Posted on 11 January, 2021 in
DAY 1
Depart your Darwin accommodation at 06.45 – 07:00am for the World
Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
Covering almost 20,000 square km of exceptional
natural beauty and unique biodiversity, Kakadu National Park is one of very few places World
Heritage listed for both its cultural and its natural values. Kakadu is home to
the Bininj and Mungguy Aboriginal people who have inhabited this area for
thousands of years.
En route to Kakadu, visit the Adelaide River Wetlands and join a
Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the mighty Adelaide River. On this unique 1 hour
cruise you will see wild crocodiles feed right beside the boat. You will also
be able to get a closer look at some of the NT’s birds of prey as they come in
to feed.
Once entering Kakadu National Park, we will stop and visit the
Mamukala wetlands, a RAMSAR wetlands that is a haven for thousands of Magpie
Geese as well as many other species of native birds and reptiles.
After a picnic lunch we will travel to Ubirr Rock, one of Kakadu’s best-known
rock-art sites and featured in the movie Crocodile Dundee. A walk to the top of
Ubirr offers great views across the Nadab floodplain into Arnhem Land. Nearby
to Ubirr is Cahills crossing on the East Alligator River. This crossing is a
great place to spot crocodiles and watch locals fish for barramundi.
Continue south late-afternoon to our ‘glamping’ accommodation for the
next 2 nights in Cooinda.
Overnight: Cooinda (glamping tent)
DAY 2
First up this morning we will join a 2hr sunrise cruise on the famous
Yellow Water Billabong. On this picturesque waterway you will have the
opportunity to view a large variety of birdlife as well as saltwater crocodiles
in their natural environment. Learn more about the wildlife on the billabong
from your knowledgeable guides who will make the cruise both fascinating and
informative.
Continue north along the Kakadu Highway to the Bowali Visitor and
Information Centre. Bowali provides visitors with a wealth of information and
displays about the Park.
Next, we’ll travel to Jabiru Airstrip. One of the best ways to see
Kakadu at this time of year is by light plane! Upon boarding your 1hr flight
you will travel over many different and spectacular landscapes along the Arnhem
Land escarpment and see various river systems, billabongs and two of Kakadu’s
most famous waterfalls Jim Jim and Twin Falls.
After lunch we’ll visit Nourlangie Rock, an area home to various
Aboriginal rock art and occupation sites. Aboriginal people have inhabited this
area for twenty thousand years, sheltering under Nourlangie Rock and utilising
the natural resources around them. The results of this occupation can still
clearly be seen and understood today with the various rock paintings of
animals, people and spirits. Your guide will give detailed explanations of the
stories behind the rock art and the surrounding area.
Then, for sunset we’ll travel to Nawurlandja Lookout. A short climb
takes us up the sloping sandstone to provide views of the sun setting across
Anbangbang Billabong, Nourlangie Rock and the Arnhem Land escarpment.
Overnight: Cooinda Lodge (glamping tent)
DAY 3
Today we’ll explore some of Kakadu’s waterfalls
and swimming holes en route to Katherine Gorge.
Our first stop this morning will be at Moline
Rockhole, a special permit area in
which only a few select operators are permitted to access; guaranteeing minimal
crowds. The small waterfall and waterhole below the falls is a great place to
cool down and relax. Here your guide will give you a pair of snorkels so you
can explore the underwater world, home to a variety of species such as fish and
turtle.
After departing Moline we’ll travel into Gunlom Falls, another great
swimming hole. A 15 minute climb to the rock pools above the falls takes us up
to a naturally occurring ‘infinity pool’ with sweeping views across the
bushland of Kakadu.
Mid-afternoon we’ll continue on to Katherine
where we’ll take a dip at the Katherine Hot Springs.
Finally, today we’ll travel into the Nitmiluk National
Park, home to Katherine Gorge and our luxury accommodation for the next 2
nights at Cicada Lodge.
Overnight: Cicada Lodge (lodge room)
DAY 4
Enjoy a relaxing start to the day at Cicada Lodge,
then at 9am we will join a 2hr Gorge Cruise on the spectacular Katherine Gorge.
Sit back and relax as the tranquil surroundings transport you into a spiritual
world of the Jawoyn culture and history. Discover the stories and ways of the
Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge.
Next, we’ll travel into Katherine and visit
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre where you can learn more
about the art and culture of the region.
Then this afternoon we’ll explore more of Nitmiluk
National Park, heading to Edith Falls. The sandstone and riverine communities
of Edith Falls provide a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Here
we’ll embark on the 2.7km loop walk to the top of the falls which offers great
swimming with spectacular views.
Arrive back at your luxury accommodation late-afternoon.
Overnight: Cicada Lodge (lodge
room)
DAY 5
Today our final destination is Litchfield National Park, about 1.5hrs
south of Katherine, en route to Darwin.
Litchfield comprises of a central sandstone plateau which supports
rich woodland flora communities. Patches of monsoon rainforest thrive in the
deep, narrow gorges and wildlife such as wallabies and birds flourish in the Park.
This morning we will enter Litchfield via Betchelor and firstly explore
Tolmer Falls. The caves near Tolmer Falls are home to the rare Orange Horseshoe
and Ghost Bats.
After a picnic lunch we will visit the Magnetic Termite Mounds. These
gigantic termite mounds stand up to 2m tall, having been erected in a
north-south orientation which acts as a built in temperature control. These
‘tombstone’ like structures make the area look eerily like a giant cemetery.
We’ll next visit two of Litchfield’s most famous waterholes, Buley
Rockhole and Florence Falls. Here you will have the opportunity to swim and
also snorkel in the crystal clear pool below Florence Falls and relax in the
cascading pools at Buleys.
This afternoon we’ll make one last stop in Litchfield at Wangi Falls before
departing for Darwin via the Finniss River dirt track.
Arrive into your Darwin accommodation at approximately 07.00pm.
This ends your Venture North journey.
TOUR COST:
PER ADULT: AUD $3,590.00 (twin share)*
PER CHILD (6-14 yrs): AUD $2,990.00
*Single supplement is AUD$500.00
Price includes GST and is valid until 30 April 2021.
INCLUDES:
Professional guide/driver
Luxury Toyota Landcruiser 4WD vehicle (max 6 passengers)
Purpose built 4WD trailer and equipment
All Kakadu and permits and entry fees
Accommodation (twin-share)
*please
note bathroom facilities at Cooinda are shared. Upgrade from glamping tent to ensuite-room
available on request at additional cost
Jumping Crocodile Cruise fee
Yellow Water cruise fee
Katherine Gorge cruise fee
1hr Kakadu scenic flight
Meals as stated (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D:
Dinner)
EXCLUDES:
Alcohol (can purchase with dinner each evening)
For more information or to book please contact Venture North at 08 89275500 or send us an enquiry here.
