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The Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of this country's last great wilderness areas. Yet despite its vastness and the fact that much of it still remains relatively inaccessible to humans, its wildlife inhabitants are nonetheless very vulnerable.

Cane Toads (Bufo marinus) were introduced into Australia in the 1930's and as you read this they are inexorably moving across from the east and colonising the top end of Australia. In places such as Kakadu National Park, the presence of this toxic newcomer has already had a significant ecological impact; populations of carnivorous marsupials such as Quolls have been much reduced, along with those of other animal groups such as amphibians and reptiles. Sadly, Cane Toads will move through the Kimberleys over the next few years and - at this point in time  - there is absolutely nothing we can do to stop them. Like Kakadu, the fauna to be most impacted will be carnivorous marsupials and reptiles (especially monitors), some of which like the Rough-scaled Python are found nowhere else in the world. Hence, for a group of 11 people with a keen interest in natural history, this expedition was a pilgrimage of sorts, a "last chance to see" some of the area's biodiversity before it disappears. 

The 12 day expedition commenced at Sydney University's Middle Point research facility near Fogg Dam in the NT before travelling across to Broome in WA.  Camping along the way, we  visited Keep River, Purnululu and Windjana Gorge National Parks, our purpose to not just pay our respects to some of the local wildlife but also  to see some spectacular country along the way. Features of geological interest such as the Wolf Creek Meteorite Crater and the China Wall near Halls Creek were also on the agenda.

The highlights were many; the scenery itself, Boab trees, an inquisitive Black-headed Python on the Gibb River Road, Spiny-tailed, Merten's and Long-tailed Rock Monitors, a funky Knob-tailed Gecko, the Windjana crocodiles, Rock Wallabys, White-quilled Rock Pigeons and more.

Ssssee what you're missing out on......