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Maximum 16

Itinerary

As far as World Heritage Areas go, Kakadu National Park is somewhat special in that it qualifies for WHA listing on the basis of both natural and cultural values. Exploring this part of Australia in small groups with an expert guide ensures a memorable and rewarding holiday. Surrounded by more than 20,000 years of Aboriginal Heritage you observe Dreamtime Rock Art, get to swim in remote gorges, and cruise among the abundant wildlife of Yellow Waters. This is followed by canoeing on the magnificent Katherine River, gliding over some 20 kilometres of rarely seen crystal clear water.
Throughout the trip there are many opportunities to walk, swim, take photos or just relax by a crystal clear rock pool. You camp in spacious two-person tents, and your guide will ensure the best in food and fun. The warm climate encourages early starts, which sometimes leaves time for a midday siesta. Most days you get the chance to cool off in a shady water hole. Kakadu is possibly the most exciting adventure destination in Australia. Combined with the Katherine River and the rich Aboriginal culture this itinerary is beyond comparison. Come exploring and experience the remote beauty of the Top End!

Day 1.

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. You 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. In the afternoon, after setting up camp at Mardugal, you 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. Meals: L, D

Day 2.

Jim Jim and Twin Fall in Kakadu
NB: Jim Jim and Twin Falls usually available after mid-July. Prior to this you may visit alternative waterfalls.

Wake up to the call of hundreds of birds. After a leisurely breakfast, you drive to Jim Jim and Twin Falls, Kakadu's most famous waterfalls. Your 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. You return to the group camp-site at Mardugal. Meals: B, L, D

Day 3.

Barramundi Falls
It is about a 45-minute drive to Maguk (Barramundi Falls), which flows all year round. You 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 you drive to Koolpin Gorge, a remote and restricted area accessed by just a handful of tour operators and locals. You can swim in the main plunge pool with its white sandy beaches and shady pandanus palms. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4.

Koolpin Gorge
NB: Koolpin Gorge is usually available from Mid June. If Koolpin Gorge is not available you 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 your overnight camp at Koolpin Gorge. Meals: B, L, D

Day 5.

Katherine River
After an early breakfast, you pack and board the vehicle once again for your drive to the Katherine River. You leave Kakadu National Park and pass through the old goldmining town of Pine Creek. On reaching the river you pack your gear into air-tight containers, and after a short lesson on canoeing technique, you 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. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6.

To Darwin
After a night camped by the river, you might take a short walk in the cool morning conditions before packing up for a 4WD trip back to Katherine. Aiming to return to town by mid morning, you head back up the Stuart Highway to Darwin. You may enjoy a relaxing lunch beside the waterfall of Edith Falls or Adelaide River on the way north. You can expect to arrive back into Darwin around 5pm. Meals: B, L

Style of Tour

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 35C) and evenings can be cooler (down to around 15C). Mid dry season (Jun-July can be cold at night down to around 5C in Katherine). As the wet season approaches (Oct/Nov) there are sometimes spectacular thunderstorms which provide relief from the humidity. Throughout the year we can swim in crystal clear, spring fed pools.

Your guide 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.

Grading & Fitness

Grade C
Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

This trip is for almost anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and competent swimming ability. This adventure is designed for the enthusiastic and adventurous in search of something different. This trip has been graded at an introductory to moderate level. However, some days will be quite active involving steep walks for most of the day.

Guides & Safety

The guides are experienced outdoor leaders who will take the time to make you comfortable if you have not been camping before. The guide is responsible for your safety at all times during the trip. Feel free about approaching the guide about anything that may concern you. He/she will be doing everything possible to ensure that you get the most out of the trip. The guide will coordinate every aspect of the tour, including cooking and camp preparation. You are welcome (but not obliged) to assist in things like food preparation, washing dishes and setting up tents. Your participation in these activities will ensure a rewarding trip.

What to take

Explore Kakadu is fully supported. You will need to carry just a day-pack with your water bottles, lunch, camera and other personal items. You should plan on carrying at least 3 litres of water each and every day.

Essential Items

Clothing
1-2 pairs Walking Pants . Lightweight and quick drying hiking pants (not denim)
1 pair shorts
1 Long-sleeved shirts which are light weight and can be worn on hot days for sun protection
Hiking socks to wear each day
Sunhat - broad brimmed for good sun protection (crushable)
Bandana for sun protection on your neck
3 T-shirts
1 Warm jumper (Woollen or Polar fleece)
1 pair of Warm Pants for the evenings. eg. Track suit pants
Underwear
Swimming costume
Personal toiletries (think small, light weight and biodegradable/low environmental impact)
Beanie or warm hat (It can get to as low as 5 degrees C in the evenings in Katherine and Southern Kakadu)

Footwear
A pair of lace‐up sturdy walking shoes for the track that provide adequate ankle support
A pair of lightweight shoes that can be worn around camp or sports sandals to wear canoeing (eg.Teva or similar)

Ensure that your boots are well worn in before travelling, blisters have ruined many holidays.

