Tour
Code: NAE08
This tour departs Darwin in 2008:
Contact us for dates
Note:
Private Charter programs and special interest group departures
available upon request. Program can be designed to suit
with accommodation at Ramingining (if available). However,
comfortable camping at Murwangi is encouraged to gain the best
experience. Programs can also continue on and finish in
Nhulunbuy (Gove) or return to Darwin via the central Arnhem
Highway.
ARNHEM LAND, RAMINGINING,
ARAFURA SWAMP, KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, GUNBALANYA (OENPELLI),
MANINGRIDA, MURWANGI
A journey through Arnhem Land...
North Australian Expeditions and Venture North Australia is honoured to offer an 8-day tour through this fascinating part of the world, Arnhem Land, on our journey to Ramingining and the Arafura Swamp, home of the movie ‘Ten Canoes’.
Our exclusive itinerary provides travellers with an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Aboriginal people of Arnhem
Land in the Northern Territory and the opportunity to meet some of the cast of the Ten Canoes movie as we make our way to Ramingining and the Arafura Swamp.
Experience authentic Australia with the Traditional Owners of Arnhem
Land as you visit major rock art sites, hike, fish, hunt, collect
bush tucker (native foods), and learn to weave pandanus with them.
On our journey to Ramingining, we visit the World Heritage listed, Kakadu National Park, and travel on through Arnhem Land, lands of ancient rock art, curious wildlife and surreal landscapes.
En route visit the Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) community where we have the opportunity to wander through the major aboriginal rock art sites of Injalak hill with local guides.
From Gunbalanya continue east to Maningrida to visit the world renowned, Maningrida Arts and Culture Centre, and the impressive and informative Djomi Museum, home to a collection of local Aboriginal art, artefacts, ceremonial dress and photographs.
Our overland Odyssey takes us to Murwangi nearby Ramingining, home of the stars of the Ten Canoes movie.
The Arafura Swamp is a large, irregular inland wetland situated in Arnhem Land and home to hundreds of species of birds. It is unique, as there are no other wetlands listed in the same aggregation.
It is a near pristine Top End floodplain, and the largest wooded swamp in the Northern Territory and possibly Australia (ANCA, 1996).
The site is of cultural significance to Aboriginal people in the area, particularly the Ramingining community.
Ten Canoes, which recently won a special jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival and opened this year’s Sydney festival, is set thousands of years ago and is about a tribe of Aborigines living near the 130,000-hectare Arafura Swamp in far north Australia.
The movie, the product of a two-year collaboration between Director, Rolf de Heer, veteran Aboriginal actor, David Gulpilil and local Aborigines from Ramingining, is a long overdue introduction to Aboriginal social life and cultural traditions before European settlement, just over two centuries ago.
The traditional owners from Ramingining and Murwangi welcome you to come and “share their story”.
SCHEDULED DEPARTURE ITINERARY 2007
DAY 1 : Darwin / Kadadu National Park (L)
At 7:30am your personal guide will meet you and at the Hotel reception. Depart Darwin by 4-WD for Kakadu National Park via the Arnhem highway.
Enter Kakadu via the old Jim Jim road and travel to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). A scenic 1km walk along the Barramundi Creek takes us to the base of the falls where safe swimming in the crystal clear waters is available.
Depart Maguk for Cooinda; home of Yellow Waters where you join the 4:30pm, 2-hour Yellow Waters sunset cruise.
Depart Yellow Waters for Jabiru.
Overnight : Gagadju Crocodile Hotel
*Dinner tonight is at own expense
DAY 2 :
Gunbalanya, Arnhem Land (B,L,D)
Tour Kakadu before departing and entering Arnhem Land via
Cahill’s crossing and making our way to the Gunbalanya community.
This afternoon visit Injalak Arts and Craft Centre.
Overnight : Gunbalanya Community accommodation
DAY 3 :
Injalak Hill / Maningrida (B,L,D)
This morning commence the Injalak Hill rock art tour with local
Aboriginal Guide.
Return to Injalak Arts and Craft Centre before departing for
Maningrida.
Overnight : Maningrida accommodation
DAY 4 : Maningrida (B,L,D)
A relaxing morning before visiting the Maningrida Arts and
Culture Centre and the Djomi Museum.
Overnight : Maningrida accommodation
DAY 5 :
Arafura Swam / Murwangi Station (B,L,D)
Depart Maningrida for Ramingining community, Murwangi Station
and the Arafura Swamp.
Settle in at Murwangi and enjoy the surrounding beauty of the
Arafura wetlands.
Overnight : Murwangi Station camping
DAY 6 :
Arafura Swamp / Ramingining / Murwangi (B,L,D)
Today we travel with local Aboriginal guides out to the Arafura
Swamp, home of the Ten Canoes movie.
Spend the day with Traditional Owners of the area and cast members
of the film before returning to Ramingining / Murwangi Station.
Overnight : Murwangi Station camping
DAY 7 :
Ramingining / Murwangi Station (B,L,D)
This morning we visit the Bula Bula Arts and Craft Centre in
Ramingining before continuing to explore more of the region
spending time with the traditional owners.
Overnight : Murwangi Station camping
DAY 8 :
Ramingining / Darwin (B)
This morning we farewell our hosts and depart Ramingining
returning to Darwin by plane.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your chosen accommodation.
END OF VENTURE NORTH SERVICE
Inclusions:
4WD Landcruiser
GXL vehicle (maximum 6 per vehicle)
Personal Guide
Fully equipped 4-WD trailer
All meals as stated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Yellow Waters cruise
Accommodation as stated (Double / twin share)
Arnhem Land road transit permits and fees
Community fees
Injalak Hill tour fee
Murwangi camping fees
Return air charter from Ramingining to
Darwin
Airport to hotel transfer
Costs:
Based on a minimum of 4 passengers
Cost per person is AUD $ 5,221.00 nett
Maximum of 12 passengers per scheduled tour departure.
*Note: Itinerary is subject to change due to Cultural reasons such as ceremonies and is not the responsibility of North Australian Expeditions. Alternative arrangements will be made should this occur.
*Note: The majority of the program operated in Arnhem Land is on dry communities and no
alcohol is permitted.
The above is subject to availability. Cost includes GST and is
valid until 30 November 2008.
© Copyright North Australian Expeditions 2006. This program is operational only through North Australian Expeditions Pty Ltd.
