Kimberley Sunset & Astrophotography Tour

Not necessarily — but you do need to be serious about photography.

This expedition is pitched at photographers who are genuinely passionate about their craft and committed to pushing their photography further. Whether you are an experienced professional, a dedicated enthusiast or a talented beginner with a hunger to learn — you are welcome here.

What matters is not your current level of technical expertise but your willingness to be in extraordinary places at extraordinary times and to absorb everything that Hugh and Stefano share with you. Some of the most remarkable images ever made have been taken by photographers who were still learning their craft.

That said this is not a beginner's workshop. The locations are remote, the schedule is demanding and the nights are long. You will get the most from this expedition if you arrive with a basic understanding of your camera and a genuine passion for the natural world.

If you are unsure whether this expedition is right for you please get in touch with Hugh directly. He will give you an honest answer.

Absolutely — and this expedition is particularly well suited to both.

Solo travellers will find themselves in an extraordinarily intimate small group of like-minded photographers who share a genuine passion for the natural world and the pursuit of the extraordinary image. With a maximum of six participants the atmosphere is personal, collaborative and far removed from the anonymity of a large group tour. Many of our guests will arrive alone and leave with friendships that last well beyond the expedition itself.

For couples this is one of the most remarkable shared experiences available anywhere in Australia. Eight days in some of the most beautiful and remote country on earth — photographing together, learning together and experiencing together the kind of light and landscape that most people never get to see. The optional helicopter experiences in particular offer moments of shared wonder that are simply impossible to replicate anywhere else.

Whether you are travelling solo or as a couple please get in touch with Hugh directly if you have any specific questions about how the expedition is structured and how it might work for your particular situation.

This is an eight day immersive photography expedition into some of the most visually extraordinary locations in the East Kimberley — led by two world class photographers with a combined experience spanning almost five decades.

It is an opportunity to photograph places that most photographers never reach, in light that most people never see, with guidance that most photographers never get access to. It is demanding, deeply rewarding and potentially life changing in the way that only truly extraordinary experiences can be.

It is also a genuine human experience — shared meals, long drives through spectacular country, late nights under extraordinary skies and the kind of conversations that only happen when a small group of like-minded people find themselves together in a remarkable place.

What isn't it?

This is not a luxury resort experience with photography as an afterthought.

It is not a beginner's workshop where technique is taught in a classroom before venturing outside for a gentle stroll to a designated photography spot.

It is not a large group tour where you are one of twenty people competing for the same composition.

And it is not for photographers who are content with the obvious places at the obvious times.

This expedition is for photographers who want more. Who are willing to go further, stay later and push themselves and their photography into territory they have never explored before.

If that sounds like you — we would love to have you along.

Prior to departure Hugh will make personal contact with every participant — to introduce himself, find out a little about you, your photography background and what you are hoping to get from the expedition. This conversation is an important part of the process and helps Hugh and Stefano tailor the experience to get the best possible outcome for everyone.

The expedition departs from Kununurra on the morning of Wednesday 12 June 2026 and concludes on the morning of Wednesday 19 June 2026. Full arrival and departure details will be confirmed with all participants prior to departure.

The daily rhythm of the expedition is built around the light. Mornings are generally free — a chance to rest, review images from the previous night or work with Hugh and Stefano on post processing. The real work begins in the afternoon as the light starts to build — and continues through golden hour, sunset, blue hour and deep into the night sky.

Late nights are a feature of this expedition rather than an exception. The Kimberley night sky is one of the most extraordinary in the world and we will be making the most of every opportunity it presents. Participants should be prepared for midnight returns on several nights of the expedition.

Hugh and Stefano will both be shooting throughout — and watching two world class photographers work in this landscape is an education in itself. There will be a natural mix of formal instruction and shared shooting depending on the flow of each evening and the needs and interests of the group.

Post processing sessions with Hugh and Stefano are woven throughout the expedition — available each morning for those who wish to work through the previous night's images while the locations and light are still fresh in the mind.

This is an expedition that rewards those who throw themselves into it completely. The more you bring to it the more you will take away.

This expedition is strictly limited to a maximum of six participants.

That limit is deliberate and non-negotiable. Six people is small enough that every participant receives genuine individual attention from both Hugh and Stefano — not the occasional glance in your direction while fourteen other people compete for the same location.

It also means that when we arrive at a location we arrive quietly. We move through the landscape without disrupting it. We have access to compositions and moments that a larger group simply cannot reach.

For the optional helicopter experiences the groups are even smaller — a maximum of two guests per flight accompanied by Hugh or Stefano. These are among the most intimate and exclusive photography experiences available anywhere in Australia.

A minimum of four participants is required for the expedition to proceed. In the event that minimum numbers are not reached all guests will be notified as early as possible and a full refund of all monies paid will be issued promptly.

If you are interested in booking this expedition exclusively for your own group of four to six participants a private expedition option is available. Please contact Hugh directly to discuss arrangements and pricing.

How do I book a place on this expedition?

This expedition does not operate through an online booking system. To reserve your place or request the full detailed itinerary please contact Hugh directly. Hugh responds personally to every enquiry.

What does the expedition cost?

The cost of this expedition is A$9,900 per person — land only. Flights to and from Kununurra are the guest's own responsibility.

A single supplement of A$750 applies for sole occupancy of a room.

Optional helicopter experiences are available at additional cost and are strictly limited in availability:

• Diggers Rest — Cockburn Range and King River flight — A$2,200 per person
• Ragged Range flight — A$2,500 per person

When do I make payment?

A 25% deposit of A$2,475 per person is required at the time of booking to confirm your place. The balance of A$7,425 per person is due 45 days prior to departure — by 28 April 2026 for the June 2026 expedition.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible. This expedition is strictly limited to six participants and places are expected to fill quickly. The sooner you confirm your place the sooner you can begin planning your travel to Kununurra.

Is there a minimum number of participants?

Yes — a minimum of four participants is required for the expedition to proceed. In the event that minimum numbers are not reached all guests will be notified as early as possible and a full refund of all monies paid will be issued promptly.

What IS included:

• Eight days of personal photography guidance from Hugh Brown — internationally recognised photographer, author and Kimberley resident of almost 30 years.
• Eight days of specialist astrophotography and post processing guidance from Stefano Pellegrini — three time NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day recipient and one of the world's leading night sky photographers.
• All ground transport throughout the expedition in 4WD vehicles — including pick up and drop off at Kununurra airport on arrival and departure.
• Seven nights accommodation throughout — Kununurra and our station stay location.
• All meals throughout the expedition — breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Cheese, wine and refreshments at every evening shoot.
• Individual and group photography and post processing sessions with Hugh and Stefano throughout the expedition.
• Reference guides and post processing workflow notes to take home.
• Access to some of the most remote and extraordinary photography locations in the East Kimberley — locations that most photographers never reach.

What is NOT included:

• Flights to and from Kununurra — this is a land only price.
• Travel insurance — comprehensive cover is not optional on this expedition, it is essential. See Booking Terms for minimum requirements.
• Optional helicopter experiences — Diggers Rest at A$2,200 per person and Ragged Range at A$2,500 per person. Strictly limited availability.
• Single room supplement — A$750 for sole occupancy.
• Personal photography equipment — camera, lenses, tripods, batteries, memory cards and filters.
• Image processing software.
• Alcoholic beverages beyond those provided at evening shoots.
• Personal items — sunscreen, insect repellent, medications and clothing.
• Purchase of prints, books or digital images.
• Medical, evacuation or emergency costs.
• Any costs arising from late arrival, early departure or circumstances outside the operator's control.

The expedition departs from Kununurra on the morning of Wednesday 12 June 2026 and concludes on the morning of Wednesday 19 June 2026.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights to and from Kununurra. We recommend arriving in Kununurra no later than the afternoon of Tuesday 11 June to allow time to settle in before the expedition begins the following morning.

Hugh will be in touch with all participants prior to departure to confirm the exact meeting point, time and all final logistical details.

Pick up and drop off at Kununurra airport is included in the expedition price for both arrival and departure.

If you are travelling from interstate or overseas and need assistance with flight recommendations or Kununurra accommodation for the night before departure please don't hesitate to ask — Hugh is happy to point you in the right direction.

All ground transport throughout the expedition is included in the price.

We travel in two 4WD vehicles — essential for the remote and demanding terrain of the East Kimberley. Hugh leads in his own vehicle with Stefano and guests distributed across both vehicles for each day's travel.

Pick up and drop off at Kununurra airport on arrival and departure is included.

For guests staying in Kununurra the night before departure Hugh will arrange a convenient central meeting point for the morning of Day 1.

Please note that several legs of this expedition involve extended drives on unsealed and corrugated roads — particularly the King River Road to our station stay location and the track into the Ragged Range. These are genuine outback roads that require a capable 4WD and an experienced driver. Both are provided.

For the Ragged Range excursions on Days 6 and 7 vehicles are left at the end of the track and the final three kilometres are completed on foot. Please refer to FAQ 13 for full details on the fitness and physical requirements for these excursions.

For those who opt for the helicopter return from our station stay location on Day 4 — a maximum of three guests may fly back to Kununurra with the helicopter at no additional cost. Please note that shooting opportunities on the return flight may be limited depending on seating position and door configuration — details will be confirmed closer to departure.

Camera equipment:

This expedition visits some of the most extraordinary night sky locations in Australia. To make the most of the astrophotography opportunities you will need:

1. A digital mirrorless or DSLR camera with manual control of aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
2. A wide angle lens — 24mm or wider for full frame cameras, 16mm or wider for crop sensor cameras.
3. A sturdy tripod — essential for night sky photography and blue hour shooting.
4. Fully charged batteries and spares — cold nights and long shooting sessions drain batteries quickly.
5. Sufficient memory cards — you will be shooting a great deal.
6. A remote shutter release or intervalometer — useful for long exposure work.
7. Lens cleaning equipment — dust is a constant companion in the Kimberley.

Laptop or tablet:

A laptop or tablet with your preferred image processing software installed is strongly recommended for post processing sessions with Hugh and Stefano. The more images you can work through during the expedition the more you will take home.

