Day 1 - Darwin to Kakadu National Park via Litchfield National Park
You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at approximately 7.00am for the short journey to Litchfield National Park. Explore the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of the Park. Discover intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls* and enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch we leave the highway behind and hit the dirt travelling along the Marrakai Road before joining the Old Jim Jim Road taking us deep into Kakadu National Park. Travelling past billabongs and traversing water crossings brings ample opportunity for wildlife spotting. Arrive at our private campsite complete with comfortable permanent tents at Cooinda where we spend the night enjoying dinner and some stargazing.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY ONELunch - Dinner
Day 2 - Yellow Waters Cruise, Nourlangie and Ubirr Art sites
Awake for breakfast this morning before joining an iconic Yellow Waters Cruise. A must do activity within Kakadu National Park, the award winning Yellow Waters cruise is Aboriginal owned and centres around a spectacular billabong system that is home to some remarkable and diverse wildlife. Spotting crocodiles is only one of the many wildlife viewing opportunities on this unique water system.
Departing camp we travel to nearby 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.
After lunch visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, a Gun-djeihmi name for the local area and creek on land owned by the Mirarr clan. See the audio-visual presentations and Marrawuddi Gallery showcasing Aboriginal art by artists from within Kakadu and the wider region.
Later this afternoon we arrive at the culturally significant Aboriginal art site of Ubirr, located within the East Alligator region of the Park. Here you can view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land. After learning about the area, it’s time to pick out a quiet spot to sit while we watch the sun set over the Kakadu escarpment before making the short journey to our private and permanent campsite for the night.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY TWOBreakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 3 - Arnhem Land
Today, a once in a lifetime experience awaits. Travelling into remote Western Arnhem Land you will witness Ancient Aboriginal Art brought to life by your indigenous guide at Injalak Hill. Take in the amazing views across the escarpment before travelling to the Injalak Art Centre where you say goodbye to your Indigenous guide and hello to some amazing art on offer or, simply watch the indigenous artists at work. Tonight we return to camp for another hearty meal and talk about the day’s adventures with your guide.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY THREEBreakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 4 - Kakadu National Park to Katherine via Gunlom Falls
Today, the pace relaxes as we head into Gunlom Falls for a full morning to enjoy all this spectacular area has to offer. Relax around the lower plunge pool before hiking to the top of the falls where an amazing view is on offer whilst you enjoy the many rock holes. For the energetic you can hike to the rear fall where you will be rewarded with a swim under the waterfall. After a tasty lunch, it's all aboard as we travel on to the Katherine Region.
Afterwards, we visit the awards winning *Top Didj Cultural Experience. Interact with Top End Aboriginal artist Manuel Pamkal and ask questions about aboriginal culture whilst being educated on the significance of his painting style, weapons used and how he lived off the land. This evening retire to our private campsite near Katherine for dinner, good company and a well deserved rest.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY FOURBreakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 5 - Katherine Gorge, Indigenous Cultural experience. Return to Darwin
It's up early this morning to get into Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) before the masses for a boat cruise, canoe (seasonal), a scenic breathtaking flight over the Gorge System (all optional and own expense) or walk along the sheer rock walls that make this place so spectacular. Spend some time exploring the spiritual home of the Jawoyn Aboriginal people before enjoying lunch. This afternoon we make our way back to Darwin stopping along the way at Edith Falls for a refreshing dip in the plunge pool.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY FIVEBreakfast - Lunch