Best of Top End Birding Road Trip
Four day return road trip from Kununurra to Darwin
Kununurra to Darwin extension (instead of flying back to Darwin) will return you back to Darwin after the nine day Best of Top End Birding tour from Darwin to Kununurra. We call in to some very special locations not visited on the first trip. Total distance covered - 1000 kilometres. See map.Map showing the route we take on the 'Best of Top End Birding' return to Darwin journey. The numbers signify our location for each night. (photo copyright map Tourism NT)- Key species - We can use this opportunity to 'mop up' in case their have been any species we missed on the forward trip. We will make the most of opportunities to observe and learn more about many of the species we have already seen, and take in some magnificent landscapes.
- Will this tour suit me? Accommodated or camping, bush breakfasts and a spectacular off-road adventure in Judbarra National Park on day 2. We visit Nitmiluk National Park and do the Nit Nit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise on day three.
- Cost - $1975 per person twin share
- 2021 dates - September 1-4
- More information - For more information about our tours please click FAQ
"A month has gone by since our great 8 day trip with Mike, and we are still talking about it. Hundreds of photos to go through (many to be deleted) but our special photos are of birds new to us. We travelled with a trailer (really a kitchen) and Mike knew where everything was. Bush breakfast with the birds was perfect, much better than eating before we went out. We had breakfast and lunch down to a tee, more time for bird watching. The whole trip was a wonderful experience made even better by our fun travelling companions."
Robin and Rupert
Victoria, Australia
September 2015
Itinerary
Pre-tour accommodation in Kununurra the night before the start of the tour is included in the cost.
DAY 1 - KUNUNURRA to TIMBER CREEK
We leave early from Kununurra to enjoy a bush breakfast at Cockatoo Lagoon, Keep River National Park. Then we explore the Gurrandalng walk, looking for Spinifex Pigeon and Sandstone Shrike-thrush.
Dinner and accommodation at Timber Creek.
DAY 2 - TIMBER CREEK to VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE
We travel down the Bullita access road to Bullita Homestead, the, take the 4WD Tuwakam Track to the beautiful Jasper Gorge.
We continue down Buchanan Highway, onto Victoria Highway to Victoria River Roadhouse
Dinner and accommodation at Victoria River Roadhouse. Day distance 200kms
DAY 3 - VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE to KATHERINE
We leave Victoria River Roadhouse early, have a bush breakfast in another secluded, bird rich location, and continue on to explore the Cutta Cutta Caves near Katherine. We join the 3pm Nit Nit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise at Nitmiluk National Park.
Dinner and accommodation at Katherine. Distance 260km
DAY 4 - KATHERINE to DARWIN
Bush breakfast by a bird rich waterhole near Edith Falls. Return to Darwin via Litchfield National Park.
Drop off at Darwin accommodation.
Please Note: The above itinerary is based on the outcomes of many previous tours to the areas described. Each season is different and as various wildlife observing opportunities arise and depending on the preferences of the group, adjustments will be made.
Inclusions - Accommodation, all with queen bed and single configurations, airconditioning and ensuite - one night at Kununurra, one night at Timber Creek, one night at Victoria River Roadhouse, one night at Katherine. Nit Nit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise, Cutta Cutta Caves entry, all meals. Cold water, tea and coffee and refreshments available at all times. GST.
Exclusions - Alcoholic drinks, purchases of a personal nature such as souvenirs, etc.
Group Tour - Maximum six people, $1975 per person twin share, single supplement $365, camping option $1545 per person
All prices are in Australian dollars. Please click here for conversion to your currency.
Booking Procedure - You can book directly using our secure online booking site by clicking here. Payment options are Visa, Mastercard, Paypal or Bank Transfer. A 20% deposit secures the booking, the balance is due 30 days prior to start of tour. Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries regarding the tour.
Further Information - Visit our FAQ page to learn more about how our tours run. Visit our 'Darwin Accommodation' links page to find some helpful suggestions for pre and post tour arrangements. Our Terms and Conditions document outlines our cancellation and refund policy. Email enquiries@experiencethewild.com.au or ring Jenny or Mike on 0400 404 058
Birdwatching Ethics
Most birdwatchers are cognizant of the needs of birds and avoid causing any undue stress to their avian subjects. We don't use playback to bring birds closer and we keep a respectable distance from nests. There are photos of birds at the nest on this website. These are taken from a reasonable distance with aid of powerful zoom lenses and in most cases, from an established pathway. Also, we don't chase or deliberately flush birds. Quietly stalking them will yield better results, but even this can be interpreted by birds as predatory behaviour. The most satisfying close encounters are had when birds move in to range of their own volition when we wait patiently in the one location. We never place food to bait birds to come in to range. Guides have the benefit of an intimate familiarity with local species and habitats and can set you up to get great results without resorting to questionable practises. Guests are encouraged to speak up if they see any situation that could be detrimental to birds or habitat while on tour.