Kakadu, Litchfield, & Surrounds

Transcription

1 Kakadu, Litchfield, & Surrounds Kakadu, Litchfield & Nitmiluk National Parks Nourlangie & Ubirr Rock Art Katherine Gorge Yellow Water Billabong Darwin Mary River Wetlands National Park Waterfalls Tiwi Islands

2 Kakadu, Litchfield & Nitmiluk National Parks Nourlangie & Ubirr Rock Art Katherine Gorge Yellow Water Billabong Darwin Mary River Wetlands National Park Waterfalls Tiwi Islands 2 DISCOVER THE TOP END Let us help you make the most of your time in the Top End. AAT Kings offers one day and half day sightseeing tours in and around Darwin. Leave the stress of exploring an unknown area to a friendly expert. We ll show you all the must-see sights of Darwin plus share local stories and knowledge of their history and culture. We also offer free hotel pick-ups so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your day. For a full list of AAT Kings Day Tours in Uluru, Alice Springs, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Cairns, visit aatkings.com CONTENTS Tour Code Page Litchfield National Park Waterfalls D5 4 Kakadu National Park Explorer D4 5 Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls D11 6 Kakadu, Litchfield, & Surrounds Front Cover Yellow Water Billabong WINNER MAJOR TOUR AND TRANSPORT OPERATORS Culture, Wildlife & Wetlands D6 7 Darwin City Sights D2 8 Jumping Crocs & Nature Adventure D7 9 Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour TFER/TLAN-TFLY 10 Kakadu & Katherine Gorge SHORT BREAK DG42 11 Kakadu & East Alligator River SHORT BREAK DK40 11 Hotel Pick-ups & Booking Conditions Back Cover

3 3 MEET THE AAT KINGS TEAM When you re away from home, you need someone with all the answers; someone who ll look after all your needs. Our fantastic team of AAT Kings Driver Guides, local guides and operations experts work together to make your trip run smoothly from start to end. Come and meet the team they ll put a smile on your face! In addition, all our Driver Guides have received accreditation to guide within Kakadu National Park. AAT KINGS LUXURY COACH FLEET With modern luxurious coaches joining the fleet every year, our vehicles are the newest in Australia. Fully air-conditioned, our coaches are equipped with reclining seats with seat belts and footrests, panoramic windows, an on-board restroom and two-door access. They also feature state-of-the-art technology including DVD player, GPS and PA systems. All of our coaches are equipped with WiFi* and most with USB charging ports. Most importantly, they are driven by the finest operators in the Northern Territory. *WiFi speed and connectivity can be intermittent outside major cities and towns. KAKADU NATIONAL PARK ENTRY FEE The entry fee for Kakadu National Park is $40 per adult (15 May- 31 Oct) & $25 per adult (01 Apr-14 May & 01 Nov-31 Mar) and $20 per child (15 May-31 Oct) and $12.50 per child (01 Apr-14 May & 01 Nov-31 Mar) and is valid for 7 consecutive days. This is an additional compulsory government charge and is subject to change without notice. Child age is 5 to 15 years.

4 Litchfield National Park Waterfalls Full Day Code: D5 Established in 1986, Litchfield National Park is a stunning location. You can take in the splendour of thundering waterfalls, rainforest pockets and historic sacred sites. It is a haven for hundreds of native bird species and the plateau supports a rich range of woodland flora. The traditional custodians of the Park are the Wagait people, many of whom still call the area home. On the way to your first stop in the town of Batchelor, your Driver Guide will keep you entertained with stories surrounding the history of Australia s longest highway, the Stuart Batchelor is the gateway to Litchfield National Park and you ll stop here for a morning tea break at one of the local cafés (own expense) Stop for a photo at the Termite Mounds, the work of local termites, standing upright like magnetic compasses View the double waterfalls of Florence Falls from a high vantage point before making your way down to take a dip in the plunge pool below There s time for an interpretive walk through the scenic bush and monsoon vine forest Continue to spectacular Tolmer Falls, home to several colonies of rare ghost and orange horseshoe bats Take a break to enjoy lunch at Litchfield Café Wangi Falls is the most accessible of rock pools and is the perfect place for you to take a final dip today Water bottle to hold 1 litre, swimmers & towel, hat, sunscreen, enclosed walking shoes, warm layers in cooler months $185 adult $93 child SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Departs Daily 7.20am from Darwin (earlier from your hotel see back cover) Returns 6.00pm approximately For more information visit aatkings.com/d5

