BREATHEON COUNTRY2028
18 - 24 July - East Kimberley
Kimberley Eclipse Expedition
Hike through remote Gija Country and witness a total eclipse - deep in the Kimberley wilderness.
One week - one rare alignment
When the Kimberley falls into shadow
On 22 July 2028, the Moon’s shadow will cross the Kimberley.
For more than five extraordinary minutes, daylight will disappear above the ancient ranges and waterways of Gija Country. The temperature will fall. Stars and planets will emerge in the middle of the day, and the brilliant outer atmosphere of the Sun will become visible against a darkened sky.
Led by Gija guides and experienced wilderness leaders, we will travel on foot through rugged ranges, ancient waterways and secluded gorge country rarely visited by outsiders.
We will swim in natural pools, camp beneath the stars, explore rocky escarpments and spend time learning about the living cultural landscape - culminating at a specially chosen wilderness location close to the eclipse centreline.
The landscape
Journey into the remote wildness of the Kimberley
This is a landscape of weathered stone, paperbark-lined waterways, waterfalls, secluded pools and rocky outcrops.
Access is neither open nor conventional. We will enter with the permission and guidance of Traditional Owners, travelling with Gija guides who hold their own knowledge and relationships with this Country.
Over several days, we will follow waterways, cross rocky terrain and establish wilderness camps beneath the open sky. We come as invited guests, ready to listen, participate and travel respectfully.
The eclipse
Five minutes beneath a darkened sun
At approximately 11am on Saturday 22 July, the Moon will pass completely across the face of the Sun. In the hour beforehand, shadows will sharpen, the air will cool and the colours of the surrounding ranges and waterways will begin to shift.
For up to five minutes and ten seconds, we will stand inside the Moon’s shadow. The sky will take on the darkness of deep twilight. Bright stars and planets may become visible, and the Sun’s luminous corona will surround the black silhouette of the Moon.
Around the horizon, daylight may remain visible in every direction - a vast 360-degree sunset beyond the path of the shadow. Then, in the brilliant flash of the diamond-ring effect, daylight will return.
The eclipse will be viewed from a carefully selected and culturally approved location with a clear view of the sky.
Country is more than scenery
The Kimberley is a living cultural landscape - alive with story, spirit and ancient Law and culture.
The rivers, ranges, animals, plants and rock formations form a living ancestral landscape, where story, spirit and Country remain deeply connected.
Culture shapes where we can travel, how we move through the landscape, what can be shared and the responsibilities we carry as visitors. There will be time to walk and explore - but also time to sit beside the river, listen, yarn around the fire and begin connecting with Country through a different frame.
The journey
Seven days on Country
- 01
Arrive in Kununurra
Meet the expedition group and guides, check equipment and prepare for the journey ahead.
- 02
Travel to Gija Country
Journey south toward the Dunham River, then continue on foot through rugged river and gorge country. The route may involve rocky walking, shallow river crossings, scrambling and swimming.
- 03
Camp beside ancient waterways
Establish simple camps beside the river or beneath the escarpments. Walk, swim, explore and learn by day; share meals, conversations and the immense night sky by evening.
- 04
Explore gorge country
Follow waterways through narrow passages and open Country, with time for challenge and movement as well as swimming, rest and attention.
- 05
Establish eclipse camp
Move to the selected viewing location, away from major crowds. Learn about the eclipse, prepare viewing equipment and watch the stars.
- 06
Witness totality
Settle in before the partial phase begins. At approximately 11am, witness more than five minutes of totality, then remain on Country to absorb and reflect before returning.
What to expect
An adventure for all the senses
You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you will need sound fitness, a sense of adventure and the capacity to move confidently through remote and uneven Country.
- A small-group expedition into remote Gija Country
- Several days of wilderness hiking and camping
- Rocky, uneven and unmarked terrain
- River crossings and possible swimming
- Secluded pools, waterfalls and gorge systems
- Cultural guidance and learning with Gija people
- Shared camp responsibilities and group meals
- Limited or no phone reception
- Warm days and cool dry-season nights
- An eclipse location away from major tourist gatherings
- Up to five minutes and ten seconds of totality
Is this expedition for you?
Come prepared to participate
Participants should be comfortable walking approximately 5 - 12 kilometres on expedition days, carrying a pack, scrambling over rocks, navigating unmarked terrain and camping without conventional facilities.
You will also need to be at ease with swimming and natural waterways; heat, dust, insects and changing conditions; contributing to camp life; following Gija and expedition guides; and accepting itinerary changes required by Country, weather, water or safety.
Expedition details
The essentials
- Dates
- 18 - 24 July 2028
- Region
- Durack Range, East Kimberley
- Gateway
- Kununurra, Western Australia
- Duration
- 6 nights / 7 days
- Group
- Strictly limited to 12 people
- Guides
- Gija cultural guides and experienced wilderness leaders
- Accommodation
- Wilderness camping, plus Kununurra before and after
- Fitness
- Moderate to challenging
- Access
- By invitation and with Traditional Owner permission
The route, campsites and precise eclipse-viewing location remain subject to cultural approval, reconnaissance, access conditions and final safety assessment. Eclipse duration is subject to confirmation at the final viewing site.
Included
Held from beginning to end
- Gija cultural guides
- Experienced wilderness expedition leadership
- Transport from Kununurra during the expedition
- Accommodation immediately before and after the wilderness journey
- Group camping and expedition equipment
- All meals while travelling on Country
- Pre-expedition preparation and fitness guidance
- Cultural and remote-area briefing
- Certified eclipse-viewing glasses
- Expert eclipse information and preparation
- Emergency communications and remote-area safety equipment
Final inclusions and pricing will be released after reconnaissance and expedition planning are complete. Flights to Kununurra, personal equipment and comprehensive travel insurance are not included unless otherwise stated.
A journey through deep time
Bask in the darkness.
The rocks beneath us hold time measured in billions of years. Water has carved its pathways through the ranges over countless seasons.
Across Gija Country, Ngarranggarni holds another order of time - ancestral presence continuing through Country, Law, story and relationship.
In Gija knowledge, Garnkiny - the Moon - is more than a body moving through the night sky. Garnkiny is an ancestral presence whose story carries teachings of kinship, mortality and return.
On 22 July 2028, these immense dimensions of time and space will converge. The Moon will pass between Earth and Sun, casting its shadow across the ancient ranges of Gija Country.
For five fleeting minutes, we will bask in the darkness - held between the deep time of the rocks beneath us and the vast movement of the cosmos above.
Places are intentionally limited
Come journey with us.
Join the list for reconnaissance updates, confirmed dates, fitness guidance, pricing and priority access to this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Join the expedition list