Kakadu’s Ancient Secrets

This morning meet your Journey Director and board your luxury vehicle to begin your journey of discovery in the Top End. Travel across the Finniss River to Litchfield National Park. You'll visit tumbling Florence Falls and also enjoy a swim to cool off at Wangi Falls, surrounded by tropical monsoon rainforest and hear about its importance in Aboriginal culture. Get ready for a cross-country journey into magnificent Kakadu National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles as you cross the South Alligator River, and brolgas, magpie geese and jabiru as you traverse the long grasses of the marshes and wetlands. Kakadu really is a diverse UNESCO world heritage site. This afternoon check into the Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru. Wander through the on-site Aboriginal Art Gallery before getting to know your fellow travellers over a Welcome Reception.

This morning there’s a chance to take to the air on an optional scenic flight over Kakadu - one of the best ways to experience the enormity Explore Kakadu, an ancient landscape of billabongs, gorges and hidden canyons teeming with spectacular wildlife. Admire rock art and hear stories of the Dreamtime. Embark on a journey to the haunt of the Lightning Man, Aboriginal clans and the crocodiles that roam Kakadu’s floodplains.of this wonderful national park, as well as the diversity from waterfalls and billabongs to flood plains and wildlife. Join your Journey Director on a walk at Kakadu’s stunning Ubirr rock art site. You'll see ancient rock art and discover remarkable views over the surrounding wetlands and escarpments from the fantastic vantage point, Nadab lookout. After lunch on the Yellow Waters Billabong cruise you will see a myriad of different bird species, spot estuarine crocodiles and enjoy the stunning billabong and floodplains system. Returning to your hotel you will have the chance to relax with a refreshing dip in the hotel’s shaded pool before dinner.

This morning there’s a chance to take to the air on an optional scenic flight over Kakadu; one of the best ways to experience the enormity of this wonderful National Park, as well as the diversity from waterfalls and billabongs to flood plains and wildlife. Later, visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) to admire the ancient Dreamtime art of the Bininj and Mungguy people. Hear from your Journey Director a detailed interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as you explore the various outdoor ‘galleries’ with art that dates some 20,000 years. Continue driving through the ancient lands of Kakadu National Park to the town of Katherine and further on to Nitmiluk National Park. Indulge in five-star luxury at Cicada Lodge, a stunning eco-lodge surrounded by nature, where each room has a private balcony that opens to the National Park. Cool off in the pool after the heat of the day, and then experience a glorious sunset.

Today meet prominent local Manuel Pamkal who will welcome you with a traditional performance on the didgeridoo. Manuel was born and raised immersed in his rich traditional Dalabon culture. He’ll share with you stories of growing up in the bush and teach you the fine art of rarrk (cross hatch) painting using a special brush from a reed called Julk. Call on the artist within you and paint your own masterpiece to take home! This evening, relax on a Local Dining Experience cruise along Katherine River. Marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife such as freshwater crocodile and barramundi, and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance during the candle-lit three course dinner onboard your boat.

Enjoy a leisurely start to your day or get up early to experience the National Park completely immersed in the mystical morning light. Travel north along the Stuart Highway stopping at Edith Falls along the way for a relaxing dip. Continue to Adelaide River War Cemetery. During WWII, Adelaide River was the headquarters to a large military base and a cemetery was created especially
for those who gave their lives in the service and defence of their country. Your Inspiring Journey concludes on arrival in Darwin.