Day 1
Darwin
After disembarking from the ship, you will have the day free to explore Darwin.
Overnight in Darwin.
Immersive glamping and 4wd journey through Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour. This post-tour option is an adventure. Highlights include: Wetland cruise, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), Ubirr, Mamukala Wetlands, Nawalandja Lookout, Indigenous guided rock-art tour of Injalak Hill, Cobourg Marine Park, Victoria Settlement, Cobourg Coastal Camp and more!
Day 2
Darwin to Kakadu
Depart your Darwin accommodation at 06.45 – 07:00am for the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. En route we will join a morning cruise on the picturesque Corroboree Billabong.
On this scenic cruise you have the opportunity to view a large variety of birdlife as well as salt water crocodiles in their natural environment. Learn more about the wildlife on the billabong from your knowledgeable guide who will make the cruise both fascinating and informative.
Continue on to Kakadu via the old Jim Jim Road visiting White Lily Billabong before arriving at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). Enjoy a scenic 1km walk along the edge of Barramundi Creek before arriving at the base of Barramundi Falls. Here you have the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the large plunge pool below the falls and discover an array of aquatic life.
Depart Maguk late afternoon for Nawurlandja Lookout. A short climb takes us up the sloping sandstone to provide views of the sun setting across Anbangbang Billabong, Nourlangie Rock and the Arnhem Land escarpment.
Depart after sunset for Jabiru and Anbinik Kakadu Resort, our accommodation for tonight.
Overnight: Anbinik Kakadu Resort (bush bungalow)
Day 3
Kakadu to Cobourg Coast
After breakfast we travel from Jabiru to the northern region of Kakadu National Park to Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River where we 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 covered in bird life and water lilies running up alongside the Arnhem Land escarpment.
Upon arrival at Gunbalanya we will visit the renowned Injalak Arts and Craft Centre. Here you have the opportunity to meet and watch traditional local artists in action before departing with our Aboriginal guide to be shown around the Injalak Hill rock art sites. Spend the morning experiencing some of the best Aboriginal rock art in Australia. The area is home to a unique style of ‘x-ray art’, dating back many thousands of years. Listen to ancient dreamtime stories and learn more about Indigenous culture in the heart of Arnhem Land from your local guide.
Next we will continue our journey to the most northern tip of Arnhem Land; the Cobourg Peninsula, part of the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hrs with stops and creek crossings along the way.
Upon arriving at Cobourg we’ll head straight to Venture North’s private camp where you’ll be greeted by the resident camp host and served nibbles on the cliff top. Relax as the sun sets over Port Essington.
Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent)
Day 4
Cobourg Coastal Camp
Awake to the sound of birds and enjoy a special ‘Cobourg-style’ cooked breakfast.
This morning will be spent exploring the Northern Territory’s largest Marine Park by boat. Cobourg is abundant in some amazing marine life including six of the seven species of marine turtle, manta rays, dolphins, sharks, crocodiles, mud crabs and plenty of fish.
As we cruise the Marine Park we will stop and visit the Victoria Settlement ruins. Established prior to Darwin as a military outpost by the British, this site represents the third failed attempt at settlement in Northern Australia. After surviving for 11 years between 1838 and 1849 it was abandoned. Stone ruins still stand on the shoreline of Port Essington and serve as a reminder of the hardships faced by the early colonists.
Depart the settlement and enjoy a slow journey back to camp stopping along the way to spot marine life and do some fishing.
Return to camp this afternoon where you can explore the nearby beaches and creek systems, try your luck at fishing or simply enjoy the solitude while reading a book from a hammock overlooking the ocean.
Tonight enjoy a freshly caught seafood dinner.
Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent)
Cobourg Coastal Camp
Coastal Camp Facilities
A large undercover, open-air dining area is where meals are served. This is complemented by a small lounge area which is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serenity. An extensive library of books, all of which are relevant to the region are available to read at ones leisure.
Canvas safari-tents provide a comfortable nights’ accommodation. The tents are strategically arranged along the cliff top overlooking the water. Each tent is twin-share and contains 2 single beds (all linen is included), a bedside table and light.
There are 3 outdoor monsoon showers with solar hot-water. All soaps are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. There are 3 eco-friendly (& odourless – very important 🙂 ) toilets situated near the showers. All have fantastic views of the surrounding bushland.
Day 5
Cobourg Coastal Camp
Today we explore the eastern side of the Park this time by 4WD.
Cobourg is home to the first RAMSAR wetland (wetlands of international importance) in world with freshwater paperbark swamps and billabongs 100m from the coastline.
Continue on via the northern beaches, commonly used as turtle nesting areas and covered in a wide range of shells. Low tide provides opportunities to explore exposed coral reefs and rock pools which are home to a variety of marine life.
After lunch you will have an opportunity to go hunting for mud crabs using traditional Aboriginal methods. Learn how to hunt and gather these local delicacies before having a go yourself.
Later in the afternoon we will also visit the Park’s Cultural and Information Centre before making our way back towards camp.
Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent)
Day 6
Cobourg Coast to Darwin
This morning we depart Cobourg early. Sit back and enjoy the bush scenery of Arnhem Land as we make our way back to Kakadu National Park. After numerous stops along the way we will enjoy lunch next to the banks of the mighty East Alligator River.
After lunch visit Ubirr Rock where we spend time viewing some of Kakadu’s best Aboriginal rock art. A short walk to the top of Ubirr offers spectacular views of the surrounding wetlands and stone country.
Depart Ubirr to Darwin via the Arnhem Highway. En route to Darwin we will stop and visit the Mamukala wetlands, which at times is a haven for thousands of Magpie Geese as well as many other species of native birds and reptiles.
Arrive in Darwin approximately 7:00pm. Overnight in Darwin.
Day 7
Darwin to Home
Make your own way to the airport for your homeward journey.