Kakadu & the Nitmiluk Dreaming Trail
This is a unique tour with a difference - we explore through the best of the Top End attractions and experience this incredible natural environment through the eyes of local Bininj and Jawowyn guides. If you've ever wanted to really explore this world famous environment and not only get out in the bush but have it interpreted by Aboriginal guides then this trip is for you!
We start with a drive from Darwin to Kakadu National park followed by an evening cruise on the amazing yellow waters Billabong in the evening, justly famous for it's prolific birdlife and crocodile population. Kakadu National Park is a vast and spectacular area of outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. It has UNESCO World Heritage for both natural and cultural values. Kakadu National Park contains some of the best examples of ancient Aboriginal rock art anywhere.
The next morning we're up for a walk to Nourlangie Rock where after viewing the 30,000 year old rock art galleries we start our hike to the kakadu escarpment. The views are tremendous as we climb into the top of the escarpment and the eerie eroded rock formations on top. Following a track across the top we descend into verdant Kakadu forests seen by few visitors and more rock art galleries.
The next day we have a full day bush tucker and wildlife walk planned in the company of an aboriginal guide who is a Minitja man from Kakadu. He has spent most of his life here and today you will have the opportunity to learn a little of the rich cultural interaction between his people and their country.
We will travel north across the Magela floodplains and past some of the spectacular escarpment outliers to Ubirr, one of Kakadu's major aboriginal rock art sites. Here you will go through the natural stone galleries and gain an insight into the culture associated with some of these intriguing works of art. The art here spans a vast period, from ancient times before the sea level rose to its present level right through to interaction between Aboriginal people and early European visitors. You will see paintings of spirit characters and the famous x-ray art depicting the internal structure of some of the animals of this country.
Our journey takes us west from here to floodplains of the mighty South Alligator River. We'll visit the Mamukala wetlands where thousands of birds congregate in the drier months of the year. There is a bird hide that enables a good view across the entire floodplain but a guided walk around the edges will often reward us with sightings of the less common birds and other animals.
After leaving Kakadu we move south to Katherine and the highlight of our trip in the Nitmiluk National Park. We have a four day walk planned with a Traditional landowner following a little used songline through the Nitmiluk dreaming trail.The Nitmiluk Dreaming Place Trail begins outside of the borders of Nitmiluk National Park, (perhaps better known as Katherine Gorge) working its way into the park and along the Katherine River. The local Flora and Fauna is prolific and the scenery is varied and beautiful.The Katherine River flows all year round and during the long 'Dry' season, becomes the only water source for all manner of wildlife.
The Dreaming Place Trail is a 'traditional hunting trail' used by the Jawoyn people. It covers highland escarpment and river country, hillsides dotted with dry land eucalypts and amazing gorges cut deep into the rocky landscape. Spend 4 days walking along the amazing Nitmiluk Gorge and you will hike between 10 to 15 kilometres per day in untracked, remote areas, completely dependant of your campsite destinations, which can be reached between 2pm and 4pm each day. On arriving at camp you are free to relax, swim, read and enjoy the beauty of your surrounds. Each campsite has its own water source, thanks to the Katherine River which you will follow throughout your journey. Each afternoon brings about a different pool or spa to sit back and relax in.
You will be expected to carry your own pack on the 4 day Dreaming trail which will include lightweight camping equipment and some dehydrated food packs. On the other walks in Kakadu you only need to carry a daypack as your luggage stays back at your accommodation. We are visiting at the end of the cool season and daytime temperatures will still be comfortable.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
RAW Travel welcomes single travellers and does not require anyone to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. On all of our adventures we will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same sex and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge ( group trips). If you prefer not to share a room then just pay a single supplement to guarantee your own room. Most of our travellers join trips on their own seeking a social experience!
FREE TRAVEL:
If you get a group of 10 people together you can travel for free as the group organizer!
We start with a drive from Darwin to Kakadu National park followed by an evening cruise on the amazing yellow waters Billabong in the evening, justly famous for it's prolific birdlife and crocodile population. Kakadu National Park is a vast and spectacular area of outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. It has UNESCO World Heritage for both natural and cultural values. Kakadu National Park contains some of the best examples of ancient Aboriginal rock art anywhere.
The next morning we're up for a walk to Nourlangie Rock where after viewing the 30,000 year old rock art galleries we start our hike to the kakadu escarpment. The views are tremendous as we climb into the top of the escarpment and the eerie eroded rock formations on top. Following a track across the top we descend into verdant Kakadu forests seen by few visitors and more rock art galleries.