Equipment
Duffle bag or soft bag to put all clothing/gear in – 700mm x 400mm x 400mm
(Please stick to these size dimensions and no hard suitcases! They wont fit in the trailer)
2 Litres worth of Water Bottles/Bladders (if you bring a bladder you must also carry a bottle in case the bladder gets punctured). Unbreakable lightweight bottles are recommended.
Sleeping bag (2 ‐ 3 seasons)These are available for hire but must be booked prior to departure – you must provide a sleeping bag inner sheet if you are hiring your sleeping bag.
Daypack (large enough to carry 2 litres of water, snacks and personal items such as camera)
Sunglasses
Head torch and spare batteries (essential for campsite)
Small Lightweight Towel
Walking poles (Optional)

Medical Supplies
Your guide will carry a comprehensive medical kit for any accidents that may occur. It is your responsibility to bring sufficient quantities of any specific medications you require. Please advise the guides of medications you will be carrying. In addition we suggest that each passenger bring the following:
Sunscreen
Lip protectant
Band‐aid strips
Blister protection
Insect repellent
Aspirin or equivalent headache remedy
A mild anti‐nausea drug if you are concerned about motion sickness.

Optional Items
Camera with plenty of spare batteries
Book/Maps
Binoculars
Fly net

Gear Supplied
All cooking and eating equipment
High quality tents
Swags with a sheet and pillow.

Transport

The vehicles used on the Kakadu trips are Toyota Landcruisers. Maximum of eight passengers for each vehicle plus a driver. The rear seating arrangement is generally centre-facing ie. seating along each side of the vehicle. All the vehicles are registered as commercial tourist (passenger carrying) vehicles.

Food

It is known that healthy appetites build up when trekking and touring and providing tasty and varied meals with plenty of fresh ingredients is necessary. The excellent cooks serve a sensible combination of local and European dishes while at the same time ensuring high standards of hygiene. On all the trips your good health is our highest priority. Vegitarians are also catered for. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.

Accommodation

During the trip you camp with swags and tents. You will be experiencing the Territorian style of camping, so your participation will be appreciated. The guide will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by putting up your own tents and rolling out swags. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody.
Swags are supplied to sleep on. A swag is comprised of a three-inch thick foam mattress with a canvas cover to keep it clean – they are very comfortable.
• Your swag contains a pillow with pillow cover and one sheet.
• Swags are rolled out inside Mozzie Dome style tents, these offer sleeping under the stars
while protecting from bugs and converting to weatherproof tents in case of rain.
• Sleeping bags are essential for warmth. You can bring your own or hire. They are
available for hire for AU$20, so please contact us if you require one. We ask that you provide your own inner sheet if you hire a sleeping bag.

Most groups are made up of a mixture of single participants and couples. If you are travelling alone you will share a tent with someone of the same sex.
A single tent supplement is available on this trip for the additional cost of AU$50/person.

Questions

Am I suited to small group travel?
It is known that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. You can rest assured that our trips are flexible and allow you to do your thing within the framework of the itinerary. There is no attempt to instill a ‘group ethos’ and fully recognise your needs as an individual. The maximum group size on most trips is 16 – an ideal size to ensure minimum impact travel to the areas of operation.

How fit do I have to be for an adventure travel holiday?
The adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness. All the trips are graded, allowing you to choose a suitable trip. Please refer to the grading system at the top of the page.

What level of comfort can I expect?
On all the trekking adventures you camp in style and comfort, using the best equipment. All your gear is carried (except where specified) and meals are cooked for you while the staff prepare the camp.

How safe is it?
On all the trips your well-being is first priority. The staff constantly review every aspect of your adventure and the expert guides are fully conversant with the demands of traveling in remote regions.

Where do we stay?
In remote localities you can expect simple, clean but more basic facilities. When in the field we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents, a mess tent and toilet tent.

What about the food?
It is known that healthy appetites build up when trekking and touring and providing tasty and varied meals with plenty of fresh ingredients is necessary. The excellent cooks serve a sensible combination of local and European dishes while at the same time ensuring high standards of hygiene. On all the trips your good health is highest priority. Vegitarians are also catered for. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.

What is included in my adventure holiday?
It is the aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in your trip to minimise any out of pocket expenses while you are away.

How often is a trip cancelled?
As travel is in small groups 95% of our trips operate – so you can be confident of going on the trip of your choice.

Additional Costs

Sleeping bags. $20
Single supplement for tent. $50

Booking Conditions

Price includes:

• 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
• professional wilderness guide
• all group camping equipment including tents, swags for sleeping,stoves,cooking and eating utensils
• all National Park and camping fees
• emergency communications and group first aid kit
• 4WD transport from Darwin

Payment:

Prices are quoted in NZ dollars.

Deposits:

For bookings four months in advance, a deposit of 25% can be paid, with the balance due 65 days prior to departure. For tours within four months, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations:

If you wish to cancel your tour, you must notify us in writing. Cancellations will take effect subject to the following:

If cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to your departure date, 80% refund of full ticket price.
If cancellation takes place between 60 and 30 days prior to your departure 50% refund of ticket price.
If cancellation takes place less than 30 days prior to your departure date, 100% of the tour price will be forfeited.

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend you have comprehensive travel insurance.
World Nomads Travel Insurance provides online quotes.

Notes:

This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.