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Darwin · Northern territory · Australia
5 days Arnhem Land & Kakadu Ultimate Walking Experience
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From $5,424.51 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Walking is only part of the adventure on this once-in-a-lifetime experience you will venture deep into the northern expanse of Arnhem Land, arriving into this very special Aboriginal Sacred site, where the exclusive Davidson Arnhemland Safari Lodge awaits. This remarkable destination remains inaccessible by mainstream tourists, travelling in our 4WD bus we are granted the rare privilege of staying in this exceptional setting for 2 nights. With a history spanning more than 50,000 years, you’ll be captivated by the unspoiled magnificence of this region, boasting the world’s biggest collection of magnificent rock art. Notably, within a mere 15-minute drive from the lodge, lies a breathtaking six-meter rainbow serpent rock-art, leaving a lasting impression. Prepare to marvel at extraordinary rock catacombs, pristine natural swimming pools atop towering escarpments, lush rainforests, meandering valleys, and enigmatic caves. During your stay you’ll be intimately connected with the ancient heritage of the area, engaging all your senses during walks and activities. Cruise through a labyrinth of canals created by paperbark trees and wetlands with rich red escarpment as a backdrop. This landscape is teeming with an incredible variety of bird life, including an impressive assembly of 275 bird species. Among them are elegant egrets, gatherings of vibrant Cockatoos, poised cormorants, vivid kingfishers, graceful brolgas, and majestic sea eagles, creating a symphony of life in this region. Afterwards, we head back into Kakadu exploring the Nourlangie Region, Jim Jim Falls region and Mary River region. You will only visit Kakadu once and this is an experience not to be missed!
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Exclusive Access to Arnhem Land
- Stay at Davidson Arnhemland Safari Lodge
- World’s Largest Collection of Rock Art
- Breathtaking Natural Scenery
- Cultural Connection and Guided Walks
- Canal Cruises Through Paperbark Wetlands
- Diverse Birdlife
- Exploring Kakadu National Park
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Darwin
Welcome to Australia! Our journey begins at the Novotel Atrium Darwin where you will meet your guides and jump onboard our 4WD bus. Enroute, we stop for a short break in the Mary River region. We continue to famous Ubirr Rock for our mid-morning walk.
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Hiking at Arnhem Land. Our journey begins at the Novotel Atrium Darwin where you will meet your guides and jump onboard our 4WD bus. Enroute we stop for a short break in the Mary River region. We continue to famous Ubirr Rock for our mid-morning walk. Our walk leads us along a path that guides us through a sequence of natural rock galleries leading to the top of the escarpment where we’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views that overlook the vast expanse of Kakadu National Park. From here we head to Cahill Crossing to enjoy lunch overlooking the river on viewing platforms. Afterwards we leave the rest of the tourists behind as our Arnhemland land adventure begins by traversing Cahill Crossing and making our way to the secluded northern reaches of Arnhem Land. This leg of our expedition leads us to Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safari Lodge, our exclusive retreat for the next two nights. After settling in we head out for our afternoon walk, taking in consideration of the area’s sacred significance, we’ll be under the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide. This area is known for the world’s largest Rock Art collection and its rare collections of magnificent work needs to be seen to be believed. We wander along a creek and up through eroded rock platforms to witness the spectacular six-metre Rainbow Serpent artwork, it will be one of the most amazing examples of rock art you are likely ever to see. Please note crossing Cahill crossing is tide dependent and our itinerary above may be adjusted to work in with the low tide times which allows us to cross the river.
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Tonight unwind and fully appreciate the picturesque surroundings of your unique lodging. Indulge in a delightful dinner, expertly served within the lodge’s restaurant, accompanied by a selection of fine wines.
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Accommodation.
Day 2
Darwin
Eco Tour at Arnhem Land. After breakfast, we set out for today’s walk to explore major art sites, delving into catacombs of rock sculptures and astounding artworks. Arnhem Land’s rock art spans an unbelievable timeline, from 50,000 years ago to just two centuries back, depicting European encounters and ancient creatures like Tasmanian tigers. Walking along the escarpment, surrounded by fig tree roots and pandanas palms, the excitement is tangible. The rock art galleries, unparalleled in quality, quantity, colorfulness, and preservation, make this area magical. They tell prehistoric stories, transporting you to another era, depicting extinct animals such as a Tasmanian devil a rare sight since rediscovery and offering a window into the past. Following our walk, we indulge in a refreshing swim at a nearby billabong nestled high on the escarpment, offering the reassurance of being crocodile-free. This untouched natural swimming oasis, perched on the escarpment’s heights, invites safe and serene aquatic enjoyment. The sandy bed and exceptionally clear water create an inviting space to take a cooling dip. It’s yet another exquisite location radiating pure beauty.
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Boating at Arnhem Land. As the afternoon unfolds, we’ll embark on a captivating cruise aboard a shallow-bottomed boat, navigating through a mesmerizing labyrinth of canals, their banks adorned with majestic paperbark trees. Our journey will lead us into the embrace of magnificent open wetlands, their horizons framed by distant red escarpments that lend an awe-inspiring backdrop. This panoramic scene encapsulates one of our most remarkable ecosystems, where the vast wetlands teem with an astounding array of egrets, magpie geese, cormorants, kingfishers, the stately presence of brolgas, and the free-spirited drift of sea eagles. We finish our cruise with a glass of wine and nibbles as the sun sets over the floodplain.
