Water in the Flinders Ranges

One of the great things about traveling through the outback at the moment is the impact that almost 2 years of generous rainfall has had on the region. As I travel through the Flinders on my Chauffeured outback tours, I can identify easily how the region is recovering from the extended drought that has occurred over the past decade and a half.
The first notable impact is the bush (which has generally a brownish hue) is now proudly portraying a greenish tinge. The abundance of water has resulted in streams and creeks that have flowed (some are still flowing) longer and with more vigor. Waterholes have breathed a breath of new life into the scorched dry landscapes. They provide wonderful opportunities to take a break and enjoy the moment with families and the wildlife alike.

Bookabee Tours Australia - Reflections of sunset in the Flinders Ranges

Bush flowers and plant have blossomed including some which have not been evident for many years. The wildlife seems to have breathed a sigh of relief and emu and kangaroo alike are enjoying the rewards of a lush breeding season. As i travel across the land it just appears to have a healthier look about it.
Come see for yourself join me on my next Bookabee tour - www.bookabee.com.au/aboriginal-tours/
ww.bookabee.com.au/aboriginal-tours/

Bookabee Tours Australia - creek crossing in the Northern Flinders Ranges

Echidna on the track

I was driving along on tour the other day and came across this Echidna trying to cross the track.
We jumped out and took a few photos, but when i started to bury itself in front of the vehicle, i had to rescue it and move it to a safe place so we could continue on our way...

Karen was treated to a real privileged experience, it's not every day you come across and Echidna around these traps...

Check out our new-look website... cheers
Haydyn Bromley
:-)

Bookabee checks the floods in the Flinders Ranges

A recent deluge in the Flinders Ranges @ Wilpena Pound saw a river of water flood past and into my bedroom... The down pour happened so quick I didn't get a chance to cover the door before it came flooding in.

The patch outside this window was bone dry a few minutes earlier...

This was a local creek that was a raging torrent less than 1/2hr after the downpour.
cheers
Haydyn :-)

Andu - The Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby

One of the most captivating characters of the Flinders Ranges is the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby or as us local Adnyamathanha know it by... the Andu.
This mum had a young joey in her pouch. Watching them for about 1/2 hr, you got a sense that life was pretty good for the joey. Not only was the joey safe in mum's pouch, but from time to time, the koey even got to have a nibble on the grasses as mum bent down for a feed.
What a life!!!

When you get the urge to see for yourself... drop me a line...
Enjoy, have a great day.
Cheers
Haydyn Bromley
Bookabee Australia

Bookabee makes Australian Top 20 Aussie Tours 2009

From the Australian Traveller website... read on...

To truly experience the Flinders Ranges, hook up with local Adnyamathanha tour guide Haydyn Bromley for this incredible four-day mission of discovery. The luxury 4WD journey visits the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, Brachina Gorge, Red Gorge petroglyphs, Bunyeroo Gorge, Italowie Gap, Malkaii Rock Art and the Ochre Pits in Bromley’s traditional homeland. He tells the Adnyamathanha Creation stories and traces the path of the Kingfisher Man, who came down from the north to Wilpena Pound followed by Akurra, the Rainbow Serpent, where their squabbles resulted in the formation of the current landscape.

Cockatoos, emus, red and grey kangaroos and, Haydyn’s personal totem, elusive yellow-footed rock wallabies will cross your path and after you nibble on native gooseberries, bush bananas and quandongs you’ll have to agree with Bromley that “no-one went hungry living in this land”. Whatever your bent, this tour fits the bill – and there’s a lot to be said for the air-conditioned comfort of a luxury vehicle on those days when the mercury climbs to more than 40ºC.

Brag Factor // Munch on sandwiches beneath thousands of ancient petroglyphs at a gorge in the Northern Flinders Ranges.

Details // Tour by Bookabee Tours Australia, $2025 per person twin-share, all-inclusive. (08) 8235 9954, www.bookabee.com.au

check it out online at Australian Traveller there are some great photos there too...

Bookabee Tours takes you to Nepabunna Aboriginal Village - Flinders Ranges SA

Nepabunna Aboriginal Village
This is one of the four welcome signs that greet travellers as they enter our village.

Three children under the Aboriginal Flag at the March Consent Determination gathering on Nepabunna Land.

Some kangaroos will sleep anywhere...

These lizards are a common sight when bushwalking around the Flinders Ranges.

On this tour, we took both Bookabee Tour vehicles...

Hi All, been really busy of late. Just a quick post to say that we are still going strong. the other week (end or May actually) we were listed in the 2009 Top 20 Aussie Tours by Australian Traveller Magazine. Things are looking bright...
Check out our website... we've recently had a refresh as well. Bookabee Website
Cheers
Haydyn Bromley
Cultural Director: Bookabee Australia

Bookabee Travels USA on G'Day USA Roadshow

Haydyn and Quentin in Time Square: New York.Grand Central Station: New York

Haydyn And Quentin at LAX.

