Pre departure administration, tour briefing and Meet ‘n Greet
Convened in Darwin 6.30pm the evening before tour departure

Day 1

We commence our journey with a brief visit to the popular local nature reserve Berry Springs before spending a few hours at the world class Territory Wildlife Park, familiarizing ourselves with the habitats and wildlife of the Top End. After an early lunch we travel east toward the Mary River and Kakadu National Parks taking short stops at lagoons, billabongs and wetland viewing points and a boat cruise along the crocodile infested Adelaide River where these ancient beings are conditioned to the practice of hand feeding, in rather startling fashion.

Accommodation : Aurora Kakadu resort

Day 2

We start the day with a visit to an excellent bird watching location on the edges of the Mamukala Wetlands on the South Alligator flood plains, utilizing a large observation platform and hide. This is a favored feeding retreat for large Magpie Geese and once a favored hunting ground for Aborigines. Opportunity to enjoy a 2 hour / 3 kms circular walk through the wetlands before traveling on to the Kakadu, award winning Bowali Visitors Center for lunch and time to absorb the interpretive displays.
After checking into our accommodation we travel to one of the finest and most spectacular rock art galleries at Ubirr containing 4 main periods of art. We’ll take time for a study and then relax on an elevated lookout savoring the setting sun beaming across the vast panoramic wetlands, snaking watercourses lined with monsoon rainforest winding away from the dramatic Arnhem Land escarpment.

Accommodation: Gagadju Crocodile Resort  3 nights

Day 3

Today we enjoy some of the enterprises owned and operated by the traditional indigenous owners of the land, commencing with a unique Aboriginal cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, where tidal waters meet river outflow. The cruise highlights the river’s abundant food chain and methods of traditional hunting. After a picnic lunch we take on board our local indigenous guide for an afternoon visit to galleries and restricted sites in country owned by traditional communities, returning late afternoon with a greater understanding of Kakadu being a living cultural environment and not simply a nature-based reserve.

Day 4

This morning we take an early drive into the nearby restricted Aboriginal Reserve of Arnhem Land, under permit, to visit the Injalak Arts and Crafts Center, to connect with our indigenous guide for a walk to the top of a nearby hill richly adorned in rock art.  By mid-day we depart Arnhem Land for an afternoon of delightful walks in the East Alligator region, taking in naturally carved rock sculptures, sandstone islets and stacks,

Day 5

Today we pack early for a change of accommodation at the end of the day and then travel to the trail head of the 12 kms / 6 to 8 hour Barrk Sandstone Walk, the longest marked trail in the National Park, passing by some exceptional rock art galleries and on top of Nourlangie Rock, weird and wonderful rock pillars and walls, balancing rocks, caves and “enchanted castles”,  Time permitting, there are more billabong walks and lookouts to wrap up an active and rewarding day.

Accommodation: Gagadju Lodge  Cooinda  2 nights

Day 6

We rise for a dawn cruise on the legendary Yellow Waters floodplain, teaming with bird and wildlife. Later we take time out at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center before selecting and embarking on some short walks in wetland habitats or a visit to the homeland of a young lady and her family now bridging the gap between traditional Aboriginal culture and contemporary society, a living culture and heritage experience. We’ll blend into a day in the life of her family and engage in possible learning, gathering, hunting, cooking, art and craft making experiences, simple, relaxing and spiritual.

Day 7

Today we leave Kakadu for the township of Katherine enjoying a number of scenic diversions along the way to the Gunlom plunge pool and waterfall (with a climb to the top of the falls (2 kms return) and the various pools, falls and walking trails at Leliyn (Edith Falls), part of the Nitmiluk National Park. The area also has a colorful history in Uranium mining and restricted sacred sites, with both resources and secrets quarantined from future exploitation.

Accommodation: Katherine village motel 2 nights

Day 8

Today we breakfast at the National Park before joining a 4 hour interpreted small boat cruise into the towering and breathtaking Katherine Gorge exploring 3 of its 13 sections, and the features Southern Rockhole, Jeddas Rock, The Narrows, Golden Gorge and the Vortex Holes. There will be sections of walking included and after lunch at the visitor’s center we’ll head off on foot to explore the plateau above and gaze down into this awesome crevice below– a 9 kms walk.

Day 9

We depart Katherine and head south to the Cutta Cutta Caves, set down 500 million years ago, for a guided tour by Rangers, then we travel north on the Stuart Highway toward Darwin discovering the pioneering and war time history and characters of small settlements and towns along the way. We deviate momentarily to the village of Batchelor to drop off our continuing 11 day tour guests and then make a return run into Darwin to conclude our 9 day sectional tour.

End of section

Days 10 and 11

Today we commence a relaxed two day exploration of the many features of the uniquely different Litchfield National Park with its savannah environment, often preferred by the locals to Kakadu, subjectively, for its scenic and relaxing appeal. Here we enjoy various short walks to picturesque cascading waterfalls and plunge pools, plateau trails, magnetic and cathedral termite mound, a “lost city” of sandstone pillars, delightful swimming opportunities and even a butterfly farm. Slowing to a relaxing pace in a wild tropical setting like this is the perfect therapy for concluding your holiday.

Accommodation nights 9 and 10 at a village motor inn

We complete our journey late afternoon / early evening on Day 11, in Darwin, suggesting you have accommodation organized and plans for departing flights (if applicable) for the following day.