Australia 2023 AUS | Page 64

TOP END SHORT TOUR EXPERIENCES
2 night escorted short tour from £ 999pp
2 night camping tour from £ 649pp
© Tourism Northern Territory
Nitmiluk ( Katherine ) Gorge Jabiru Campsite
KAKADU & NITMILUK ( KATHERINE ) GORGE
2 NIGHT ESCORTED SHORT TOUR
centuries-old rock art • sweeping landscapes • abundant wildlife
DAY 1 Darwin / Kakadu National Park
Depart Darwin and on arrival at the Adelaide River embark on a cruise . Being home to over 1,600 crocodiles , chances are you ’ ll get a close-up glimpse of these prehistoric creatures . Travel on into Kakadu National Park whose combination of mangrove fringed coastal areas , expansive flood plains , lowland hills , and open woodland and forest habitats , make it one of the most diverse landscapes you ’ ll ever experience . It ’ s home to a myriad of animals , hundreds of bird species and thousands of different insects and plants . After lunch , stop at the Marrawuddi Art Gallery before continuing to Ubirr . Here , you ’ ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries , believed to be 20,000 years old , to the lookout for a spectacular view over the surrounding wetlands . There is also the opportunity for an optional 30 minute scenic flight ( at extra expense ).
DAY 2 Kakadu National Park / Katherine
Prepare to be mesmerised as you wander around the Nourlangie Rock art site . It has provided shelter to the indigenous people for many thousands of years , and while taking shelter , the rock evolved into a canvas that illustrates the traditional owner ’ s very deep spiritual culture . The Bininj people are the traditional custodians of Kakadu and you ’ ll visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre for an introduction to their way of life . Later , join your local guide for a cruise on the famed Yellow Water Billabong . The picturesque yellow waters provide a home for thousands of saltwater crocodiles as well as up to 60 species of colourful birdlife . This afternoon travel to Katherine , the third largest town in the Northern Territory , stopping at Leliyn ( Edith Falls ) along the way . The paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls is suitable for swimming throughout most of the year ( conditions permitting ).
DAY 3 Katherine / Darwin
Enjoy a morning cruise through Nitmiluk ( Katherine ) Gorge . One of the most visited sites in Australia ’ s Top End , it is a stunning network of 13 gorges carved from billion-year-old sandstone and home to many rapids and falls flowing from the Katherine River . The cruise will put you at the heart of Nitmiluk ( Katherine ) Gorge among freshwater crocodiles , wonderful birdlife and some of the most amazing scenery the Northern Territory has to offer . Afterwards look through the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre before travelling on to the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek . Finally , make a stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery , the resting place for many of those killed in the World War II air raids on Darwin , before returning to Darwin where your tour concludes .
64 AUSTRALIA
Adelaide River
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Departures : On selected dates . Please ask for details . Accommodation : 3-4★ hotels . Meals : Breakfast . Lunch is also included on days 1 & 2 .
Tour price : The price shown for this tour includes travel in an air-conditioned coach , accommodation , sightseeing as outlined , Kakadu National Park ticket and services of an experienced driver guide .
Note : Itinerary shown is for the dry season ( May-October ).
Nawurlandja Lookout , Kakadu National Park
KAKADU & LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
2 NIGHT SMALL GROUP CAMPING TOUR
ancient landscapes • wildlife • rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture
DAY 1 Darwin / Kakadu National Park
Start your day of adventure by departing Darwin and heading out to the Wetlands Region for a Crocodile & Wildlife Cruise on the Mary River . This gives you a great opportunity to spot a wide range of birdlife , not to mention crocodiles . Journey on to Kakadu National Park , visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre which offers an introduction to the Park ’ s beautiful landscapes and native wildlife . After time to relax at the camp , travel on to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land where you will see some of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal rock art in the world at Ubirr . Before heading back , climb up high for a sunset over the Nadab Floodplain . Back at camp , prepare and feast on dinner with your fellow travellers .
DAY 2 Kakadu National Park
Rise and shine early before heading back to Kakadu National Park for a day soaking up the areas natural beauty . Generally , the tour visits Twin Falls or Jim Jim Falls when seasonally accessible , alternatively make a stop in Barramundi Gorge ( Maguk ) or other waterfalls such as Yurmikmik ( Motor Car Falls ). Time permitting , stop at Nourlangie Rock , another indigenous rock art site where archaeologists have uncovered works dating back over 20,000 years . Head back to camp for a hearty dinner and well-earned rest .
DAY 3 Kakadu National Park / Litchfield National Park / Darwin
Travel south through Pine Creek , a small pioneering town in the Katherine region outside of Kakadu National Park , famous for its discovery of gold in the 1970 ’ s . After a brief stop at the Adelaide River , arrive at Litchfield National Park . Spend the afternoon immersed in Litchfield ’ s natural oasis of waterfalls , spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments . There ’ s also time to spend at Buley Rockholes , Wangi Falls or Florence Falls for a refreshing soak in picturesque rock holes and pools under waterfalls . Discover the uniquely impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds before travelling back to Darwin where your amazing adventure concludes .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Departures : Tuesday & Friday from May-October .
Accommodation : Jabiru Campsite in safari-style tents with access to communal toilet and shower facilities . These sites generally have limited solar power or are unpowered with limited power access to charge phones or cameras .
Meals : Breakfast on day 2 & 3 ; daily lunch & dinner on days 1 & 2 .
Tour price : The price shown for this camping tour includes return travel from Darwin , accommodation , sightseeing as outlined , Kakadu Park pass entry fees , travel by airconditioned 4WD off-road bus , and the services of a driver guide .
Note : Children 8 years and over are welcome . Most meals are prepared by tour guides with camping-style food options . Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals , clean-up and vehicle unpacking / loading as it ’ s a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers .
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