Space Chameleon - Karijini - Landscape-7.jpg

Painting & Canyoning

Limited Spots Available

30th Sept - 7th Oct 2024 - Leanne Pearson
12th May - 19th May 2025 - Artist to be confirmed
21st Sept - 29th Sept 2025 - Artist to be confirmed

WA's ONLY Painting & Canyoning Adventure. Paint your adventure holiday and capture the stunning colours of the Pilbara's ancient and varied landscape.

7 days, 7 nights
Painting classes, 5 Class 6 Restricted Canyons, Dales Gorge, Circular Pool, Kalamina Gorge + Mt Bruce Hike
Canyoning, Abseiling & Climbing
Paddling and Travelling through the awe inspiring and stunning geology that has been shaped by nature over billions of years.
7 Dinners, 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, Morning Tea and Snacks*
Deluxe Eco Tent with Ensuite (twin share or king bed for couples)
Free Abseil & Climbing Training Session in Perth included
Return Transport: Paraburdoo Airport - Karijini Eco Retreat
All Transport within Karijini National Park
Flights/Transport to Karijini not included

Canyoning plus Painting ... who would have thought? We did :) What a great combination of adrenaline and creativity. Explore your sense of adventure as well as your inner creative. A great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and get away from it all to reconnect with nature and yourself.

Join us for an Adventure of a Lifetime, to delve deep into the depths of the ancient Karijini Landscape. This majestic and rugged landscape, steeped in indigenous history, is located in the remote Pilbara Region of Western Australia, and harbours unique geological formations, flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet. The canyons we will be travelling through have been carved out by water over millions of years and expose some of the oldest rocks and fossils on earth. This often fragile environment undergoes dramatic changes each wet season, as vast volumes of water cascade through the canyons. Be one of the few that have done all 5 parts of the class 6 restricted canyons back to back, add to this 6 non restricted canyons of spectacular beauty and a Mount Bruce Summit Hike, stunning red earth punctuated by yellows and greens, turquoise waters and magnificent sunsets and sunrises, and you have yourself a once in a lifetime adventure.

Between our adrenaline-filled adventures, we will offer an AWESOME palate to fuel your creative spirit.

You don't need to be a canyoning or painting expert to join us - all you need is a decent level of fitness and an adventurous spirit.

Beginners to painting and canyoning are most welcome!

Both the above dates would need to meet minimum number requirements to proceed. This trip is open to anyone, even if you have not been on an adventure with us, or have no previous abseiling experience, so you can invite your family and/or friends who have as yet not joined us. The minimum age is 14, unless this person can convince me that they are capable of the trip, which can be decided on the training day. There is no maximum age (the oldest person we have taken through Karijini to date is 84). You do need a relatively good level of fitness for this trip. Please contact us if you have any doubts about your level of fitness.

Everyone coming on this trip would need to come out for a full day of abseil training with us (even if you have done an abseil session with us already). This training day is included in the price.
If on the training day it turns out that either we feel, or you feel, that this is not for you, a full refund will be issued, minus $250 for the training day & administration fees.

During your Adventure you’ll experience ...

Three days of serious adventure abseiling, tubing, hiking, swimming and climbing your way through five of Karijini's Class 6 Canyons, off limits to the general public, where you’ll explore diverse wilderness with breathtaking views.

Three days of non class 6 canyons, hiking, swimming and relaxing.

We will visit both sides of Karijini National Park; the deeper areas where we travel through class 6 near the Karijini Eco Retreat, as well as the not so deep non class 6 areas, which are stunning in their own way.

An amazing guided hike to the summit of Mount Bruce, Western Australia’s second tallest peak, where you’ll enjoy 360 degree views of the exquisite beauty of the Pilbara region.

Seven nights of comfortable “glamping” in a Deluxe Eco Tent with ensuite at the beautiful Karijini Eco Retreat, the only luxury accommodation in the National Park. You’ll awake to the sounds of nature each morning and enjoy full views of the Milky Way, without the usual city light pollution. The stars are truly something else up here!!

