Traditions of the Top End

Traditions of the Top End: An Air Safari

8 DAYS FROM $10,595 2022–23 DEPARTURE DATES: Oct 8–15, 2022; Apr 30–May 7, 2023

See www.abercrombiekent.com.au for up-to-date departure dates, availability and pricing.

Darwin Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge Bamurru Plains

AUSTRALIA

Be spellbound by the ancient wonders of Australia’s Top End on this immersive 8-day air safari. From the tropical capital of Darwin to the storied plains of Arnhem Land, led by local guides you’ll take a deep dive into Aboriginal Dreaming and Creation stories of the land. Be captivated by the majesty of Kakadu on land and by river cruise, and be immersed in this biodiverse region with a glamping safari in Mary River at breathtaking Bamurru Plains. An all-encompassing adventure, this journey will see you humbled by history, enthralled by picturesque landscapes and enchanted by a kaleidoscope of wildlife.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Be led by local experts on a guided exploration of Litchfield’s landscapes and storied rock art • Stay at Bamurru Plains on an immersive glamping adventure • Explore the ancient landscapes of Arnhem Land with privileged access to this Indigenous homeland • Discover the thriving ecosystems of Mary River on an airboat safari

• Admire Arnhem Land from the air, soaring the over the ancient escarpments • Cruise the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide, hearing the Dreamings — captivating Indigenous history • Typically features a small group size of 6–10 guests, travelling in your own private plane

Day 1: Arrive Darwin. Arrive into Darwin to a warm A&K welcome and transfer by private vehicle to your accommodation, Mindil Beach Casino & Resort, Set among tropical beachside gardens around a lagoon. This afternoon meet your group of fellow travellers and enjoy a two hour guided city tour of Darwin. Highlights include historic Fanny Bay Gaol, Government House, Stokes Hill Wharf, St Marys Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, housing an impressive Aboriginal art collection and Cyclone Tracy display. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner and drink. Mindil Beach Casino Resort | Meals: D Day 2: Darwin | Indigenous Discovery. This morning, meet your expert Indigenous guide for a captivating immersion into Indigenous culture on a private full day Litchfield experience. A true wonder of the Top End, Litchfield National Park is possibly the Northern Territory’s best kept secret covering 1,500 square kilometres, of dramatic landscapes, lush waterholes, misty waterfalls and monsoonal vine forests.

Get a hands-on education of bush tucker and medicinal traditions, learning of the bush resources in season. Take a refreshing walk to a picturesque waterfall, your scene for a flame-grilled lunch of ocean-caught barramundi, marinated kangaroo and crocodile eye fillet, before returning to your hotel. Mindil Beach Casino Resort | Meals: BL Day 3: Arnhem Land | Welcome to the Homeland. This morning, transfer by charter aircraft to your accommodation on Mt Borradaile in the Indigenous homeland of Arnhem Land. Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Lodge is located on an exclusive lease of 700-square kilometres of pristine wilderness in northwest Arnhem Land. Nestled against the Arnhem Land escarpment, this landscape of rugged ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs allows an immersion in unique ecosystems teeming with birdlife and crocodiles as well as bush food and medicinal plants. Valleys, overhangs and caves carved out by an ancient sea have been the traditional lands of the Aboriginal people for over 50,000 years with world-class galleries of rock art, occupation and burial sites.

Arrive to a warm welcome, before enjoying a short walk to see the famous Rainbow Serpent, where you will start to learn about the local rock art, the geology of the area and some of the local bush tucker.

Following lunch, there is the chance to enjoy one of Davidson’s included activities. Try your hand at barramundi fishing, enjoy a walking excursion to view the magnificent galleries of Indigenous rock art, take a dip in a natural swimming hole or simply sit back and relax poolside at the lodge. Davidson’s Safaris Arnhemland Safari Lodge | Meals: BLD Day 4: Arnhem Land | Design Your Day. Wake up to a strikingly beautiful landscape of rugged ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs, floodplains, paperbark swamps and monsoonal rainforests. After a leisurely breakfast, continue your exploration of Arnhem Land with your choice of the included activities available. > Enjoy sundowners as you cruise along a billabong viewing a kaleidoscope of plants and wildlife as the sun sets over the floodplains painting Mt Borradaile in magnificent colours. > Choose from a range of guided walking tours exploring the rainforest areas, savannah woodland, or incredible catacombs learning about the region’s rich Indigenous history and ecosystem. > Take a 4WD excursion into the savannah landscapes, woodland areas and rainforest, each with its own distinct array of flora and fauna. Enjoy a dinner of freshly prepared cuisine amidst a relaxed atmosphere at Mt Borradaile’s dining room, the social hub. Davidson’s Safaris Arnhemland Safari Lodge | Meals: BLD Day 5: Mary River National Park | Regional Discovery Begins. A final morning spent at Davidson’s before boarding your private plane this afternoon for the charter flight to the wildlife haven of Bamurru Plains. Arrive to a warm welcome and transfer to your safari-style bungalow which gives you an immersion in the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush. Situated on the edge of Kakadu National Park, Bamurru Plains has exclusive access to floodplains and savanna woodland located along Mary River.

This evening, you may like to take a river cruise in search of crocodiles, or embark on a quad bike safari before savouring a sundowner drink in breathtaking surrounds. Bamurru Plains | Meals: BLD Day 6: Mary River National Park | Design Your Day. A choice of activities is on offer today, or alternatively you may choose to simply relax and enjoy your spectacular surrounds. Bamurru has over 300 square kilometres of private concession waiting to be explored. So large is the property that there are four distinct habitats: floodplains and wetlands full of magpie geese and big crocs; stunning melaleuca forests, savannah woodlands where you might bump into brumby, buffalo, dingo and wallaby; and finally a riverine environment abundant in fish, crocodiles and diverse birdlife. > Go on an airboat safari across the floodplains. Feel the rush as you skim the surface at speed, then float in silence listening to the sound of nothing but the bush and the surrounding wildlife. > Experience an open-top game drive, one of the best ways to witness the variety of wildlife in this diverse environment including wallaby, crocodile, wild horses, buffalo and some of the 236 bird species. > Head out on a guided walking safari, learning the Indigenous uses for the various plants and animals, and how wildlife can be tracked. Return to the lodge this afternoon to enjoy sundowners on the deck before a sumptuous dinner of bush-inspired recipes. Bamurru Plains | Meals: BLD Day 7: Mary River National Park | Top End Safari. Start today with an exhilarating flight to Jabiru for a private tour of Kakadu National Park. Explore the landscapes and ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, one of Kakadu’s most breathtaking Aboriginal art sites, in your custom-built safari vehicle led by a knowledgeable local guide. Then embark on a cruise on the East Alligator River through pristine wilderness. Led by an Aboriginal guide, uncover the secrets and history of one of the richest biological regions in the national park. Stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre for an engaging look at the history and traditions of the land, before arriving back at the lodge in time for sundowners and canapés before your farewell dinner. Bamurru Plains | Meals: BLD Day 8: Mary River National Park – Depart Darwin. Depart this morning after breakfast, flying by private charter to Darwin airport, where you will transfer to your onward flight. Meals: B

Inspiring Accommodations

Mindil Beach Casino Resort Premium hotel and resort accommodation set among tropical beachside gardens around a lagoon just moments from the CBD.

Davidson’s Safaris Arnhemland Safari Lodge Davidson’s cabins are simple and comfortable, and designed to embrace the sounds of the bush and the cool morning breeze.

Bamurru Plains Featuring just 10 safari bungalows each boasting views over the wetlands, allowing immersion in the bush, while also enjoying luxurious touches.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.