Darwin, Kakadu National Park is the
Northern Australia which is a vast expanse of magnificent country, rich in
wildlife, striking colours and landforms, and Aboriginal heritage...there
truly is so much to see and enjoy. To gain an even more personal encounter
with the Top End of Australia, a "Private Touring" option is available. It
is here where we personally tailor the trip to suit the specific needs &
desires for you.
The
Private Touring allows you the chance to know this country intimately and
the tour guide will put their knowledge at your disposal. The Private
Touring guides have permission to enter special areas of Kakadu National
Park and The Kimberley, Litchfield National Park and Eva Valley Aboriginal
Lands. You will visit gorges, rock pools and waterfalls, and experience the
power and serenity of outback northern Australia.
If
Aboriginal rock art is your passion, let us take you to galleries rarely
seen by non-Aboriginal people. If it is wildlife or landscapes, we know
where to go at different times of the year because this is a dynamic
environment where conditions can change almost weekly.
For
naturalists, photographers or bird enthusiasts we can take you to special
places - the vast floodplains, the sandstone country and the monsoon forests
that offer amazing bird watching or photographic opportunities.
Picture
yourself dining under the stars or sitting by the campfire piecing together
the mysteries of the day's adventures. The experience will remain with you
forever.
3 Day
Kakadu National Park Discovery and Adventure
Departs: Tuesday (in reverse) and Saturday; May to November
This
Tent safari is much more than a sightseeing tour, it is an experience of the
cultural landscape known as Kakadu National Park and major emphasis on
interpretation of the ecology, aboriginal rock art as well as just plain
having fun.
Day 1
Today
we leave your Darwin accommodation at around 7:00am and travel down to the
Adelaide River. We then travel on to the historic mining settlement of Pine
Creek, and stop for lunch along the way as we head east into the World
Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. This evening we camp at our permanent
camp at Gunlom. The beautiful Gunlom Falls is situated in the South
Alligator Valley in the southern part of the park. Upon arrival at camp we
set off on an energetic climb to the top of the falls, here we take in the
breathtaking views of the escarpment. There is also the opportunity for a
refreshing swim in the plunge pool at the base of these beautiful falls.
Day 2
This
morning we continue our journey through the South Alligator Valley to Maguk
(Barramundi Gorge). Here we have the opportunity to explore the surrounding
monsoon
rainforest and take a swim in the beautiful plunge pool. After lunch, we
head north to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, an impressive
building built in the shape of the local Pig Nosed turtle Here you will
learn about the traditional Aboriginal owners of the park, their culture,
beliefs and lifestyles. To end the day we enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise
on the Yellow Water wetlands, with the opportunity to see the myriad of
birdlife and perhaps the awesome saltwater crocodile, plus a magnificent
Kakadu sunset.
Day 3
This
morning we continue north to one of Kakadu’s rock art sites at Burrungui
(Nourlangie Rock), here you will see ochre rock paintings, spanning a period
of continuous occupation of this area for over 20,000 years. Your guide will
explain the stories and mythology relating to the art. We then journey north
to Ubirr to view more interesting examples of Aboriginal rock art. The view
from the top of the rock is magnificent. En route to Darwin we travel across
the South Alligator, Mary, and Adelaide Rivers and Marrakai Plains.
5 Day
Kakadu National Park Explore, Discovery and Adventure
Day
1
We
leave your Darwin
accommodation around 07:00 and travel south
to the Adelaide River, where we can visit the tranquil War Cemetery and
break for refreshments under the shady trees at the local Inn.
Continuing south we travel to Pine Creek, scene of a major gold rush a
century ago, and then turn east towards Kakadu. From the park boundary it’s
not far to Gunlom. Here we can swim and explore at the top and base of the
falls.
Day
2
This morning we travel to Jarrangbarnmi (Kaolin Gorge), a pristine
wilderness area of very limited access. Kaolin Creek flows down several
hundred feet through a series of waterfalls and spectacular pools often
called the Giant's Staircase. You'll have the entire day to explore this
area, photograph its grandeur, swim in the crystal clear pools or just relax
on the sandy banks of the creek. Late afternoon we return tour permanent
safari camp at Gunlom. Please note moderate level of fitness is required to
do the full day walk.
Day
3
We
break camp and travel northwards to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), on the Arnhem
Escarpment, where we can swim and explore the monsoon rainforest. After
lunch we visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, an impressive
building built-in the shape of the local Pig Nosed turtle. From here we
travel to Patonga, where we meet Mandy Muir, traditional Murumburr woman,
who will lead us on an informative river walk, explaining the European and
Aboriginal history of the area. Afterwards there is the opportunity to learn
how to use the local pandanus to weave basket, mats and jewelry and to
discuss the local aboriginal culture. Tonight we stay at our permanent
safari camp at Mardugal.
Day
4
Today we travel by four wheel drive track to Jim Jim and Twin Falls. At Jim
Jim we have the opportunity to view the tallest cascade in the Territory.
When visiting Twin Falls, we travel by shuttle boat through the gorge and
then by foot to the base of the falls. We return in the late afternoon to
our permanent safari camp at Mardugal.
Day
5
It’s an early start to the day, to enjoy a sunrise cruise on the Yellow
Water wetlands. Here you will have a chance to see the abundant birdlife and perhaps, the awesome
saltwater crocodile. We then head north across the Jabiluka floodplains to
Ubirr to view Aboriginal rock art spanning some 23,000 years of seasonal
occupation. Our walk around the galleries culminates with a short climb to
the highest point in the area. The view from the top of the rock across the
floodplains to the north and west and of the Arnhem Escarpment in the east
is magnificent. As we travel back to Darwin, we cross the floodplains of the
mighty South Alligator River,
around 4 miles wide at this point. We arrive in Darwin
in the late afternoon.
Touring during April to June May can be altered due to seasonal conditions