Daily yoga and meditation classes facilitated by Myall Yoga & Wellbeing (https://www.myallwellbeing.com/) in a range of styles, so that our adventures are balanced out with the deep stretching and relaxation your body and mind need to recover and feel great.

A full day of abseiling, climbing at Boya Quarry, just outside of Perth, to fully prepare you so that you can make the most of your Karijini Experience.

Delicious and nutritious cuisine prepared for you for every meal, including snacks, so you won’t go hungry.

MEET YOUR GUIDES

Art teacher: Leanne Pearson - https://leannepearson.com/

Leanne Pearson is a multi, award-winning artist, and an author. Her published book Plein Air Painting with confidence has received rave reviews and is witness to her passion for painting outdoors, and for her enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge.
She is the recent winner of the 2022 and the 2023 Plein Air Down-under Open Art Award, as well the $50000 Liberty Liquor's Portrait Award and the Cossack People's Choice Award.

After teaching art at home and in the community, she has now created an online art membership platform which teaches all the basics in oils. Leanne is known for her amazing portraits which grace the homes of many Australian and international families. Her work revolves around expressing light and this she skilfully does with her unique bravura brushstrokes and her exceptional use of colour. Leanne is continually commissioned and is sought after by art collectors,
Leanne has been teaching classes and workshops for over 20 years and has nurtured a love of painting in total beginners as well as advanced students. Her tried and tested methods have come from many years of being taught by some of the best artists in the world. She has travelled far and wide to continually upskill and pass on that knowledge to others.

Leanne is energetic, generous, supportive and will inspire your art to greater heights. She will guide you on this amazing creative journey through the stunning Karijini landscape, helping you to take home some amazing pieces of art to remind you of your amazing adventures with us.

Sven Borg (Owner of Spacechameleon Adventure Co)

Sven has been a passionate outdoor enthusiast since childhood and has been working in the outdoor adventure industry for a decade. He founded Spacechameleon Adventure Co in 2014. Sven's mission is to help you to learn new skills and have fun, while showcasing the best nature locations in Western Australia. However, don’t mistake Sven’s playful nature and great sense of humour for a lack of seriousness! If there is one thing that Sven prioritises above all else it is safety. From having the right equipment to training his guides and guests, Sven puts your safety first.

When you join the Karijini Painting & Canyoning Adventure you can trust that you’re putting yourself in the best hands possible. Sven has been leading groups through Karijini’s Class 6 canyons since 2013. At present, Sven is the only commercial operator running Class 6 Canyon tours.

Sven is a qualified and highly experienced canyon, abseiling, climbing, canoe and bushwalking guide with substantial experience facilitating group and team-building activities. He holds a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation, a Remote Area First Aid qualification, a Bronze Medallion with Royal Life Saving Australia and is a trained Lifeguard. Sven not only leads groups in the great outdoors himself, but he teaches others the operational and safety skills required to pursue a similar career path. He is a registered National Outdoor Leader Registration Scheme (NOLRS) instructor and a Cert 4 Trainer and Assessor.

Sven’s experience working and playing in the outdoors has taken him to a diverse range of natural environments in Australia including New South Wales (primarily the Blue Mountains), Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and various remote locations in Western Australia. Sven first started guiding canyoning tours in 2011 in the Blue Mountains.

Sven is a passionate environmentalist and volunteers his time for a variety of organisations. Sven aims to minimise the company's impact on the environment, treading lightly on the earth with respect; leaving only footprints and taking only memories.

TOUR ITINERARY

This itinerary may vary slightly depending on environmental circumstances, client needs, park closures and/or road conditions. We will potentially be running 2 groups of maximum 10 pax each, which will cross over. The days below indicate the cross overs.

Training Day: Mountain Quarry Boya - 10th August 2024, 0900 - 1300 approximately

Meet at Mountain Quarry, Boya
Meet your new Canyoning Adventure Crew
Learn the ropes during a full day of abseiling
Learn all about Via Ferrata
This day is fully catered

DAY 1

Travel & Arrival

Arrive at Paraburdoo Airport, where you will be picked up and driven to the Karijini Eco Retreat (or otherwise make your own way to the Eco Retreat if preferred).
Settle-in to your room
Swim at the stunning Joffre Gorge
Over dinner we will provide a comprehensive briefing of the adventures ahead.

