The ULTIMATE Ord River EXPERIENCE

“Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it” 

~ M. Scott Peck ~

GUIDED   ECONOEING®  TOURS

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey in a Canoe in the Kimberley

Go Wild Adventure Tours is excited to introduce our brand new guided canoe tour in 2024,  offering you an unforgettable adventure through one of Australia's most stunning landscapes.  With 33 years of experience providing self-guided Econoeing trips on the amazing Ord River,  including 21 years as an accredited Ecotour,  we're expanding our adventures to provide you with an extended itinerary that showcases the best of the hidden gems we've discovered along the way.

Relax and immerse yourself in nature

Delight in the convenience of this new all-inclusive package, featuring luxury camping equipment and gourmet catering.

Our experienced guides are dedicated to ensuring your utmost comfort amidst the rugged Kimberley terrain while offering fascinating insights into its unique flora and fauna.

Itinerary Highlights

- Journey over 5 days and 4 nights down the incredible Ord River, paddling between 9 and 12km each day, or about two hours

- Experience wild camping and swimming on sandy beaches

- Stay in private campgrounds set up for your comfort in serene bush surroundings

- Paddle through moving and still waters, suitable for novices

- Enjoy guided afternoon walks to spring waterholes and cascades, or simply relax with a book and watch the amazing wildlife

- Learn about the amazing geological and cultural history of this unique ecosystem from your guide

We Supply For You

  • Canadian Canoe with Paddles and Lifejackets
  • All camping equipment including Mozzie Dome, Mattress, Pillows and sleeping bag if required
  • All meals catered

You Need to Bring

  • Swimmers / Towel
  • Personal Sleeping Bag if preferred
  • Personal Items  and clothes
  • Natural Soap Please
  • Camera
  • Torch
  • BYO Alcohol

Ultimate ord experience


$1950 per person

The Ultimate Ord River paddling Experience.  

 Take our new guided,  catered and all inclusive 5 day tour to indulge in the amazing secrets of the Kimberley.

* All equipment supplied *

* All meals catered for you *

* All transfers included *

* Experienced helpful guide *

Frequently Asked Questions

Crocodiles

The upper Ord River and Lake Kununurra is the only river in Northern Australia that is protected from Saltwater crocs. The Department of Parks and Wildlife has the responsibility to keep the area between the Ord and Diversion dams free from salties.  There are 6 traps that are regularly inspected and maintained on the river. Crocodiles have entered the area during the wet seasons and been trapped in the past, they are then relocated downstream. You'll see heaps of Freshwater (Johnson) crocs. There are estimated to be 7000 in the Upper Ord, or one for every 20 metres.

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 12kms,  which has the fastest flow to help you along.  This takes approximately 2 hours to paddle on average.  The suggested afternoon hike is approximately 4km, or an hour each way.

The second day is 11kms, again about 2 hours paddling. The suggested hike is along a permanent spring creek, as far as you want to go.

The third day is only 9km, the suggested hike to an amazing swimming hole is around lunchtime, so the paddling is in stages which includes optional stops at Sandy Creek and Jump Rock for a swim.

The fourth day is optional on the distance - we recommend paddling up Stonewall Creek in the morning to explore the Spillway system, swim and hike as  you desire, then in the afternoon cruise down to Maxwell Camp, another 11kms. 

The fifth day is again optional - we recommend paddling up Maxwell Creek in the morning, with a short hike to a lookout and artsite, then in the afternoon paddle the last 10km into Kununurra to complete your ultimate Ord River experience.

Meals

Breakfasts will be continental.

Lunches will be an assortment of sandwich options plus fruit and savoury dips and crackers.

Evening meals will be cooked either over an open fire, on the BBQ or in a camp oven depending on the campsite facilities.

Please let us know any dietary requirements and preferences when you book.

Equipment

  • Two-person Canadian canoe
  • 55 litre Esky
  • 30 litre waterproof barrel
  • 5 litre Dry Bag
  • 60 litre waterproof barrel for clothes and bedding
  • Self-Inflating Mattress per person
  • Sleeping bag and pillow
  • Mozzie Dome Tent (2 person)

Fishing

  • Sooty Grunter (Black Bream)
  • Silver Cobbler (Catfish)
  • Redclaw (Freshwater prawn)

Handlines available on request

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.

Single paddlers will have a separate tent supplied

Kids

Everybody on the tour must to be able to swim unassisted.   

We have larger 3 seat canoes available that are manufactured to fit an extra smaller person. 

Kids occupying a full seat receive a 25% discount.  Three smaller kids sleep sideways on two mattresses.  We have small child lifejackets,  and small adult jackets

A comprehensive itinerary is available in the download below.

 If you have any other questions, please contact us

SAFETY AND BACKUP

We use SPOT Trackers to accompany every tour every day, so in the event you need some help while you are in this truly remote Kimberley region we are only an hour or so away in our rescue boat.

SPOT Trackers use satellite communication to send a range of messages, escalating in urgency to EPIRB level, so you are always in contact even though there is no mobile coverage.

Download the Itinerary!

Get the complete tour information and a description of each days adventures.

Simply Click below to download your copy now.

