Terra Australis Safaris - "Gulflander" Tour - unforgettable journey from Darwin to Cairns, Aboriginal culture and rock art in Arnhem Land, Dreamtime, beautiful Billabongs, crocodiles

Arnhem Land - hidden places, rock art, abundant birdlife, exotic plants, a natural paradise

Lost City - incredible rock formations, ush tucker, cockatoos, Agile Wallabies,Thermal Pool, Gulf of Carpenatria

Gulf of Carpentaria - endless Savannah, Lawn Hill National Park, Kangaroos,amazing birdlife

Tropical North-Queensland, Cooktown, Bloomfield Track, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation

Terra Australis Safaris - "Gulflander" Tour - unforgettable journey from Darwin to Cairns, Aboriginal culture and rock art in Arnhem Land, Dreamtime, beautiful Billabongs, crocodiles

Arnhem Land - hidden places, rock art, abundant birdlife, exotic plants, a natural paradise

Lost City - incredible rock formations, ush tucker, cockatoos, Agile Wallabies,Thermal Pool, Gulf of Carpenatria

Gulf of Carpentaria - endless Savannah, Lawn Hill National Park, Kangaroos,amazing birdlife

 
Aboriginal Felsmalereien Mt Borradaile in Arnhem Land

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"Gulflander" Tour - 21 days

Cairns - Darwin   -   July

Darwin - Cairns   -   August

21 days of nature experience with tour start in Darwin or Cairns. An unforgettable adventure across Australia's wild North. Close encounters with the unspoilt natural beauty of Arnhemland and its incredible abundance of Aboriginal rock art. Follow remote tracks along the Gulf of Carpentaria, enjoy the unique Flora and Fauna and visit magic places like Lost City and Lawn Hill Natl. Park. Follow lonely tracks on vast cattle stations to the endless horizon and enjoy the many remote bush camps along the way. Travel from the Outback to the tropical rainforests of the Daintree Natl. Park.

 

day 1  Darwin – Arnhemland
day 2  Arnhemland - Max Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris Camp
day 3  Arnhemland - Max Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris Camp            
day 4  Arnhemland - Katherine (Motel)
day 5  Katherine - Limmen National Park
day 6  Limmen National Park
day 7  Limmen National Park - Lorella Springs Station
day 8  Lorella Springs Station
day 9 Lorella Springs Station - Robinson River (Bushcamp)
day 10 Robinson River - Kingfisher Camp
day 11 Kingfisher Camp
day 12 Kingfisher Camp - Lawn Hill Natl. Park
day 13 Lawn Hill Natl. Park
day 14 Lawn Hill Natl. Park - Normanton
day 15 Normanton - Mitchell River (Bushcamp)
day 16 Mitchell River (Dunbar) - Mitchell River (Mt Mulgrave, Bushcamp)
day 17 Mitchell River - Jowalbinna (Cabin)
day 18 Jowalbinna (Cabin)
day 19 Jowalbinna  - Cooktown (Motel)
day 20 Cooktown - Daintree National Park (Lodge)
day 21 Daintree - Cairns tour ends late morning

 

I August reversed Itinerary. Tour start in Cairns, Tour end in Darwin.

for  Itinerary  ex Cairns

 

 

Darwin - Depart Cairns - Arrival Prices at 1-January-2009

03-August-2009

23-August-2009

AU$7890.- (incl 10%GST)
Surcharge single accom/tent
$790.- (incl 10% GST)
Sleepingbag hire $60.-
(incl 10% GST)

 

 

Tour Itinerary

Print

 

Pre Tour Meeting                               
Your guide will meet you at your hotel on the eve of the tour start for a welcome drink and pre tour information.

Day 1
Welcome to a fascinating tour through this magnificent part of the continent. Your guide will pick you up at the pre-arranged time at your hotel.

