*This Cooinda Retreat Glamping Tent fare price is (Per Person) for Adults or
Children. Sleeps 2 people, in an air-conditioned glamping tent, with shared
bathroom facilities.
TOUR CODE: KR2-B
OPERATES: Fri, fortnightly (Nov to Apr)
DEPARTS: 08:00am
RETURNS: 18:00pm
TOUR DURATION: 2 Days / 1 Nights
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: The Leea Darwin Hotel - 64 Cavenagh St
Darwin City at 08:00am.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Highlights are a guideline, Kakadu's diverse landscape, culture, and
weather conditions can lead to a high degree of change and flexibility in
itinerary. Your expert guides will make sure you have an amazing time!
ITINERARY:
Do summer differently and join us on an exclusive tour of a lifetime,
showcasing the best highlights of the Top End during Kakadu’s famous green
season. Kakadu National Park, known as Gagudju in the traditional language,
offers the opportunity to discover some of the oldest and best-preserved
Aboriginal rock art in the world, while immersing yourself in the rich culture
and stories of the Bininj and Mungguy people, the traditional owners of this
land. Keep a lookout for some of our prehistoric friends (crocodiles) as we
cruise the ancient Wurrk wetlands by boat, all while exploring truly
spectacular countryside, surrounded by pockets of rainforest packed with
endemic species of flora and fauna.
Embark on a captivating 2-day journey from Darwin to Kakadu, a UNESCO World
Heritage-listed wonder brimming with natural beauty and cultural significance.
This fully accommodated tour allows you to relax each evening in comfort, with
stays at Kakadu’s famous Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, offering luxury amidst the
Australian bush. Choose between air-conditioned retreat tents with shared
bathroom facilities, or enjoy additional creature comforts by staying in a
lodge room with private ensuite facilities.
Over the course of this overnight adventure, you’ll explore Kakadu's iconic
landscapes, including its vibrant wetlands, diverse wildlife, and ancient rock
art. The tour highlights include Fogg Dam, Mamukala Wetlands, and Nourlangie
Rock (known as Burrunguy), as well as the unforgettable Yellow Water Sunset
Cruise, offering a magical view of the park’s wildlife and landscapes. This
tour promises to immerse you in the heart of Kakadu, leaving you with lasting
memories of one of Australia’s most extraordinary national parks.
Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Start your leisurely journey departing from Darwin and heading south towards
the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. After a scenic drive,
we’ll stop for a relaxing coffee and breakfast at the Humpty Doo Roadhouse,
where you can get ready for the adventure ahead.
Our first stop will be Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, a significant site for
the Bininj people, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe an incredible
array of wildlife, including native bird species endemic to Australia’s Top
End. Next, we’ll make a stop at the Corroboree Tavern for a break before
heading to the iconic Kakadu entrance sign for a memorable photo opportunity.
We’ll then visit the Mamukala Wetlands, an important area for the Mungguy
people, where you can stretch your legs on a scenic walk and enjoy a picnic
lunch. This area is perfect for taking in the stunning natural beauty of
Kakadu’s wetlands and spotting local wildlife. Afterward, we’ll make our way
to the Bowali Visitor Centre to refresh and learn more about the rich cultural
and natural heritage of the park. We’ll then continue on to Jabiru, where
we’ll take a short break to refuel and enjoy the small township.
Upon arrival at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, you’ll have time to relax before your
evening adventure. We’ll board the famous Yellow Water Sunset Tour, a 2-hour
boat cruise that offers spectacular views of the wetland area, where the
seasonal rainfall creates a vibrant landscape, teeming with wildlife. As the
sun sets, you’ll witness the billabong transform, offering a magical view
you’ll never forget.
After your cruise, enjoy a delicious 2-course dinner at Mimi's Restaurant,
prepared by Cooinda’s talented chef, offering a taste of the Territory with
fresh, local ingredients. During the evening, we’ll prepare for the next day’s
adventure by packing lunch and ensuring everything is ready for the day ahead.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (beverages at own expense). Accomm: 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.
Day 2: Kakadu National Park to Darwin
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your accommodation, then set off
for a Cultural Walk in the country. This unique experience will either take
place on the grounds at Cooinda or along a scenic walk within Kakadu National
Park, where you’ll learn about the Bininj and Mungguy people’s traditional use
of local plants and wildlife.
After the cultural walk, we’ll continue our cultural journey at the Warradjan
Cultural Centre, which offers fascinating insights into Kakadu’s traditional
owners and their deep connection to this beautiful land. The centre features
exhibits on the history and culture of the park, as well as a gallery and gift
shop to explore.
Next, we’ll visit Nourlangie Rock (Burrunguy), one of Kakadu's most famous
rock art sites, where ancient Aboriginal paintings have been preserved for
thousands of years. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the rich
cultural heritage of the region. Following our time at Nourlangie, we’ll head
to Angbangbang Billabong for a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by the
tranquil beauty of Kakadu's wetlands.
After lunch, we’ll take a short walk to Nawurlandja Lookout, offering
panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, where you can take in the
natural beauty and reflect on the experiences of the day.
In the afternoon, we’ll begin our journey back to Darwin, stopping for a
comfort break at Bark Hut before making our way to HB Quarry, where you’ll see
fascinating rock carvings that offer more glimpses into the history and
culture of the area.
Our final stop will be the Humpty Doo Hotel, a quintessential outback pub,
where you can unwind before completing the journey back to Darwin. By the time
we return, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and reflect on the stunning
landscapes and cultural wonders of Kakadu. If you’re ready for more adventure,
consider returning during the dry season to explore more waterfalls and rock
pools.
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.
INCLUSIONS:
EXCLUSIONS:
WHAT TO BRING:
3L Refillable water bottle, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach
towel & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, comfortable sturdy hiking shoes
(closed shoes), all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), raincoat,
flashlight, headlamp or torch, tropical strength insect repellent, 15kg
overnight bag & small day pack, camera, and money for snack and meals.
CHILD POLICY:
Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or
legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable
for infants or children 7 years and under. Not suitable for infants or
children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of
fitness required to complete the walks.
WEATHER:
The weather in the Top End of the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be
extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees
Celsius with high humidity in the wet season. Please ensure you have checked
the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have
packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your
experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Autopia Tours - Northern Territory
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