DAY 2 or 3

Mount Bruce Hike

We’ll have an early start to the morning to beat the heat and enjoy a special sunrise during our hike.
Mount Bruce is the second highest peak in Western Australia, and features interesting geometric rock formations, panoramic views of the surrounding stunning Pilbara landscape. We will watch the sunrise over the spinifex and snappy gum savannah. The golden hews, bright greens, crip whites and earthen reds unveiled as the sun rises and caresses this ancient landscape
The rest of the day is spent as free time, maybe relaxing and swimming at Joffre Gorge which is a short walk away from your eco tent.

DAY 2 or 3

Knox, Red & Hancock Gorges

Your first Class 6 Canyoning Experience!
This fun-filled day includes a natural water slide, an abseil alongside a picturesque waterfall and a short hike into Wittenoom Gorge.
We’ll complete the day with a painting class and a group dinner.

DAY 4 or 5

Joffre Gorge

Another day of Class 6 Canyoning Adventures!
Features of this incredible canyoning experience include a thrilling water jump and a combination of hiking through the bottom of the gorge, interspersed with floating & paddling our way through numerous stunning pools and waterways along the way.
This is the biggest day we will do, and well worth it!! Not many have done this 6.5km gorge in its entirety.
We’ll complete the day a group dinner.

DAY 4 or 5

Reflect & Rejuvenate

This is a day dedicated to resting, reflecting & connecting ... & some painting
Dinner back at the retreat

DAY 6 or 7

Weano Gorge

The last of our Class 6 Canyoning days will leave you with many lasting memories. Highlights include the via-ferrata along the rock terraces above the aptly named “Jade Pool” with its gorgeous blue-green waters and abseiling down a 45-metre waterfall.
We’ll complete the day with a painting class and a group dinner.

DAY 6 or 7

Dales Gorge & Circular Pool & Kalamina Gorge

Take a trip to the other end of Karijini National Park to view the world famous Circular Pool!
Hike the length of Dales Gorge, enjoying views of Fortescue Falls and a swim in the stunning Fern Pool.
Dinner back at the retreat

DAY 8

Hamersley Gorge

This is our last day of our trip and will be relaxing one, swimming and sketching by the famous Spa Pool in Hamersley Gorge.
Transport to Paraburdoo Airport for flights out.

ART PROGRAM

3 days of 3-4 hour plein air painting sessions
Leanne will chose a subject each day and demonstrate the painting process step by step to be followed by students. She will offer help and guidance in between her demonstrations.
The goal for this trip is to have 3 paintings to take home.
The greatest aspect of this is that your observation of your surroundings will be astute and your experience will be so enriched by painting what you see and then having a clear record or visual diary in painting form of your amazing adventure in one of the most beautiful places in WA.

A more detailed itinerary will be outlined on arrival.
Materials list will be provided on enrolment.

*Note itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other situational circumstances. Changes will be communicated and negotiated as a group. We as hosts, will always endeavor to provide the best outcomes for our guests.

INCLUSIONS, EXCLSUSIONS & PRICING

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

7 nights accommodation at the Karijini Eco Resort
7 days of activities, including access to five Class 6 canyons over three days under the expert instruction of qualified canyon guides.
Transport between Paraburdoo Airport and Karijini Eco Retreat at specified time.
All meals and snacks from dinner on the of the first day to lunch on the last day. We will attempt to cater for dietary requirements. *Please note dinner consists of a shared entree and a mains only. Breakfast is a continental buffet style breakfast with instant coffee, juices and a selections of tea bag teas. Barista coffee and additional food or drink is at the guest's expense. Non bottled filtered water is available for free from the eco retreat bar.
Use of specialist canyoning and safety equipment including harnesses and floatation tubes and hand paddles.
A day of adventure and learning, abseiling at Boya Quarry.

Exclusions

Flights to and from Paraburdoo
Transport between Paraburdoo Airport and Karijini Eco Retreat for any guests who choose to travel outside of the specified times*
Barista coffee, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are not included in this tour and are available for purchase at the guest's expense. However, guests are encouraged to minimise alcohol intake in order to maximise the benefits of this experience.
Clothing and footwear appropriate for canyoning (a recommended packing list will be provided to all guests after booking).

Accomodation

Deluxe Eco Tents with Ensuites, either twin share or king bed for couples:

Eco-tent features:
• Own private ensuite bathroom
• Front and rear deck
• Spacious stylish interiors
• Two single beds OR king bed
• Quality bedding and linen (100% cotton sheets/brushed cotton blankets)

Eco-friendly features/Design:
• Minimal power for low wattage applications (Charging camera battery/iPod)
• Solar power
• Grey water treatment
• Natural ventilation (No air-conditioner)
• Floor made from composite timber
• Flow showerheads & spring loaded taps
• Recycled toilet paper
• Use of natural products only

PRICING 2024

Cut off dates for 2025 yet to be confirmed, but is bookable with super early price.

Super Early Bird: $4,690 per person paid before 15th February 2024

Early Bird: $5,190 per person paid before 29th February 2024

Regular Price: $5,690 per person paid before 31st March 2024

THE OTHER STUFF

*Clients need to organise and pay for flights to and from Paraburdoo Airport on the dates that the tours start and end. The times of these flights need to line up with the flight that we put our guide/s onto to take advantage of our shuttle to and from the Karijini Eco Retreat.

Flight times may vary due to uncertainty with COVID19 and flight schedules.

Current Flight Schedule

Perth - Paraburdoo: yet to be confirmed

Paraburdoo - Perth: yet to be confirmed

If you choose to book other flights, you will need to organise your own transport to and from the Karijini Eco Retreat, or wait at the airport for your pick up and/or departure of your flight.

If you are booking flights, we strongly advise that you wait to hear from us to ensure that this tour has met minimum numbers and will proceed. We will let you know as soon as possible, and no later than the closing dates for last payments listed above.

If you are driving, this is an AWESOME road trip. We are more than happy to chat to you about fantastic places to visit along the way, and we will see you at the Eco Retreat.

Please note that due to safety concerns surrounding the equipment, time constraints and in consideration for other non smoking guests, there is no smoking within the gorges whilst on our tours.

This tour, as with all our tours, is subject to our Terms and Conditions.

We genuinely feel we have done our best to keep the price as low as possible and in line, if not below, similar products within WA. We understand that flying to some parts of Asia might be cheaper, but things being set up as they are in WA, internal flights and associated costs are higher.

PAYMENT

In the event of not meeting minimum numbers, we would issue a full refund.

Once the Training Day has passed, no refund can be issued for this trip, as we have paid for accomodation and can not sell the trip past this date. If you can find a suitable replacement, we can discuss transferring the trip to someone else. Please contact us as soon possible to discuss your situation.

If you have any questions, and/or to make your payment, please call us on 0423 182 663 or email us at info@spacechameleon.com.au

We look forward to hearing from you.

SEE YOU OUT THERE!!

+61 423 182 663

email us

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TESTIMONIALS

Caroline Jeffcote

"I took a punt on going away on a holiday by myself and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was the perfect combination of adventure, challenge, luxury, self discovery and relaxation. You don't need to be super fit or super into yoga but if you love nature and challenge, it’s perfect. Everything was well organised and catered for. Karijini eco retreat was excellent, the yoga and hiking fun, beautiful and relaxing and the canyoning was an adventure of a lifetime.

It was a special blessing to be able to enter gorges and waterfalls that the general public don't have access to."

John Drzal

“My First Karijini experience was Sensational . Such a Great group of adventurers to share in the fun of canyoning with.

It was So Much Fun. I would highly recommend it.”

Jenni Wiid

"Bucket list stuff

Wow, wow, wow...this trip, Karajini Gorges, blew my mind in soo many ways. Sven and Andreas were excellent guides nurturing us in the most gentle manner as we shivered and shacked our way through these magnificent, ancient, spiritual gorges. At no time were we in any danger as they managed our group in a calm and confident manner.

And the gorges... powerful, spiritual, awe inspiring!!! You need to experience it to know it.

Thank you Sven, thank you Andreas, thank you Cassy"