Trip Advisor -Go wild
Carol D
Carol D
7. October, 2020.
One day canoe tour Brilliant in every way possible, a 12hr day but every minute was enjoyable. If you enjoy being active this is for you. Stunning beauty in peaceful location. Macca is a first class guide who generously shares his knowledge. We would definitely recommend.
Gary L
Gary L
9. September, 2020.
Family weekender. Great camping and canoeing for the family. Very clean facilities with lots of adventurous activities for the Kids.
LozT_24
LozT_24
9. September, 2020.
Can see why this was recommended! After having lived in kununurra for a couple of years, we’d had this trip recommended to us by word of mouth as a ‘must do’ and I can see why. With paddle in hand it was a very enjoyable way to see the Ord and what it has on offer at a relaxing pace. We did the two day canoe trip with an overnight camp out and found that this was just right for us. We also took along a fishing rod and did a bit of trawling which turned out to be a bit of fun. Macca was brilliant also, very accommodating and makes sure the camps are well equipped and maps are easy to follow - all in all a well run and very enjoyable experience!
Mark A
Mark A
20. September, 2019.
Absolutely fantastic time on the Ord My family (wife and 19yr old daughter and 14yr old son and myself) travelled through the Kimberleys for 5 weeks in June 2019 and made a great decision to do a 2 day kayaking trip with Go Wild Econoeing organised by Macka. We travelled with another couple who were heaps of fun too. It was an absolutely amazing trip. I kayak a fair bit but my wife and kids hadn't so it was great being able to share the kayaking experience with them especially in such an incredible place. My wife found it a little challenging early on but then really relaxed into the paddle and taking it all in. I recommend the overnight stay as its a lovely time to get some eat some fresh fish and reflect on the day with your family. I fished a bit and lost a few good sooty grunter and eventually had to settle for a big catfish to feed everyone. Surprisingly good to eat. The swimming was great. First lunch stop on the beach is really nice. Herbies Hideaway is a must find. Jump rock is also a must though it took me a while to get the guts to jump.. and did my kids let me know all about it? The sunsets and views are incredible. The 4 of us sang out with echoes as we floated down Carlton Gorge and it was just great. Macka was fabulous. A great fella. Provides good maps and advice and makes it all fun. If you are have a couple of days spare in Kununurra or an overseas traveller I just cant think of a better was to experience the Kimberley. Definitely book up an overnight trip. You cant go wrong. For what you get it represents great value. Thanks Macka :)
Jacinta R
Jacinta R
21. August, 2019.
Brilliant Had a ball under Maka's tutilidge re canoeing tips. 3 days of quite bliss. The 3 days and 2 nights of seeing the river Ord at a slow pase. The camps were basic but functional with water, toilet and shower ( cold). There are discounts for any equipment you bring. We would definately doniy again.
wildsteve
wildsteve
13. August, 2019.
The Ord isn't ordinary What a great experience travelling down this river valley in a human powered craft. It's not just all paddling either. We enjoyed lookouts, swimming holes and exploring freshwater creeks. Loved the different camp sites all set up to take the hassle out of camping. After reading the comments we decided to break the last day in two and use Macca's new camp site. It left only a couple hours of paddling the next day.
Colin K
Colin K
28. July, 2019.
See the river at the right pace This is an excellent way to see and experience this stunning river, its gorges and wildlife. The scenery is stunning and whilst remote, you are not totally isolated. Those who have paddled before will find this very easy. We had no experience and though fit, are a bit older and still managed even if challenged on days 2 and 3. The challenge was really an addition to the experience. The blisters kept it in memory for a while (take sailing gloves). Day 1 was a blast as it has the fastest water to supply a bit of adrenaline without fatigue. The camps are in beautiful settings with all you want for a comfortable bush experience. Macca is building more to be able to have longer times in locations. He was very accommodating to our needs and schedule. He provided great advice on side trips with maps and is himself an addition to the overall experience. We loved being on this river and would do it again for longer should we return.
Louise
Louise
11. June, 2019.
Three days canoeing down the Ord Three canoes, six friends ! What a great adventure. It was Macca's happy persona, great organisation, perfectly set up campsites, three eskys full of food and drink, and a good flowing river with (mostly) winds pushing in the right direction that made it such a great three days. And despite a serious dunking of one of our couples ... we, in our 60's, were very happy with our rescuing skills without having to call Macca ! Don't hesitate. Do it.
Rhodri S
Rhodri S
17. April, 2019.
Amazing three day trip! My partner and I had an absolute blast on the three day trip down the Ord River. As every reviewer has pointed out, Macca goes above and beyond to help all of his paddlers. Communication was clear from the start and he picked us up early so that we could store some equipment with him while we were paddling. Had a great time on the river seeing all the different wild life, explored numerous rivers and creeks to find waterholes and climbed to some of the best lookouts you'll find! Would recommend the three day trip to anyone, as was a great experience camping out in such remote areas in set up sites. Though be ready for a long paddle on the last day! Book it now and enjoy!
Judith C
Judith C
1. November, 2018.
Gorgeous gorges, and paddling fun! Two amazing days paddling the Ord River, we were lucky to have it all to ourselves! The first day is super easy on the paddle as you just go with the flow, the gorges are so spectacular. The camp has everything you need and is clean and tidy. Day 2 we paddled up the creek, walked up to the Butterfly gorge and checked out the beautiful waterfall, further on we paddled enjoying the awesome scenery, around 4pm Macca picked us up and we cruised on the golden water enjoyed the sunset, then said our goodbyes! Such a great tour!!

Eco Tourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (mass) tourism.

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