Outback Spirit - Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure

Journey through the heart of Arnhem Land on an exclusive touring route and immerse yourself in the world’s oldest surviving culture. Begin with a captivating 'Welcome to Country' performance in Nhulunbuy and explore award-winning art centres while learning about bush medicine. Discover the sacred Arafura Swamp by boat and 4WD and marvel at the exquisite rock art of Mt Borradaile, including the ancient 'catacombs.' Engage in authentic cultural activities led by Indigenous guides before venturing into the rugged Cobourg Peninsula on a thrilling open-back 4WD safari. Enjoy a half-day barramundi fishing adventure on the Liverpool River and visit the historic Victoria Settlement at Port Essington. Relax in luxurious safari camps, including three nights at Seven Spirit Bay, nestled within the pristine Cobourg Marine Park Sanctuary.

Upon arriving at Cairns Airport, your journey begins with a flight to Gove Airport aboard Airnorth. There, you will be warmly welcomed by your knowledgeable and friendly tour director. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the history and charm of this remote frontier village, established in the 1960s following the discovery of bauxite on the Gove Peninsula. Take in breathtaking views from the Roy (Malpi) Marika Lookout, overlooking the coastline, Gayngaru Wetlands, and Gove Harbour. Conclude your day by settling in for a relaxing two-night stay at the Walkabout Lodge.

The Gove Peninsula has been home to Yolngu people for over 60,000 years and is one of the most culturally significant regions in Australia. You’ll get a true sense of this with a special ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony at Wirrwawuy Beach, where you will learn about Yolngu culture and kinship firsthand. Visit the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka art centre, which boasts many renowned Aboriginal artists whose work (particularly those painted on bark) can be found in galleries all over the world. Yirrkala is also where the Aboriginal Land Rights movement started when the ‘bark petition’ was sent to Federal Parliament in 1963. From the art centre, it’s a short stroll to Shady Beach, where we enjoy lunch followed by a special Bush Medicine and Women’s Healing demonstration. Experience traditional healing ways and hear stories of how Yolngu live and heal on their land. Return to Nhulunbuy late this afternoon for a second night at the Walkabout Lodge.

Today, the journey into the heart of Arnhem Land begins. Departing Nhulunbuy, the route follows the Central Arnhem road southwest to the Goyder River, the main tributary flowing into the massive Arafura Swamp. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading north along a track that follows an escarpment before descending onto the Arafura floodplains. This area, known as ‘Murwangi,’ is the site of an exclusive safari camp for the next two nights. Settle into a luxurious safari suite, then savor a delicious dinner in the lodge’s dining room.

The Arafura Swamp, one of Australia’s largest wooded wetlands, spans approximately 1,300 square kilometers. This richly diverse ecosystem can host up to 300,000 waterbirds at once, including Magpie Geese, Egrets, Black-necked Storks, and Brolgas. Of profound cultural significance to the Yolngu People, the swamp also served as the setting for the 2006 film Ten Canoes. The day begins with a serene cruise on the main lagoon, followed by an exhilarating 4WD journey along the swamp’s edge. Indigenous guides share their deep connection to this remarkable landscape throughout both activities. The afternoon allows for some leisure time back at camp before dinner.

This morning begins with a visit to the Bula’bula Art Centre in Ramingining. Engage with local artists and watch as they create stunning works right before your eyes, with the option to purchase pieces if desired. After morning tea at the center, the journey continues west towards Maningrida, crossing the Blyth and Cadell Rivers to arrive at the Barramundi Lodge early in the afternoon. Acquired by Outback Spirit in 2015, this renowned fishing destination holds exclusive licenses for several remote waterways, including the Tomkinson and Liverpool Rivers, thanks to special permission from traditional owners. Redeveloped in early 2016, the lodge now features 12 elegant safari suites and a restaurant with breathtaking views of the floodplains.
After lunch on the front deck, lodge managers provide a familiarisation talk. The rest of the afternoon is free to settle into the safari suite, catch up on washing, or simply relax while admiring the stunning floodplain views. The next two nights are spent here, offering time to explore the surrounding area.

Start your day with an exclusive fishing adventure on the pristine Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers, teeming with Barramundi. Expert fishing guides lead the way to prime spots aboard sturdy Ocean Master vessels, equipped with onboard restrooms and shade canopies for comfort during your remote marine experience. This fishing excursion also serves as a wilderness tour, showcasing breathtaking scenery and offering insightful commentary, making it enjoyable even for those who prefer not to fish.In the afternoon, explore the Maningrida Arts and Cultural Centre and the Djomi Museum, delving into the region's vibrant cultural and spiritual heritage. Conclude the day with a sunset drink on the deck before dinner, sharing stories and laughter about the one that got away!

Departing Maningrida after breakfast, travel through the stone country of west Arnhem Land. Cross the Goomadeer and Liverpool Rivers before arriving at the turnoff to Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safaris, Mount Borradaile. From here, journey along a 40km bush track into the safari lodge, arriving in time for lunch. Check-in to the cabins, your home for the next two nights. This afternoon, highly trained staff at Mount Borradaile will guide you through 40,000 years of Aboriginal culture in a truly awe-inspiring landscape. The area contains some of the most stunning rock art galleries in the world, virtually unrivalled in artistic quality, quantity, colorfulness, and preservation. The walls of the rock shelters are adorned with innumerable pictures documenting traditional Aboriginal life, from now-extinct animals to twentieth-century sailing ships and the iconic Rainbow Serpent. Return to the lodge this evening for dinner.

Today, jump into the open-back Toyotas and continue exploring the wonderland that is Mount Borradaile. Visit the ancient ‘catacombs,’ where the sandstone has been eroded by wind and water over 600 million years, resulting in a massive cave system full of incredible Aboriginal art. Learn about the variety of techniques used in rock paintings as styles evolved over thousands of years of occupation and storytelling. Wander through various occupation sites and view a range of artefacts from when these sites were still in use.
After lunch, explore the incredible wetlands of Cooper Creek. Admire the prolific birdlife and massive crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks while discovering lagoons that seem more like something out of a storybook than real life. As the sun dips toward the horizon and sets over the floodplain, enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles before returning to the lodge for a final night with Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safaris.

Departing Mount Borradaile early, head north and venture into the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Travel up the eastern side of Port Essington to Black Point where you'll meet the marine crewfrom Seven Spirit Bay and board the lodge’s custom-made adventure craft for the short transfer across Port Essington. Upon arriving at the lodge, you’ll be allocated your room for the next three nights, a unique and luxurious ‘habitat' villa. Meet again later this evening for dinner in the lodge restaurant.

Enjoy a marine adventure down Port Essington aboard the lodge's specially designed vessel 'MV Arafura.' Designed by NAIAD in New Zealand and built in Australia, these vessels are the ultimate marine sightseeing craft. Departing from Seven Spirit Bay, the journey retraces the course of the early mariner’s square riggers, passing landmarks like Gunners Quoin, Low Point, Turtle Rock, Observation Cliff, and Record Point on the way to the historic Victoria Settlement.Surveyed in 1838, Victoria Settlement was the third attempt by the British at a northern settlement, after Fort Dundas on Melville Island and Fort Wellington at Raffles Bay. Conceived to facilitate trade with Asia, the settlement consisted of 24 houses and a hospital. Disease was rampant and living conditions poor, leading to its abandonment in 1849. Upon arrival at Victoria Settlement, take an informative and fascinating tour of the old buildings and ruins to learn about life during the early British occupation. An optional extension walk leads to lonely gravestones in the forest, almost forgotten by history.After a picnic lunch on the beach, return to the water for a leisurely cruise back to Seven Spirit Bay. The waters of the Cobourg Marine Park are alive with marine life, so keep an eye out for dolphins, dugong, manta rays, and crocodiles.
The remainder of the afternoon can be spent at leisure at Seven Spirit Bay. Take a dip in the palm-fringed swimming pool, or relax in a luxurious habitat before enjoying sunset drinks on the veranda, followed by dinner in the restaurant. 

The Cobourg Marine Park is teeming with barramundi, Spanish mackerel, golden trevally, and coral trout, to name just a few. After breakfast, board the lodge's state-of-the-art fishing vessels for an exclusive half-day fishing adventure in Port Essington. Featuring an onboard restroom, shade canopy, and comfortable seating, each boat takes only six people, ensuring everyone has the chance to reel something in! Seven Spirit Bay's fishing guides are true professionals with intimate knowledge of the marine park. They'll take you to the best fishing spots and share their marine sanctuary expertise while showcasing some of the most spectacular coastline in northern Australia. These expert guides fish these waters regularly and have up-to-date knowledge of the best sites, giving you the greatest chance of success. Barramundi are just one of many target species, or you may have the opportunity to wrestle with an arm-stretching trevally or black jewfish.A mix of small meandering creeks, mangrove-lined bays, rocky outcrops, and deeper water “bommies” ensures there is nearly always something to be found somewhere. Once the fishing adventure concludes, make your way to a sheltered beach landing at Low Point for a delicious BBQ bush lunch under a shady tree, prepared by the lodge's chef.
After lunch, enjoy a 4WD safari to explore the wonders of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. First up is a visit to the stunning Nypa Palm gallery (Nypa Fruticans), one of only three locations in Australia where these palms can be found (the others are Melville Island and the Wenlock River). A short drive further leads to the upper reaches of Trepang Creek, one of many creek systems mixing spring-fed and tidal influences that help nourish the rich marine life of the park. Next, explore the savannah woodlands of the park, potentially spotting Banteng and Buffalo, while gaining insight into the interesting and varied coastal habitats. The adventure continues with a visit to Gunners Quoin lookout before returning to the lodge in the late afternoon for the third and final evening at Seven Spirit Bay.

This morning, depart for the airstrip and board the Cessna Grand Caravan for the 45 minute scenic flight across Van Diemen Gulf. Upon arriving in Darwin this afternoon, head to the city to check in to the Hilton Garden Inn on The Esplanade. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure before boarding the Charles Darwin for a delicious Territory-style sunset dinner cruise and celebrate a truly amazing trip! 

Enjoy a relaxing morning, before saying goodbye to your outback adventure.