I recommend bringing the following:

• A head torch with fresh batteries — essential for moving around in the dark and absolutely non-negotiable on the Ragged Range excursions.
• Sturdy closed toe shoes with good grip suitable for rocky and uneven terrain — the Ragged Range walk involves three kilometres across rock, sand and spinifex.
• A light down jacket or warm layer for after sunset — temperatures drop significantly once the sun goes down in the Kimberley even in June.
• A hat and sunscreen — the afternoon Kimberley sun is intense even in the dry season.
• Insect repellent — particularly useful around sunset and into the blue hour.
• A water bottle — staying hydrated in the Kimberley heat is important.
• A small daypack for carrying equipment, water and personal items on the Ragged Range walk.
• A camping chair if you have one — there will be moments where we stop, set up and simply absorb the extraordinary beauty around us.
• Any personal medications you require.

A note on clothing:

Smart casual is perfectly appropriate for meals and evenings at the station. For shooting sessions in the field practical and comfortable outerwear is all that is required. The Kimberley in June is warm during the day and can be cool to cold after dark — layers are your friend.

This expedition is not suitable for children under 18.

The remote and demanding nature of the locations — particularly the Ragged Range excursions which involve a three kilometre walk across unmaintained terrain in the dark — combined with the late night schedule and the genuine wilderness environments through which the expedition passes make this an adult only experience.

This is not a reflection on the capabilities of young photographers — some of the most talented photographers in the world are teenagers. It is simply a recognition that this particular expedition operates in conditions and at hours that are not appropriate for participants under 18.

If you have a young photographer in your family who is passionate about night sky photography please get in touch with Hugh directly — there may be other experiences on the Hugh Brown Photography program that would be better suited to their age and interests.

The majority of this expedition's locations are accessible with a moderate level of mobility — and most of the driving, shooting and station based activities present no significant physical challenges beyond what you would encounter on any active outdoor experience.

However the Ragged Range excursions on Days 6 and 7 require a reasonable degree of fitness and sure-footedness. The walk involves three kilometres each way across unmaintained virgin terrain — a mix of rock, sand and spinifex with no tracks, no markers and no signs of human passage. The return journey is undertaken in the dark. This is genuine wilderness walking and it demands physical capability and confidence on uneven ground.

Guests with mobility concerns who wish to experience the Ragged Range without the walk may wish to consider the optional helicopter flight on Day 7 — a private flight over the range at sunset that delivers an equally extraordinary photographic experience from above.

For those who are uncertain about any aspect of the physical requirements of this expedition please contact Hugh directly before booking. Hugh will have an honest conversation with you about what the expedition involves and help you determine whether it is the right experience for you — and if not, whether alternatives can be arranged.

No question is too small. Please just ask.

What is your cancellation policy?

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to hb@hughbrown.com.

The following policy applies:

• More than 60 days prior to departure (before 12 April 2026) — deposit is non-refundable. Full balance refunded if already paid.
• 30 to 60 days prior to departure (12 April to 12 May 2026) — deposit non-refundable. 50% of balance refunded if already paid.
• Less than 30 days prior to departure (after 12 May 2026) — all monies paid are non-refundable.
• No-shows or late arrivals — no refund or credit is available.

The bottom line? I am not here to nickel and dime anyone and will do my best to accommodate all reasonable requests. If something comes up please get in touch directly before submitting a formal cancellation request — there may be options available including transferring your place to a future expedition.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The Kimberley in June is one of the most reliable times of year for photography — clear skies and extraordinary light are the norm rather than the exception. That said weather cannot be guaranteed.

If conditions are deemed unsuitable for any individual session Hugh will make every reasonable effort to substitute an alternative location or activity of equivalent photographic value. Where the entire expedition is affected prior to departure please refer to our Booking Terms and Weather Policy for details.

Helicopter flights cancelled due to weather will be refunded in full.

What if minimum numbers are not reached?

If minimum numbers are not reached all guests will be notified as early as possible and no later than 30 days prior to departure. A full refund of all monies paid will be issued promptly.

Can I reschedule my booking?

Please get in touch directly if your circumstances change. Hugh will do everything reasonably possible to accommodate you — including transferring your place to a future expedition where this is possible.

Is travel insurance required?

Comprehensive travel insurance is not optional on this expedition — it is essential. Please refer to our Booking Terms and Weather Policy for minimum coverage requirements. Hugh strongly recommends taking out insurance at the time of booking rather than waiting until closer to departure.

What about fuel costs?

All pricing is based on fuel costs at the time of publication. In the event of a significant fuel price increase a surcharge may apply — full details are in our Booking Terms and Weather Policy.

Yes — and this is a wonderful option for groups of friends, photography clubs or corporate groups who want an entirely private and personalised expedition experience.

A private expedition booking gives your group exclusive use of all six places — meaning the entire expedition is tailored specifically to you, your interests and your photography goals. There are no other participants and no compromises.

Private expedition bookings are available for groups of four to six participants. Pricing is based on the number of participants in your group and is available on request.

If you are interested in a private expedition please contact Hugh directly to discuss your requirements, preferred dates and pricing. Hugh responds personally to every enquiry.