Wilderness Challenge – 14 Day Gulf and Kakadu Overlander
The Gulf & Kakadu “Overlander” is a 14-day all-overland camping safari through northern Australia between Darwin and Cairns. Experience the epic Gulf Savannah region, North Queensland’s Gulf Country, the majestic outback vistas of the Northern Territory, and the unique wetlands of Kakadu National Park.
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2015 Departures
Darwin to Cairns – KG14DCC: July 23, August 13
** This tour also goes in reverse – Cairns to Darwin
Rates are per person, inclusive of GST, and in AUD$. Rates are valid until 31 March 2016.
Twin Share: X
Single Share: X
Child (7-14): X
The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age
Inclusions:
- All meals as coded in the itinerary
- Camping equipment except for sleeping bags
- All National Parks and Aboriginal Site fees
Exclusions:
- All soft and alcoholic drinks
- Optional tours
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 (LD) – After leaving Darwin we cross the Adelaide and South Alligator Rivers and travel into Kakadu National Park. We visit Ubirr, famous for its rock art and views of the East Alligator River floodplain. On to our three-night base camp in the heart of Kakadu with time to visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Day 2 (BD) – Spectacular Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock then browse and lunch (own expense) at the world-class Bowali Visitor Centre. A sunset cruise (optional) on Kakadu’s world-famous Yellow Waters Billabong to see a myriad of birds and wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles.
Day 3 (BL) – Travel to the Arnhem Land escarpment to walk and swim at magnificent Jim Jim Falls. A relaxing dinner (own expense) with new friends before retiring for the evening.
Day 4 (BLD) – South through Kakadu to explore and swim at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). Continue on to the historic gold town of Pine Creek then Katherine for supplies. On to Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, our overnight camp.
Day 5 (BL) – An opportunity this morning to enjoy a cruise (optional) up the famous Katherine Gorge, bushwalk or simply relax. On to Mataranka for a therapeutic swim and relax in its crystal clear thermal pools. We camp nearby tonight.
Day 6 (BLD) – Leaving civilisation we travel to remote Roper Bar, where explorer Ludwig Leichhardt crossed the Roper River in 1845. South now we cross the Towns, Cox, and Limmen Bight Rivers on the way to Butterfly Springs, our two-night camp.
Day 7 (BLD) – Today we visit Jandanku (Limmen) National Park to see spectacularly carved sandstone pillars known as “Lost City” formations. Millions of years of water and wind erosion have sculptured an ancient seabed into these incredible shapes.
Day 8 (BLD) – We visit Borroloola, an infamous frontier town, for supplies before crossing into Queensland on the Queensland Road, now The Savannah Way, once used by the legendary “Overlanders”. Tonight our camp is at a remote Gulf river.
Day 9 (BLD) – On to Hell’s Gate, Doomadgee, and across the Nicholson River. Here we detour to travel across Lawn Hill Station, one of Queensland’s most remote cattle properties. Adel’s Grove, gateway to Lawn Hill National Park, is our two-night camp.
Day 10 (BLD) – A leisurely day in the National Park to relax, swim, canoe (optional), and explore the many walking tracks at this unbelievable oasis. In the afternoon a chance to take a tour of the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields (optional).
Day 11 (BLD) – Leaving Lawn Hill National Park we cross Mitchell Grass plains and the inviting Gregory River on the way to Burketown, our overnight camp.
Day 12 (BL) – Across the “Plains of Promise” to Leichhardt Falls before visiting Burke & Wills Camp #119, the most northerly camp of the ill-fated 1860 expedition. Continuing, we visit Normanton, home of the historic “Gulflander”, on our way to tonight’s camp at Karumba Point, on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Dinner is at your own expense this evening.
Day 13 (BLD) – Return to Normanton en route to the historic gulf towns of Croydon, Georgetown, and Mt Surprise. Now a short way to our overnight camp at the famous Undara Lava Tubes.
Day 14 (BL) – This morning you can join a tour of the Lava Tubes (optional), acclaimed as the largest and longest lava tube system in the world. Leaving the Tropical Savannahs behind we visit “The Crater” National Park and the unique Curtain Fig Tree on the Atherton Tableland. This afternoon we arrive in Cairns bringing to an end your safari of adventure and discovery in Australia’s Tropical Savannahs.
Meal Codes: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner