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Kimberley safety precautions: Hema’s top travelling tips
Words Julija Zivanovic and Hema Maps Editorial Pics Supplied
Crocs, stingers, blood-sucking insects, dehydration … the part of the Kimberley you scarcely hear about, but as a tourer, it’s vital information that could save your life. Read on to get our TOP tips.
The sunsets over Broome's Cable Beach are world class (Credit: Emily McAuliffe)
The Kimberley region of Western Australia (covering a whopping 423,000 square kilometres) is a famed location known for being home to the world’s longest fringing reef and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Ningaloo Reef — and many other must-visit destinations such as the largest city in the area — Broome — and notable natural attractions such as Horizontal Falls, the Bungle Bungle Range and Cathedral Gorge … just to name a few. Plus, some super-fun 4WD tracks such as the notorious Gibb River Road.
Now, while the Kimberley is an iconic and picturesque location, it’s not without its challenges and dangers. And with the dry season kicking off right now (best time to visit), we thought it prudent to bring you this refreshed information. Keep reading to get our top Kimberley safety precautions, so you can enjoy a safe trip to this incredible region — and avoid potentially dangerous situations!
Crocodile safety: be crocwise
An estuarine croc sunning himself on the Kimberley's Mitchell River
Estuarine or saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are common residents of Kimberley wetlands. They live mainly in coastal waters and the tidal reaches of rivers but also occur in freshwater habitats far from the tidal limit. Saltwater crocodiles (or ‘salties’) are most active at night, particularly during their breeding season (September–April).
Freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) are found only in freshwater habitats. They are considered harmless to humans but will attack if provoked.
However, in the eyes of a large saltie, a human is legitimate prey. There have been a number of attacks across northern Australia in recent years, several of them fatal. For the safety of themselves and others who come after, visitors are urged to observe the following common-sense guidelines:
- Obey all crocodile warning signs — they are there for your safety and protection
- Only swim in designated swimming areas
- Always keep a look out for crocodiles — they’ll see you before you see them
- Don’t regularly use the same launch and landing points as crocs are quick learners
- Be extra vigilant at night, when crocs are more active, and during their breeding season (October–May) when they will aggressively defend their mates and territory
- When fishing at night, illuminate the outside of your boat, making it easier for you to see what is around you
- Crocodiles can attack people in boats, launching themselves full-length out of the water — small boats are even easier for them to attack
A more comprehensive version of the above list can be found in the newly published Top End and Gulf Atlas & Guide (page 53).
Stingers
Box jellyfish stings can be fatal
Kimberley beaches are at their most inviting from early October to late May, when the west coast weather is hot and muggy. Sadly, this period corresponds with the jellyfish danger period.
Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) are common in coastal waters near mangroves at this time. This is a large jellyfish with a circular body up to 300mm across from which hang as many as 50 venom-charged tentacles up to 3m long. A severe sting causes immediate and incapacitating pain, and the victim may go into cardiopulmonary arrest and die.
Swimmers may also receive stings from much smaller kinds of jellyfish. These may lead to Irukandji syndrome: an unpleasant condition whose symptoms include extreme generalised pain, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and headaches. At first the sting may be just a mild irritation with no identifiable site, and it may take around 30 minutes for symptoms to develop.
The most popular places to swim on the Kimberley coast are the beaches at Broome and the nearby Dampier Peninsula. Box jellyfish and those causing Irukandji syndrome are present at all beaches in this area throughout the year. Being transparent, even the largest box jellyfish are all but invisible to swimmers.
The simplest ways to minimise the risk of being stung is to stay out of the water during the main danger period and to wear a protective stinger suit — this particularly applies to small children — at other times. It’s a good idea to seek expert local advice before plunging in.
Blood-sucking insects
(Credit: Getty Images)
Biting insect pests can be a major nuisance if you haven’t taken steps to reduce their impact. Sand flies (aka midges) are active in coastal areas, particularly at high tide anywhere near mangroves. Mozzies aren’t a problem all year and at all places, but when they’re bad, they can be bloody awful. To be on the safe side, presume that they’re going to be friendly wherever you camp — more so if it’s within a kilometre or two of a swamp. Guard against their attempts to ruin your fun by wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and smearing repellent on exposed skin. Don’t let them ruin your travel plans!
Leeches may occur in wet areas such as swamps and rainforest. Applying repellent to your socks seems to keep them at bay, but if they do get through the defences, simply apply roll-on repellent to their bloated backsides and they’ll fall off. Don’t try to pull them off as the bite may become infected.
Dehydration
The Kimberley is a hot place, and dehydration is a real danger. Just how much water you should drink depends on various factors, but an average adult who is mainly just sitting around needs to drink at least 2L of water per day (that’s water, not dehydrating beverages like soft drinks, alcohol and coffee). The quantity required increases with your level of activity until you may need to drink 5L or more if engaged in strenuous bushwalking.
You can use the colour of your urine as a general guide — clear urine indicates that you’re taking in sufficient water, but if it’s dark, you need more. Consult a doctor if in doubt.
Security
Leaving valuables unsecured in your vehicle is asking for trouble. As there’s no telling who is a thief and who is not, it’s unwise to leave attractive items like video cameras and handbags in plain view — it will take only seconds for a practised thief to break in and take the lot. Put personal documents, credit cards, prescription medicine, prescriptions etc. into a small backpack and carry it with you at all times. Consider taking out travel insurance.
Camp robbers …
As well as thieves of the human kind, you’ve got to be wary of feathered and four-legged varieties of camp robbers. Clever crows are particularly adept at getting into boxes of tucker and bags of rubbish and scattering the contents everywhere. Rubbish bins aren’t usually provided in bush situations, and nobody wants to leave food scraps stewing in the hot car while they’re off enjoying nature. However, this is the best place to keep it to keep wild dogs and the like at bay. Conditions shouldn’t deteriorate too much if you first burn (or wash) opened food containers to get rid of odours. Hungry dingoes (is there another kind?) will sneak into your camp at night and take full advantage of any unsecured food and rubbish. If given half a chance they’ll steal clothing and footwear too.
Recommended products
Below you can find some fantastic resources and further information for exploring the Kimberley and surrounds:
Australia Geographic Travel Guide: The Kimberley — usually $14.99, currently $10.95
The Kimberley Map — $15.95
Western Australia State Map — $15.95
100 Things to See in the Kimberley — $29.95
The Kimberley Atlas & Guide — $49.95
There are plenty of wide, open spaces in the Kimberley region of WA (Credit: Getty Images)
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