5 5 Kakadu National Park Explorer Full Day Code: D4 World Heritage listed and the largest National Park in Australia, Kakadu is one of the most diverse landscapes you ll ever experience and you ll be amazed at the population of wildlife in the water, on the land and in the air. See some of the most amazing terrain Australia has to offer on your way to and inside Kakadu National Park. Marvel at the concentration of rock art sites that illustrate Aboriginal culture found at Kakadu, some dating back 50,000 years. Travelling towards Kakadu along the Arnhem Highway, the Marrakai Plains will provide a beautiful backdrop for your onward journey Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre, where you ll be introduced to the way of life of the Bininj people, traditional owners of this land Join your local guide for a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, home to thousands of saltwater crocodiles and up to 60 species of colourful birdlife, including sea eagles, brolgas and tiny brilliantly-hued kingfishers See estuarine crocodiles basking in the shallows and on the sandy banks Stop to enjoy lunch at Cooinda Travel to the Nourlangie rock art site and take a walk with your Driver Guide around its base to see many different forms of Aboriginal rock art Water bottle to hold 1 litre, hat, sunscreen, enclosed walking shoes, warm layers in cooler months $265 * adult $133 * child SEASON SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT APR NOV DEC MAR Departs Daily (Apr-Nov) and Sun, Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat (Dec-Mar) 6.30am from Darwin (earlier from your hotel see back cover) Returns 7.30pm approximately *Price does not include National Park entry fee. See page 3 for details. For more information visit aatkings.com/d4

6 Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls Full Day Code: D11 Katherine Gorge is located within amazing Nitmiluk National Park, which spans more than 292,000 hectares. With rugged landscapes, thundering waterfalls and unlimited flora and fauna, Nitmiluk is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike. The name Nitmiluk meaning Cicada Place, came from the Jawoyn people who are the traditional custodians of the Park. Travel along Australia s longest highway, the Stuart, on your way into Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge Stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the north of Australia during WWII Enter Nitmiluk National Park, with its rugged landscapes, thundering waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna Visit Leliyn (Edith Falls), where during the dry season you can take a refreshing swim in the waterhole beneath the falls Throughout Nitmiluk you ll see Aboriginal rock art that expresses in images the deep spiritual culture of the Jawoyn people, traditional owners of this land Enjoy a buffet lunch in a shaded outdoor setting Browse through the Visitor Centre and see photographs, memorabilia and traditional Aboriginal artefacts On your two-hour cruise through the 70-metre-high sandstone walls of Katherine Gorge, keep your eyes peeled for freshwater crocodiles, wonderful birdlife and amazing scenery Water bottle to hold 1 litre, swimmers & towel, hat, sunscreen, enclosed walking shoes, warm layers in cooler months $269 adult $135 child SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Departs Mon, Wed & Sat 6.30am from Darwin (earlier from your hotel see back cover) Returns 8.30pm approximately For more information visit aatkings.com/d11

7 7 Culture, Wildlife & Wetlands Full Day SEASONAL SMALL GROUP Code: D6 Learn about the indigenous way of life when you meet your local hosts from Pudakul, who ll deliver an original popular Aboriginal culture and nature-based engagement experience, rich with information, knowledge and culture. Afterwards, cruise on Corroboree Billabong in the magnificent Mary River Wetlands. Experience a natural wonderland, home to the world s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles and a myriad of active birdlife and colourful flora. From the comfort of your custom-built safari boat, look out for the jabiru, sea eagles and heron and spot crocodiles in their natural environment. Depart Darwin and travel through beautiful rural areas abounding with mango and dragon fruit plantations As you heard towards the Adelaide River look out for small agile wallabies and birdlife Engage with local indigenous people, the environment and wildlife, as guests of the family-owned Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours Learn basket weaving techniques, have a go at throwing a spear, try playing a didgeridoo and learn about bush food and medicines Damper and tea are served afterwards Board your cruise on the Mary River Wetlands and Corroboree Billabong Enjoy insightful commentary from your local expert guide Discover the quieter sections of the billabong as you meander through various interconnecting channels Spot saltwater crocodiles, amazing birdlife and beautiful flora Lunch is served on-board, while you re surrounded by nature at its very best Water bottle to hold 1 litre, hat, sunscreen, enclosed walking shoes, warm layers in cooler months. $209 adult $105 child SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Departs Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri 9.15am (May-Oct) from Darwin (earlier from your hotel see back cover) Returns 4.30pm approximately For more information visit aatkings.com/d6

