NT Imersions (Gecko Canoeing) Tours and Safaris

Itinerary

Day 1 - L, Accommodated - You will be picked up by our touring partner (Travel North) from your Darwin accommodation. This is the start of a wonderful experience in the Top End of the Northern Territory. Today you will travel through Litchfield National Park. Famous for its accessible waterfalls with lovely clear and safe swimming holes, Litchfield will be an enticing taste of what the Territory has to offer. After Litchfield, the journey continues down the historic 'Stuart Highway, through the towns of Adelaide River and Pine creek, where your guide will convey much of the interesting history of the settlement in the area. Upon arrival in Katherine, you will be taken to your accommodation.

Day 2 - L, D, Camping - You will be met at your Katherine accommodation between 7-7:30 am (0700-0730). You will then be transferred in a 4WD vehicle to Gecko premises, where you will pack your personal effects required for the tour into waterproof bags. You will be fitted with Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) a requirement, to be worn whilst on the river. You will then be transferred to the Katherine River in a 4WD vehicle, sometimes over un-made roads and tracks. A safety brief and paddling instructions for kayaking and canoeing will be given before entering the water. At a relaxing rate, there will be stops along the river for a morning break, lunch, swim and time to view the diverse river environment, bird and wildlife. Approximately 4 pm (1600) you will step ashore for an overnight remote camping experience (no set campsites). There will be time to relax; fish or read all whilst your guide prepares the evening meal. After a campfire meal, enjoyed with your favourite bottle of wine or spirit, sleep in a bed-roll (swag) under a blanket of stars.

Day 3 - B,L,D, Camping - Wake to a dawn chorus in the brisk morning air. There is time for an early morning swim. After a hearty cooked breakfast, we pack-up camp and continue paddling down-stream. As we get further from immediate civilisation, the feel of remoteness sets in. The river continues to change from shady paperbark forests to lush pandanus channels, through open sections, surrounded by the river woods and over some small sparkling rapids which are fun and easy to negotiate. At the end of this satisfying day, you will find yourself in a bit of a routine and will have camp set-up quickly. Leaving yourself enough time to explore, relax, chat , check-out some animal tracks or just 'find yourself'.

Day 4 - B, L Accommodated - After continuing down through the ever-changing river scenery, you will feel truly 'connected' with your surrounds, hearing every little chirp, rustle and splash and then spotting the initiator of these 'sounds of the bush'. At approximately 2:30pm (14:30), you will be picked up from the river and transferred in a 4WD back to Gecko premises to collect your belongings. You will then be transferred to your Katherine accommodation. Tour end 5:30 pm approximately.

Day 5 - Accommodated - A shuttle bus from 'Nitmiluk Tours' will collect you and take you out to the 'sensational 'Nitmiluk National Park' for a Gorge Cruise. Feel the magic of the Gorge at a relaxed leisurely pace. Your knowledgeable guides will bring to life the stories of Bula the Creator, and Nabilil, a dragon like creature of mythology who camped at the entrance to the Gorge and heard the song of the cicada - Nit…Nit…Nit, and called the place Nitmiluk. A return shuttle to your accommodation is included of course.

Day 6 - L, D Safari Camp - You will be picked up by our touring partner (Travel North) from your accommodation at 7:30am for an exciting 2 days in Kakadu, World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Enjoy the splendour of Edith Falls, a deep pool fringed by pandanus palm and high cliffs, before entering Kakadu National Park via Pine Creek and Mary River. We then go to Cooinda, home of the Yellow Water cruises. Enjoy the variety of birds, wildlife and crocodiles on a sunset cruise. Overnight at the Travel North Safari Camp.

Day 7- B, L Depart at 7:00am for Nourlangie Rock, just magic at this time of the morning. Today will create long lasting memories of Kakadu for you, including Ubirr, Bowali, Border Store, East Alligator and so much more....... Arrive Darwin approximately 5:30pm

CANOEING SECTION - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

How Far, How Long, When, How Much:
• The River tour will encompass upto 50km of gentle paddling (or 15-18km per day). This 7 package operates June, July & August only.
• Paddling down stream, there is minimal portaging of equipment.
• Typically, a 3 day driving trip can cover up to 1000km of sealed roads.
• Tours operate during the 'TOP END' dry season, April to October.
• The temperature ranges from 24 C to 39 C, but the nights from June to August can be cool, dropping to 8 degrees Celsius.

