Explore Kakadu & Beyond, NT

For ACTIVE SINGLE TRAVELLERS 40 to 59 years
Saturday 11 - Sunday 19 September 2010 (9 days)

Itinerary

WHAT TO EXPECT:
The trip is for almost anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and competent swimming ability.  The vehicles used on the Kakadu trips are Toyota Landcruisers and take a maximum of eight passengers plus a driver. The rear seating arrangement is generally centre-facing ie. Seating along each side of the vehicle. All vehicles are registered as commercial tourist (passenger carrying) vehicles.

The guides are very experienced outdoor leaders, so if you have not been camping before they will assist to make you feel comfortable. On this trip there will be one guide only. He/She will be driving the vehicle at all times, and is responsible for ensuring the safety of the group as a whole as well as the safety of individuals. Your guide will also be doing everything possible to ensure that you get the most out of your trip. Feel comfortable about approaching him/her if there is anything concerning you. World Expeditions guides are selected for their excellent local knowledge and outdoor skills. He/she will oversee all food preparation, cooking and all camping arrangements, but you should come prepared to chip in and help where possible (food preparation, loading vehicles, washing-up, collecting water, etc.). Your participation in the running of the trip is not only encouraged, but will also ensure a rewarding trip. While camping you will be staying at National Park campgrounds with hot showers and flusing toilets.


ITINERARY
In total this is a 9 day itinerary which includes 1 night Darwin prior to heading on tour and 1 night in Darwin when you return from touring.

DAY 1 Darwin
Arrive at the Airport in Darwin and make your own way to the hotel in Darwin.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. There will be a pre trip briefing at 6pm at the hotel followed by a welcome dinner. (D)

Overnight: Darwin Central Hotel

DAY 2 Darwin to Kakadu National Park
You are picked 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 in to 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.
NB: Jim Jim and Twin Falls usually available after mid-July. Prior to this we may visit alternative waterfalls. 

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 available from Mid June. 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 in to 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 the overnight camp at Koolpin Gorge. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 - Katherine Gorge
After an early breakfast, we pack and board the vehicle once again for our drive to Katherine Gorge. We leave Kakadu National Park and pass through the old goldmining town of Pine Creek. We will spend the afternoon exploring some of the spectacular walks overlooking the Gorge. There may also be time for optional helicopter flights (own expense). You camp for the evening at the Gorge. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 - Katherine Gorge
Today is a full day of paddling up the Katherine Gorge, enjoying the spectacular scenery and the deep clear flowing water. We paddle up the gorge as far as we can in the time allowing, with some relaxing paddling back down stream.  (B,L,D)

DAY 8
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. Tour services end on your return to Darwin.

Overnight:  Darwin Central Hotel  (B,L)

DAY 9
Own arrangements to the airport for your onward flights.