the region and culture, walking in a amazing gorge and possibly swimming in a pristine waterhole, throw in a fresh picnic lunch and a chat with a local character and it’s not a bad day. Oh that’s before you settle back in your stylish outback accommodation, maybe enjoy a glass of wine around the camp fire and then dine on amazingly good chef prepared food under the stars. It’s an unforgettable experience…..
What's the difference between a Shared & Private Departure?
We offer the choice of Small Group and Private Touring for all our touring.
Our tours are available as either an exclusive Private Departure for a minimum of 2 guests or alternatively as a Shared Departure for a minimum of 4 guests. Travel will be in either one of our Toyota LandCruisers, Toyota HiAce 4WD or our Mercedes 4WD Sprinter. The HiAce is a 10 seat vehicle and the Mercedes a 12 seat vehicle, however the maximum number of guests we carry is capped at 8 guests (unless by prior arrangement), ensuring plenty of space between everyone whilst travelling.
On a Shared Departure you will receive very personalised service from your friendly Driver Guide as well as a degree of flexibility whilst on tour – it’s not like a big group tour.
Alternatively a Private Departure is an exclusive charter of our vehicle and Driver Guide. This allows a larger degree of flexibility with tour planning, and the itinerary and can be tailored perfectly to suit our guests personal interests and abilities.
What do I wear? How much luggage can I bring?
As a general idea loose & casual clothing is best, with thongs (flip flops) or similar handy and a decent pair of walking shoes essential. During the day it’s usually very pleasant and shorts or light comfy trousers are the way to go. It can get quite cool in the evenings, especially in the desert environments (such as the Bungles & Karijini) from June through August so a set of warm clothes are highly recommended. You only need personal medication and basic toiletries as all our accommodation provides soaps and shampoos. We do have a limit on luggage as we carry all luggage inside the vehicle. We can only carry soft sided bags (duffle bags are best and definitely not Samsonite type hard cases) with a maximum of 12kgs per bag. An additional personal small day backpack and camera bag is fine. We send comprehensive Trip Notes with suggested packing details to you on receipt of your full payment.
What if I have special dietary requests?
We can cater to most special requests such as a vegetarian menu, food intolerances, special diet dishes etc however we must be notified in advance of any special dietary requests as we often operate in remote regions where our suppliers have limited availability if not pre advised. please contact us if you have any questions on dietary requirements.