Day 1 - Darwin to Arnhem Land and Jabiru
Departing from Darwin around 5.15am we begin the long drive today into Kakadu National Park and into Arnhem Land. Today is a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with and learn about the world’s oldest continuous living culture unique to Australia.
As we leave Kakadu we cross the notorious Cahill’s crossing (the most dangerous water crossing in Australia) and leave the bitumen roads behind to drive on dirt roads to enter Arnhem Land. The landscape here opens up to a vast wetland which is surrounded by towering escarpment country.
We walk through a unique and remote landscape which offers rock art up 6000 years old and as recent as a couple of decades. Western Arnhem Land has some of the world’s best examples of indigenous rock art. We visit Injalak Arts and Craft Centre where artists can be seen painting and weaving.
Our guests often comment on the remoteness and beauty of the landscape and really feel a sense of isolation.
We sit in locations where the traditional owners have been inhabiting for centuries and listen to stories while guests have the opportunity to ask questions of the indigenous guides to get a rare insight into the unique and fascinating Western Arnhem Land indigenous culture.
Afterward head to our campsite at Jabiru where you’ll have time to shower and refresh while your guides prepare dinner before enjoying an evening with your fellow travellers and some stargazing.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY ONE Lunch - Dinner
Day 2 - Kakadu National Park
Awake for breakfast this morning before we travel to one of the many waterfall areas within Kakadu National Park. During the shoulder months we will visit Maguk and other waterfalls such as Gunlom Falls and Yurmikmik, and during the peak months of July to October we visit mainly Twin or Jim Jim Falls. Enjoy walking through monsoon forests, swimming in waterfalls and plunge pools, surrounded by escarpment and cliffs.
Spend the afternoon taking in the sheer beauty of your spectacular surrounds before we make our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and well-earned rest. Time-permitting we may also take in a second rock art site at Nourlangie Rock. Here you can see how local Aboriginal people lived in this area through changing times. Environmental and social changes are reflected in the rock art and in the ground, where archaeologists have uncovered over 20,000 years of Aboriginal occupation.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY TWO Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 3 - Travel to Katherine Gorge
This morning we begin travelling south to Pine Creek, a small town in the Katherine region made famous in 1970 by the discovery of gold, when pioneers were building the overland telegraph station.
Enjoy a refreshment stop before moving on to Edith Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfall and swimming areas in the NT. With both a top and bottom “pool” this afternoon you can enjoy this wonderful area.
We will finish the day at our private camp near Katherine Gorge, relaxing with a cold beverage until dinner is ready.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY THREE Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 4 - Katherine Gorge & Top Didji Cultural Experience
It’s up early this morning to get into Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) for a 2 hour boat cruise (optional and at your own expense, approximately $110) or walk along the sheer rock walls that make the area so spectacular. Those wanting to do a scenic helicopter flight will have a range of options taking in Nitmiluk Gorge, the Arnhem Land escarpment and local wildlife.
We will have lunch here at the gorge in the beautiful picnic grounds. A short drive later we arrive at Top Didj Cultural Experience and meet Indigenous artist Manuel Parrikal who will teach you about Aboriginal culture and the significance of his painting style in this interactive activity.
We end the day arriving back at our private campsite in the early evening.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY FOUR Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 5 - Litchfield National Park and Return to Darwin
Our final day sees us leave the Katherine region for Litchfield National Park to explore the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments via a comfort and refreshment break at the Adelaide River. Discover the intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds before we head to Buley Rockhole for an invigorating swim. A short journey later we arrive at Florence Falls where you will enjoy a short hike and another final swim before heading back to Darwin accommodation approximately 5.30pm.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY FIVE Breakfast - Lunch