Kakadu's Ancient Secrets

Meet your Travel Director and board your luxury vehicle for an unforgettable journey of discovery, and 'Join Trafalgar' in helping to protect our wilderness through contributions to National Parks and Wildlife as part of your trip. Travel across the Finniss River to Litchfield National Park, where you'll have some time to cool off at the tumbling Florence Falls. Venture through tropical monsoon rainforest to Wangi Falls and hear about its importance in Aboriginal custom, before stopping for lunch. Now your exhilarating cross-country journey into magnificent Kakadu National Park begins. Kakadu is a diverse UNESCO World Heritage site. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles as you cross the South Alligator River, and brolgas, magpie geese, and Jabiru as you traverse along the long grasses of the marshes and wetlands. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Prime your adventure legs and 'Dive Into Culture' when you join your Travel Director for a walk at Ubirr rock art site. See the centuries-old art depicting creation ancestors and animals from the area, before heading to Nadab lookout at the top of Ubirr for spectacular views over the surrounding wetlands and mountains. After lunch there's time to take an Optional Experience scenic flight over Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Later, join a 'Local Specialist' for a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, keeping a keen eye out for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful birdlife that inhabit this area. Check in to your hotel and savour every moment as dusk turns to night when you'll join your fellow travellers for dinner.

Today's first official stop is Nourlangie, a site featuring rich Aboriginal rock art. 'Dive Into Culture' as your Travel Director shares a detailed interpretation of Aboriginal culture and art as you explore the various outdoor galleries featuring rock art that dates back 20,000 years. Take in the natural beauty of the area while you enjoy a picnic lunch, then continue through Katherine to Nitmiluk National Park where tonight you'll stay at a five-star luxury eco-lodge surrounded by nature. Stand on your private balcony and savour the uninterrupted views of Nitmiluk National Park right before you.

'Connect With Locals' and meet Manuel Pamkal, a master didgeridoo musician who will greet you with a traditional welcoming tune at a special 'Be My Guest' experience. Manuel will share with you stories of growing up in the bush and will teach you the fine art of rarrk painting using a special brush from a reed called Julk. Indulge the inner artist within you and paint your own masterpiece to take home. This evening, relax on a peaceful cruise along Katherine River. You'll marvel at the rusty-red gorges while you keep a keen eye out for wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people, the custodians of Nitmiluk National Park. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance during the candle-lit three-course Regional Dinner cooked on board your boat.

A leisurely start to the day could see you relax at the lodge or rise early to immerse yourself in the magic of dawn within the national park. Leave the wilderness behind and continue north along the Stuart Highway, stopping at Edith Falls along the way for a refreshing dip. Continue to Adelaide River War Cemetery, which was a significant military headquarters during WWII. Pay tribute to the brave soldiers who gave their lives in the service and defence of their country, then return to Darwin where your epic journey comes to an end (flights to depart after 8pm).