Kakadu & Arnhem Land Explorer

As this Short Break departs at 6.30am, accommodations will need to be pre-booked for the previous night. Depart Darwin and travel along the Arnhem Highway, their major river systems and wetlands, into Kakadu National Park.

Located 257 kilometres east of Darwin, this national park covers 20,000 square kilometres of landscape from rocky escarpment home to historic Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, to floodplains abundant with wildlife. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Join your local guide on a cruise of Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned.

After lunch, stop at Nourlangie, where your Driver Guide will lead you on a walk to view the rock art galleries. There is the opportunity for an optional 50-minute scenic flight (own expense). (L) Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kakadu (2 nights.)

This morning travel by 4WD vehicle into Western Arnhem Land and the Mikinj Valley. The scenery includes forests, sandstone outcrops, escarpments, floodplains and billabongs. You'll visit places inaccessible to most, including ancient rock art sites. Learn about traditional land ownership, bush skills, hunting, food gathering, and bush tucker preparation. Most tours are accompanied by an Aboriginal guide. (L)

This morning join your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you'll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for a view over the surrounding wetlands. Join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river's abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills.

With special permission of the local people, you can go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Marrawuddi Art Gallery before returning to Darwin, where your short break concludes. (L)