REISEPROGRAMM Stand 01

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.

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Luggage:
Luggage is limited to 14 kg per passenger, 1 piece of luggage (max. 14 kg), small backpack, camera bag and sleeping bag (can be hired). As space is limited we advise to use soft bags or backpacks only. We cannot accept suitcases or backpacks with stiff frames. If you travel with additional luggage, this can be stored at your hotel at no cost (round trips only) or can be forwarded to the destination where the tour ends at cost of $20-40 approx. Your guide will assist with this. Please note that Laundry facilities can be used at most caravan parks, motels etc. where we stay overnight. No need to carry detergent, pegs, washing line etc. This is all provided. Do not bring along unnecessary equipment as everything apart from your personal belongings is provided for. Please observe this luggage requirements, thank you!

Clothing:
Please bring along comfortable, practical clothing. warm jacket and jumper, jeans, track suit, shorts, T-shirts, etc. Please note that Laundry facilities can be accessed on every tour.

Hand luggage:
Small bag or small backpack to carry your personal belongings, camera/films, sun glasses, hat, sun lotion with high protection rating 15-30+, insect repellent, swimmers, notebook etc. (all these items are essential on these tours!)

Photography / Filming:
You will certainly have plenty of opportunities to record your experiences with your camera or video recorder. Years of experience have shown however that in regard to your equipment carried, "less" is often better. Take along only what you consider necessary to avoid carrying lots of unnecessary weight on walks etc. A lens with a good zoom range is best suited. Also a wide angle lens for landscape pictures etc. A tripod is not required unless you are used to do so for video recording. A small tripod is in the vehicle to be used if required. please note that in Australia days are generally very bright and high sensitive films are not required. Films with a 100 ASA rating and lower will give better result as the commonly used 200 ASA rated films. For shots in rain forests or when using long range lenses high sensitive films may be required.
Please have your camera checked and/or familiarize yourself with a new camera before departing. Check your batteries and carry a spare battery. In remote places it may be impossible to obtain a new battery for most modern cameras. Slide films are also often unavailable in remote areas, so carry enough film rolls for your requirements.
Rechargeable batteries for video recorders can be recharged wherever power is available, caravan parks, motels, lodges, cottages etc. This is not possible in National Parks and at bush camps along the route. One or two batteries of reasonable capacity however will be adequate in most cases. Charging batteries via the 12 V system of the tour vehicle requires a 12 V charging adapter fitting into the cigarette lighter socket. However this method is only possible while driving longer distances as the car batteries capacity is primarily required to operate the vehicle safely and running the refrigerator.

"Gulflander" Tour - Important!

We would like to advise that very warm clothing to protect you from cold winds is absolutely essential on all scheduled tours. This tour does operate during the mild dry winter months only and during the day, cold conditions are rarely experienced. In the Gulf area however, temperatures after sunset can drop significantly, caused by fresh southerly winds. This sometimes may require warm clothing. Please consider that we will be outdoors even after sunset when temperatures may drop. However warm clothing, a nice camp fire, first class camping equipment and a warm sleeping bag will make sure that you always feel comfortable.