Our 3 1 / 2 weeks journey starts right with one of the highlights of this tour. We depart Darwin in the morning and follow the Kakadu Hwy into Kakadu Natl. Park. We cross a large section of the park and reach the eastern border of Kakadu at Cahill’s crossing, where we cross the East Alligator River into Arnhemland. From thereon we follow remote tracks to our first destination, Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Camp at Mt Borradaile, where we will be guests for the 3 nights to come.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 2
Today Max Davidson and his team of guides will introduce us to a world of its own. We explore the area in their open vehicles, by boat and on foot. We get a true insight into Aboriginal rock art and history. We encounter crocodiles and see an abundance of birds at the creeks and billabongs. We are amazed at the amount of rock art in this area. Wherever we look, a new surprise shows up. Try your luck at Barramundi fishing (cannot be guaranteed - seasonal) or cool of in a safe natural pool.
The way the two full days we spend here are conducted, are entirely up to Max Davidson and his team as there are many different areas of interest at Mt Borradaile.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 3
Another day full of surprises and unforgettable impressions as we are shown more of what we experienced the previous day.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 4
It will not be easy to say goodbye to a place like this but our journey must continue. We depart Arnhemland the way we entered it, along the same route back to Cahill’s Crossing. From there we cross Kakadu Natl. Park to the southern end, reach the Stuart Hwy near Pine Creek and travel South to our today's destination Katherine. Dinner at restaurant not included

Accommodation Motel in Katherine

Day 5
Today our adventure across the Gulf of Carpentaria really begins. We first follow the Stuart Hwy for another 100 km before turning onto the road to Roper Bar. We stop at the Roper River for lunch and then follow the remote track through magnificent country to our campsite in the Limmen National Park. We cross many creeks and rivers along the way, the amount of water they still carry depending on the intensity of the previous wet season when many roads up here usually are impassable.

Camping Butterfly Springs Limmen National Park

 

Day 6

Today we take it easy as we will not pull down our camp. After another sumptuous breakfast we drive back to the Ranger Station to collect our key which provides us access to the track leading to the Western Lost City. A narrow track leads us there. After approx. 1 hour driving we will reach these amazing rock formations. We have plenty of time exploring this unique place, enjoy lunch overlooking the escarpment before returning to our camp in the afternoon. Time for another swim in the beautiful Butterfly Springs pool.

 

Camping Butterfly Springs Limmen National Park

 

Day 7

Another day full of highlights awaits us. We pull down our camp and continue our journey. Less than an hour down the track we turn off to the Southern Lost City. Again you will marvel at this natural wonder. We take our time along the 2.5 km walk amongst the towering rock formations. In the afternoon, after a short drive we reach Lorella Springs Station. An idyllic situated camp right at a thermal creek. A warm bath is guaranted.

 

Camping at Lorella Springs Station Camp

 

Day 8

We stay on Lorella Springs Station and explore the environment by car and discover hidden pools on foot. The crystal clear water in a pristine surrounding invites for another swim. Another day in paradise.

 

Camping at Lorella Springs Station Camp

Day 9
An early but leisurely start in the morning. We pack up and follow the route further south. Again we cross many creeks and rivers and particularly in the morning will be able to spot a few animals along the track. We reach Bauhinia Station at around lunchtime. A short walk leads to a beautiful waterhole. The more adventurous may swim the 200m to the other end, the others set across in a small dingy. There a waterfall cascades down into a beautiful pool and to our surprise, the water is warm as it flows from a thermal spring further up. Mid afternoon we reach Boroloola where we fuel up and do some shopping before heading further on towards the Robinson River

Camping Robinson River Bushcamp

Day 10
We follow the road towards the Queensland Border. After Lunch we reach Doomagdee, an Aboriginal Community. Here we fuel up and a well stocked shopping centre will provide us witch enough fresh produce for the next few days. We have to retrace for about 25 km before we turn off the main road and follow the track to the Kingfisher Camp, which is beautifully set on the banks of the Nicholson River. Plenty of colourful birds again at this place.

Camping Kingfisher Camp
 

Day 11

We stay at Kingfisher camp which again allows for plenty of time in the morning. After breakfast we drive to the nearby Hedley Gorge. Another hidden treasure waiting to be explored. We return to the camp early afternoon.

 

Camping Kingfisher Camp


Day 12
From Kingfisher Camp we follow the narrow station track to the Bowthorn Station Homestead. Brilliant scenery along this route. Afterwards we follow the station track further towards Lawn Hill Natl. Park, the jewel of the Gulf, where we spend the coming 3 nights. Today’s drive is one of the most picturesque drives in the outback and I am sure you will agree. Beautiful scenery, large herds of cattle and native wildlife are plentiful today.

Camping Lawn Hill National Park Camp

Day 13
A delicious breakfast, maybe even a swim before, is a great way to start this day in paradise. We pack our lunch and follow the walking trails to the upper end of the gorges. We enjoy out-standing views from the many lookouts before the trail leads us down to the water. We walk amongst palm trees and reach the most beautiful part of the gorges, the waterfall. Here the waters of the upper gorge flow down into the lower gorge. What a place to remain for lunch and a swim. Later in the afternoon the trail brings us back up onto the gorge rim for a brilliant view of the waterfall and from there back to our camp. Time for another swim

Camping Lawn Hill National Park Camp

Day 14
Surely, all of us would like to stay a little longer but more of our adventure still lies head of us. After the relaxing time at Lawn Hill we have to cover some distance today. We reach the Gregory River and soon after the vastness of the Gulf Country opens up completely. We keep driving towards the endless horizon and cross some of the huge rivers we mainly hear of during the wet season only. It is hard to imagine that these now dry waterways are capable of flooding the entire area up here. Later in the afternoon we reach Normanton where we stay overnight. A chance to stock up on fuel and some fresh supplies again.  (Laundry facilities). Dinner at restaurant not included

Motel accommodation

Day 15
We take it easy this morning. Before leaving Normanton there is again time for the laundry if necessary and we take on the required supplies etc. After that we are all set to go and turn north towards Dunbar. We follow the dusty road and cross a few mighty rivers before reaching the Mitchell River where we set up our camp for tonight.

Camping Mitchell River Bush camp

Day 16

Today we spend some time on the road before reaching the upper reaches of the Mitchell River. An ever changing landscape and usually quite a few wildlife to be seen along this route. We set up camp right on the river. Time for a refreshing bath.

Camping Mitchell River, Mt Mulgrave Station Bush camp

Day 17
We follow this winding track north and cross the Palmer River, famous from its Goldrush era. We reach Laura a small township around lunchtime. After lunch a 4WD Track through the magnificent forest brings us to the Jowalbinna Safari Camp where we will stay for the next 2 nights.

 

Uebernachtung: Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp  (Cabin)


Day 18

Today we explore the area under the guidance of one of the Jowalbinna guides. We visit some outstanding Aboriginal rock art sites. This area features the most remarkable rock art in the state of Queensland. In the afternoon there is time to relax, go for a walk or enjoy a swimm in one of the waterholes.

 

Uebernachtung: Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp  (Cabin)


Day 19
We depart from Jowalbinna and follow the track back to the main road at Laura. We follow the main road and reach Cooktown and the Pacific Coast after an adventurous journey across Northern Australia. The town lookout offers a magnificent view over Cooktown, the bay and the Endeavour River Estuary. We enjoy the luxury of the motel and over dinner reflect on what we just completed. Dinner at restaurant not included.

Accommodation Cooktown Motel

Day 20
Our last adventure begins, we take on the steep and winding Bloomfield track, which brings us into the lush tropical Daintree rainforest. A totally different world to what we experienced in the weeks gone by.  Tonight we stay at the Daintree Heritage Lodge. The Lodge is set right in the rainforest. We explore the rainforest and weather permitting spend some time at a tropical beach. Dinner at the restaurant not included.

Accommodation Daintree Heritage Lodge

Day 21
We enjoy our breakfast and reflect on the past weeks we just spent together and all the exciting experiences we had. Then we depart for our final destination, Cairns. The ferry carries us across the Daintree River and from there we follow the beautiful coastal road to Cairns where you will be transferred to your hotel and the tour ends around lunchtime.


I HOPE THAT WITH THIS TOUR I WILL BE ABLE TO SHOW YOU THE UNIQUE BEAUTY OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINENT, ITS FAUNA AND FLORA AND THAT YOU WILL DEPART WITH MANY UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES - Peter Hasler


Services included

Touring and sightseeing in small groups, travelling in modern, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. All entry fees and activities according to the itinerary.

Competent expert guiding by Peter Hasler

Comfortable, clean tent accommodation and camping equipment. Spacious twin share tents or single accommodation on request (extra cost, tent type may be different from double/twin share as shown, comfortable easy to erect dome type tent). Comfortable self-inflating mattress, pillow and torch. Sleeping bag not included (bring your own or hire clean warm sleeping bag)

All other types of accommodation as per itinerary. Includes  Arnhemland Safari Camp, Katherine, Normanton, Jowalbinna Safari Camp, Cooktown Motel and Daintree Heritage Lodge

Daily sumptuous and healthy breakfast and delicious dinner, except 4 dinners as per Itinerary.
Cold lunches are provided in remote areas or where daily activities such as walks are undertaken during the day. In more populated areas, where possible, we stop for lunch at roadhouses, cafes etc. for a light lunch (not included). Snacks in-between, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are NOT included.

 

 

Cairns - Darwin   -   July

day 1  Cairns - Daintree (Lodge)
day 2  Daintree - Cooktown (Motel)
day 3  Cooktown - Jowalbinna Safari Camp (Cabin)
day 4  Jowalbinna Safari Camp
day 5  Jowalbinna - Mitchell River Mt Mulgrave (Bushcamp)
day 6  Mitchell River - Staaten River (Bushcamp)
day 7  Staaten River - Normanton
day 8  Normanton - Lawn Hill Natl. Park
day 9 Lawn Hill Natl. Park
day 10 Lawn Hill Natl. Park - Kingfisher Camp
day 11 Kingfisher Camp
day 12 Kingfisher Camp - Boroloola
day 13 Boroloola - Lorella Springs Station
day 14 Lorella Springs Station
day 15 Lorella SPrings Station - Limmen National Park (Bushcamp)
day 16 Limmen National Park
day 17 Limmen National Park - Katherine (Motel)
day 18  Katherine - Arnhemland
day 19  Arnhemland - Max Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris Camp
day 20  Arnhemland - Max Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris Camp
day 21  Arnhemland – Darwin tour end mid-afternoon

 

In July reversed itinerary. Tour start in Darwin, Tour end in Cairns.

for  Itinerary  ex Darwin

 

 

Cairns - Depart Darwin - Arrival Prices at 1-January-2009

08-July-2009

28-July-2008

AU$7890.- (incl 10%GST)
Surcharge single accom/tent
$790.- (incl 10% GST)
Sleepingbag hire $60.-
(incl 10% GST)

 

 
Tour Itinerary

Print

 

Pre Tour Meeting                              
Your guide will meet you at your hotel on the eve of the tour start for a welcome drink and pre tour information.

Day 1
Welcome to a fascinating tour through this magnificent part of the continent. Your guide will pick you up at the pre-arranged time at your hotel.

Once our group is complete we depart from Cairns and follow the very scenic coastal route to Mossman. A beautiful walk through the lush rainforest at Mossman Gorge will introduce us to this part of the world. Afterwards we reach the Daintree River crossing. The ferry will take us to the other side of the river and soon after we reach a nearby beach and spend some time with swimming and relaxing. Later in the afternoon we reach today’s destination. We check in at the Daintree Heritage Lodge, set in the middle of the lush tropical rainforest. Time left to explore the rainforest on one of the many walking trails near the lodge.  Dinner at the restaurant not included.

Accommodation Daintree Heritage Lodge

Day 2
After breakfast at the lodge, we continue our journey and travel further north. Weather conditions may determine the route chosen today. We reach Cooktown where back in 1770 Captain James Cook was forced to haul in his ship, after hitting the reef on his passage along the coast. First encounter with gravel roads along the route. We stay overnight at a motel in town. Dinner at the restaurant not included.

