The Gulf & Kakadu “Overlander” is a 14 day all overland camping safari through northern Australia between Cairns and Darwin. 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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** This tour also goes in reverse – Darwin to Cairns
Tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age
Inclusions:
- All meals as coded in itinerary
- Camping equipment except sleeping bags
- All National Parks and Aboriginal Site fees
Exclusions:
- All soft and alcohol drinks
- Optional tours
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 (LD) Visit the Atherton Tableland’s unique Curtain Fig Tree and “The Crater” National Park on the way to our first camp at Undara. Here you can explore the Lava Tubes (optional), acclaimed as the largest and longest lava tube system in the world.
Day 2 (BL) Pass through the historic gulf towns of Mt Surprise, Georgetown and Croydon. Visit Normanton, home of the historic “Gulflander” train on the way to our camp at Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Dinner is at your own expense this evening.
Day 3 (BLD) Travel to Burke & Wills camp #119, the most northerly camp of the ill-fated 1860 expedition. On to Leichhardt Falls and beyond across the “Plains of Promise” to Burketown where we camp.
Day 4 (BLD) Mitchell Grass plains, spinifex clad ranges and the inviting Gregory River on the way to our two-night camp at Adel’s Grove, gateway to Lawn Hill National Park..
Day 5(BLD) A leisurely day in Lawn Hill 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 to the World Heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields (optional).
Day 6(BLD) Across the vast expanse of Lawn Hill cattle station to the Queensland Road, now the “The Savannah Way”, once used by the legendary “Overlanders”. On past Hell’s Gate we cross into the Northern Territory to a bush camp at the Robinson River, a favourite spot of “The Bush Tucker Man”.
Day 7(BLD) Continue west to Borroloola, infamous frontier town, for supplies then on to Butterfly Springs for two nights.
Day 8 (BLD) Today we venture into Limmen National Park to see spectacular 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 9(BL) Travel on the “Great North Road” to remote Roper Bar, where explorer Ludwig Leichhardt crossed in 1845. Now the Roper Highway on our way to Mataranka Hot Springs to swim and relax in the crystal clear thermal pool. We camp at Mataranka tonight. Dinner is at your own expense this evening.
Day 10 (BLD) Supplies in Katherine before Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park where you can relax, bushwalk or enjoy a cruise on the famous gorge (optional). We camp in the National Park tonight.
Day 11 (BLD) Kakadu National Park today. First we visit Pine Creek, an historic goldmining town, then explore and swim at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). On to our three night base camp at Cooinda with time to visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Day 12(BD) Spectacular Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock and the world class Bowali Visitor Centre for lunch (own expense). A sunset cruise (optional) on Kakadu’s world famous Yellow Waters Billabong to see a myriad of birds and wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles.
Day 13(BL) A leisurely start to travel to the Arnhem Land escarpment to walk and swim at magnificent Jim Jim Falls. Return to camp after a wonderful day of discovery, swimming and 4WD adventure. Dinner is at your own expense this evening.
Day 14 (BL) This morning we visit Ubirr, famous for its rock art and views of the East Alligator River floodplain. Now we cross the South Alligator River and the Marrakai Plains en-route to Darwin bringing to an end your safari of adventure and discovery in Australia’s Tropical Savannahs.
Meal Codes: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner