Coates Wildlife Tours Western Australia Australia

Tours offering spectacular and diverse natural history – flora, fauna, Aboriginal art, paintings and culture.

Since 1980, when naturalist, Kevin Coate founded Coates Wildlife Tours and pioneered the inception of nature-based tours in Western Australia, we have offered tours that let you experience nature in small groups and allow plenty of time and flexibility to pursue individual interests.

Great Destinations:
The Kimberley and Pilbara regions in the north, the Kennedy Ranges and Mt Augustus in the mid west and various areas through the south of Western Australia.

Great Leaders:
Our dedicated naturalist leaders have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their enjoyment and understanding of natural history including birds, fauna and flora is reflected in their own unique styles of interpretive leadership.

Great Evenings:
Our policy of providing a two crew to carry out the campsite duties means that there is no need for you to participate in the usual kitchen work rosters. Simply set up your tent, and then relax in the company of your fellow travellers.

Great Food:
A resourceful camp cook (with groups of seven or more) accompanies all safari tours. resh local produce and ingredients are always used when available. Passengers are always pleasantly surprised at the variety and quality of the meals prepared by our cooks.

Great Equipment:
Transport is provided by a custom designed and built air-conditioned four wheel drive (4wd) vehicle or mini bus which ever is appropriate for the tour. For camping tours we supply all the quality camping equipment – self inflating mattresses and camp chairs with arms. The dome tents are large, light, waterproof and easy to erect. All eating utensils and crockery are provided. All you need to bring is your own pillow and sleeping bag. Even sleeping bags can be hired.

Join us and experience the Coates Wildlife Tours difference.

Touring Options

11 Day Kennedy Ranges and Mt Augustus Tour

9th September 2006

The Kennedy Ranges are near the Gascoyne Region (one of the world’s most ancient land formations). They contain some of the best escarpment and gorge country in Western Australia. The 500 metre long gorge terminates in a 50 metre high vertical rock face. Water erosion has created delicate patterns in some of the rock face. The Kennedy Ranges National Park supports over 300 species of plants and over 50 species of birds.

Mt Augustus is the world’s largest monocline, and is over twice the size of Ayers Rock. It was named after Burringurrah who during the dreamtime was travelling through the area and was speared and knocked down. He turned into the large rock we know as Mt Augustus and legend has it that he is still lying there. The colour of the rock changes during dawn and dusk. Bright pink, orange and red with the occasional green reflect the changes of his mood.

Leaving Perth we travel to Coalseam Gully, an area renowned for wonderful displays of wild flowers, we then move on through the wheatbelt country to Mullewa, where you should see the beautiful and rare Wreath Leschenaultia. From Mullewa we travel through the Murchison countryside where the everlastings and other wildflowers put on a spectacular spring wildflower display (seasonal rains permitting).

Travel to the Kennedy Ranges via Gascoyne Junction to see gorges, birds (Diamond Dove, Pied Honeyeater) and wildflowers, and creek beds of marine and wood fossils. On the west side, there is chert used by Aborigines for stone blades and spear tips. Three full days are spent in this area.

Leaving the Kennedy Ranges behind us we move onto Mt Augustus, driving through the Gascoyne region where there are plenty of Little Corellas, Pink & Grey Galahs, Wedge Tailed Eagle, and wild flowers in this semi arid region. There is plenty of time at Mt Augustus to spend climbing or walking around the base of the mount.

Our trip back to Perth takes us via Meekatharra and the old goldfield towns / ruins. – Cue, Austin and Mt Magnet.

11 Day Western Explorer Tour

Camping – 19th May 2006

Magnificent coastal areas with their marine life, long white beaches and coral reefs all with the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Combine these with the scenery, water holes, aboriginal art/culture and spectacular gorges of the Pilbara.

Our tour begins travelling north of Perth to the World Heritage Listed Shark Bay. We stop for a look at the unique Shell Beach formed by 60 kilometres of billions of tiny white seashells (coquina bivalve). We also look at ancient living fossils the stromatolites. At Monkey Mia looking for dolphins, dugongs and all the other manificent marine life that this area is famed for.

Leaving Shark Bay we head via Canarvon to Coral Bay and Exmouth. In Exmouth there will be time to visit the Cape Range National Park which offers a mixture of wildlife spotting, walks and opportunities to swim or snorkel over the Ningaloo Reef.

Today we leave Exmouth and continue north heading for the Parabadoo area which will be our set off point for the Karijini National Park.

Two full days in the Karijini national Park will ensure we have plenty of time to explore the natural wonders in this magnificnet gorge region. Leaving Karijini we head back to the coast for our last night’s camp before we reach Broome.

8 Day Terrestrial Orchid Tour

Accommodated – 4th October 2006

Past years experience indicates that, subject to season, it is possible to find about 70 species of flowering terrestrial orchids, many common and some quite rare.

The species discovered are not predicable, for each season seems to produce its own delights when the differing conditions suit the particular varieties. There will be many stops each day to allow maximum time to view / photograph orchids and other wildflowers. We will be touring the beautiful and peaceful south west of Western Australia sighting and photographing the many orchid varieties. We will also see the magnificent wildflowers of the region which will be in full display. A sample of specimens found on past tours:- Caladenia:- Integra, flava, marginata, (Including hybrids) C. roeii, C. reptans, C saccharata and C. multiclavia. Thelymitra, Microtis, Cryptostylis and many other genus exist in displays of great beauty and colour.
See also the wildflowers of the region which will be on display. Our orchid specialist will accompany this tour. Price includes all accommodation in hotels and motels, all meals and national park entrance fees.

15 Day Southwest Birds and Botany Tour

Accommodated – 18th October 2006

The Southwest offers breathtaking beauty and diversity. The region is renowned for its spectacular wildflowers – an extraordinarily colourful scene during the spring months and an abundance of birdlife.

Join us as we experience a wide range of habitats walking through open woodlands, outback arid areas, an off-shore island, coastal heath, peppermint trees and karri forests. The diversity of each habitat is only matched by the diversity of the birds, botany and spectacular scenery that will be found. Combining all this with the comfort of an accommodated tour make this a trip not to miss.

8 Day Goldfields Social and Natural History

Camping Tour – 20th April 2006

Visit the old ghost towns of the gold mining days with their numerous relics from the past, equipment, old shanties, mine frames all long since abandoned.

History abounds in the region where in the 1890`s thousands of locals’ and migrants alike tried their luck with gold prospecting. Relics from the past , equipment, old shanties, stone buildings mine frames and their belongings are scattered throughout the old settlements. We will visit Kalgoorlie the home to today’s modern gold mining activities then move onto the ruins of old towns – Kanowna, Menzies, Kookynie and Sandstone to name a few. Combine this with the natural wonders that the area offers such as the red desert sand, the geological highlights and some of the most fascinating flora and fauna in the west.

5 Day Fur, Feathers and Forests Tour

Accommodated – 11th February 2006

Escape the summer heat and enjoy the scenic splendour of the South West. This is the home of magnificent Karri forests – One of the worlds tallest trees, deserted white sandy beaches and rugged coastal beauty. This combined with wildlife, rare marsupials, spectacular panorama of the National Parks and interesting endemic bird life makes this a trip not to miss. The Coates wildlife leader is a very experienced guide, with a love for nature. He will enable you to experience the South West in a way most people can only dream about.

8 Day Christmas Island Tour

Accommodated – 20th November 2006

Coates Wildlife Tours have been taking groups to this naturalist’s wonderland for over 10 years. During this time our groups have sighted many bird species new to Australia which have been added to the island’s bird list.

Christmas Island is situated in the Indian Ocean 2600Km north west of Perth. It is renowned for its unique birdlife and the various land crabs with the spectacular mass migration of crabs in November and December. (David Attenborough said this was the most amazing sight he had seen

17 Day Rudall River National Park Expedition

Remote, harsh yet beautiful Rudall River National Park. Situated about 400 kilometres east of Newman in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert, the Rudall River National Park is one of the most remote wilderness areas in the world. At 1 283 706 hectares the park is the largest in Western Australia.

Vegetation in the park is a mixture of desert bloodwood, feathertop spinifex, Kanji and cork tree with river red gums and coolabah trees found on the river Expedition flats. After a good rain there are also many wildflowers (mulla mullas, grevilleas, sturt desert peas and hakeas) that add their magnificent colours to the landscape.

Over 90 species of birds have been recorded in the park; most are located around the river and various other streams. Spinifex pigeon, painted finch and an assortment of honeyeaters Spinifexbird, peregrine and brown falcons, white winged fairy-wren and in good seasons crimson chat and button quail may be seen coming to drink at the pools. There are 17 different mammals recorded in the park mainly small creatures such as the hairy-footed dunnart and the spinifex-hopping mouse.

Our trip north will take us through Mt Magnet, Newman and on to Ethel Creek. After leaving Ethel Creek we move into the national park via the Talawana and Kintyre Tracks.

