Kakadu escarpmentKAKADU NATIONAL PARKRugged stony plateaux, red escarpments rivenby waterfalls, long twisting rivers and wetlandsfestooned with flowers and birds: add in awealth of Aboriginal rock art sites and faunathat is more curious the closer you look and it iseasy to see why this is one of the mostimportant UNESCO World-Heritage areas. Jointlyowned by three traditional Aboriginal groups,the Gagadju, Gundjehmi and the Jawoyn, a visitto this park offers a vivid insight into an ancientland. Cruise the Yellow Water, East Alligator orMary River wetlands to see Kakadu in all itsglory: crowded with lotus lilies, crocodilesresting idly on the banks, the chatter of thekookaburras puncturing the peace and swarmsof parrots scattering the sky. The finest rock artsites can be found at Nourlangie, while at UbirrRock the rock paintings combine with heart-stopping panoramic views. A sandstone ridgeworn by the two strands of Twin Falls and JimJim Falls: both are exquisitely tranquil during thedry season, seething maelstroms in the wet. Dayvisits to the park are possible but an overnightstay accompanied by a guide certainly makes fora more rewarding experience.38EgretsTOURING THE TOP ENDODYSSEY TOURS & SAFARIS Given the vastness of the Top End it makessense to explore this captivating territory with alocal. Odyssey Tours & Safaris' guides combine alove of the bush with in-depth knowledge of itsflora and fauna, and are classified as MasterOperators of the Savannah Guide network - thehighest guiding accolade in Australia. With aprogramme of small-group tours of two, three,five and seven days they explore remote areas ofKakadu, Litchfield, Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge)National Parks and Arnhem Land, withaccommodation in permanent camps, scatteredaround secluded locations. Odyssey Permanent Camps Odyssey's private camps located in Minjungari,Litchfield National Park, Gunlom in the south ofKakadu National Park and Mardugal in the park'scentre, are especially designed for the tropicalOutback environment. Accommodation is in safaritents set on wooden decks, with insect screens onthe windows and comfortable twin beds. In additionto your guide, each site is hosted and together theywill ensure that everything from your cookedbreakfast to your delightful candlelit dinner is freshlyprepared and contributes to your experience. Forthose that seek a little more adventure, you maychoose to sample Outback life by sleeping out underthe stars in a bushman's swag.Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn,Jabiru, Kakadu National ParkThis hotel, renowned for its crocodile shaped design,is situated in the small township of Jabiru. With overa hundred air-conditioned ensuite guestrooms and ashaded swimming pool it serves as a welcome baseafter a long day exploring the national park.Aboriginal guide at Injalak Hill

NORTHERN TERRITORYTHE TOP END |39Arnhem LandARNHEM LAND This immense undisturbed swathe of landblessed with wild coastlines, monsoonrainforests and soaring escarpments is bound byKakadu National Park, the Arafura Sea and theGulf of Carpentaria. One of Australia's mostpowerful cultural sites is at Mount Borradailewhere thousands of rock paintings chronicleeveryday Aborignal beliefs: the Rainbow Serpentpainting found here is one of the most potentspiritual symbols of Aboriginal Dreamtime.Another area rich in art is the remote Oenpelliregion at Injalak Hill where you can seeAboriginal artists at work. Wildlife abounds,with colourful jacana (Jesus-bird) walkingdaintily on the lily pads in billabongs, goannasand frill-necked lizards. Access to Arnhem Landis restricted by decree of the traditionallandowners and only selected guides who haveearned their trust may bring visitors. LORD'S KAKADU ANDARNHEM LAND SAFARISSab Lord, owner of Lord's Safaris, was raised inKakadu and having grown up with localAboriginal people he shares a mutual respectand passion for their values and land, and hisguides are all drawn from the community. Withexclusive access to many areas of culturalsignificance Sab offers a selection of day visitsdeparting from Jabiru in Kakadu National Park,or overnight safaris where you camp out by theside of beautiful sandy billabongs, neartowering waterfalls or on the wide opensavannahs of a remote cattle station. Secrets ofArnhem Land With Sab Lord enjoy exclusive access to ArnhemLand, a truly untouched and wild part of Australiawhere you will visit ancient sacred sites andbushwalk in the company of local Aboriginal guides.Day 1:Arrive in Darwin - spend day at leisure. Day 2:Journey through Kakadu National Park by4WD and spend the afternoon exploringthe rock art galleries at Ubirr Rock.Day 3:Bushwalk through Kakadu and see itsmagnificent waterfalls. Day 4:Visit the Aboriginal lands of ArnhemLand, see some excellent examples ofrock art at Injalak Hill. Visit themagnificent Sandbar billabong.Day 5:Experience spectacular birdlife and spotthe infamous saltwater crocodile on aboat trip on the Yellow Water Billabongbefore you return to Darwin.Day 6:Day at leisure in Darwin.EXTENSIONSParts of Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Landare inaccessible by road during the wet season(December to April), however the sight of brimmingfloodplains and raging waterfalls is amazing. Lord'sSafaris work closely with Davidsons Arnhem LandSafaris and use light aircraft to reach theirwilderness camp in the heart of Arnhem Land,showing the true majesty of both regions.tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.COBOURG PENINSULA,ARNHEM LANDAccessible by an hour's scenic flight over VanDiemen's Gulf the Cobourg Peninsula is primeAustralian wilderness. Its mosaic of sandybeaches, mangroves, rainforest and sea grassmeadows support a rich marine life fromdugongs to loggerhead and Olive Ridley turtles.Home to the Aboriginal clans of Agalda,Ngaindjagar, Madjunbalmi and Muran, thespiritual link with the land and sea is stillprevalent. From Gunners Quoin headland theview over the reefs is awesome, with soaringsea eagles, crocodiles and giant manta rayscruising below. Head west along the coast andpass curiously shaped rock formations beforereaching a small paper bark swamp forest wherebanteng cattle and wallabies come to drink. Afeast for nature lovers, this peninsula offers anincredible diversity of environments.Seven Spirit Bay Lodge,Cobourg Peninsula This delightful lodge is just steps from the sea.Meandering paths weave their way through thewoodland to clusters of tropical 'habitats'. Spaciousrooms have louvered shades with screens to admitthe breeze, and semi-open bathrooms, elegantlysimple and with beautiful views. The main lodge issurrounded by verdant bush and overlooks theArafura Sea on one side and a lagoon pool on theother. A selection of guided treks and 4WD vehiclesafaris set out from here to explore the rock art sitesand secluded bays.Arnhem Land wetlandsSeven Spirit Bay Lodge