NT Imersions (Gecko Canoeing) Tours and Safaris

Itinerary -
Using top quality equipment and qualified, accredited guides, this trip covers approximately 59 kilometres of stunning walking trail. Wildlife encounters, self sufficient ‘backpack’ camping, fantastic service, - it all adds up to being a unique experience. A trip you may never forget.

The Jatbula Trail is an ancient ‘Song Line’ used by the Traditional Aboriginal people of the area. It covers lowland river and creek country, hillsides dotted with dry land eucalypts, higher escarpment country overlooking the Seventeen Mile Valley and beyond and pockets of moist paperbark forests where the temperature drops and you find yourself sitting in a cool comfortable environment.

Day 1 – L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 7kms. - Your friendly guide will pick-up you up at 7 am approximately in a 4WD vehicle from your Katherine accommodation, where you will be transferred to Nitmiluk National Park and the 5 day walking trail, here you will catch a boat across to the mouth of the Seventeen Mile Creek where your trail begins. Hiking into Northern Rock hole for Morning Tea allows time to adjust backpacks and hiking boots before they get too uncomfortable. Take a rest in the shade, drink some cool water and then continue onto camp at Biddlecombe Cascades where there will be time for a relaxing soak in some of the scenic and shaded rock pools.

Day 2 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 11kms. - After starting early – always good to get going on sunup – we continue on our way to Edith Falls. Today we will see the first of our Rock Art paintings, sheltered by an amazing rock formation; we will spend Morning Tea, again resting our backs and feet before moving onto camp at Crystal Falls. Crystal Creek is a great place to get out and stretch the body in the huge waterhole right beside the camp.

Day 3 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 10kms. - Another early start gets us to the Crystal Falls Lookout first thing for a sunrise, then we move onto the Amphitheatre for Morning Tea where we can leave our packs behind for 40 mins and descend into the cool monsoon forest to explore for more Rock Art, or maybe just sit in the shade and enjoy the serenity. Camp tonight is at the top of 17 Mile Falls, a walk to the bottom can be arranged, or you can just relax at the top of the falls in one of the cool and scenic pools.

Day 4 – B, L, D, Camping – Hiking approx 16kms. - Setting off at sunrise will give us time to get to the Edith River Crossing for a late Morning Tea/Early Lunch. Again a great place to take off the backpack and let the feet relax for a while. After our break we arrive at camp for the evening, a place called Sandy Billabong. Here you can swim or spa, a great place for bird watching in the afternoon, and the pool provides amazing reflection shots as the afternoon sky changes colour.

Day 5 – B, L, Camping – Hiking approx 15kms. - One more early start will get us through some long grass, across a couple of creeks and through a bog all in time to have lunch at Sweetwater Pool. This is another amazing place to have a rest and contemplate why we do what we do! After leaving here it is but a mere 5kms more to Edith Falls where we can take the scenic lookout walk back to the Kiosk where a cold drink and an ice cream will be waiting for us.

Returning to Katherine in time to unpack and repack then return to your overnight accommodation where a warm shower and soft bed will be calling your name.

Option 1 - All Inclusive Tours: Here are some of the things we provide on our Option 1 Hiking Tours:
• Pick up and drop off at Katherine accommodation.
• All permits, camping and ferry fees for the hiking trails.
• 3 Meals a day, fresh food where we are able to, dehydrated where we are not! (Except - Day 1 breakfast is not included and Day 5 dinner is not included)
• All hot meals are cooked on the fuel burning stoves provided.
• Morning & Afternoon snacks - fresh fruit, scroggin (trail mix) and muesli bars.
• Water - Thank goodness we are hiking through some of the most unspoilt country in the Top End - Just dip your water bottle into the flow and fill it up (spare water is also carried - aprox 3L each).
• Gecko Canoeing Complimentary Drink Bottle - Take it home and spray your friends.
• Sleeping Bag, Sheet & Pillow - All the comforts of home, we've even remembered to le • Mattress 3/4 Length - Self Inflating Thermarest - For those who wish to sleep under a blanket of a Million stars.
• Plate/Bowl, Cutlery and a Mug - makes it easier to eat and drink at meal time.
• Tents - For those who wish to sleep inside, mosquito nets for those wanting to travel light.
• Head Torch / Flashlight - To help you find your bed after a relaxing evening of storytelling
• Backpacks - 70 - 75L don't stress too much about the size, the maximum weight is about 15kgs.
• First Aid Kit, Satellite Phone Communications, Maps & GPS Equipment.

Option 2 - Guided Only: : Here are some of the things we provide on our Option 2 Hiking Tours:
• Guide.
• Katherine Accommodation Pick up & Drop off.
• Camping.
• Permit & Ferry Fees.

Getting to Katherine:
• Catch the Ghan train
• Catch the greyhound Bus
• Selfdrive 2WD Car and short 4WD rentals from Darwin or 4WD Hire for longer rentals over 5 days from all Capital cities

PLEASE READ CROCODILE AND WILDLIFE INFORMATION [CLICK HERE]

Note:
• Itinerary may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Tradtional owner and national park requirements.
• The above program should only be used as a guideline and tour guides may change programs at their discretion to suit the specific interests of their group.
• Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4pm the day before travel direct with the tour operator.
• Personal luggage 10kgs: Is limited to an overnight bag of max 10kgs and a day pack.

NT Imersions Child Policy On Tours
• Note: N/S = This tour is not available to children 8 years and under.
• Note: *Child rates are for children 9-13 years accompanied by an adult

The Tour Difference

• Scheluded tours operate.
• As Northern Territory's leading small group canoeing safari company, the operator run tours to some of Australia's most scenic areas of the Katherine River.
• • Their tours are nature-based with the emphasis on the unique scenery, wildlife and culture of each area and they cater for everyone from the fit and adventurous who want to get off the beaten track to those who prefer the sound of ‘soft adventure’ and more comfortable facilities!

www.australia4tours.com is based in Darwin Northern Territry and is proudly Australian owned, Australian licensed and locally operated. www.australia4tours.com one of the Northern Territory's leading small group safari, sightseeing, charter, tour and selfdrive specialists' it is a Darwin Northern Territory Travel Agent License.

Goholi Pty Ltd and Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals - Group Australia
Tel: International 0061 (0) 8 89 453 338 (Enquiries for tours - 24 hours a day)
Fax International 0061 (0) 8 89 455 507
Email: goholi@bigpond.com
Goholi a Trade Mark brand

MISSION STATEMENT

Our very experienced Northern Territory staff will help you discover the best of these unique and special tours offers across Australia with camping safaris to one day sight seeing coach trips, eco tours australia adventure camping safaris in Kakadu National Park and Uluru (Ayers Rock) from Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Resort (Uluru) in Northern Territory. We seek out tours from only reputable experienced tour companies to some of Australia's most famous landmarks including Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park(Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park. From the tropical Top End to the spiritual heart of the Red Centre, from Aboriginal Culture to abundant wildlife - then onto Adelaide and Cairns we have sourced an excellent range of tours for your next vacation in Australia. Our experienced staff have collectively over 30 years in the travel industry will help you discover the best of these unique and special tours offers.