Sample Itineraries
What’s a sample itinerary?
Because all our trips are tailormade to suit – it might be hard for you know where to start. So the following tours give you an idea of what can be done in a certain time frame and what can be included. You can then get back to us with what interests you – or what changes you’d like to make.
Northern Exposure – Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield & Katherine
Highlights of Australia’s Top End. The personal nature of this tour means you have the flexibility to enjoy the Top End at your own pace and focus on what interests you at given locations. The itinerary outlined here is an example of what can be done – we can make departure date and time suit YOU – feel free to ask for other options.
Day one:
Depart Darwin in our 4 wheel drive vehicle and head out to Kakadu National Park. Enroute stop in at Window on the Wetlands for a birds eye view of the Adelaide River floodplains. Visit Mamukala for birdwatching over the wetlands then out to the East Alligator River to join a two hour Guluyumbi boat cruise. From here its on to Ubirr Rock to marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art and then sunset over the East Alligator floodplains. Overnight accommodation and dinner at the world famous Crocodile Hotel.
Day two:
For early risers you have the option of a morning flight over Kakadu (extra cost). After breakfast we tour the southern section of Kakadu including Bowali visitor centre, Nourlangie Rock, Yellow Waters, and other sites time permitting. At end of day we leave Kakadu and overnight in Katherine at Knotts Crossing Resort
Day three:
Board a tour boat for a two hour cruise into Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). After lunch travel north via historic Pine Creek gold mining town and then relax at the Pine Creek Railway resort for the evening.
Day four:
Head into Litchfield National Park – waterfalls, termite mounds and rainforests – then onto Darwin for sunset.
Rock Art & Culture Tours into the Land of the Lightning Brothers
The rock art and landscapes of the Australian Aborigines is amongst the oldest on earth. The Victoria River region of the Northern Territory is unique for the large amount of rock art galleries it contains – and for the fact that Aboriginal elder Bill Harney allows visitors to accompany him as he explains the art and culture of his people.
Day one:
Leave from outback town of Katherine in the morning and head west 2 hours to Bills home country. Set up camp by a stream and relax for the afternoon getting to know Bill. Enjoy a campfire dinner and overnite camping under the stars.
Day two:
After a hearty breakfast we head out for the day in four wheel drives exploring rock art sites, hearing Bills stories and looking out for the wildlife that calls this place home – kangaroos, donkeys and lots of birdlife. End of day under the stars again at our campsite.
Day three:
Today we head out in a different direction to see varied styles of art – engravings of animal foot prints – creation figures – and burial sites. Opportunity to learn much about bush medicines and foods from Bill. Last night at our campsite.
Day four:
After breakfast we break camp , say our good byes to Bill and head back to Katherine – arriving around 5pm.
NOTES:
The old people like Bill are dying out and soon this firsthand knowledge will be lost.
Bill and I have been close friends for many years (this year he invited me to perform with him at the Sydney Opera House) and several times a year we head out with small groups – camping under the stars , looking at rock art, burial sites and rock shelters where Bill’s ancestors once lived. The area we travel is wilderness with no facilities other than what we carry in our vehicles.. Tents and bedding are provided and all meals cooked ‘out bush’ style. A percentage of the money generated from each trip is handed over to the Wardaman people to assist with ongoing education and cultural projects.
Days activities involve hiking, and four wheel driving to rock shelters and overhangs to study the art with Bill along with lots of opportunities to see Australian wildlife. Their are some stunning rock gorges in this country with safe places for swimming . A highlight is sitting around the campfire at night to hear more of Bill stories and share in singing and didgeridoo playing..
We go way off the tourist route and can guarantee this as a once in a lifetime experience.
The trip is suitable for most ages – Bill himself is in his 70’s.
If you want to get away from the maddening crowds , in an area where you can almost hear your heartbeat , and hear stories of a culture that we could do well to learn from – you would be welcome.
If you would like to travel with us please email your interest to mike@farout.com.au
Never Never Experience – as seen on Getaway TV
This is the location that put Mike Keighley and FAR OUT ADVENTURES on the International tourist map almost two decades ago and continues to do so. It embodies the ‘real’ Australia – Aboriginal culture, wildlife, bush tucker, waterfalls, wetlands, camping by warm springs, and right in the middle of an Aboriginal owned cattle station in the remote Northern Territory.
The Never Never country is pretty well the closest thing you will get to real paradise – well that’s what our guests say – we agree. However – if you like masses of tourists around you to make you feel safe, or the comfort of a five star hotel and your bed turned down – then don’t read on.
Of course if you are unsure about camping under the stars we also offer alternative outback motel accommodation nearby in the town of Mataranka – but its not the Sheraton!
We want you to experience the World’s oldest culture in an unstructured way, back to basics, away from crowds and tourist buses, and you are invited to join discerning travellers from around the world who rate this place and it’s people as one of their best experiences in Australia. Comments such as – ‘never thought a place like this could exist’, ‘don’t change a thing’, ‘so untouristy’, ‘will be back next year’, ‘wished we could have stayed longer’, ‘am giving up my day job’, and ’trip beyond fabulous’.
