8 Day Kakadu and Top End Photography Adventure – Northern Territory

Capture the essence of tropical North Australia with your camera, on this 8 day photographic adventure. This unique photography adventure has been designed specifically with photographers in mind. One of the most pristine and photogenic regions in Australia,  immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Kakadu and the Top End. As well as being a bird watchers paradise, it has a rich and ancient Aboriginal culture, pristine and remote waterfalls, some unique flora and fauna, vast wetlands, spectacular gorges, amazing sunsets and wide open spaces.You can certainly escape the crowds here!

We’ll get the opportunity to photograph some of Kakadu’s 280 bird species, as well as the legendary saltwater crocodile, on two private wetland cruises, for our group only.  We’ll stay at a true Territory Cattle station and enjoy an Aussie BBQ and sunset at a special and private location on the property. We’ll cruise through the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge at sunset, stay at an exclusive safari camp in a restricted area of Kakadu, view ancient Aboriginal rock art, swim in beautiful waterfalls and enjoy sweeping vistas.

PLEASE NOTE: Rather than being crammed into small 4WD vehicles, you will travel in a 23 seater 6WD air conditioned bus, with a maximum of 13 passengers. This means each person you will have extra room for comfort and for your photographic equipment.

An early start today (to beat other travellers), departing the hotel at 6.30am and heading south, to the beautiful Litchfield National Park.

We view the amazing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and we can have a swim at Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes which are a series of small waterfalls that are a great place to simply sit and relax. There is also a lovely hike along the riverbank from Florence Falls to Buley Rockholes,

Mid- afternoon we depart Litchfield and drive to Mt Bundy Station, which is our accommodation for this evening. The station has an interesting history and is set in a picturesque bush setting, attracting a multitude of wildlife- it’s fantastic for photography.

Once we’ve settled into our accommodation, we’ll depart for a special evening dinner experience, exclusively for our group ! About 3km away from the main station area (so no lights or other people !) is Racecourse Billabong. This is a lovely spot for photography with birds, cattle, floodplain, termite mounds, campfire, sunset and we can stop along the way too. Help yourself to the drinks and nibbles, while our dinner, an Outback BBQ is being prepared.

Overnight accommodation at Mt Bundy- rooms with air-con. There is a mix of double, twin and single rooms split between 2 buildings. Bathrooms are shared (2 bathrooms per building- suggest 1 male and 1 female)

A later start this morning, departing Mt Bundy around 10am. For the earlier risers, you may like to watch sunrise or take a wander around Mt Bundy and photograph the wildlife, including heaps of wallabies, water buffalo, horses, peacocks, donkeys and guinea fowl.We’re heading south this morning to the township of Katherine, with a stop en-route in the historic town of Pine Creek. Once we reach Katherine, we make our way out to the Katherine Hot Springs. These natural thermal springs are a lovely spot for a dip in the warm waters, framed by native vegetation. For those that don’t want to swim, there are some short walking trails to enjoy too.

We check into our accommodation and after freshening up, we depart for nearby Nitmiluk Gorge, home to 13 spectacular gorges, carved out of the rock by torrential summer rains, over millions of years. Late this afternoon you’ll cruise for 2 hours through the gorge, discovering the customs of the traditional land owners, the Jawoyn people. Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge, changing colour with the setting sun. The tour includes a three course candle light dinner, featuring fresh, local Australian produce cooked on board, a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, tea and coffee.

**please note that this is a public cruise, so there will be other people on board. Tables are 4 seater, so the group will be split up at different tables**

Overnight accommodation- motel room with en-suite in Katherine

Departing Katherine, we now head north again to Leilyn (Edith Falls), which is also part of Nitmiluk National Park. Leilyn is well known for it’s picturesque waterfalls and pools, particularly the large pool at the base of the escarpment which is surrounded by pandanus palms and is a great spot for a swim. A large variety of birds can also be seen in this area.You also have the option of taking the Leliyn Trail - a walk that takes you across the top of the waterfall, where you can have a swim in the upper rockpools and will get views of the waterfalls and Edith River from a couple of lookouts.

This afternoon,we make our way into World Heritage listed Kakadu National park through the southern entrance. Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia, has some of the world’s finest rock art and a variety of habitats, including floodplains and savannah woodlands.

Kakadu's many habitats support more than 280 species of birds, or about one-third of Australia's bird species. Some birds range over a number of habitats, but many are found in only one environment, including the Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon, Banded Fruit-Dove, White- Lined Honeyeater and the White-throated Grasswren, which are only found within or near Kakadu National Park.

Overnight accommodation in Kakadu- Kakadu Lodge Cooinda, motel rooms with en-suites (2 night stay)

For those that want to watch sunrise, there is a walk down to the water at Home Billabong and the gardens surrounding the lodge are home to a variety of birds and wildlife.This morning we travel to the very south of the park, and Gunlom. After a scenic drive in, on an unsealed dirt road, we reach a large plunge pool at the base of the waterfall, which is great for a swim. You also have the option to take the walk to the top of the falls where pristine rockpools and a spectacular view await you.

Late this afternoon we travel to Nawalandja lookout and the beautiful Angbangbang Billabong, where you have the choice of taking the loop walk around the billabong to watch the birds, or simply enjoy them from the picnic area. The short hike to Nawalandja lookout is rewarded by a magnificent view over the Arnhemland escarpment.

