Lords have three regular departures in September 2024 which is a 3 Day Peek Kakadu & Arnhemland Tour minimum 2 pax, maximum 6 pax.
10th – 12th September
15th – 17th September
20th – 22nd September
Cost AUD $4,025.00 Per Person (Inclusive of everything as stated below)
Interested in the below itinerary? Contact us via lordsntsafaris@gmail or through our contact page https://www.lords-safaris.com/contact/
Day One:
This morning Leigh will collect you from your accommodation (7.30am) before we begin making our way south for a short time on the Stuart Highway then turn left onto the Arnhem Highway that leads west to World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Our first stop enroute is Fogg Dam Reserve, Fogg Dam has year-round water coverage which assures its position as an important feeding and roosting site for a wide variety of both water birds and other animals.
Then onto Corroboree Billabong, just 90 minutes from Darwin along the Arnhem Highway towards Kakadu National Park, is a part of the Mary River which is one of eight rivers in the Top End with large floodplains in their catchments. These floodplains are an important breeding and feeding ground for water, shore and sea birds as well as providing a habitat for large numbers of freshwater and saltwater crocodiles. Wetlands Safari Cruises offers ideal ways to view the flora and fauna of this amazing ecosystem in total comfort.
We will leave the main road to enter Kakadu via the Old Darwin Road.
Maguk is a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls. Spot the spangled drongos and rainbow pitas in the rainforest, swim with the black bream in the plunge pool and marvel at the majestic endemic Anbinik trees along the rocky slopes. Maguk is accessed from a 14km four-wheel drive track off the Kakadu Highway, followed by a one kilometre walk through monsoon forests, crossing Barramundi Creek.
Overnight: Camping (L, D) (Lords bush camp)
Day Two:
Today visit two of Kakadu’s icons – Jim Jim and Twin Falls. Both waterfalls are set in the magnificent Arnhem Land escarpment. This is a day of adventure for the more active traveller and access to these two magical areas is only available by 4WD. At Twin Falls you shall walk to the top of Twin Falls & marvel at the ever changing light and shade of the Arnhem Land Escarpment. The views are incredible, looking down the Twin Fall Gorge & back up the river where we are able to swim & enjoy this amazing area while understanding why these places are important not only to us as visitors but also to the Aboriginal people of Kakadu National Park. Late in the afternoon shall visit Jim Jim Gorge. Do a short walk into the Falls & take time to marvel at the inspiring 200-metre-high cliffs towering on both sides of the walk.
(This tour demands a high level of agility & fitness as it involves hill walks where there are no formed pathways or handrails. (Level of fitness and balance are crucial)
Overnight: Camping (B, L, D) (Lords bush camp)
Day Three:
Today we visit Aboriginal Lands (Arnhem Land) access to this area is restricted to a select group of tour operators. Departing the Northern region of Kakadu National Park we cross Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River and enter Arnhem Land. A 15-km scenic drive to Gunbalanya Aboriginal community provides some of the best driving views in the Top End with floodplains, billabongs & Arnhem Land escarpment. Upon arrival at Gunbalanya you will visit the Injalak Arts and Craft Centre. Here you have the opportunity to meet and watch traditional local artists in action. Established in 1989, Injalak Arts is an Aboriginal organisation supporting the production of quality Aboriginal art.
Today, Injalak artists produce authentic art inspired by ancient dreamtime stories, images from the nearby rock art galleries and an unbroken link between the present generation of Kunwinjku people and their ancestors. This offers an intimate setting to get to know the artist and see first-hand how artworks are created. Gunbalanya is the Aboriginal name for the Oenpelli settlement (which was originally a mission). The area includes the floodplains of the East Alligator River that are covered by water from December to April and a rocky sandstone plateau rising up to 200 metres above the plains. Visitors to Injalak will experience the breathtaking rock art galleries and the traditional culture of the Kunwinjku people. Many of the Injalak artists live and work in the community. While we are here a traditional Aboriginal guide will show you excellent examples of rock art on Injalak Hill (Long Tom Dreaming or Kurrkabal), this area is documented as having some of the best rock art examples in Western Arnhem Land – some say Australia. The main gallery is the visitor’s first contact with rock art and is the most intense. It is an extensive shelter featuring layered paintings created over thousands of years.
The rock art on Injalak Hill reveals facets of Pre-Estuarine, Estuarine and Contact periods identifying them as between 100 and 8,000 years old. In 1912, the Aboriginal Protectorate Baldwin Spencer noted people heading up the hill every evening with smouldering fire sticks. This helps to explain why Injalak Hill boasts such extensive rock art galleries. The view from the top of the hill is simply breathtaking, looking out across the floodplains and around the Arnhemland escarpment while having lunch in the shade of one of the many overhanging ledges. When we farewell our Aboriginal guide back at the Injalak Art & Craft Centre there is an opportunity to browse or purchase goods from this non-profit Aboriginal organisation.
Injalak Arts wholesales a range of affordable art in different mediums and styles reflective of the ingenuity of the Kunwinjku people. By supporting many artists utilizing different mediums in various dimensions, Injalak caters for both the affordable and fine art market. Artworks available include paintings on paper and bark, carvings, artefacts – clap sticks, didgeridoos, mimi poles and lorrkons, fibre works – baskets and grass pandanus floor mats and special edition prints.
(This tour demands a reasonable amount of agility as we do a hill walk where there are no formed pathways or handrails, a reasonable level of fitness is important)
*Access to Arnhemland is by invitation by the local Aboriginal people, and the traditional owners may deny access at any time.
Return to Darwin. (B, L)
Inclusions:
− Luxury Toyota Air Conditioned GXL for three days with Leigh
– Wetlands Safari Cruises
– Arnhem Land entry permits
– Gunbalanya
– Maguk
– Jim Jim & Twin Falls
– All camping fees
– All Meals Where marked (B, L, D)
– Alcoholic Beverages
Not included:
– Personal requirements
