Day 1 : Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Start your leisurely journey departing from Darwin and heading out the 300 kms to the UNESCO World Heritage-Listed Kakadu National Park. Our summer is lush and tropical, so we’ll stop at a few places along the way to take in some of the amazing scenery on offer including Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve where we can see a huge array of bird and wildlife species endemic to Australia’s Top End. Passing through the Wetlands Region we’ll of course ensure we have a photo at the welcome sign to Kakadu National Park - an unmissable opportunity. The remainder of the morning will see us wind our way through Kakadu to the north of the park, spending some time in the township of Jabiru. Enjoy a picnic lunch here and browse the art (and great coffee) that Marruwuddi gallery has on offer, before heading south to the hub of Cooinda where we will check in to our accommodation and have a leisurely relaxation. This evening’s sunset will take place on board Kakadu’s famous 2-hour Yellow Water Cruise. This cruise is an absolute must-do for every visitor to the region, with the wet summer season’s rainfall resulting in the billabong stretching much further than it does during the dry winter season. Wildlife abounds and the sky will put on a show as you watch the last of the sun fall beyond the horizon. Your evening will be spent enjoying an amazing 3-course hospitality offering exclusively put together for you by Cooinda’s chef and team to highlight the tastes of the Territory. Meals: Lunch, Dinner (beverages at own expense). Accom: Cooinda Outback Retreat Glamping (shared bathroom) or Lodge Room (private ensuite). Driving Distance: 315km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 1, flat pathways and/or boardwalks.
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 : Kakadu National Park to Darwin
You have the potential to rise and shine early on day two and make your way to view the magic of sunrise at Burrungkuy’s Nawurlandja lookout. After admiring the ever-changing colours of this majestic area at this time of day, we will enjoy breakfast close by and then head into Burrungkuy’s main rock art viewing galleries to enjoy some of the best and most notable rock art in Australia. Around mid-morning we will return to check out of our accommodation in Cooinda, and enjoy a cultural art experience in the grounds of Warradjan Cultural Centre which focuses on the central and southern regions of the park. This hands-on art experience will be delivered by local community members including traditional owners. Have the opportunity to explore the cultural centre which also showcases a large gallery and gift shop, and feed your taste buds as we enjoy a picnic lunch in tropical surroundings. After lunch, it’s now time to begin the journey back to Darwin. Winding our way back through around 300 kms of lush Australian bush, allow Kakadu to farewell you as we pass through its amazing biodiverse environment, a notable reason that this wonderful region is UNESCO World Heritage Listed for both natural and cultural values. Returning to Darwin by 6pm, enjoy the remainder of your evening reflecting on the time you’ve spent exploring and the new friends you’ve gained. If hiking, waterfalls and pristine rock pools are next on your list, we look forward to welcoming you back next time during the region’s dry season for further exploration! Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Driving Distance: 315 kms. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km Grade 3 with steep areas. Good general agility and sturdy footwork required. *Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional owner ceremonies.
Meals :Lunch