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 :-)

Flinders Ranges

Sacred Canyon

Brachina Gorge

Brachina Gorge

If you are keen, check out our Facebook and become a Facebook Fan. Search for Bookabee to find us.
cheers
Haydyn

Rain clouds in the Flinders Ranges

Just a couple of shots of the Flinders Ranges with clouds covering the walls of Wilpena Pound.
cheers
Haydyn
www.bookabee.com.au

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

Now this is a pin cushion... Echidna at large!!!

Walking along in the Flinders Ranges, it's easy to get a little blase as you admire the rolling hills, the magnificent scenery and the spectacular wildlife. But, you can't help but count your lucky stars when you look down and spy an echidna ambling along the side of the walking track. This one caught the sharp eye of Iteka, one of the children who was on the bushwalk.

Gently picking up the echidna (having had extensive experience in doing this, definitely not something I would recommend to a novice, attempting to pick up an echidna could result in injury to the animal or yourself), I pointed out its unique features to my tour guests such as its back feet and the way the tail is hidden cleverly within the array of quils that protrude from its body.

Seeing echidnas isn't an every-day event especially here in the Flinders Ranges. Despite having lived in and around the Flinders Ranges for most of my life, i still get excited when my path convergeses with such special animals. Echidnas are monotremes (egg laying mammals), the only other being the Platypus. It is important that we do as much as we can to assist in preserving the environment of the Echidna. Eradication of predators that threaten them such as feral cats and dogs, and stopping the destruction of their natural environment are crucial to their existance. we all have a roll to play for these uniquely Australian animals, you are wither part of the solution or part of the cause. Be the former....
cheers to all :-)
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 tries winter in New York

Winter time in New York is really really cold.

Hi All
when we went to New York, i took lots of little video clips...
see.
Cheers

Haydyn

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

Back to Back Best Indigenous Tour Operator Awards

Bookabees’ “Brilliant Blend” takes out back to back wins
What do you get when you take an in-depth knowledge of Indigenous culture, a passion for teaching and the courage to combine the two into a touring company?

The answer is an award-winning formula for Bookabee Tours Australia.

Bookabee has been named South Australia’s Top Indigenous Tour Company for the second year running at the prestigious South Australian Tourism Awards.

And the SA award comes hot on the heels of the fledgling company taking accolades as Travelling in Australia Magazine’s Best National Indigenous Experience 2008.

Haydyn Bromley says the award is a reward for the hard work that he and partner Lele have put into building the company, and confirmation that Bookabee Tours is on the right track.

“We started Bookabee three years ago, with two goals in mind,” Haydyn says.

“The first was to preserve Adnyamathanha culture by sharing the knowledge and teachings of our elders.”

“We want to give others an understanding of the value of caring for land and preserving our stories and practices.”

“The second reason was that as a former teacher this proved to be a natural progression where I could continue sharing knowledge.”

“The only difference is that my classroom is now our land and my pupils are the tour guests that come for the experience.”

Haydyn says the award win is a clear sign that they have hit the right market at the right time and that the passion they have for their job is acknowledged and appreciated.

Bookabee offers a range of two-day to seven-day tours highlighting the best of what’s on offer in the Flinders Ranges, Clare Valley and the Outback.

A new tour brings Coober Pedy and surrounds into the mix with a day along the famous Oodnadatta Track.

For those with time constraints there are also two-hour guided walking tours in and around the city and half-day and full day tours to near country locations.

So far this year, more than 400 guests have enjoyed the Bookabee experience.

That represents a 35 per cent increase on last years’ numbers.

“Our predominant target market, the international traveller is really coming on board,” Haydyn said.

“We have seen a significant growth during 2008-2009 season and have had a 60 per cent increase in international wholesale contracts to deliver Aboriginal and Outback experiences to international inbound experience seekers.”

Bookabee’s biggest markets are the UK, USA, Germany and Europe and the company has seen an increase in tours from countries like Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark.

They also cater for domestic travellers who are looking for quality, genuine Aboriginal culture and knowledge experiences.

“We highlight not only the big tourism points of interest, but the cultural knowledge that can only be shared by an Aboriginal person with local connections and knowledge of the area,” Haydyn says.

“Things like important local sites and those that are not accessible to the general public and mainstream tourism operators.

“This gives Bookabee a discernable point of difference from other operators that value adds to the tourism experience through anecdotes and local knowledge.”