Overnight accommodation in Kakadu- Kakadu Lodge Cooinda, motel rooms with en-suites

We start today on a PRIVATE 2 hour sunrise Yellow Waters Billabong cruise for our group only. Located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, at least 60 bird species are found in these wetlands, the billabong is home to many saltwater crocodiles and you may see other wildlife such as Water Buffalo.Back to the lodge for breakfast and check out. We now travel to the Bowali Visitor Centre (a permit condition for Photography groups), for a look around and a short briefing by park staff.

We have lunch, check into our accommodation and have some time to relax in our rooms.

Late this afternoon we drive to Ubirr in the very north of the park. Here we walk through galleries of ancient aboriginal rock art, which your guide will interpret. At the end of the walk we reach the top of the plateau, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view over the floodplains and the Arnhemland escarpment. The escarpment is also home to a variety of birds including the Chestnut-Quilled Rock Pigeon, Banded Fruit- Dove, Whistling Kite, Bush Stone- Curlew as well as the short-eared rock wallaby. This is a great spot for sunset and we have plenty of time to enjoy this experience.

Overnight accommodation in Kakadu- Mercure Crocodile Hotel, hotel rooms with en-suites

Our destination this morning is Nourlangie Rock, which is an ancient Aboriginal shelter. Here we explore the area and the rock art, which you guide will interpret for you. This area is home to the Black Wallaroo (endemic to the Nourlangie area), short-eared rock wallaby, Banded Fruit- Dove, White-Lined Honeyeater and the Chestnut-Quilled Rock Pigeon.We now travel north again, have lunch and this afternoon you are guests of the Bunitj Clan who are the traditional custodians of the Cannon Hill region. Tonight you’ll stay at the Hawk Dreaming safari camp, an exclusive, indigenous owned camp located in a restricted and culturally significant area of Kakadu National Park.

After you settle in, you are treated to exclusive guided touring to nearby rock art sites and a billabong to take in a spectacular sunset on the escarpment and over the wetlands while enjoying appetisers and cool drinks.

Overnight camp- Hawk Dreaming safari camp in safari tents with en-suites on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast (DBB) basis
There is no air-con here but tents are fly screened allowing the cool air into the tents and they also have ceiling fans.

**please note that your Sacred Earth Safaris guide will not stay with you at Hawk Dreaming, as they have their own guides to look after you during your stay**

After breakfast you’ll meet up with your Sacred Earth Safaris driver guide again and drive to nearby Cahills Crossing. This is the crossing on the East Alligator River that separates Kakadu and Arnhemland and it’s notorious for the larger number of crocodiles that live in the area. We can view the crossing and crocodiles from the safety of the lookout !We now start our journey back towards Darwin. En-route we call in to the beautiful Mamukala Wetlands, which can be viewed from the observation platform. Mamukala Wetlands are home to an array of wetland birds including thousands of Magpie Geese, Wandering and Whistling Ducks, Green- Pygmy Geese and Australian Pelicans. We may also see birds of prey, such as Black-breasted Buzzard and Square-tailed Kite.

After lunch we depart Kakadu and continue into the Mary River region. After a comfort and coffee stop, we continue to Corroboree Billabong, part of the Mary River Wetlands, which is teeming with bird life. Late this afternoon we’ll take a PRIVATE 2.5 hour sunset cruise (just our group !). The wet season transforms the wetlands into an inland sea and replenishes the earth after the long dry and fish, crocodiles and birds breed and flourish. As the flood waters subside, the dry season offers excellent opportunities for viewing birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for Saltwater crocodiles, Water Buffalo, Wallabies and of course, birdlife.

Species of birds that can be found in the Mary River region include Gouldian Finch, Rufous Owl, Grey Goshawk, Great- Billed Heron, Black Bittern, Rainbow Pitta, Brolga, Jabiru, Kingfishers, Darters, Cormorants and Sea Eagles.

After the cruise we have dinner at a nearby roadhouse and then travel back to Darwin.

Overnight accommodation- Hotel room with en-suite in Darwin city

Our final early start (but worth it !) for a 1 hour drive out to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. These wetlands have international significance because of their beauty and natural ecosystems. A variety of fauna may be found here throughout the year as well as a large variety of birdlife (230 bird species have been listed in this area by The Australian Bird Atlas).As well as viewing the wetland birds as we drive across the dam wall, we also have the option of taking one of woodlands walks- either the 2.7k Monsoon Forest Walk or the 2.2km Woodlands to Waterlily Walk.

Along with wetlands birds, such as Brolga, Jabiru, Comb Crested Jacana, Sacred Kingfishers and Royal Spoonbills, we may also have the opportunity to see a range of other birds such as Crimson finches, Double Barred Finches, Rainbow Bee-Eaters and the Rainbow Pitta.

After several hours to explore and enjoy this nature hotspot, we return to Darwin, arriving at approximately 12 noon.

Please contact Michael to be sent payment details

Your position on the tour will be guaranteed immediately upon payment of non-refundable deposit of AU$900 (plus GST). The balance will be due 90 days before the start of the workshop date.

• Cancellation up to 91days before departure, deposit non-refundable or transferable.
• Between 90- 61 days if you cancel the whole tour, there will be a 50% cancellation fee
• If the whole tour is cancelled within 60 days prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee applies.