8 8 Darwin City Sights Half Day Code: D2 Darwin is Australia s only tropical capital city and is the largest city in the Northern Territory. It is a former frontier outpost and the gateway to Kakadu National Park. Darwin is treasured country to its traditional owners, the Larrakia people, who are prominent and active members of the local community. A multicultural city, it boasts a population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds. Throughout the tour, your Driver Guide will entertain you with stories about Darwin s colourful history Visit Darwin Aviation Museum and see a B-52 Bomber, on permanent loan from the United States Air Force, among the 19 aircraft on display View some rare amateur footage of the first air-raid on Darwin and original footage from Japanese archives Explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and see the largest permanent display of Aboriginal artwork in Australia Stroll through the Darwin (George Brown) Botanic Gardens, one of the few in the world which has marine and estuarine plants naturally in its grounds. You ll have the chance to see some unique exotic plants and also some local wildlife Hat, sunscreen, enclosed walking shoes, warm layers in cooler months $99 adult $50 child SEASON SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT MAY OCT APR & NOV MAR Departs Daily (May-Oct) and Sun, Wed & Fri (Apr & Nov-Mar) 12.45pm from Darwin (earlier from your hotel see back cover) Returns 6.00pm approximately For more information visit aatkings.com/d2

9 9 Jumping Crocs & Nature Adventure Half Day Code: D7 Spectacular Crocodile Cruises takes you on the Adelaide River to educate you on crocodile biology, territorial habits, and their value to the eco system. On this cruise your wildlife guide offers the crocs a taste of buffalo meat in return for them swimming out to say hello and show their incredible hunting techniques. At Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre learn about wildlife and Aboriginal history and enjoy the views across the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. Cruise on the Adelaide River, home to over 1,600 crocodiles View these prehistoric creatures up-close as your wildlife guide entices them to leap out of the water for a taste of buffalo meat Learn about crocodile biology, territorial habits and their value to the eco system See an amazing array of native birdlife Visit Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre Enjoy superb views across the floodplains. Green season views can often be accompanied by spectacular lightning storms Interactive displays offer an insight into the ecological processes that occur in the wetlands Visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, where the scenery is impressive year-round, and as the wetlands recede, the dam becomes a birdwatcher s delight Because of its monsoon and eucalypt forest, melaleuca woodland and open water, the area attracts a diverse range of reptiles, mammals and marsupials Water bottle to hold 1 litre, hat, sunscreen, enclosed walking shoes, warm layers in cooler months $115 adult $58 child SEASON SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT APR OCT NOV MAR Departs Daily (Apr-Oct) and Mon, Tue, Thu & Sat (Nov-Mar) 1.15pm from Darwin (earlier from your hotel see back cover) Returns 6.30pm approximately For more information visit aatkings.com/d7

10 10 Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour Full Day SEASONAL Code: TFER This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a modern-day Aboriginal community. It will provide you with an insight into the Tiwi people s rich culture and lifestyle. The tour will reveal scenes seldom seen by many outsiders and will leave you with a lifetime memory. Many cities are blessed with island destinations close by, but only Darwin has the Tiwi Islands. You ll be met by your local guide and taken on a journey through the Tiwi Aboriginal community of Nguiu Enjoy morning tea and damper with some Tiwi ladies, as they work on their weaving and painting Your guides and the ladies will demonstrate totemic dances and perform a smoking ceremony to welcome their guests Visit the Tiwi Museum and Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi style Catholic Church At the Tiwi arts and crafts co-operative, see where the artists work. There s the chance to buy artwork and crafts at Island prices Enjoy a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island Visit a scenic lookout and burial site and learn about the Pukamani (Burial) Poles Your guide will share their knowledge of traditional bush tucker, medicines and natural fibres and dyes used by the Tiwi people Lunch is included (Light lunch on Ferry option and less time is spent on the island) Water bottle to hold 1 litre, hat, sunscreen, enclosed walking shoes, warm layers in cooler months $295 adult $148 child SEASON SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT APR, MAY, SEP-NOV JUN-AUG Departs Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal: Thu & Fri (Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov) and Mon, Thu & Fri (Jun, Jul, Aug) 8.00am (7.30am check-in) Returns 5.30pm approximately Tour Alternative Alternative Flight Option to Tiwi Island Taking the flight to Bathurst Island allows for a longer stay to experience Tiwi culture. $309 adult + $290 flight $155 child + $290 flight Code: TLAN-TFLY SEASON SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT APR NOV Departs Darwin General Aviation Fly Tiwi: Mon, Tue & Wed (Apr-Nov) 8.00am (7.00am check-in) Returns 5.30pm approximately For more information visit aatkings.com/tlan-tfly