Tour bush camping accommodation:
We are fully self-sustained while on tour, giving us the ability to stop and set camp, wherever we wish. You are supplied with:
• A screen tent - for those who wish to sleep inside – you can still see the stars • A canvas bedroll, ‘we call it a swag’ – for those who wish to sleep outside
• A ‘Thermarest’ self inflating mattress
• A sleeping bag which can be fully opened
• A liner (or sheet) and pillow, a torch & mosquito repellent

The Vehicle:
We use a Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier (with 8 side facing bench seats) to transfer to and from our river canoeing tours. Our Touring Partner 'Travel North', use comfortably outfitted 20 seat 'Coaster Buses', which are ideal for the sealed road touring aspects of the Kakadu tour.

The Campsites:
Exclusive to us and well equipped. It includes:
• Dining Tables and chairs (with back rests)
• Cooking Grill, Kettle & Camp ovens
• Riverside views and swimming spots
• A shovel and toilet paper (for the call of nature) We bring out our rubbish; bury human waste 100m from water and burn toilet paper in the fire.
• When in Kakadu we will camp at the Travel North Safari Camp - showers and toilets

Always a surprise for the nature enthusiasts! All hearty home style fresh food.
• Breakfasts are cereal and fruit, tea & coffee
• Dinners are cooked on the grill
• Lunches are 'sandwich' or 'wrap' style with cold meat and salad
• A good old ‘Billy of Tea’ is available at lunch
• Tea, Coffee and Hot chocolate are available at camp
• The guide will do the washing up (unless you really want to help)

The group size:
Litchfield day - maximum 20 passengers
River Tour - maximum 8 guests (unless family booking of more is required)
Kakadu - maximum 20 passengers (Code Share with Travel North)
Nitmiluk day - may be a larger group of up to 40 (the boats are spacious).

Where We Stop:
• We are totally self sufficient giving us the luxury of being selective with our campsites and resting points along the river.
• We Stop On the river we have no designated campsites, all are well equipped and remote. Whilst driving we stop at Cooinda in Kakadu.
• Where We cannot escape the tourist crowds here, however we do try to get away and find our own space as much as possible.
• There's plenty of time to relax, swim, fish, bird watch, encounter wildlife and appreciate the scenery.
• We regularly access these sites with group sizes of 2-8, ensuring that we have minimal impact on the environment.

Tour accommodation:
Katherine accommodation is Motel standard. This may be described as comfortable 2-3 star.

The Canoes/Kayaks:
• We use 'Scupper Pro' sit-on-top kayaks for all trips, (we do have 2 person canoes for those who wish to use them).
• The sit on tops are self draining, comfortable and very stable.
• Many of our guests have never paddled before.
• Our fully qualified and accredited guides ensure that this is not a problem.
• Feedback highlights that paddling your own vessel, adds to the experience.
• Special needs clients may be escorted in a canoe by a guide/chauffer.

Here are some of the things we provide on our - Option 1 - All Inclusive Tours:
• Pick up and drop off at Katherine accommodation.
• 3 Meals a day (cooked breakfasts, fresh lunches, hearty fresh cooked dinners).
• All hot meals are cooked on the fire using either our Grill or Camp Oven/Bedourie - Welcome to the Gecko Bar & Grill where you don't have to cook!
• Morning & Afternoon snacks & Billy Tea - We do not condone swinging a Billy around one's head, however.
• Water - Thank goodness we are paddling on some of the Freshest Water in Australia - Just dip your water bottle into the flow and fill it up.
• 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 leave the alarm clock behind.
• Mattress - Self Inflating Thermarest / Swag - For those who wish to sleep under a blanket of a Million stars.
• Tents - For those who wish to sleep inside.
• Chairs & Tables - Comfort & Relaxation at the end of a wonderful, wildlife filled day.
• Torch / Flashlight - To help you find your bed after a relaxing evening around the campfire.
• Insect Repellant - We don't use a lot of this, more for just in case.
• Dry Bags (Waterproof) to carry your personal belongings.
• Canoes, Kayaks, Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets), Paddles, First Aid Kit, Satellite Phone Communications, Maps & GPS Equipment.

The Area (Katherine Region):
• Katherine: 324 kilometres south of Darwin, Northern Territory.
• The majority of our Canoe/Kayak tours take place on the Katherine /Flora/ Daly River System, starting some 40 kilometres downstream from Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).
• The area that we paddle through is quite remote and represents a real opportunity for an environmental experience.
• Typically, 6/10 tours would encounter no other people.
• The local Riparian Flora and Fauna is prolific and the scenery is varied and beautiful.
• The river system flows all year round and during the long 'Dry' season, it becomes the only water source for all manner of wildlife.
• The Katherine Region is a terrific place to visit and base your Northern Territory experience from.
• We are close to The Kimberley, Gregory National Park, Mataranka/Elsey National Park, Manyallaluk, Kakadu Heritage Area and of course, right on our doorstep, is the magnificent Katherine/Flora/Daly River System.

NOTE: During the months of April to June due seasonal conditions the itinerary may offer alternative touring.

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.