Wilderness Challenge - 11 Day Gulf & Kakadu Drover
The Gulf & Kakadu "Drover" is a 11 day all overland accommodated safari through northern Australia between Cairns and Darwin - the epic Gulf Savannah region and the Gulf Country, the majestic outback vistas of the Northern Territory and the unique wetlands of Kakadu National Park.
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2011 Departures
Cairns to Darwin: June 12
** This tour also goes in reverse - Darwin to Cairns
Tour Code: GK11CDA
Rates are per person, inclusive of GST, and in AUD$. Rates are valid to 31 March 2012.
Twin Share: $3,895.00Single Supplement: $4,520.00
Child (4-14): $3,795.00 (sharing)
Inclusions:
- 10 nights accommodation
- Meals as coded
- All National Park and Aboriginal Site fees
- All soft and alcohol drinks
- Optional tours
Tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age, a fuel levy of $40.00 per person is payable on board.
DETAILED ITINERARYDay 1 (LD): Visit the Atherton Tableland’s unique Curtain Fig Tree, and “The Crater” National Park on the way to the Undara Lava Tubes, the world’s largest and longest lava tube system. Campfire entertainment after dinner before retiring to your antique railway carriage accommodation.
Day 2 (BLD): Breakfast in the bush then on to Cobbold Gorge to cruise on its secluded waterway bounded by 135 million years old Hampstead sandstone before a sunset drive to Georgetown, gateway to the Gulf goldfields of the past. We stay in Georgetown tonight.
Day 3 (BD): On to the Gulf gold town of Croydon and its Historic Precinct. Visit Normanton home of the “Gulflander”, the famous Purple Pub and Krys, replica of an 8.63m (28ft 4in) crocodile, the world’s largest ever captured. At Karumba, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Karumba tonight.
Day 4 (BLD): Across the “Plains of Promise” to Burke & Wills Camp #119, the most northerly camp of the ill-fated 1860 expedition. On to Leichhardt Falls and Burketown en-route to Adel’s Grove for two nights in permanent safari-tent accommodation.
Day 5 (BLD): Riversleigh Fossil Fields (World Heritage listed) record the history of Australia’s fauna of 25 million years ago. Afternoon in the fabulous oasis of Lawn Hill National Park set amid the spinifex clad Constance Range. Swim, paddle a canoe up the gorge (optional) or follow well marked walking tracks in this birdwatcher’s paradise. Return to Adel’s Grove.
Day 6 (BLD): Travelling south we head for the historic frontier droving town of Camooweal near the Queensland / Northern Territory border. After lunch in the bush we cross the border and travel across the vast Barkly Tableland to Barkly Homestead were we stay tonight.
Day 7 (BLD): Continue west across the Barkly Tableland, a route once used by legendary drovers who drove huge mobs of cattle between The Kimberley, Northern Territory and Queensland. On to Tennant Creek and a visit to the century old Overland Telegraph Line (OTL) Station. North now on the Stuart Highway crossing Attack Creek on the way to Renner Springs, our overnight stop.
Day 8 (B): Continue north stopping at the ghost town of Newcastle Waters and “The Drover” memorial. Lunch at the Daly Waters pub and a visit to The Stuart Tree before travelling on to Elsey Homestead and Cemetery of “We of the Never Never” fame. A short drive now to enjoy a therapeutic swim at Mataranka Hot Springs. Overnight in Mataranka.
Day 9 (BLD): Leaving Mataranka behind we head to Katherine to cruise on famous Katherine Gorge this morning (optional) before travelling to Pine Creek and into Kakadu National Park. We stay in Kakadu for two nights.
Day 10 (B): This morning we’ll visit Nourlangie Rock and the Bowali Centre. A chance to take a scenic flight (optional) before a sunset cruise (optional) on famous Yellow Waters Billabong to see a myriad of birds and wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles. Overnight in Cooinda.
Day 11 (BL): Visit Ubirr, famous for its Aboriginal rock art and stunning views of the East Alligator River floodplains. Now we travel to Darwin bringing to an end your epic safari of adventure and discovery in Australia’s Tropical Savannahs.
Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