11 Kakadu & Katherine Gorge Kakadu & East Alligator River 3 Day Short Break Code: DG42 Jumping Crocodile Cruise Kakadu National Park Aboriginal Rock Art Yellow Water Billabong Cruise Katherine Gorge Cruise Edith Falls As this Short Break departs at 7.15am, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night. Day 1: Darwin Jumping Crocodile Cruise Kakadu Cruise on the Adelaide River, home to over 1,600 crocodiles, on the Jumping Crocodile Cruise. Then you ll travel into Kakadu National Park. It s home to a myriad of animals, hundreds of bird species and thousands of different insects and plants. After lunch, stop at Bowali Visitor Centre. Continue to Ubirr, where you ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries to the lookout for a spectacular view over the surrounding wetlands. Hotel: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kakadu Meals: Lunch Day 2: Kakadu Nourlangie Yellow Water Billabong Cruise Katherine You ll be mesmerised as you wander around the Nourlangie rock art site. It has provided shelter to the indigenous people for many thousands of years, and while taking shelter, the rock evolved into a canvas that illustrates the traditional owners very deep spiritual culture. The Bininj people are the traditional custodians of Kakadu and now you ll visit Warradjan Cultural Centre where you ll be introduced to their way of life. Later, join your local guide for a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu s most famous wetland. The picturesque yellow waters are home to thousands of saltwater crocodiles and up to 60 species of colourful birdlife. This afternoon travel to Katherine. Hotel: ibis Styles, Katherine Meals: Lunch Day 3: Katherine Gorge Cruise Depart Darwin Enjoy an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge. One of the most visited sites in Australia s Top End, it is a stunning network of thirteen gorges carved from billion year old sandstone that are home to many rapids and falls, flowing from the Katherine River. Next stop is Leliyn (Edith Falls). The paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at base of the falls is suitable for swimming throughout most of the year (conditions permitting). Return to Darwin stopping at Adelaide River War Cemetery, the resting place for many of those killed in the World War II air raids on Darwin. Your short break concludes this evening. Meals: Full buffet breakfast As this Short Break concludes at 6.00pm, you may like to pre-book accommodation for tonight. Planning to travel in April or between November and March? We have a wet season itinerary available (Code: DG52). For more information contact our reservations team or visit aatkings.com/dg52 2 Day Short Break Code: DK40 Kakadu National Park Yellow Water Billabong Cruise Aboriginal Rock Art & Culture Warradjan Cultural Centre Cultural Cruise with Aboriginal Guide As this Short Break departs at 6.30am, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night. Day 1: Darwin Kakadu National Park Depart Darwin and travel along the Arnhem Highway, passing major river systems and wetland regions, into Kakadu National Park. Located 257 kilometres east of Darwin, the national park covers 20,000 square kilometres of landscape varying from rocky escarpment that is home to historic Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, to the floodplains that are abundant with wildlife. Visit Warradjan Cultural Centre to view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Join your local guide on a cruise of Yellow Water Billabong Cruise. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. After lunch, stop at Nourlangie, where your Driver Guide will lead you on a walk to view the rock art galleries. Hotel: Aurora Kakadu Budget Room (B), Aurora Kakadu Standard Room (R) or Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (S), Kakadu Meals: Lunch Day 2: Kakadu National Park Guluyambi Cultural Cruise Depart Darwin This morning head off with your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for the view over the surrounding wetlands. Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river s abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, you are able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit Bowali Visitor Centre before returning to Darwin, where your short break concludes. Meals: Lunch As this Short Break concludes at 7.30pm, you may like to pre-book accommodation for tonight. Departs Tue & Sat (May-Oct) 7.15am Concludes 6.00pm approximately Departs Daily (Apr-Nov) and Mon & Thu (Dec-Mar) 6.30am Concludes 7.30pm approximately Prices Adult twin Child Twin Low High Low 01 May 2018 to 31 May 2018 & 01 Oct 2018 to 31 Oct Jun 2018 to 30 Sep May 2018 to 31 May 2018 & 01 Oct 2018 to 31 Oct 2018 All prices are per person, land only. Single & triple share prices available on request. Surcharges may apply due to hotel availability. High 01 Jun 2018 to 30 Sep 2018 Superior $1120 $1200 $896 $960 Prices Adult Twin Child Twin Low Mid High Low Mid 01 Dec 2018 to 31 Mar Apr 2018 to 31 May 2018 & 01 Oct 2018 to 30 Nov Jun 2018 to 30 Sep Dec 2018 to 31 Mar Apr 2018 to 31 May 2018 & 01 Oct 2018 to 30 Nov 2018 All prices are per person, land only. Single & triple share prices available on request. Surcharges may apply due to hotel availability. In April & November to March if weather conditions preclude access to the East Alligator region, alternative touring will be arranged on day 2. High 01 Jun 2018 to 30 Sep 2018 Budget B $615 $699 $735 $492 $559 $588 Standard R $625 $710 $750 $500 $568 $600 Superior S $640 $725 $799 $512 $580 $639

12 FREE WIFI & USB Stay connected and charged during your holiday as all of our coaches are equipped with WiFi* and most with USB charging ports. *Speed and reception may vary in remote areas. BOOKING CONDITIONS Prices and Itineraries: This brochure is effective from 01 April 2018 to 31 March Prices shown are in Australian currency, include GST and supersede all prices previously advertised. The operator reserves the right to cancel tours and amend prices, itineraries and days of operation as required. At times it may be necessary to provide alternative transport. Any personal expenses incurred by a client as a result of any delay, alteration or curtailment of any tour, whether caused by flooding or any other causes are the responsibility of the client. Refunds are not available for wet weather or changing weather conditions. Clients are strongly advised to take out travel insurance. All prices are valid subject to Government, hotel and fuel surcharges. Child Prices: Children 2 to 15 years of age are entitled to the child price on ½ Day and 1 Day Tours. Infants up to and including 1 year old are free of charge. Concession Prices: Australian Senior Card Holders, Australian and New Zealand pensioners and full-time Australian Students travel on concessional prices where applicable. Some tours not operated by AAT Kings are excluded from this discount. Please have your card with you. Cancellations Short Breaks (DG42/52, DK40): Period of Notice Cancellation Fee 45 or more days Loss of deposit days 27.5% of tour price 21-8 days 33% of tour price 7-1 days 55% of tour price Day of departure 100% of tour price Cancellations Day Tours: Period of Notice Less than 6 days Within 24hrs or no show Cancellation Fee 50% of tour price 100% of tour price Tour Participation: On an AAT Kings tour, children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Clients with disabilities are welcome on AAT Kings tours providing they are accompanied by an able-bodied companion and do not require special assistance from AAT Kings personnel. AAT Kings reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach tour travel and who may require services and facilities that AAT Kings cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold AAT Kings responsible for any decision made by AAT Kings or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you. Smoking: Government regulations prohibit smoking inside tourist coaches within Australia. Please restrict smoking to the ample stops en route. Optional Tours & Selected Included Tours including cruises: These tours are not operated by AAT Kings, or by persons or companies associated with AAT Kings. Therefore we cannot and do not take any responsibility whatsoever for any injury or loss of any type arising in any manner including whether as a result of negligence or otherwise. Photography: A selection of photography in this brochure has been supplied by Tourism Australia, Tourism Northern Territory, Shaana McNaught, Getty Images & ShutterStock. For full booking conditions visit: aatkings.com FREE HOTEL PICK-UPS Please be outside the hotel 5 minutes prior to pick-up time D4/ D11/ DK40 D5/ DG42 D6 D2 D7 Alatai Apartments Argus Apartments Argus Hotel Cavanagh Hotel City Garden Apts Cullen Bay Apts Darwin Central Hotel Darwin City Edge Motel Discovery Holiday Park DoubleTree Darwin by Hilton DoubleTree Esplanade by Hilton Free Spirit Resort H Hotel Hidden Valley Caravan Park Hilton Darwin Howard Springs Caravan Park (highway) Mantra on the Esplanade Mantra Pandanas Marrakai Apts Novotel Atrium Palms City Resort Quest Berrimah Rydges Palmerston SkyCity Transit Centre Travelodge Darwin Resort Vibe/Adina Waterfront HOW TO BOOK Telephone Online aatkings.com daytoursres@aatkings.com.au In Store Shop 6, 52 Mitchell Street, Darwin, Northern Territory or book with your hotel concierge AAT Kings Tours Pty Ltd Bourke Road Alexandria NSW 2015 T ABN a family of brands ttc.com 12385b