NT & Kimberley Coastal Adventure

Departing Moorabbin at 8.00am, travel north-west to Kings Creek Station in the Northern Territory. Visit a local indigenous community to learn about their ancient culture and connectedness to the land.

Then head to Kings Canyon Resort, in Watarrka National Park. Each of the six spacious glamping tents, designed to blend in with the beautiful NT landscape, features lounge area, outdoor deck, air-conditioning, ensuite and a coffee machine. Toast the sunset in the outback and look up at the vast expanse of the desert sky. Phenomenal.

Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort, glamping tent

Beginning before dawn, the spellbinding Kings Canyon Rim Walk is quite challenging, particularly at the start, but well worth the effort. As the sun rises, the sandstone turns a stunning array of oranges and reds. Other, easier, walks are available if you don’t feel up to the Rim Walk.

Fly north to Gove/Nhulunbuy on the Arafura Sea in East Arnhemland, then ferry to Bremer Island. Banubanu is an eco-sensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people to show guests the natural wonders and culture of this tranquil location. With only 6 bungalows, the whole retreat is reserved for your group. Relax on your deck and watch the ocean, indulge in your outdoor shower and fall sleep to the sound of the waves.

2 nights: Banubanu Beach Retreat,
beachfront bungalows

Touring at Banubanu is relaxed and based around the tides. Learn about the Yolgnu people’s connection to this region, twitch and click at the island’s 65 identified bird species, and keep a watch for turtles who nest on the beaches. Spend a few hours on the water with a fishing charter (own expense), follow a walking trail around the island, or just laze about and enjoy the peace.

Meals are prepared from the freshest local and Australian produce, with any catches from the day’s fishing activities served hours after being caught.

Overnight: Banubanu Beach Retreat, beachfront bungalows

A short flight to Mt. Borradaile will take you to Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris, 700 square kilometres nestled against the Arnhemland escarpment. Mt Borradaile, known for its amazing rock art, is owned and managed by its traditional custodians, the Amurdak people. Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris has been given honorary custodian status, allowing access to the lucky few.

The central lodge is the hub of the resort. Meet other guests and discuss the day’s explorations over a drink by the pool, read up on some of the local wildlife in the library, and savour fabulous food with attentive service. Deluxe ensuite cabins offer comfort in the tropics and glorious views of the surrounding bush. Relax on your verandah, listen to the birds and take it easy.

2 nights: Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris, deluxe cabins.

At Davidson’s, there are no itineraries or busy time schedules to adhere to. Cruise along the billabong to see the sun set over the floodplain and Mt Borradaile light up with magnificent colours. Explore the wetlands which shelter thousands of myriad birds. Ancient sandstone escarpments,
savannah woodland and rainforests – such a range of landscapes, wildlife and indigenous history makes for an incredibly unique couple of days.

Overnight: Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris, deluxe cabins

Continue west to the Kimberley coast and its breathtaking wilderness landscapes. Leave your aircraft at Mitchell Plateau, known for its Livistona fan palms, and helicopter the rest of the way.

Kimberley Coastal Camp’s barefoot luxury combines fabulous scenery, gourmet food, unique beach front accommodation, barra fishing and ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art with unparalleled hospitality.

Wild dingoes, sea eagles, olive pythons, endangered quolls and many other native animals share this country known to traditional owners as Yalrundair.

Each private bungalow is spacious with a high corrugated roof, a super comfortable bed with luxury bedding, ceiling fan and screen sides to provide
privacy and cooling air flow.

2 nights: Kimberley Coastal Camp

Touring is unstructured and caters to the desires of each guest. A typical day might involve a boat trip to a secluded island, knocking oysters off the rocks and enjoying them with a glass of champers, or a thrilling morning of blue water fishing for mackerel, tuna, giant trevally, and barramundi. Lunch on an island is freshly caught and expertly cooked.

Overnight: Kimberley Coastal Camp

After an early start heli back to your aircraft at Mitchell Plateau. Start flying south-east across Western  Australia, Northern Territory and into South Australia and the Flinders Ranges, where the late afternoon sun exposes the vibrant palette of colours on the mountains. A 30 minute drive takes you into Arkaroola Wilderness Resort.

Reg Sprigg bought Arkaroola in 1968 in order to protect its diverse minerals and rock types. Ahead of his time, Reg practised eco-tourism at Arkaroola long before the word was invented, returning the pastoral land to its natural state and placing strict conditions on access to the area. Reg & Griselda’s son, Doug Sprigg, is the current owner.

After dinner when the skies light up, head to the Dodwell Observatory with Doug for a tour of the universe from a location that provides some of the best viewing conditions in Australia.

Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Mawson room

Begin the last day with the famous Ridgetop Tour in an open-air 4WD vehicle to Siller’s Lookout, to experience the ruggedness and beauty of the Northern Flinders Ranges. The area is home to over 160 species of birds and the shy and endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby, along with craggy mountains, towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and mysterious waterholes.

In the afternoon it’s time to head home. Fly over Lake Frome en-route to Melbourne, arriving at Moorabbin Airport at around 6.00pm, having experienced and learned so much more about this unique country and its inhabitants.