Australian Photo Safari - Terrific Top End NT

$9000. 4WD Tag - along $3300

Exp Level: Beginners. Some walking and hiking

Venture into the remote regions of Australia's Top End, exploring and photographing our unique icons. With an emphasis on the flora, fauna, Aboriginal culture and great photography, you will learn about the total ecological picture of Australia’s Top End and Arnhemland.

Features

Litchfield NP
Kakadu NP
Nitmiluk NP
Aboriginal Culture and Art
Remote Locations
Camping out

Availability

Advance bookings essential. Minimum of three passengers to operate this 21 Day tour, or 2 passengers and at least one tag - along vehicle.
Dates:- 28th July to 19th July 2010
This tour may be shortened to a 16 day trip, depending on your available time
(Subject to minimum three passengers booked)

Meeting Time

8am Pickup
23 days
Starts and ends Darwin
This tour may be shortened to a 16 day trip, depending on your available time, with reduced travel fee of approximately one third

What to Bring

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Camera, Hat and Sunscreen
Sense of Adventure
Personal Items
Clothing for travel

More Information

Day 1 (L,D)
Departing Darwin, travel to Litchfield NP for a tour of this amazing plateau. Magnetic termite mounds, waterfalls, cascades, rock outcrops.

Day 2 (B,L,D)
We continue our exploration of Litchfield before travelling to Edith Falls & Katherine.

Day 3 (B,L,D)
Departing Katherine today we travel onto the Central Arnhem Highway to the Aboriginal community of Beswick, for the Walking With Spirits Festival.

Day 4 (B,L,D)
The full day is spent at this cultural festival, and we drive back to the main Stuart Highway and Mataranka Hot Springs for our overnight camp.

Day 5 (B,L,D)
Relax by the springs or walk and explore this morning. Return to Katherine and Nitmiluk NP in the afternoon.

Days 6 and 7 (B,L,D)
Explore Katherine Gorge on an overnight canoe trip

Day 8 (B,L,D)
A long drive today along Central Arnhem Highway to Mainaru River, where we wash the dust off and camp overnight.

Day 9 (B,L,D)
A few more hours travelling prior to arriving at Gulkula, site at the Garma Festival.

Days 10 – 13 (B,L,D)
Immerse yourself totally in the culture of the Yolgnu people as you discover the diversity of the Garma Festival. Day tours to explore the area, outside of the Festival.

Day 14 (B,L,D)
Time to farewell the area as we travel south towards Katherine.

Day 15 (B,L,D)
Via Katherine, today it is the start of a magical few days in Kakadu NP.

Days 16 – 18 (B,L,D)
Touring places such as Anbangbang Billabong, Nourlangie Art Site, Warradjan Cultural Centre, cruise Yellow Waters at sunrise, meet our friends the Traditional Owners of Kakadu at their brilliant Culture Camp, taste bush tucker, learn how Aboriginal people lived off the land, tour the fabulous Ubirr Art site and watch the sun set over the Alligator River floodplain.

Day 19 (B,L,D)
Today we travel back into Arnhemland, arriving at Davidson’s Safari Camp, 700 sq. kms of private reserve along Coopers Creek.

Days 20 – 21 (B,L,D)
Two full days exploring Australia’s best-kept secret. The Aboriginal art and artefacts left “in situ” surpass anything known anywhere else in Australia.

Day 22 (B,L,D)
Today we bid Arnhemland a sad farewell and venture south to Jabiru, the only town within a World Heritage NP.

Day 23 (B,L)
Today is the final day of our journey as we return to civilised Darwin. A detour to Mamukala Wetlands is a must, as Magpie Geese and other wetland birds congregate en masse on the diminishing waters.

Things you should know.
Transport is in a late model 4WD. Camping is at Caravan/ camping parks, or in remote areas. The above itinerary may be varied due to road and weather conditions experienced in the outback. All camping is in safari tents, based on shared arrangements. Single use is available, at an additional surcharge.

Your driver and guides/cooks appreciate and expect your assistance with the camping and cooking. All meals are supplied as per the itinerary, and vegetarians and gluten intolerant people can be catered for. Any person with other special dietary needs may have to supply their own food items.

Your guides have extensive knowledge of Aboriginal culture, Australian plants, birds and reptiles. They are also expert, award winning photographers with intimate knowledge of the areas you will be visiting, and can assist you with getting the best photographs while on tour.

Your suitcase should be lightweight. Roads can be dusty and rough. There is time for washing your clothes, so only bring a few changes of clothes. Remember that the days can be warm or cool in the NT.

Banks and other financial institutions are few and far between, as are chemists. It is recommended that you carry sufficient cash for your personal needs, as well as an adequate supply of any personal medication.

Your tour does not include the following:
You may bring a blanket if desired, for cool nights. Please bring your own pillow. Entry is included into the venues listed within the itinerary. However, any additional sightseeing is at your own expense.

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