5 Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour

Duration: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Dates: Tours depart Darwin (June through September)

Embark on a 5-day adventure from Darwin, delving into the wonders of Kakadu National Park and beyond. Witness the sunrise at Corroboree Billabong, encountering diverse birdlife and majestic crocodiles. Explore ancient rock art sites in Arnhem Land, gaining insight into Indigenous culture. Venture to Cobourg Peninsula for marine exploration, encountering turtles, dolphins, and historic ruins. Engage in traditional mud crab hunting and immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem. Conclude with a visit to Ubirr Rock for breathtaking views of Kakadu's wetlands. With luxury 4WD transport and expert guides, this itinerary promises an unforgettable Northern Territory odyssey.

DAY 1 (L, D)
Depart your Darwin accommodation at 06.45 - 07:00 am for the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. En route, we will join a morning cruise on the picturesque Corroboree Billabong.
On this scenic cruise, you have the opportunity to view a large variety of birdlife as well as saltwater crocodiles in their natural environment. Learn more about the wildlife on the billabong from your knowledgeable guide, who will make the cruise both fascinating and informative.

Continue to Kakadu via the old Jim Jim Road visiting White Lily Billabong before arriving at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). Enjoy a scenic 1km walk along the edge of Barramundi Creek before arriving at the base of Barramundi Falls. Here you have the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the large plunge pool below the falls and discover an array of aquatic life.

Depart Maguk late afternoon for Nawurlandja Lookout. A short climb takes us up the sloping sandstone to provide views of the sun setting across Anbangbang Billabong, Nourlangie Rock and the Arnhem Land escarpment.

Depart after sunset for Jabiru and Anbinik Kakadu Resort, our accommodation for tonight.

Overnight: Anbinik Kakadu Resort (Bush Bungalow)

DAY 2 (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we travel from Jabiru to the northern region of Kakadu National Park to Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River, where we enter Arnhem Land. A 15 km scenic drive to the Gunbalanya Aboriginal community provides some of the best driving views in the Top End, with floodplains covered in bird life and water lilies running up alongside the Arnhem Land escarpment.

Upon arrival at Gunbalanya, we will visit the renowned Injalak Arts and Craft Centre. Here you have the opportunity to meet and watch traditional local artists in action before departing with our Aboriginal guide to be shown around the Injalak Hill rock art sites. Spend the morning experiencing some of the best Aboriginal rock art in Australia. The area is home to a unique style of 'x-ray art' dating back many thousands of years. Listen to ancient dreamtime stories and learn more about Indigenous culture in the heart of Arnhem Land from your local guide.

Next, we will continue our journey to the most northern tip of Arnhem Land, the Cobourg Peninsula, part of the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hrs, with stops and creek crossings.

Upon arriving at Cobourg, we'll head straight to Venture North's private camp, where you'll be greeted by the resident camp host and served nibbles on the cliff top. Relax as the sun sets over Port Essington.

Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent)

DAY 3 (B, L, D)
Awake to the sound of birds and enjoy a special ‘Cobourg-style’ cooked breakfast.
This morning will be spent exploring the Northern Territory’s largest Marine Park by boat. Cobourg is abundant in some amazing marine life, including six of the seven species of marine turtle, manta rays, dolphins, sharks, crocodiles, mud crabs and plenty of fish.

As we cruise the Marine Park, we will stop and visit the Victoria Settlement ruins. Established prior to Darwin as a military outpost by the British, this site represents the third failed attempt at settlement in Northern Australia. After surviving for 11 years between 1838 and 1849, it was abandoned. However, stone ruins still stand on the shoreline of Port Essington and serve as a reminder of the hardships faced by the early colonists.

Depart the settlement and enjoy a slow journey back to camp, stopping along the way to spot marine life and do some fishing.

Return to camp this afternoon, where you can explore the nearby beaches and creek systems, try your luck at fishing or simply enjoy the solitude while reading a book from a hammock overlooking the ocean.
Tonight enjoy a freshly caught seafood dinner.

Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent)

DAY 4 (B, L, D)
Today we explore the Park's eastern side, this time by 4WD.
Cobourg is home to the first RAMSAR wetland (wetlands of international importance) in the world, with freshwater paperbark swamps and billabongs 100m from the coastline.

Continue on via the northern beaches, commonly used as turtle nesting areas and covered in a wide range of shells. Low tide provides opportunities to explore exposed coral reefs and rock pools, home to various marine life.

After lunch, you will have an opportunity to go hunting for mud crabs using traditional Aboriginal methods. Learn how to hunt and gather these local delicacies before having a go yourself.
Later in the afternoon, we will also visit the Park’s Cultural and Information Centre before returning to camp.

Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent)

DAY 5 (B, L)
This morning we depart Cobourg early. Sit back and enjoy the bush scenery of Arnhem Land as we make our way back to Kakadu National Park. After numerous stops along the way, we will enjoy lunch next to the banks of the mighty East Alligator River.

After lunch, visit Ubirr Rock, where we will spend time viewing some of Kakadu’s best Aboriginal rock art. A short walk to the top of Ubirr offers spectacular views of the surrounding wetlands and stone country.
Depart Ubirr to Darwin via the Arnhem Highway. En route to Darwin, we will stop and visit the Mamukala wetlands, which at times is a haven for thousands of Magpie Geese as well as many other species of native birds and reptiles.

Arrive in Darwin at approximately 7:00 pm.

Tour Price:
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, emergencies on board or any unforeseen situation.

Inclusions:
• Professional guide/driver
• Luxury Toyota Landcruiser 4WD vehicle (max six passengers)
• Purpose-built 4WD trailer and equipment
• Corroboree Billabong cruise fee
• All Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula permits and entry fees
• Arnhem Land royalties
• Accommodation and camp fees (twin share)
• Snorkelling equipment
• Injalak Aboriginal guide fee
• Cobourg Peninsula boat tour
• Victoria Settlement permit fee
• Venture North water bottle
• Meals as stated (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)

Exclusions:
• Alcohol - BYO

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.