Visitors to Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy a range of guided tours and self-guided activities amongst the 3,000sq km of spectacular gorges and tropical savannah.
Popular activities include early morning guided birdwatching tours, canoeing down Dimond Gorge, and exploring Sir John Gorge. Self-guided walking trails, 4WD habitat trails and swimming holes are also there to explore.
This is a unique opportunity to experience one of Australia’s leading wilderness camps while also helping to save Australia’s endangered wildlife.
Find out about camping and accommodation at Mornington Wilderness Camp here.
Enquire at reception for tour availability and scheduled times. To book tours with your accommodation package, contact us by email or telephone.
Set within the majestic King Leopold Ranges, Sir John Gorge at sunset is one of the Kimberley’s best views. Swim in the mighty Fitzroy River, try to spot a Short-eared Rockwallaby and learn all about AWC. Top it off with a glass of bubbles as the sun goes down. Unforgettable. Drinks and cheese platter included.
Tour duration: 4 hours
Canoeing Dimond Gorge gives you a true sense of its awesome scale. Learn the history and geology of the gorge, refresh with a swim and enjoy lunch on the banks of the river. Lunch and canoe hire included.
Tour duration: all day.
Lake Gladstone is the largest permanent wetland in the central Kimberley. Spend time familiarising yourself with local and migratory waders and woodland birds from the bird hide. Located on private property, the only way to see the lake is on our exclusive tour. Breakfast (early start) and binocular hire included.
Tour duration: Half-day
Mornington is a birdwatching hot spot. Over 200 species have been recorded on sanctuary, including nationally threatened species the Gouldian Finch and Purple-crowned Fairywren. Your guide will explain how AWC is working to protect these species. Breakfast snack and binocular hire included.
Tour duration: 2 hours
Make the most of your time at Mornington. Enjoy a beautiful sunset tour at Sir John Gorge before a guided birdwatching tour the following morning. Mornington is home to over 200 bird species - see how many you can spot with the help of your guide from one day to the next. Drinks, cheese platter, breakfast snack and binocular hire included.
Tour duration: 4 hours and 2 hours
1.5 hours Relax with your guide at nearby Savanna Hill to watch the sun set over the King Leopold Ranges and the Mornington landscape. Find out about Mornington, AWC’s program of practical land management and science in the Kimberley, and local wildlife. Includes drinks and cheese platter.
Explore the riparian habitat along Annie Creek with your guide on hand to help interpret and explore the habitat you pass through. A rare opportunity to delve into the world of science in the field, AWC research and land management approaches.
On the Family EcoTour enjoy the Annie Creek trails with your guide, and mark off birds you see together on your Mornington Bird List
Tours include morning tea or afternoon refreshment.
Tour duration: 1.5 hours
Family Tour $125 (2 adults; 2 children)
Annie Creek Riparian Habitat Trail
A 1.6 km round trip, the Annie Creek trail meanders through lush creek-side habitat. Many of the plants and animals along the trail are only found in this specialised habitat. Walk this trail in the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Duration: 1 hour. Difficulty: Easy
Savanna Woodland Habitat Trail
The Savanna Woodland trail starts 50 m north of the Annie Creek Trail and is 1.6 km long, with some shade. Following the base of an escarpment, this trail explores savanna woodland ecosystems, the role of fire and how to manage them for biodiversity. Duration: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
Termite Trail
The Termite Trail is located in the Spinifex grasslands on the road to Sir John Gorge, 7 km from camp. Follow the trail to learn all about these fascinating insects and their vital role in the savanna ecosystems of northern Australia. Duration: 45 minutes Difficulty: Easy
Sir John Gorge Canoe
Book exclusive access to the series of 3 canoes set along 4 km of Sir John Gorge. This peaceful, ancient waterway is a wonderful place to spend a day. Collect your map, life jackets and paddles from reception before departing. Includes hamper lunch and canoes. $185 per 2 people.
Dimond Gorge Canoe
The impressive Dimond Gorge is one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley. Take a packed lunch and spend a whole day exploring 2 km of the Fitzroy River. Collect your map, life jackets and paddles from reception before departing. $70 canoe hire (2 or 3 person Canadian canoe).
End your day with AWC staff at the big screen near the restaurant for an evening slideshow. Providing an overview of Mornington and an insight into the work of AWC, this is a great chance to have your questions answered about research, conservation, land management and science. Check times at reception.
Both of these waterholes are found on the Fitzroy River and provide ideal shady locations for relaxing, birdwatching, swimming and soaking up the Kimberley atmosphere. Stop in on your way home from Sir John or Dimond Gorge, or set yourself up on the riverbank for a whole day.
Comprehensive habitat trail notes guide you through the variety of habitats found between camp and Sir John Gorge or Dimond Gorge. Learn why this stunning landscape is important for Australian wildlife. Habitat trail notes are available from reception for a $10 deposit.
Duration: 40 minutes to Sir John Gorge (14 km) and 1 hour to Dimond Gorge (25 km).