Hi All
I had a great time on the G'Day USA roadshow in January 2009. The travel industry appointments were all top notch and Bookabee's products were received with much enthusiasm.
During the 14 Days, we traveled to Los Angeles, New York and Toronto in Canada. it was an experience for sure.
Thanks to my special friends at Tourism Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission. I appreciate your assistance and all your help.
cheers
Haydyn Bromley
Bookabee Australia.

Bookabee joins 2009 USA and Canada Indigenous Roadshow

2009 G'Day USA Gala Dinner: LA

January 2009, Bookabee Tour Director Haydyn Bromley contributed to a very successful Trade delegation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tour Operators who visited North America to spread the work about the good work we have bee doing. The delegation of approximately 30 visited three destinations to meet with industry representatives. In Los Angeles, New York and Toronto (Canada) we met with Travel Industry reps.
It was great... so was the LA Gala Dinner...

L-R: Karyn Kent: South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), Haydyn Bromley: Bookabee, Maite Conway: SATC and John Daw: SATC

Haydyn with his G'Day USA Gala Dinner Ticket.

Warren drumming up some business in Beverly Hills

Haydyn drumming up some business with the Bookabee Banner on outside the Paley Centre in Beverly Hills.

The Bookabee Banner on display inside the Paley Centre: Beverly Hills.

more to come...

cheers

Haydyn....

Bookabee Tours Post Cards

Hi All
check out our range of great postcards...
All contain Adnyamathanha Traditional Language and translations.
cheers All
Haydyn...






Go to our website for more details. www.bookabee.com.au

Just another beautiful landscape on a bookabee tour

Hi
just another spectacular landscape in the Flinders Ranges...
cheers
Haydyn

Bookabee gains Eco-Tourism Accreditation

Great News... Bookabee Tours Australia achieves stage 1 Eco-Tourism Accreditation

Say no more!!!

cheers

Haydyn Bromley

Bookabee Wins National Tourism Award

Bookabee Australia has just won Australia’s Best Indigenous Experience which was judged the Aussie Specialist program.
So much Australia so little time...
There comes a time, usually at about age 40, when it becomes all too evident that too few vacation days will accrue in the years that remain, and too many journeys remain untravelled. When the harsh reality hits, there are essentially two options; sell the house and the kids, or prioritise your holidays to include only the best of the best. For inbound travellers to Australia short-listing can be an impossible challenge, as Australia’s a big country with a lifetime of experiences to offer.
TIAM set about finding the best of the best and a panel of hard-core Australia-holics (international Premier Aussie Specialists) determined the following winners...
Click here to visit the Travelling in Australia Bookabee Award Page
For the full list of Travelling In Australia 20 Best Experiences Awards Nominees click here
Category: Best Indigenous ExperienceWinner: Bookabee Tours Australia (South Australia)
Bookabee Tours Australia takes you on a memorable journey of Indigenous discovery, immersing you in cultural experiences and visiting exclusive locations that few people have ever seen. Bookabee is based in Adelaide, South Australia and was established in early 2005. Owned and operated by Haydyn Bromley, an Indigenous man of Adnyamathanha, Narrunga and Yarluyandi origin, his people hail from the Flinders Ranges, Yorke Peninsula and Birdsville areas. Embark on an extended outback tour from two to five days, or a shorter local tour from two hours to a full day. For those with individual needs, Bookabee offers the choice to create your own, self-designed, personalised tour to locations like Birdsville and Coober Pedy. For those with a little more time, escape to the magnificent Flinders Ranges; travelling by luxury 4WD. Explore the outback’s wonders with visits to caves decorated with ancient Aboriginal paintings and engravings, indulge in gourmet bush tucker, and listen to creation stories of the Adnyamathanha people. For travellers with a restricted itinerary, local tours around Adelaide are also offered. Learn about the history of the area as you travel through the Flinders Rangers. Bookabee Tours has a strong focus on South Australia’s Indigenous history and guests are left with a deep understanding of and appreciation for the Adnyamathanha culture.
What makes Bookabee the best?
“My husband and I were fortunate enough to take a trip with Haydyn last September, pre-Corroboree. During my many travels to Australia I had never experienced the terrain and history of the Indigenous people as I did with Haydyn, our guide to the Outback. He was fluent in his story telling about the land and the people who occupied it. As an Aboriginal, his pride in the history - his history - was quite evident. Haydyn brought the history to life, was a wonderful host and created a memorable trip.”
Sharon Oberritter, Oberritter Travel, USA.
Come join us some time... email to find out more tours@bookabee.com.au
Cheers
Haydyn Bromley :-)

Bookabee Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE

Hi All
Been real busy over the past 12 weeks. lots of touring and heaps of great people to meet. Our latest tour vehicle pictured above is performing a treat. The tour guests love it and I'm wrapped... It's a Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE equiped with all the bells and whistles...
Come try us out some time...
Cheers
Haydyn Bromley

Stepping back in time

Hi All
One of the special treats about touring with Bookabee Tours Australia is the ability to travel to places generally considered closed to Tourism. As an Adnyamathanha (pron. Ud-nah-mut-an-ah) person, I can visit many places around the Flinders Ranges where my grand father took me to when i was younger. The best part is I can also share many of his stories.
This place is among many others like it, where the spiritual significance just exudes from the surroundings. The picture depicts an etching of an owl along side other etchings. The site has long been known as a place where Adnyamathanha allowed members of other groups to pass through our land. It contains many etching believed to be from right across Australia. It's a great place to visit to re-energize and recharge the batteries.
Anyhow, for more check the website.
Cheers
Haydyn...

My little friends...

On a Bookabee Tours Australia tour you never know who you'll meet when you travel the roads in the outback... This little friend was spared a nasty end when I saved him from being squashed. Despite him not being too pleased (about being moved off the road) he did prove to be a great photo opportunity for the guests. They also got to feel his back and tiny feet.
I placed him back on the side of the road and the last time we saw him he was moving in the right direction... For more, go to www.bookabee.com.au
cheers
Haydyn...

Bookabee Achieves National Tourism Accreditation Status

Hi, One of the other things that Bookabee Tours Australia is involved in is that provides a benefit to our tour guests is Aboriginal Tourism Australia. Aboriginal Tourism Australia is a national association with a distinct tourism focus that has established protocols for conducting business (essentially tourism) within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. This regime is call Respecting Our Culture (ROC) and many Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Tourism based organisations are becoming accredited and adopting this culturally appropriate manner of conducting their businesses. At the beginning of July 2007, Bookabee Tours Australia had our ROC accreditation endorsed. Along with this accreditation, completing it also got our tour company the National yellow tick accreditation for Tourism Australia Accreditation Limited (TAAL).
Its All Good...
Oh Yeah!!!
Cheers
Haydyn...

Bookabee Tours Australia: Aboriginal Scar Tree

This tree, like many others could be located anywhere in the bush, but unlike most other trees, it serves as a reminder of one of the common practices associated with Traditional Aboriginal life. In this photo you can see me pointing out the scar that was left when the bark was removed to make a traditional implement. The implement was most likely either a shield or a some form of implement used to assist in food gathering.
This tree and many like it remind us of a time when Aboriginal people roamed the country going about their traditional practices and life styles.
For more info feel free to drop me an email or check out the website: www.bookabee.com.au
Cheers
Haydyn
tours@bookabee.com.au

Bookabee Bush Food Tastings...

One of the nice touches that tour guests receive when on a Bookabee Tour is the opportunity of enjoy a range of bush foods. As part of every outback extended tour, each morning tea features a Bush Food theme.
The first generally is organic Scones with a selection of bush jams and fresh cream, the morning teas include bush delights like smoked kangaroo and emu, a selection of bush food chutneys and relishes and a choice of two bush food dukkahs (dipping spices).
It's all good...
On our local tours, we offer a spread where guests can taste the range of what we offer (see the photo above). If you are interested in trying any of the bush foods we offer, drop us a line and we can organize a tour for you.
For more info or to browse our website go to www.bookabee.com.au
cheers...
more later...
Haydyn :-)

Bookabee Online Article

Hey All
Things are getting better all the time...
I opened up my email yesterday morning to find a compliment from another tour operator. The compliment was for a great writeup in Selling Down Under (which has now also gone online).
The writeup was terrific and I really want to thank Selling Down Under http://www.sellingdownunder.com.au/ for this great article.
If you get the time, check out the article online at the address above.
You can even go direct if you follow this link... http://edition2a.intellimag.com/?id=sdujuly07
Bye for now...
Cheers
Haydyn
Photo courtesy South Australian Tourism Commission.

Aboriginal Art, Etchings and Engravings.

There are some sites in the Flinders Ranges that are so special, you have to see them to appreciate their significance. On my tours, we visit many of these special sites and see places that are extremely powerful, both spitirually and culturally to my people, the Adnyamathanha. Adnyamathanha means "Rock - People" and as it is with most Aboriginal groups across the world, we share a special affiliation with the land. which, in most cases can't be quantified in dollar terms.
On the tours, I speak of this important connection to the land and also why it is so important that there is and will always be custodians who are charged with the duty of protecting and looking after the land.
I'd love to share my stories with you all, take the time to check my website and if you like the feel, send me an email.
cheers for now...
Haydyn...
www.bookabee.com.au