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Arnhem Land & Kakadu Explorer

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Our Price From 8,495 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Darwin
 Trip Finishes
Darwin
8 Day Arnhem Land & Kakadu Explorer Itinerary (Outback Spirit)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Style
4WD Adventure
Departures
Accommodation
Camps & Lodges
Max. Group Size
22
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ALKE

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Outback Spirit's 8 Day Arnhem Land & Kakadu Explorer. With permission from Traditional Owners, Outback Spirit has established a network of luxurious wilderness lodges and safari camps, granting passengers access through the heart of this wild and mystical land. Join us on this Darwin return adventure and become one of the few to uncover its rich culture, pristine landscape and abundant wildlife.

Itinerary

On arrival into Darwin, enjoy a Darwin city tour before being transferred to the Hilton Garden Inn, located on The Esplanade. Gather for a tour briefing, along with dinner at the hotel restaurant. Stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Darwin (D)

This morning we fly to Maningrida and experience a Welcome to Country. We spend the next two nights at Barramundi Lodge, which is owned and operated by Outback Spirit. With special permission from traditional owners, the lodge has exclusive fishing licenses for numerous remote waterways, including the Tomkinson and Liverpool Rivers. The lodge features 12 beautiful safari suites and a restaurant overlooking the floodplains below. Stay: Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge, Maningrida (B/L/D)

This morning we enjoy an exclusive fishing adventure on the Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers - pristine waterways teeming with Barramundi. Our expert fishing guides will take you to where the fish are biting aboard our sturdy Ocean Master vessels, the pinnacle for remote marine adventures featuring an onboard restroom and shade canopy.

We will also visit the Maningrida Arts and Cultural Centre and the Djomi Museum, to delve into the cultural and spiritual richness of the area. Maningrida Arts & Culture is a pre-eminent site of contemporary Indigenous cultural expression and art-making and the Maningrida Art Centre empowers local Indigenous artists to pursue successful global careers from their homeland and township bases. Later this afternoon we'll enjoy a sunset drink on the deck before dinner and tell everyone about the one that got away! Stay: Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge, Maningrida (B/L/D)

Departing Maningrida after breakfast, our travels take us through the stone country of west Arnhem Land. Cross the Goomadeer and Liverpool Rivers before arriving at the turnoff to Davidson's Arnhem Land Safaris, Mount Borradaile. From here we travel along a 40km bush track into the safari lodge, arriving in time for lunch. We'll then check-in to our cabins, our home for the next two nights.

This afternoon the highly trained staff at Mount Borradaile will take you through 40,000 years of Aboriginal culture in a truly awe-inspiring landscape. The area contains some of the most stunning rock art galleries in the world, and in terms of artistic quality, quantity, colourfulness and state of preservation, it is virtually unrivalled. The walls of the many rock shelters are decorated with innumerable pictures documenting traditional Aboriginal life over many thousands of years. Subjects range from now extinct animals to twentieth century sailing ships and the iconic Rainbow Serpent. This afternoon we return to the lodge for dinner. Stay: Mount Borradaile (B/L/D)

Today we jump into the open-back Toyotas and continue exploring the wonderland that is Mount Borradaile. Visit the ancient ‘catacombs', where the sandstone has been eroded by wind and water over 600 million years resulting in a massive cave system that is full of incredible Aboriginal art. Learn about the variety of techniques used in rock paintings as the styles changed over thousands of years of occupation and storytelling. We'll also wander through various occupation sites and view a range of artefacts from when these sites were still in use.

After lunch, it's time to explore the incredible wetlands of the Cooper Creek. Admire the prolific birdlife and massive crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks as you discover lagoons that seem more from a story book than from real life. As the sun seeks the horizon and sets over the floodplain, enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles before returning to the lodge for our final night with Davidson's Arnhem Land Safaris. Stay: Mount Borradaile (B/L/D)

This morning, we continue travelling through Arnhem Land. Our first stop is at the Injalak Art Gallery located in Oenpelli, which has over 200 active members, including artists, weavers, and craftspeople from Gunbalanya and surrounds. We cross Cahill's Crossing (keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles) and into World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Kakadu covers almost 20,000 square kilometres and is renowned for its vast wetlands, exotic wildlife, millions of migratory birds and an estimated 5000 ancient rock art sites. The Bininj/Mungguy people have called Kakadu home for some 65,000 years.

Here, we visit Ubirr art site, home to some outstanding rock art. Enjoy a 1-kilometre circular track walk to take in the multiple sites. Those feeling fit can make the steep 250-metre climb to the top of the rocky escarpment for magnificent views across the Magela floodplain. After lunch, we visit the cultural centre before checking into the Mercure Crocodile Hotel for our two-night stay. Tonight, we dine at the hotel. Stay: Mercure Crocodile Hotel (B/L/D)

It's an early start today as we head to the airstrip, where you'll gain an aerial perspective on this incredible environment. Take to the skies on a 30-minute scenic flight over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers, exhibiting the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion.

Your flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands. After landing at Jabiru Airport, we depart for Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site, with more amazing rock paintings, which date back 20,000 years. There are several sites and galleries to see. You also have the opportunity to climb up to the Gunwarddehwarde lookout for majestic views.

We then visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre, where the Traditional Owners share their story through an interactive educational experience that brings to life tens of thousands of years of human life in Kakadu. The gift shop here has an extensive range of handcrafted, authentic, local-made arts and crafts. Later this afternoon, we take to the water for the Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) wetlands cruise. This area is home to an array of birdlife and some impressive saltwater crocodiles. We return to the Mercure Crocodile hotel in time for dinner. Stay: Mercure Crocodile Hotel (B/L/D)

Setting our sights for Darwin, we will cross the South Alligator River with its expansive wetlands which, for many years, were used for buffalo hunting. We'll travel via Humpty Doo before arriving into Darwin, where our tour ends. Here, there is the option of being transferred to your city centre hotel if you are staying longer, or the airport for your fight home. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Moments of Magic

  • Enriching Cultural Experiences - Arnhem Land is home to the world oldest surviving culture. Enjoy authentic cultural experiences with Indigenous guides who'll share their knowledge and stories of this mystical land.
  • Land a Barra in the Liverpool River - Join our state-of-the-art vessels on an exclusive fishing expedition of the Liverpool & Tomkinson Rivers. Enjoy amazing scenery and learn from expert guides how to catch a Barra in one of the best fishing spots in the world.
  • Ancient Rock Art - View extraordinary rock art galleries at Mount Borradaile, a registered sacred site nested against the Arnhem Land escarpment. Also visit ancient occupation sites including the ‘catacombs'.

Tour Highlights

  • Journey through the heart of Arnhem Land on an exclusive touring route and immerse yourself in the world's oldest surviving culture
  • Experience the Aboriginal owned and operated Maningrida Arts and Cultural Centre and the Djomi Museum
  • Two nights at Mount Borradaile, featuring the largest and best-known collection of rock art in the world, including the iconic Rainbow Serpent
  • Witness rock art at Ubirr and Noarlangie, home to an outstanding number of paintings dating back 20,000 years
  • Exclusive Barramundi fishing and wildlife cruises in the remote heart of Arnhem Land, Maningrida
  • Two nights at Barramundi Lodge, overlooking the Arnhem Land floodplains
  • Enjoy a cruise on Yellow Waters admiring the prolific birdlife and crocodiles in the incredible wetlands
  • Enjoy a bird's eye view of the ancient escarpments, floodplains, and winding rivers of Kakadu National Park aboard a 30-minute scenic flight

  • Small Group Size – 22
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included. Complimentary beverages from a selected list included at lunch and dinner (when dining at licensed venues only).
  • 2 nights at Outback Spirit owned Barramundi Lodge
  • 2 nights at Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris, Mount Borradaile
  • 3 nights of hotel accommodation
  • All attraction fees
  • All permit fees to enter Aboriginal Land
  • Escorted by experienced and professional Tour Driver/Guide
  • Travel aboard a 5-star 4WD Mercedes Benz Coach
  • Outback Spirit Explorer Pack (for first-time travellers only)

  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change. We may need to alter or amend itineraries, excursions, accommodation, or sightseeing arrangements from those published, with little or no notice. This may be due to road conditions, weather, cultural considerations, safety factors and other operational considerations or government regulations. Final itineraries are sent to passengers approximately 2-3 weeks before travel.
  • Prices are for land tour only, flights not included unless specified
Inclusive Small Group Adventures
Inclusive Small Group Adventures

Enjoy an intimate and enriching touring experience with other like-minded people on an inclusive Outback Spirit small group journey. Read more

Expert Drivers & Guides
Expert Drivers & Guides

Highly professional, passionate and always willing to go the extra mile, Outback Spirit's guides provide a seamless touring experience. Read more

Mercedes Benz 4WD Touring Coaches
Mercedes Benz 4WD Touring Coaches

When you travel with Outback Spirit, you're guaranteed to travel in the comfort and safety of Mercedes Benz. Read more

Brochure

4WD Adventures

Outback Spirit 4WD Adventures (2025)

Pick any place off the map. It could be Arnhem Land, The Kimberley or Cape York. Then, go a little deeper. A Welcome to Country, exhilarating helicopter ride or journey to Pajinka, the tip of Australia. Deeper still. A newfound connection, lust for life or wandering curiosity. And no one goes quite as far as us. We’ll go further to take you deeper....more To introduce you to an Australia most others can’t get to with an award-winning fleet, exclusive accommodation and passionate local expertise. Because there’s something out here. And it’s kept us coming back again and again and again, to share it with you. Now it’s time for you to find your Outback Spirit, on an all-inclusive small group 4WD adventure.

Availability

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Saturday 12 Jul 2025
Saturday 19 Jul 2025
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From: $8,795
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Friday 25 Jul 2025
Friday 01 Aug 2025
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Thursday 07 Aug 2025
Thursday 14 Aug 2025
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Saturday 12 Jul 2025
Saturday 19 Jul 2025
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From: $10,895
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Exclusive Savings
Friday 25 Jul 2025
Friday 01 Aug 2025
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Exclusive Savings
Thursday 07 Aug 2025
Thursday 14 Aug 2025
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From: $10,595
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Outback Spirit. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Outback Spirit. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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