Heading north along the Stuart Highway, you will discover there is a lot more too see! With the Devils Marbles, Mataranka thermal pool, Katherine Gorge and two delightful days in the natural and cultural wonderland of Kakadu National Park, this cycling and four-wheel-driving really shows the best of the Top End.
ITINERARY
Day 1
We begin our trek into Australia's 'Top End' with a drive up the Stuart Highway crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and popping into quirky roadside towns, each with their unique claim to fame. Lunch is in the UFO capital of Australia only a short drive from the Devils Marbles. This amazing landform is a collection of huge, round, red-coloured boulders. In the creation story of the Dreaming, the Rainbow Serpent fashioned the earth and then returned to a spot east of the Kimberley at a place where the rainbow meets the earth. The Rainbow Serpent's eggs fossilised and became what non-Indigenous Australians now call the Devils Marbles. The Indigenous people know them as Karlukarlu. An evening ride from Tennant Creek along a purpose built cycleway winds its way to Mary Ann Dam. A great place for a quick dip, before cycling on to the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station before arriving into camp. (D)
Day 2
The weather gets warmer as we enter our northern tropical winter. Following in the footsteps of John McDouall Stuart, Australia’s most accomplished and famous inland explorer. His legacy is the Stuart Highway, and lots of interesting stories that go with it. Red termite mounds dot the landscape as we drive to an interesting old Australian icon, the Daly Waters Pub. The nightly entertainment and eccentric decorations provide a great atmosphere for our Barra and Beef dinner. The next day we arrive in Mataranka (the setting for the novel 'We of the Never Never') for lunch and a swim in the relaxing crystal clear thermal pool. Refreshed, we continue onto Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp. (BL)
Day 3
Riding out of camp, we pass Stuart’s Tree and a WWII airline hangar. Only a little further up the road at the little WWII service town of Larrimah, we enter the gateway to the tropics. By lunchtime we arrive in Mataranka, the setting for the novel ‘We of the Never Never’ by Jeannie Gunn, and enjoy a relaxing swim in the crystal clear thermal springs set amongst lush palms. Refreshed, we continue onto Katherine for a great ride down into Katherine Gorge through Nitmiluk National Park. (BLD)
Day 4
After waking to the vibrant birdsong, we have the whole day to spend here at Katherine Gorge, with time for swimming, opportunity to explore Katherine Gorge in a canoe or breakfast cruise (optional). The afternoon is yours to spend walking, riding and just soaking up the magnificent surrounds of Katherine Gorge. Wildlife, including fruit bats, agile wallabies, bower birds and honeyeaters can be seen only metres away. We spend the night camping here again. (BLD)
Day 5
We bid Katherine farewell and drive on through to the gates of Kakadu National Park. We’ve got the full day for riding, walking and exploring. Climbing up the Arnhemland Plateau we have a great downhill dirt ride through rolling country, parallel to the southern escarpment. Dry season bushfires are part of the yearly cycle in this part of the country and can often be seen, giving us spectacular scenes and beautiful, smoky-red sunsets. The ride ends at our camp, Gunlom Waterfall, where you find it impossible not to swim in the giant plunge pool. Before sunset, with dinner cooking on the fire, we head to the top of the falls for the most spectacular sunset view in the Top End, made even better with a glass of your favourite drop and some nibbles. (BLD)
Day 6
We spend the next two days further exploring the scenic beauty of Kakadu National Park. We begin the day with a morning swim in the plunge pool before heading to the Termite Plains for our ride into Barramundi Gorge. We climb to the top of the falls to enjoy the view and explore the serene chain of waterholes. As the day progresses we travel to Cooinda, home of the Yellow Waters boat cruise. The cruise is optional, but highly recommended for the most spectacular array of wetlands bird life – and usually quite a few saltwater crocodiles, too! (BL)
Day 7
Our last day begins with a ride to ancient Aboriginal art sites at Nourlangie Rock and breathtaking view from Ubirr Rock. We will also visit the Information Centre and more amazing ancient Aboriginal rock art sites at Ubirr Rock. Leaving Kakadu in the afternoon, we travel to the Bark Hutt Inn, and arrive in Darwin late afternoon. Seven days of sun, exercise, good food and camping will leave you feeling very satisfied! (B)
DATES
27/05/2009, 16/08/2009
DURATION
7 days 6 nights
COST
from AUD$1295
Bike hire, camping fees and equipment (tent & thermostat mat), most meals, experienced guide
START/FINISH
Alice Springs, NT/Darwin, NT
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices in Australian dollars. This tour may be connected with the MacDonnell Ranges Cycling Adventure Uluru to Alice Springs, or Gibb River Road itineraries.
Accommodation: Campground & bushcamp
Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunch, 4 Dinners.
Additional costs/optional extras: Please note that not all meals are provided for on this tour, however the tour will always stop at a convenient place for your to purchase a meal not listed as part of the tour’s cost. The Yellow Waters boat cruise in Kakadu is approximately $43.50 per person for a two hour cruise.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
National Parks
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