Accommodation Cooktown Motel

Day 3
Today our adventure really starts. We leave the more populated coastal areas behind and commence our journey from the Pacific Coast across the Gulf Country to the Top End of Australia. Soon after leaving Cooktown we turn onto less travelled roads and head north towards the small township of Laura. From there a 4WD Track leads us to the Jowalbinna Safari Camp where we will stay for the next 2 nights

Jowalbinna Safari Camp (Cabin)

Day 4
 

Today we explore the area under the guidance of one of the Jowalbinna guides. We visit some outstanding Aboriginal rock art sites. This area features the most remarkable rock art in the state of Queensland. In the afternoon there is time to relax, go for a walk or enjoy a swimm in one of the waterholes.

 

Uebernachtung: Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp  (Cabin)

Day 5
After a sumptuous breakfast it is time to depart. We return to the main road at Laura, turn north and after about 20 km turn off onto a winding road which will take us across the mountain range towards the Gulf Country. A wonderful drive, crossing the Palmer River, famous from the Goldrush era, before reaching the Mitchell River near Mt Mulgrave Station. We set up our first Bushcamp right beside the river.

Camping Mitchell River Station Bush camp

Day 6
This morning we keep following the track to the Gulf road, leaving the mountains behind us. We spend most of the day driving to cover some distance. The vast Gulf Country ahead of us. Many Brolgas and Sarus Cranes can usually be seen along this route. By mid-afternoon we reach the Staaten River where we set up another beautiful camp under the stars.

Camping Staaten River Bush camp

Day 7
Today’s drive is rather short. We reach Normanton before lunchtime. After lunch we have time for our laundry if necessary and also time to stock up on fuel and fresh supplies after a few days out in the bush. Dinner at the restaurant (not included)

Motel Accommodation

Day  8
We leave Normanton early and soon after the vastness of the Gulf Country opens up completely. We keep driving towards the endless horizon and cross some of the huge rivers we mainly hear of during the wet season only. It is hard to imagine that these now dry waterways are capable of flooding the entire area up here. We cross the Gregory River and the endless flat plains disappear as we approach today’s destination, Lawn Hill Natl. Park, the jewel of the Gulf Country. Here we set up camp for 3 nights and after setting up the camp, we will all enjoy a swim in the creek.

Camping Lawn Hill National Park Camp

Day 9
A delicious breakfast, maybe even a swim before, is a great way to start this day in paradise. We pack our lunch and follow the walking trails to the upper end of the gorges. We enjoy out-standing views from the many lookouts before the trail leads us down to the water. We walk amongst palm trees and reach the most beautiful part of the gorges, the waterfall. Here the waters of the upper gorge flow down into the lower gorge. What a place to remain for lunch and a swim. Later in the afternoon the trail brings us back up onto the gorge rim for a brilliant view of the waterfall and from there back to our camp. Time for another swim

Camping Lawn Hill National Park Camp

Day 10
Surely, all of us would like to stay a little longer but more of our adventure still lies head of us. We drive past Lawn Hill Station where we cross Lawn Hill Creek at a beautiful spot. From there we follow the station track north and will most likely encounter some wallabies and kangaroos along the way. You will agree, that today’s route is one of the most scenic routes in the outback. We pass large cattle herds before reaching Bowthorn Station. From There we follow the station track further north to the Kingfisher Camp. Brilliant scenery along this route. Kingfisher Camp is beautifully set on the banks of the Nicholson River. Plenty of colourful birds again at this place.

Camping Kingfisher Camp
 
Day 11

We stay at Kingfisher Camp. After breakfast a short drive brings us to Hedley Gorge. We take lunch along and take our time exploring this remote colourful location. Time for a swim before we return to our camp later in the afternoon.

Camping Kingfisher Camp   

Day 12
Today we follow the Gulf road towards Borooloola, crossing the border into the Northern Territory. We cross many creeks and rivers along the way, the amount of water they still carry depending on the intensity of the previous wet season when many roads up here usually are impassable. Today we set up our camp near Borooloola.

