Australia's hardest to reach areas offer a whole world of adventure. From the stunning beaches and vast bush land of the Kimberley to the colourful wildlife of the Top End's Kakadu National Park and the thriving indigenous culture of Arnhem Land.
RUGGED AND REMOTE AUSTRALIA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore indigenous culture with highly respected guide Sab Lord
- Camp under the stars in Kakadu
- Spot crocodiles and colourful birds on a Yellow Water Cruise
- Seek out deserted beaches on the Kimberley coast
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Darwin
Arrive into Darwin and transfer to your hotel. Mantra on the Esplanade is the perfect place to unwind after your journey, with stunning views across Darwin Harbour for those famous sunsets. To get a really good feel for Darwin and its diversity, we suggest exploring Mindil Beach Market, where you can pick up everything from tasty local food to aboriginal art, massages, tonics, lotions and potions (open Thursdays and Sundays only).
Overnight: Mantra on the Esplanade
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Day 2 Kakadu National Park
After a relaxing night and an early breakfast, your guide, Sab Lord, will meet you for a four-day adventure in Kakadu National Park (a World Heritage Site). Sab's father was a crocodile and buffalo hunter in the area, and Sab grew up fascinated by the unique nature, terrain, and wildlife. He also has a rather unique relationship with the Aboriginal people of Kakadu, and his insights, connections and larger than life personality will add colour and fun to your experience. Your accommodation will be a tent under the stars, allowing you to experience the beauty and nature of the park in all its glory.
Overnight: Tented camp
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Day 3 Koolpin Gorge
After your first night under canvas, enjoy a cooked breakfast - Outback style - before packing up and moving on for another exciting day with Sab. Only a handful of guides have access to Koolpin Gorge, which has been described by some as the Jewel in the Crown of Kakadu and features 'The Giant's Staircase' - a series of cascades and pools flowing down the gorge. Koolpin is quiet and often free of other travellers, and here you will spend the day walking, scrambling over rocks and climbing a seemingly endless series of gorges. The reward is an ever-changing landscape, crystalline waters, and, if you're lucky, glimpses of rare birds and wildlife.
Overnight: Tented camp
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Day 4 Yellow Water Cruise
This morning Sab will take you for a short walk through sub-monsoon rainforest to Maguk (Marramundi Gorge) - a beautiful plunge pool ideal for a tranquil and refreshing morning swim. Later in the day, head to Cooinda for a Yellow Water Cruise through a pristine environment supporting a truly wonderful variety of plants, birds and Top End wildlife; you might see saltwater crocodiles and a great variety of bird life including Jacana and magnificent sea eagles. A day enjoying the wildlife is complemented by a great Top End sunset.
Overnight: Tented camp
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Day 5 Arnhem Land - El Questro
Enjoy one final morning with Sab Lord. Access to Arnhem Land - perhaps the one area of Australia in which indigenous culture still dominates - is the privilege of just a small number of people; and with Sab as your guide you'll have a fascinating insight into Aboriginal culture - including the intriguing rock art on Injalak Hill (Long Tom Dreaming). Afterwards, Sab will drive you to the air strip for your private flight to El Questro on the eastern edge of the Kimberley region. This vast wilderness park will be your home for the next three nights. Cantilevered over the magnificent Chamberlain River, the homestead provides absolute comfort and all the facilities you would expect of a 5-star lodge.
Overnight: El Questro Homestead
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Day 6 - 7 El Questro Homestead
Enjoy two full days of activities and exploration: take a cruise down the Chamberlain Gorge to see Aboriginal Wandjina art and spot saltwater crocodiles; head out on horseback in search of wildlife including bustards, Frill-necked Lizards, Brolgas and Jabirus; enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over canyons and gorges, past waterfalls, caves and galloping brumbies; or simply relax in the soothing thermal waters of Zebedee Springs.
Overnight: El Questro Homestead
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Day 8 Kimberley Coastal Camp
After breakfast, board a flight from Kununurra to Mitchell Plateau before a spectacular helicopter flight to Kimberley Coastal Camp, which has an enviable position in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of the Kimberley, perched on a small promontory above the waters of Admiralty Gulf. The camp has been built in a rustic style with timber beams, corrugated roofs, and an eclectic collection of books, fishing tackle and beachcomber treasures for decoration. This is one of the least explored and most spectacular coastlines in Australia, with all the ingredients for a fantastic adventure: deserted beaches and beckoning seas, wildlife and birds, and delicious fresh food.
Overnight: Kimberley Coastal Camp
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Day 9 At Leisure
Just twelve guests can be accommodated in the six simple but comfortable chalets at Kimberley Coastal Camp. Crushed coral and sand make up the floor, and the shared bathrooms open to the sky, utterly in tune with the wild and remote surroundings. The 'Shed' - an open sided living area with high raked ceilings - is a lovely place to sit and read or socialise; and you can help yourself from the open-plan kitchen. Away from the camp, try catching your own supper on a fishing trip, enjoy a guided bush walk and tour of Aboriginal rock art galleries, charter a boat to a dreamy deserted island, or opt for a helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls.
Overnight: Kimberley Coastal Camp
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Day 10 Broome
Bid Kimberley Coastal camp farewell as you fly on to Broome via Kununurra. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the historic McAlpine House, built in 1910 and restored to its former glory by the Paspaley family in the early 1990s. The tropical garden provides a tranquil setting for relaxing in Broome's balmy climate, while the dark wooden furniture, cane sofas and chairs make you feel part of a Somerset Maugham novel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Pinctada McAlpine House
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Day 11 - 12 Broome
Broome was once 'the pearling capital of the world', and thrived as a port, with hundreds of pearling luggers on Roebuck Bay. While the first divers were Aboriginal people, they were soon followed by Japanese and Malay divers - and with them came the Chinese merchants and shopkeepers. The town is also a jumping off point for adventures in the rugged and unexplored Kimberley. There are plenty of wonderful options for touring. We recommend a private charter flight out along the jagged coastline of Buccaneer Archipelago towards the extraordinary horizontal falls (at low tide, the water at Gantheaume Point retreats to reveal a 120 million year-old dinosaur footprint); or, if you're feeling adventurous, an overnight dive charter to Ashmore Reef, one of the less well known but best dive sites in Australia.
Overnight: Pinctada McAlpine House
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Day 13 Perth
After a leisurely morning, head to the airport for your flight to Perth. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to The Crown Towers for your final night. Enjoy spectacular views across the city and some excellent choices of eateries.
Overnight: Crown Towers
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Day 14 Depart
You will be driven to the airport in Perth for your flight home.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Low | $ 19,856 |
| Mid | $ 22,248 |
| High | $ 24,814 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Prices are per person based on two people sharing a room.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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