The next day we have a full day bush tucker and wildlife walk planned in the company of an aboriginal guide who is a Minitja man from Kakadu. He has spent most of his life here and today you will have the opportunity to learn a little of the rich cultural interaction between his people and their country.
We will travel north across the Magela floodplains and past some of the spectacular escarpment outliers to Ubirr, one of Kakadu's major aboriginal rock art sites. Here you will go through the natural stone galleries and gain an insight into the culture associated with some of these intriguing works of art. The art here spans a vast period, from ancient times before the sea level rose to its present level right through to interaction between Aboriginal people and early European visitors. You will see paintings of spirit characters and the famous x-ray art depicting the internal structure of some of the animals of this country.
Our journey takes us west from here to floodplains of the mighty South Alligator River. We'll visit the Mamukala wetlands where thousands of birds congregate in the drier months of the year. There is a bird hide that enables a good view across the entire floodplain but a guided walk around the edges will often reward us with sightings of the less common birds and other animals.
After leaving Kakadu we move south to Katherine and the highlight of our trip in the Nitmiluk National Park. We have a four day walk planned with a Traditional landowner following a little used songline through the Nitmiluk dreaming trail.The Nitmiluk Dreaming Place Trail begins outside of the borders of Nitmiluk National Park, (perhaps better known as Katherine Gorge) working its way into the park and along the Katherine River. The local Flora and Fauna is prolific and the scenery is varied and beautiful.The Katherine River flows all year round and during the long 'Dry' season, becomes the only water source for all manner of wildlife.
The Dreaming Place Trail is a 'traditional hunting trail' used by the Jawoyn people. It covers highland escarpment and river country, hillsides dotted with dry land eucalypts and amazing gorges cut deep into the rocky landscape. Spend 4 days walking along the amazing Nitmiluk Gorge and you will hike between 10 to 15 kilometres per day in untracked, remote areas, completely dependant of your campsite destinations, which can be reached between 2pm and 4pm each day. On arriving at camp you are free to relax, swim, read and enjoy the beauty of your surrounds. Each campsite has its own water source, thanks to the Katherine River which you will follow throughout your journey. Each afternoon brings about a different pool or spa to sit back and relax in.
You will be expected to carry your own pack on the 4 day Dreaming trail which will include lightweight camping equipment and some dehydrated food packs. On the other walks in Kakadu you only need to carry a daypack as your luggage stays back at your accommodation. We are visiting at the end of the cool season and daytime temperatures will still be comfortable.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
RAW Travel welcomes single travellers and does not require anyone to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. On all of our adventures we will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same sex and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge ( group trips). If you prefer not to share a room then just pay a single supplement to guarantee your own room. Most of our travellers join trips on their own seeking a social experience!
FREE TRAVEL:
If you get a group of 10 people together you can travel for free as the group organizer!
Dates
2010 Aug 17 - Aug 25- Full
Itinerary
9 days - Departing Darwin
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Day 1:Arrive Darwin & drive to Kakadu National park
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Day 2:Yellow waters cruise & Kakadu Escarpment Bushwalk 12km
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Day 3:Full day Aboriginal bushtucker & wildlife tour in Kakadu
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Day 4:Katherine Gorge & township
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Day 5:Start Nitmiluk Dreaming trail walk
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Day 6, 7, 8:Nitmiluk Dreaming trail walk
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Day 9:Transfer back from Katherine to Darwin
Level of Difficulty Moderate
Whats Included?
- All Transport and transfers
- Entrance fees to Kakadu national park
- Experienced Trek leader(s) throughout the trip
- 4 day guided walk on the Nitmiluk dreaming trail with traditional landowner
- Yellow Waters cruise in Kakadu
- Barkk bushwalk across the Kakadu escarpment
- One day bush tucker guided walk with Aboriginal guide in Kakadu
- All permits, camping and ferry fees for the hiking trails
- 3 Meals a day, fresh produce mostly, dehydrated on some trail days
- Morning & Afternoon snacks
- Sleeping Bag, Sheet & Pillow
- Mattress 3/4 Length - Self Inflating Thermarest -
- Plate/Bowl, Cutlery and a Mug
- Tents - For those who wish to sleep inside, mosquito nets for those wanting to travel light.
- First Aid Kit, Satellite Phone Communications, Maps
Image Gallery
Australia
Other Trekking trips in Australia
- Great Ocean Walk - Deluxe - 3 days
- Great Ocean Walk - Standard - 3 days
- Larapinta Trail & Uluru - 7 days
- Great Ocean Walk - End to End - 7 days
- Private trips Great Ocean walk - 7 days
