5 Day Top End National Park 4WD Safari

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Itinerary

Explore the three main national parks of the Top End; Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk. In Kakadu you will visit the beautiful Mamukala Wetlands, the galleries of ancient aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge and Falls) and take the sunset Yellow Waters wetlands cruise. At least 60 bird species are found in these wetlands, together with crocodiles in their natural habitat and buffalo on the flood plains. In Katherine enjoy a hands on cultural experience at the Katherine Art Gallery, and cruise Nitmiluk Gorge for 2 hours viewing the beautiful scenery and discovering the customs of the traditional owners, the Jawoyn people. Finally spend time exploring beautiful Litchfield National Park. View the amazing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and can have a swim at Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes. The tour stays in Bush Bungalows, Stockman’s room at Mt Bundy Station and a permanent camp (fixed tents) in Katherine.

Day 1 (L)

You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at 7.30am for your 5 day 4WD Tour to Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield. We head south along the Stuart highway and along the Arnhem highway into the wetlands region. Our destination is Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. These wetlands have international significance because of their beauty and natural ecosystems. A great variety of fauna can be found here throughout the year as well as a large variety of birdlife.

Then we make our way into World Heritage listed Kakadu National park. Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia, has some of the world’s finest rock art and a variety of habitats, including floodplains and savannah woodlands.

After lunch, we then travel to the very north of the park to Ubirr, where we walk through galleries of ancient aboriginal rock art, which your guide will interpret. Also learn about bushtuckers and bush medicines before reaching the top of the plateau, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view over the floodplains and the Arnhemland escarpment.

We finish the day with a look around the Bowali visitors information centre. Dinner tonight is at your own arrangement and expense and there are a couple of restaurants nearby to our accommodation.

Overnight accommodation – Anbinik Resort, fan-cooled Bush Bungalows with louvres, fridge, tea / coffee and private external en-suite – a few steps from your bungalow.

OR

Upgrade to an Anbinuk Suite (motel room style) with air-con, TV, fridge, tea / coffee, private outdoor deck and private en-suite (please note the shower is outdoor in your private courtyard), for an extra $70 per person twin share and $140 single, per night. Please enquire upon booking to avoid disappointment.

OR

Upgrade to a hotel room with en-suite at the Mercure Crocodile Hotel for an extra $125 per person twin share and $215 single, per night. Please enquire upon booking to avoid disappointment. Buffet breakfast is included with this option. (2 night stay).

Day 2 (B,L)

After breakfast we make our way to Nourlangie Rock, an ancient Aboriginal shelter, where we will explore the area and the rock art. Your guide will lead you on an interpretive walk around the site, followed by Nawalandja lookout. The short hike to the lookout is rewarded by a magnificent view over the Arnhemland escarpment.

Our next stop is Maguk (Barramundi Gorge and falls). Termite mounds are abundant along the dirt road that takes us to the Maguk car park and from there, we take a walk through a paperbark forest to reach the gorge. Once we reach the gorge and waterfall, we can have a refreshing swim in the plungepool.

Finally, late this afternoon, board the sunset Yellow Waters wetlands cruise. Yellow Waters billabong is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. This is the largest river system in Kakadu and contains extensive wetlands, including river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps. About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in these wetlands. There are also plenty of crocodiles in their natural habitat, and buffalo on the floodplains.

Overnight accommodation – Anbinik Resort, fan-cooled Bush Bungalows or upgrade choice

Day 3 (B,L,D)

Our first stop today is the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, for an insight into the cultural heritage of the park. Then we travel to Gunlom (Waterfall Creek), in the very south of the park. After a scenic drive in, on an unsealed dirt road, we reach a large plunge pool at the base of the falls. You also have the option to take the walk to the top of the falls where pristine rockpools and a spectacular view await you. Departing Kakadu through the southern entrance, we now head south to Katherine, with a stop en-route in historic Pine Creek. Our destination this afternoon is Nitmiluk Gorge, home to 13 spectacular gorges, carved out of the rock by torrential summer rains, over millions of years. Dinner tonight will be served poolside at Nitmiluk Gorge.

Overnight permanent camp – Nitmiluk Gorge, in fixed safari tents with proper beds and shared bathrooms

OR

Upgrade to a 1 or 2 bedroom cabin with en-suite for an additional cost (varies depending which cabin you choose).Please enquire when booking, to avoid disappointment. Please note that dinner is not included with the cabins and can be purchased at the poolside bistro.

Day 4 (B,L,D)

We start today with a hands on cultural experience at the Katherine Art Gallery. Activities on offer include sitting down with resident artist, Manuel who will tell you tales of tribal life, language, the hunting and gathering techniques, ceremony, weapons used and aboriginal contemporary life. Experience your own Rarrk painting with Manuel and you will also have an opportunity to participate in one of the traditional hunting activities (firelighting, spear throwing etc.).

After lunch you’ll cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge for 2 hours, viewing the beautiful scenery and discovering the customs of the traditional owners, the Jawoyn people. This evenings accommodation is at Mt Bundy Station. The station has an interesting history and is set in a picturesque bush setting, attracting a multitude of wildlife. There should be time this evening for a walk around the station, a swim in the pool or you can visit the station animals.

Overnight accommodation- Mt Bundy Station, Stockmans rooms with shared bathrooms (double or twin share). Family option also available

Day 5 (B,L)

Today is spent swimming and exploring beautiful Litchfield National Park. We view the amazing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and can have a swim at Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes which are a series of small waterfalls that are a great place to simply sit and relax. There is also a lovely hike along the riverbank from Florence Falls to Buley Rockholes.

Mid- afternoon, we depart Litchfield and begin our drive back to Darwin, arriving at approximately 5.30pm. You will be dropped off at your accommodation.

END OF TOUR

B= Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner

Itinerary is exclusive to Sacred Earth Safaris and subject to availability, road, weather and cultural conditions.

Inclusions:

• Seat in 4WD vehicle, with professional driver guide
• Meals as stated
• 2 nights Bush Bungalow accommodation
• 1 night in a permanent camp in fixed tents
• 1 night in a Stockmans room at Mt Bundy Station
• Sunset Yellow Waters Cruise
• 2 hour cruise at Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
• Cultural experience in Katherine
• Kakadu National park entry fee

Exclusions:

• Arrival/departure flights
• Pre & Post tour accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• Alcohol

Departs Darwin on Saturdays from 01 May 2019 – 31 October 2019, subject to availability.

**Solo travellers must have single accommodation unless twin share of the same sex can be found. Solo travellers can also request own room and pay single supplement.**

Maximum 9 passengers.