Explore Kakadu & Beyond ’for singles’ (50 years & over )
9 days / 8 nights
Saturday 16 - Sunday 24 May 2009

Download Detailed Trip Notes.
Bookings close 16 March 2009

Climate
Generally speaking, it is fine, rain-free and there is plenty of sun between May and October. The days are quite warm from May to November (tops of around 35°C) and evenings can be cooler (down to around 15°C). The mid dry season (Jun-July) can be cold at night down to around 5°C in Katherine).

Throughout the year we can swim in crystal clear, spring fed pools. It is essential in this climate to keep up a high fluid intake (plain water is best) to avoid dehydration. The first sign of mild dehydration is headache, which can make your holiday uncomfortable. More severe dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, a most uncomfortable experience, and there is no 'quick fix' for this condition. Please ensure that you drink 4 litres per day. Your guide will point this out again when you start the trip, as mild dehydration can be easily avoided.

How To Get There
We recommend that you travel by air to Darwin. Flights should be booked as soon as possible, as there is always a heavy demand. Please note that your return journey should be booked for the day after the trip arrives back in Darwin, in case of unexpected delays. Take care if you are intending to book your flight using frequent flyer points, or heavily discounted flights. Please note that all our trips require minimum numbers to operate. If purchasing an advance purchase non-refundable air ticket, we strongly advise that you take out travel insurance in the event that the departure does not operate and your ticket cannot be utilised.

DAY 1 - Arrive in Darwin
Arrive at the Airport in Darwin and make your own way to the Mirambeena Resort and have the day at your leisure. There will be a pre trip briefing at 6pm in the Mirambeena poolside bar followed by a two course group welcome dinner at the Resort. (D)

DAY 2 - To Kakadu National Park.
We pick you up from your accommodation between 7:00 and 7.30am, before heading to the renowned bird watching areas of Fogg Dam for coffee and a briefing on the trip ahead. We then get off the sealed roads and travel east by 4WD along the old Jim Jim Road, passing some of the great wetlands such as Red Lily Billabong. Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage area covering around 20 000 square kilometers so a short drive may be a couple of hours! In the afternoon, after setting up camp at Mardugal, we travel to Yellow Waters, an expansive billabong that is home to an astounding variety of wildlife. Here you may encounter brumbies, wallabies and goannas drinking from the waterside, salt water crocodile and thousands of birds including Magpie Geese, Brolgas, Cormorants, Pelicans and Jabiru, Australia's largest flying bird. The flat-bottomed boat and commentary by an expert wildlife guide ensures an extraordinary insight into the wetlands of Kakadu. The cruise finishes about 6:30pm at which time you will hopefully see one of the unforgettable Top End sunsets behind the lagoon. Camp at Mardugal. (B, L,D) DAY 3 - Jim Jim and Twin Falls.

DAY 3 - Jim Jim and Twin Falls
NB: Jim Jim and Twin Falls are usually available after mid-July. Wake up to the call of hundreds of birds. After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Jim Jim and Twin Falls, Kakadu’s most famous waterfalls. Our day includes swimming through crystal clear waters and exploring these remarkable waterfalls and gorges. The thundering torrent usually depicted in the postcards is a phenomenon that only occurs during the wet season and this flow declines gradually through the dry season until it is a gentle trickle. We return to our group camp-site at Mardugal. (Please note that Jim Jim and Twin Falls are only available subject to seasonal flooding, usually open from July onwards. In earlier months we will visit other less famous yet still spectacular gorges and waterfalls) (B,L,D)

DAY 4 - Barramundi Falls
It is about a 45-minute drive to Maguk (Barramundi Falls), which flows all year round. We walk through lush sub-tropical forest before stumbling across the falls themselves. A large glassy pond at the foot of the falls lends itself to a relaxing morning of swimming or exploring the natural surroundings replete with the flora and fauna for which Kakadu is renowned. In the early afternoon we drive to Koolpin Gorge, a remote and restricted area accessed by just a handful of tour operators and locals. By now we are well into the southern part of the Park -- it is much drier, which means less wetland (and hence fewer mosquitoes in the evenings!). You can swim in the main plunge pool with its white sandy beaches and shady pandanus palms. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 - Koolpin Gorge
NB: Koolpin Gorge is usually only available from Mid June. Therefore if Koolpin Gorge is not available we may visit alternative destinations in Kakadu. Today involves a full-day hike in the Koolpin Gorge area, deep into wilderness of the Southern plateau and stone country. The walk involves a lot of rock scrambling through spectacular gorges, but your efforts are well rewarded by crystal clear, unspoilt rock pools of remarkable beauty and some outstanding views of the surrounding hills and woodland. The pace of the walk and the distance covered is up to the mood of the group on the day. On the way there are often limpid rock pools lined with ferns and Livistonia palms. Within the walls of the gorge birds and animals find water and shelter from the heat of the plains. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore this magical environment and, once again the day can be as strenuous as the group prefers. This is an area that only very few people are privileged to experience, and for many, this day is one of the highlights of the trip. Return to our overnight camp at Koolpin Gorge.(B,L,D)

DAY 6 - Katherine River
After an early breakfast, we pack and board the vehicle once again for our drive to the Katherine River. We leave Kakadu National Park and pass through the old gold mining town of Pine Creek. On reaching the river we pack our gear into airtight containers, and after a short lesson on canoeing technique, we set out down river for a short paddle to the evening camp which is set in peaceful surroundings on the river's edge. (Please note, this trip does not include a visit to Katherine Gorge, as that area is often teeming with tourists. Instead we find peace and serenity further down the river away from the gorge.) (B,L,D)

DAY 7 - Katherine River
Today is a full day of paddling but the going is fairly easy as the river changes from small ambling rapids to a vague current luring us downstream. The prolific foliage lining the river accommodates countless bird species and our mode of transport enables us to enjoy fabulous close encounters with them. Wild buffalo, brumbies and wallabies also come to drink along the riverbank. There are plenty of fresh water crocodiles to be seen during the day (these crocodiles are small in size and eat only fish – no threat to us). Whilst paddling there is also time to fish for the prized Barramundi. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 - To Darwin.
After our second night camped by the river, pack up for a our 4WD trip back to Katherine. We aim to return to town by mid morning and head back up the Stuart Highway to Darwin. We may enjoy a relaxing lunch beside the waterfall of Edith Falls or Adelaide River on the way north and expect to arrive back into Darwin around 5:00pm.(B,L)

DAY 9 – Trip concludes. Depart Darwin
Depart Darwin at your leisure. Your own arrangements to the airport for your onward flight.