During the next 10 days we will see and enjoy the many natural wonders of this unique area. Kalkan Kalkan Soak, Poonemerlarra Creek, Tjingkulatjatjarra Pool, Hanging Rock, Currun Currun Rockhole and Desert Queen Baths to name just a few.

After leaving the park we head towards Telfer via Billy Dunns and Jinawanura Caves, which have strong Aboriginal history attached to them. After the caves we will visit Christmas Pool where a short walk will bring us to more Aboriginal Art work.

Onto Carrawine Pool on the Oakover River which will be our campsite for the next three nights giving us plenty of time to really enjoy the natural beauty and birdlife.

We will make a day trip to the oasis at Running Waters. Take a relaxing swim in the clear waters of the warm natural springs surrounded by huge old gnarled Melaleucas.

Leaving the wilderness behind us we head into the small country township of Marble Bar for a hot shower and a taste of civilisation.

12 Day Kimberley Tour

Camping – 26th June 2006

These tours are for those in search of exciting landscapes, prolific bird life, spectacular botanical diversity and Aboriginal culture, all characteristics of the dramatic Kimberley. We visit some of northern Australia’s most interesting birding sites, along with the stunning scenery of the Kimberley this promises to be a truly memorable experience.

Our itineraries are designed to allow ample time to experience and enjoy this magnificent region and indulge in your special interest with the help of our experienced naturalist leader.

The tours extensively cover the natural history of the Kimberley region including the Gibb River Road highlights, Mitchell Plateau and the Purnululu National Park.

Our brilliant 5 000 000 star rating camp sites are a mixture of camp grounds, national park campsites and bush camps. The accommodation during the tour is a mixture of motel and a station stay, which allows a break from camping and provide comfortable beds with all linen supplied, hot showers and flushing toilets.

All meals are included.

10 Day Kimberley Tour

Accommodated – 14th July 2006

These tours are for those in search of exciting landscapes, prolific bird life, spectacular botanical diversity and Aboriginal culture, all characteristics of the dramatic Kimberley. We visit some of northern Australia’s most interesting birding sites, along with the stunning scenery of the Kimberley this promises to be a truly memorable experience.

Our itineraries are designed to allow ample time to experience and enjoy this magnificent region and indulge in your special interest with the help of our experienced naturalist leader.

The tours extensively cover the natural history of the Kimberley region including the Gibb River Road highlights, Mitchell Plateau and the Purnululu National Park.

Our brilliant 5 000 000 star rating camp sites are a mixture of camp grounds, national park campsites and bush camps. The accommodation during the tour is a mixture of motel and a station stay, which allows a break from camping and provide comfortable beds with all linen supplied, hot showers and flushing toilets.

All meals are included.

15 Day Kimberley Tour

Camping/Accommodated – 5th June 2006

These tours are for those in search of exciting landscapes, prolific bird life, spectacular botanical diversity and Aboriginal culture, all characteristics of the dramatic Kimberley. We visit some of northern Australia’s most interesting birding sites, along with the stunning scenery of the Kimberley this promises to be a truly memorable experience.

Our itineraries are designed to allow ample time to experience and enjoy this magnificent region and indulge in your special interest with the help of our experienced naturalist leader.

The tours extensively cover the natural history of the Kimberley region including the Gibb River Road highlights, Mitchell Plateau and the Purnululu National Park.

Our brilliant 5 000 000 star rating camp sites are a mixture of camp grounds, national park campsites and bush camps. The accommodation during the tour is a mixture of motel and a station stay, which allows a break from camping and provide comfortable beds with all linen supplied, hot showers and flushing toilets.

All meals are included.

16 Day Kimberley Coastal Waterfall Cruise

Accommodated – 23rd April 2006

The Kimberley coast lying north of Broome is one of the most stunning and isolated in the world. Join our ornithologist / naturalist leader Kevin Coate on this unique natural history tour as we explore and enjoy the natural beauty and spectacular scenery of the awesome gorges, rivers and waterfalls found along the coast. The timing of the trip should ensure the waterfalls are in full flow and at their spectacular best. Whilst onshore experience the birdlife, reptiles and other wildlife along with Aboriginal art sites, culture and European history. Along with the avifauna there will also be an array of sea life, reptile and botanical highlights.

Note: The itineraries may need to be re-arranged due to the massive tidal movements that occur through the region.

Note: To ensure maximum time at each location the vessel will travel some nights.

Website: www.coateswildlifetours.com.au