Arnhem Land Adventure with The Ghan Expedition Train

Arrival 

On arrival in Nhulunbuy you will be greeted by your friendly and professional Tour Director.

This afternoon you’ll explore this frontier village, which came into existence in the 1960’s after the discovery of Bauxite on the Gove Peninsula. Visit the Roy (Malpi) Marika Lookout for incredible views towards the coast, Gayngaru Wetlands and Gove Harbour before settling in for a two-night stay at the Walkabout Lodge. 

Dinner is included.

The Gove Peninsula Tour

The Gove Peninsula has been home to Yolngu people for over 60,000 years and is one of the most culturally significant regions in Australia. You will get a true sense of this with a special ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony at Wirrwawuy Beach, where you will learn about Yolngu culture and kinship firsthand. We will also visit the BukuLarrnggay Mulka Centre, which features works by many renowned Aboriginal artists whose art (particularly those painted on bark) can be found in galleries all over the world. The gallery is in the small community of Yirrkala, which is where the Aboriginal Land Rights movement started, when the ‘bark petition’ was sent to Federal Parliament in 1963.

From the art centre it is a short stroll to Shady Beach, where we will have lunch followed by a special Bush Medicine and Women’s Healing demonstration, where we will experience traditional healing ways and hear stories of how the Yolngu people live and heal on their land. 

Return to Nhulunbuy late this afternoon for your second night at the Walkabout Lodge. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Departure to Murwangi

Today, your journey into the heart of Arnhem Land begins. Departing Nhulunbuy, we follow the Central Arnhem Road south-west to the Goyder River, the main tributary flowing into the massive Arafura Swamp.

Arrival

Before arrival, enjoy a picnic lunch. Then take a track to the north, which follows an escarpment before descending to the Arafura floodplains. This area, known as ‘Murwangi’, is the site of your exclusive safari camp where we will be staying for the next two nights. 

Check in to your deluxe safari suite before dinner in the lodge dining room. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Arafura Swamp and 4WD  Murwangi Discovery Tour

The Arafura Swamp is one of the largest wooded swamps in Australia, covering approximately 1,300 square kilometers. This incredibly diverse wetland can support up to 300,000 waterbirds at any one time, including Magpie Geese, Egrets, Black-necked Storks and Brolgas. The swamp is of great cultural significance to the Yolngu people and was also the location for the 2006 film ‘Ten Canoes’. 

We’ll take a tranquil cruise on the main lagoon, followed by a 4WD adventure around the edge of the swamp. For both activities you will be accompanied by Indigenous guides who will explain why this spectacular area is so significant. 

Later this afternoon we return to camp for a little free time before dinner. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Please note: Today, the tour will split into two groups to undertake the day’s adventures. Group 1 will follow the itinerary above, while Group 2 will do the activities in reverse.

Bula’bula Art Centre and Departure to Barramundi Lodge

This morning head into Ramingining for a visit to Bula’bula Art Centre. Here you can chat with local artists and watch them paint. There is also the opportunity to purchase artwork if so desired. 

After morning tea at the Art Centre, we head further west towards Maningrida. To get there, we will cross the Blyth and Cadell Rivers. 

Arrival to Barramundi Lodge

Arrive at Barramundi Lodge early in the afternoon. The lodge is one of the most recognised fishing destinations in Australia. With special permission from the Traditional Owners, the lodge has exclusive fishing licenses for numerous remote waterways, including the Tomkinson and Liverpool Rivers. Fishing aside, the lodge features 12 beautiful safari suites and a restaurant overlooking the floodplains below. 

After lunch on the lodge deck, you will hear a familiarisation talk from the lodge managers. You are then free to settle into your safari suite, with the remainder of the afternoon yours to relax, soaking up the stunning view of the floodplains. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Fishing Adventure and Cultural Tour

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

Today’s fishing adventure is also a wildernesstour, so if fishing is not your thing, you will still enjoy the beautiful scenery and informative commentary. 

In the afternoon, we visit Maningrida Arts and Cultural Centre and the Djomi Museum for immersion in the culture and spiritual richness of the area. 

Later this afternoon, enjoy a sunset drink on the deck before dinner and share stories about the one that got away! 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Departure

Departing Maningrida after breakfast, our travels take us through the stone country of west Arnhem Land. We’ll crossthe Goomadeer and Liverpool Rivers before arriving at the turnoff to Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safaris, Mount Borradaile.

Arrival

Upon arrivlal, we travel along a 40km bush track into the safari lodge, arriving in time for lunch. You will then check-in to your cabin, your home for the next two nights. 

