KCSpecial20
EXPERIENCES / KAKADU
Kakadu Circle Special
Overview
- A special trip combining our best Kakadu Circle with beautiful Dinner Creek.
- Waterfalls, waterfalls and more waterfalls: Koolpin, Twin, Surprise, Graveside, Barramundi, Gunlom.
- Two of the most amazing geological features in the park.
The trip is divided into three sections, any of which can be done on its own.
- Koolpin to Twin: 29 June - 5 July
- Twin to Gunlom: 5-15 July
- Dinner Creek: 15-17 July
KAKADU
29 June - 17 July 2020
We begin with the long drive from Darwin to Koolpin Gorge. Koolpin is beautiful. The pools are perfect for swimming, the waterfalls and views a photographers delight. Aboriginal art sites tell us that this has been a special place for thousands of years.
Although the gorge is only four kilometres long, it is too good to rush through. We take at least a day to reach the top.
From the top of the gorge, we follow one of several possible routes to Twin Falls Creek. All take about two days. None is very difficult.
Continuing downstream, Twin Falls Creek passes through a mix of sandy and rocky areas for about six kilometres to the Amphitheatre Falls where the river drops 20 metres into the upper gorge.
Few groups have ever been able to resist spending at least an hour here just admiring the views and enjoying the pool below the falls.
Another seven km past sandy beaches and more pools brings us to the top of Twin Falls. The last two km is in a restricted area where we have to stick to a marked trail.
After collecting our food drop, we make our way across the plains and climb up the escarpment to enjoy the views and pools at Surprise Falls.
From there, we continue across the plateau, passing through the largest patch of open country rainforest in the park, to the top of Graveside Gorge (Bilkbilkmi) where a double waterfall drops 100 metres into a pool in the gorge below.
If time permits, we will spend two nights at a single camp and take a day to explore the gorges below.
From Graveside, we move on to Cascades Creek with its beautiful cascades and natural water slide, much too inviting to pass by in a rush.
From there, we work our way to the Barramundi system with its many waterfalls. From our final Barramundi camp, a steep climb breings us to a spectacular vantage point where we enjoy a magnificent view across the plateau and over the broken rock country that makes up the headwaters of Waterfall Creek.
From there, we work our way to the Barramundi system with its many waterfalls. From our final Barramundi camp, a steep climb breings us to a spectacular vantage point where we enjoy a magnificent view across the plateau and over the broken rock country that makes up the headwaters of Waterfall Creek.
A climb down to a small rocky plateau brings us to a small cave which a number of people have said is their favourite place in all Kakadu. Water levels and light permitting, those who wish to do so can walk and swim through.
From here, another climb takes us down past more Aboriginal art and onto the plain above Gunlom (UDP) Falls. A six km walk brings us past the largest termite mounds on the plateau to a rocky area with numerous pools and cascades. A further four km gets us to the top of Gunlom Falls where we look out over the plains below. We follow a marked trail to the bottom and the vehicle which will take us to Dinner Creek.
most interesting geological features in Kakadu, for some, a truly special place. No photo can possibly do it justice, so we will not publish one, either in our trip notes or on our website.
Details
DATES
June 29 - July 17
Sec 1: Koolpin to Jim Jim: 29 June - 5 July
Sec 2: Jim Jim to Gunlom: 5-15 July
Sec 3: Dinner Creek: 15-17 July
PRICES
Full price: A$3,595
Sec 1: A$1895
Sec 2: A$2295
Sec 3: A$1195
Sec 1&2: A$3295; Sec 2&3: A$2595
GROUP SIZE
4 - 12 guests
CAMP SITE
Mix of flat rock ledges, sandy beaches and grassy areas.
ART
We visit a variety of art sites
SWIMMING
There will be beautiful pools for swim stops at every camp, most lunches and at other times every day.
WILDLIFE
Birds are always present but still spread out at this time of year. You are unlikely to see many large animals.
CLIMATE
This is as good as it gets.The average daily maximum is 30-31°C. The average minimum is 15-18°C. Rain is very unlikely but not impossible.
Many people don't bother with a tent fly but we recommend bringing something you can pull over yourself if we do get a fluke rainstorm.
FIRE
We plan to have a campfire every night and will have hot water available every morning.
WALK RATING - MODERATE
Terrain
There are A few steep climbs, none of which is over 200 m. As short as they are, these climbs are strenuous. Some may require using your hands to hold on as you climb up or down. None are technically difficult. None require ropes or other special equipment.
There will be some places where you have to step from stone to stone as you walk along the edge of a creek.
The creeks are low enough so that swimming across with packs is unlikely to be necessary. It may, however, be necessary to wade across slippery rocks. Your guide can help if you need assistance.
Vegetation
Much of the walking is through relatively flat, open woodland with a grassy understorey.
Some short sections of grass may hide a broken rocky surface where you will have to be particularly careful. There may be some slow sections where you will have to pass though thick scrub.
Distance
4-6 hours per day. A few days will be longer. The first full day of section two is normally the longest of the trip.
Pack Weight
You need to carry food for up to ten days.
Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
View more
2019 All rights Reserved