EXPERIENCES / KAKADU
Kakadu NVC WalkMaguk- Gunlom
Overview
- Two separate walks in two very different areas.
- Barramundi Creek with its many waterfalls, closed to the general public, open to keen bushwalkers.
- Baroalba Creek, one of the most amazing landscapes in the park.
Dry season visitors never see anything like this. Every waterfall will be flowing, the landscape will be lush and green. Better still, we'll have every one of our swimming pools to ourselves.
KAKADU
Aug 28- Sep 6
2020
We begin with a fairly long drive from Darwin to the Maguk track in Kakadu. There we park our vehicles and begin the trek, first along the track, then on our wet season bushwalking route that takes us above the falls without having to cross the creek.
Once past the first gorge, the valley opens out as we work our way past the many stunning waterfalls. This area is stunning at any time of the year. In the wet season it is particularly special.
We return to the cars and drive to Cooinda for a relaxing night. Included is a night in a lodge room, a pub meal and a Yellow Waters cruise. The cruise allows you to experience the wetlands in a way that is not possible on foot.
Next we drive to the Gubara track, park the cars and walk about 3 km along a marked trail to the start of our walk up Baroalba Creek.
Later in the season the creek will dry to a series of small pools. But, at this time of year, every little waterfall will be flowing at its best.
Now comes the easiest part of the trip. We camp here for two or even three nights, exploring the basin above with day packs. Here we find an incredible concentration of art sites as well as quarries containing the remains of discarded stone tools that didn't make the grade.
Much of the area is very flat. Sometimes it is very wet, sometimes it is relatively dry — relatively. This is still the wet season so water is everywhere.
Much of the area is very flat. Sometimes it is very wet, sometimes it is relatively dry — relatively. This is still the wet season so water is everywhere.
Sometimes we walk on flat rock ledges and sometimes we do some fairly steep climbs. The views are magnificent.
At camp, our group fly keeps us dry if it rains at dinner time. During the day, we can sit out a passing storm in one of the many rock shelters just as the original inhabitants of the area did for thousands of years.
At the end of the week, we return to the vehicles the way we came and begin the long drive back to Darwin.
Details
DATES
Feb 9-22PRICES
Full price: A$2495
*discounts available
GROUP SIZE
4 - 12 guests
CAMP SITE
Mix of sand and rock ledges. Most sites are good to excellent but we have to avoid some of our dry season campsites which could get flooded. You are unlikely to see anyone else anywhere along the route.
ART
We visit a variety of art sites
SWIMMING
This is the best time to see Kakadu’s waterfalls. We will have good pools at almost every campsite and lunch spot.
WILDLIFE
Birds are always present but spread out at this time of year. You are unlikely to see many large animals. The Yellow Waters cruise is excellent for birds, many of which you are unlikely to see on the walk. It also gives you a good chance to see large estaurine crocodiles.
CLIMATE
It will be hot (although not as hot as you might think) and it will be humid. The average daily maximum is 33-34ºC (91-94ºF). If we get a spell of relatively dry weather, the temperature could reach 40ºC (104ºF). The average minimum is 24ºC (75ºF). Sleeping bags are not needed. Rain is almost certain. On average it will rain two days out of three, mostly in short, sharp bursts. Averages can, however, be misleading. Occasionally, it might rain for days at a time
COOKING
In spite of the wet weather, we will have campfires every night and hot water available every morning.
WALK RATING - HARD
Terrain
There are 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.
You will definitely have to float your pack across one or more flooded creeks. If you can’t swim at least 100 m unaided, do not do this trip.
Vegetation
Much of the walking is through relatively flat, open woodland with a grassy understorey.
Distance
4-6 hours per day
Pack Weight
You need to carry 6 days of food on each section.
Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
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