Borooloola River Bush camp

Day 13
We continue our journey and reach Borooloola where we stop to stock up on fuel and fresh supplies again. From there we travel north. We turn off towards Bauhinia Station. There a short walk leads to a beautiful waterhole. The more adventurous may swim the 200m to the other end, the others set across in a small dingy. There a waterfall cascades down into a beautiful pool and to our surprise, the water is warm as it flows from a thermal spring further up. After lunch we continue our journey and head north. Again we cross many creeks and rivers and will be able to spot a few animals along the track. By late afternoon we reach our camp at Lorella Springs Station, a lovely camp situated right beside a thermal creek. A warm bath is guaranteed.

Camping Lorella Springs Station

Day 14

We stay on Lorella Springs Station and explore the environment by car and discover hidden pools on foot. The crystal clear water in a pristine surrounding invites for another swim. Another day in paradise.

 

Camping at Lorella Springs Station Camp

 

Day 15

Again time to depart. We drive back to the main road and shortly after reach another highlight of this tour, the Southern Lost City. You will marvel at this natural wonder. We take our time along the 2.5 km walk amongst the towering rock formations. In the afternoon, after a short drive we reach our camp at Butterfly Springs. Time for a plunge in the natural pool

 

Camping Limmen National Park, Butterfly Springs Camp
 

Day 16

We stay another day in the Limmen National Park, no need to pull down our camp today. At the Ranger station we collect the key to unlock the gate to the track leading to the Western Lost City. It will take us about an hour on a remote track to reach this hidden treasure. Again you will be stunned by the beauty of these rock formations. We explore the area on foot enjoy our lunch and return to the camp by mid afternoon. Time for another swim.

 

Camping Limmen National Park, Butterfly Springs Camp


Day 17
We follow the track to Roper Bar and then reach the Stuart Hwy at Mataranka. We reach Katherine where we will again enjoy a break from camping. We stay at a motel in town. (Laundry facilities) Dinner at the restaurant not included.

Accommodation Motel in Katherine

Day 18
Today the final part of our journey commences and surely is a final highlight of this wonderful journey through some of Australia’s remotest areas. We leave Katherine and drive through Kakadu Natl. Park before reaching Cahill’s Crossing where we cross the East Alligator River and enter Arnhemland. We follow the remote tracks to Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp at Mt. Borradaile, where we will spend the next 3 nights.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 19
Today Max Davidson and his team of guides will introduce us to a world of its own. We explore the area in their open vehicles, by boat and on foot. We get a true insight into Aboriginal rock art and history. We encounter crocodiles and see an abundance of birds at the creeks and billabongs. We are amazed at the amount of rock art in this area. Wherever we look, a new surprise shows up. Try your luck at Barramundi (cannot be guaranteed - seasonal) fishing or cool of in a safe natural pool.
The way the two full days we spend here are conducted, are entirely up to Max Davidson and his team as there are many different areas of interest at Mt Borradaile.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 20
Another day full of surprises and unforgettable impressions as we are shown more of what we experienced the previous day.

Accommodation Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris Camp

Day 21
It will not be easy to say goodbye to a place like this but our last tour day has arrived. We depart Arnhemland the way we entered it, along the same route back to Cahill's Crossing. After that we follow the Highway to Darwin where the tour ends.

 
Clients who wish to travel to their next destination on the day of arrival in Darwin should seek advise from Terra Australis Safaris or their Travel Agent. Terra Australis Safaris cannot guarantee exact departure/arrival times and cannot be held responsible for missed connections etc.

I HOPE THAT WITH THIS TOUR I WILL BE ABLE TO SHOW YOU THE UNIQUE BEAUTY OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINENT, ITS FAUNA AND FLORA AND THAT YOU WILL DEPART WITH MANY UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES - Peter Hasler

 

 

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Terra Australis Safaris

PO Box 327

Sth Grafton NSW 2460

Australia

 

Tel. 02 6649 3300

Fax 02 6649 3300

 

Int. Tel. 61 2 6649 3300

Int. Fax 61 2 6649 3300

 

e-mail: ausights@hotkey.net.au

 

Webpage and Photos by Pius Peter Hasler - Copyright 2004