This afternoon the team at Mount Borradaile will take you through 40,000 years of Aboriginal culture in a truly aweinspiring landscape. The area contains some of the most stunning rock art galleries in the world. 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 thousands of years. Subjects range from now extinct animals to 20th century sailing ships and the creator Rainbow Serpent. 

We will return to the lodge in the afternoon, before dinner.

Please note: The walk to Mount Borradaile Rainbow Serpent is a 1km, 2 hour walk, over rocks, roots, caves and sand.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Mount Borradaile Rock Art Tour

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. You will also wander through various occupation sites and view a range of artefacts from when these sites were in use.

After lunch, it’stime to explore the incredible wetlands of the Cooper Creek. Admire the prolific birdlife, along with the massive crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks as you discover lagoons that seem to have slipped out of a story book. 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. 

Please note: The walk at Mount Borradaile is 3.5km with some rocks to climb.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Departure

Departing Mount Borradaile early, we head north and venture into the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. 

Arrival

We’ll travel up the eastern side of Port Essington to Black Point to meet the marine crew from Seven Spirit Bay. Here, we’ll board the lodge’s custommade adventure craft for the short transfer across Port Essington. Upon arriving at the lodge, you will be allocated your room for the next three nights, a luxurious ‘habitat’ overlooking Coral Bay. We meet again later in the evening for dinner in the lodge’s restaurant. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Port Essington and the Historic Victoria Settlement

Today, we’ll explore Port Essington aboard the lodge's vessel, 'MV Arafura'. Departing Seven Spirit Bay, we’ll pass landmarks like Gunners Quoin and Turtle Rock on our way to the historic Victoria Settlement.

Upon arrival, you’ll tour the old buildings and ruins, learning about early British occupation. An optional walk leads to forgotten gravestones in the forest.

After a picnic lunch, enjoy a relaxing cruise back to Seven Spirit Bay, keeping an eye out for dolphins, dugong, manta rays, and crocodiles. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax by the pool or enjoy sunset drinks and dinner at the lodge.

Please note: The walk at Victoria Settlement is a flat 3.7km in the sun along a downhill slope.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Trepang Bay Marine and 4WD Adventure

Explore the Cobourg Marine Park, home to barramundi, Spanish mackerel, and coral trout. After breakfast, enjoy a half-day fishing adventure in Port Essington on the lodge's comfortable boats, each accommodating only six guests for an equal chance at catching fish. Guided by experts, you'll fish in prime locations, targeting species like barramundi, trevally, and black jewfish.

Next, we’ll head to Low Point for a BBQ bush lunch before embarking on a 4WD safari through Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Visit the rare Nypa Palm gallery and explore Trepang Creek and the park’s diverse landscapes, spotting wildlife like Banteng and buffalo. Conclude your adventure with a stop at Gunners Quoin lookout before returning to the lodge for your final evening.

Please note: Today the tour will split into two groups to undertake the day’s adventures. Group 1 will follow the itinerary above, while Group 2 will do the activities in reverse. The timings for the Port Essington fishing adventure are dependent upon tidal movements. As such, lunch arrangements are subject to change to suit the itinerary set by the Seven Spirit Bay marine managers.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Departure

This morning, we depart for the airstrip and board our Cessna Grand Caravan for the 45-minute scenic flight across Van Diemen Gulf.

Arrival

Upon arriving in Darwin in the afternoon, we head to the city to check in to the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin located on the picturesque esplanade. 

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before boarding the Charles Darwin for a delicious Territory-style sunset dinner cruise to celebrate a truly amazing trip. There is no better way to experience Darwin's renowned sunsets than from onboard the Charles Darwin.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Board The Ghan Expedition & Off Train Experience in Katherine

Your 13-day Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure comes to an end this morning. 

Transfer by coach to the Darwin Rail Terminal. Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge and a cruise is on offer to showcase the beauty of this spot. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, while the Cutta Cutta Cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight over Nitmiluk. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

The Ghan Expedition Train

Your arrival into Alice Springs after breakfast provides you with time to explore this iconic town in the red heart of Australia on an Off Train Experience. There’s an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road e-bike adventure, the Alice Explorer tour that takes in the historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, spot Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air, with an optional upgrade scenic flight. In the evening, dine under a blanket of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

The Ghan Expedition Train

From your morning stop at Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Off Train Experiences on offer include exploring the majestic Breakaways, touring the town, learning more about mining history on the Opal Experience, or an optional upgrade with the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre scenic flight.

Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.