Bookabee now goes into the running for the National Tourism Awards
Awards to be decided in Melbourne in February, 2009.
For more information, High Res Images or detailed tour itineraries contact:
Haydyn Bromley: Director Bookabee Australia Pty Ltd

Hope you enjoyed this blog as much as we enjoyed winning the award...

cheers

Haydyn Bromley :-)

Flinders Ranges and Outback signs

Nepabunna Aboriginal Village now has modest accommodation to suit the happy camper. Give them a call 8648 3764 for enquiries.

At Marree you can commence the legendary Birdsville Track... Read the sign first.

Make sure you are prepared for the outback, take plenty of water, emergency provisions and your common sense. Don't take unnecessary risks and make sure people know where you are going.

At the other side of town (Marree) you can commence the Oodnadatta Track. Same deal, take it easy and don't take silly risks... Enjoy your travels, better still travel with us.
Cheers
Haydyn Bromley

Travelling with Pierre from France

Pierre on the scenic flight around Wilpena Pound

looking down into Bunyeroo Valley along the Bunyeroo Gorge Trail

Pierre and Haydyn after the scenic flight at Wilpena Pound

a different view down the Bunyeroo Gorge Trail, Flinders Ranges

Haydyn introducing a Bearded Dragon to Pierre along the track
Enjoy the photos,
cheers all
Haydyn Bromley

Bookabee hits the road Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE

We had a great time recently on a special charter tour. 7 Days, 2360 km, Adelaide to Flinders Ranges to Marree to Lake Eyre, the Oodnadatta Track then back to Olympic Dam and Roxby Downs before returning to Adleaide via Woomera, Port Augusta and the Clare Valley.
one Great Tour, heaps of 'Great Photos'. thanks Pierre Grundmann from France for giving Bookabee your photos.
cheers all
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 :-)

Aboriginal Rock Art: Flinders Ranges

One of the places we frequent on a regular basis is a local Flinders Ranges Adnyamathanha Rock Art site. At this site, there are a collection of traditional rock paintings depicting different facets of Adnyamathanha life. For more information go to http://www.bookabee.com.au/

This site is under threat from senseless vandalism by persons whom obviously have little regard value or respect for the preservation of the cultural icons and treasures that enrich the diversity of the "real Australian" past.

The Vandalism photographed below is a good example of the mindless destruction of culture. If the bright sparks knew the true origins and meanings of this symbol, they'd probably think twice about using it. just goes to show you can be as thick as two short planks but still somehow manage to work out how to scratch a symbol onto a rock. Pity this person wasn't smart enough to write their own name next to it so we could thank them personally. I guess it is easier for people with limited brain capacity to scratch a symbol than spell long words... (besides, his mum probably never told him how to spell his name anyway...)

Cheers.
Haydyn Bromley

Bookabee Tours Australia

A Kangaroo or three!!!

With most of South Australia enduring drought, a light shower brings out a Kangaroo or two. Here they have flocked to the road to drink the water as it runs over the painted lines. In the photo, there are about 40 Kangaroos.
Photo: Haydyn Bromley
For more info, go to www.bookabee.com.au
We'll make your next holiday an experience to remember.

Bookabee Australia Pty Ltd South Australia & Northern Territory Distributor

Hi All
Bookabee Australia Pty Ltd (parent company for Bookabee Tours Australia) has just taken on the Distribution of Outback Pride Bush Food Products for South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Check out our website for further details and ordering information...
Cheers
Haydyn

Kookaburra for lunch

Hi All
Seems you can't have a lunch in the park these days without uninvited guests. this one, a Kookaburra proved a big hit among the large group of tour guests i had eating our bush food lunch. It even cheekily stole a piece of cheese from the table when we had our backs turned... the resolution is not great, i snapped this photo with my phone camera... have a good day.
cheers
Haydyn

On top of the hump...

Gee we had a great ride... I tagged along on a recent camel ride at Pichi Richi Camel Tours with two of my tour guests from the USA. We walked through picturesque bush land and soaked up a tour with a difference. Bookabee Tours Australia can incorporate camel rides, mountain bike rides and all manner of experiences within our personalised outback tours. just give us a call and we'll see what we can do.
cheers
Haydyn...
For more info on what we are up to click the link above.

On the camel train...

Hi All
Recently guests had a great camel ride at Pichi Richi Camel Tours in Quorn. Moving along atop a camel in the Flinders Ranges is definitely an experience that must be had. Our host and owner Graham Cannard treated our tour guests (and myself) to a very enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining 1 & 1/2 hour camel ride around their scenic property.
the guests loved it... I loved it... I recommend you give it a try... (PS. I can even get you there, just give me a call).
For more check out www.bookabee.com.au or Pichi Richi Camel tours
PS... if you want to see the photo in its true perspective, tilt your head to the left. :-)
Cheers
Haydyn...