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Breakfast. Later we head back to the lodge for a wonderful dinner served with wine.
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Acommodation.
Day 3
Darwin
Hiking at Kakadu National Park. Nourlangie Region Walk: After an early breakfast, we head south and make our way back to Kakadu by returning across Cahill Crossing. Today we head to Nourlangie Region for a dramatic walk in Kakadu’s Stone Country. Begin your adventure with the Anbangbang Billabong and Nawurlandja Lookout track, circling the picturesque billabong where birdlife thrives, and wallabies seek refuge under paperbarks. Marvel at the views of Nourlangie Rock as you navigate through shaded areas and scramble to the Nawurlandja Lookout for breathtaking vistas. Spot jabirus along the shore before concluding your journey. Then, embark on the Nourlangie Art Site track, traversing steep and rugged terrain to discover ancient Aboriginal artwork at Anbangbang Rock Shelter. Delve into stories of Nabulwinjbulwinj and Namarrgon depicted in the captivating art. Continue to Gunnwarrdehwarrdde Lookout for panoramic views before descending stone steps and concluding your exploration. The next two nights are spent at the beautiful outback resort of Cooinda Lodge beside Yellow Water Billabong. This wonderful lodge features a swimming pool and modern air-conditioned rooms with ensuite. Please note crossing Cahill crossing is tide dependent and our itinerary above may be adjusted to work in with the low tide times which allows us to cross the river.
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Tonight, we enjoy true outdoor Australian alfresco dining experience. Enjoy a wonderful menu featuring wonderful local produce such as barramundi and crocodile.
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Accommodation.
Day 4
Darwin
Hiking at Kakadu National Park. Jim Jim Falls walking: Enjoy an early breakfast then we head out by 4WD to experience the remote and spectacular Jim Jim Falls, the crown of Kakadu National Park. Our walk is to the spectacular Jim Jim Falls gorge and plunge pools. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the river where you will see views of the Jim Jim Falls gorge, you can relax here taking in the amazing views down the gorge or continue on. For those that wish to swim in the plunge pools at the base of the falls, the second half of the walk requires scrambling and rock hopping and requires a good amount of agility. The closer you get to the end of the gorge the more impressive it becomes and worth the effort to get there. Please note: Today’s touring is subject to the opening of Jim Jim Falls. If for any reason these areas aren’t open alternative locations will be substituted.
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Leisure at Kakadu National Park. Sit down and relax on the sandy white beach, take in your amazing surroundings and the pretty plunge pool surrounded by enormous vertical cliffs and after all that rock scrambling definitely go for a swim. We also have the option to walk to the top of the escarpment overlooking Jim Jim Falls for magnificent views. Afterwards, enjoy the drive back to Cooinda taking in spectacular vistas of the Arnhemland Escarpment.
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Breakfast. Tonight enjoy a relaxing outdoor dinner in the lodge restaurant.
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Accommodation.
Day 5
Darwin
Eco Tour at Kakadu National Park. After breakfast, we set off to explore the Mary River region in the southern part of Kakadu National Park to walk. Today we enjoy a series of short walks with a refreshing waterhole swim. The reward for each walk. The first of our walks take us to Maguk previously known as Barramundi Gorge an awesome gorge with a big plunge pool. The walk follows Barramundi Creek through monsoon forests with lush thick vegetation and interesting plants, birds and lizards to admire. Here we will walk to the head of the falls for magnificent views, the pool at the top of the falls is flanked by tall vertical cliffs then head on down to the plunge pools for a relaxing swim to cool off. Afterwards we head to Motor Car Falls. Surrounded by forest this small waterfall remains one of Kakadu’s hidden gems and is a favourite in the tropical summer when Kakadu’s larger falls tend to be inaccessible. Although it’s a bit of a trek at 7.5 kms return, it’s well worth the effort. Especially if you want to sit under the spray of the waterfall by swimming across the pristine pool. We may even see wallaroos along the way! Note: due to warmer weather in the Territory our guides will determine the best walking experiences for the day. Early morning starts will mean we will walk in the cooler part of the day. Some days include several short walks. Most walks include a swim to cool off during the walks. All walks outlined above are subject to them being open. Note we start our walks in June to try and avoid this, however due to weather some walks may not be opened until later in the season. When walks are not opened alternative walks or activities will be substituted
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Afterwards we transfer back to Darwin. FINISH TIME: Transfer back to Darwin arriving at approximately 8.30pm. Thanks for traveling with us!
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Pack Free Walk – Carry only a day pack3 Arnhem Land sunset cruise 4WD tour and walk to Jim Jim Falls Professionally guide Transfers to/from Darwin to Kakadu in our 4WD bus National Park Fees
Not Included
Tips and gratuities
What to Bring
Hiking shoes Comfortable clothes
Meeting & Pickup
SUGGESTED PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION: We suggest the Novotel Atrium Darwin ideally located on the esplanade overlooking Darwin Harbour.
Languages Offered
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Optional Add-ons
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - 3160.00 Per Person
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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