Gorgeous secluded waterfalls, rough rocky landscape and unspoiled greenery are spread through out the huge Kakadu National Park. This part of Australia is casually known as the ‘Top End’, where the proximity to the Equator gives it a humid Tropical weather. Our adventure tour through Kakadu was thrilling and exciting – getting down and dirty through bushes and rocky mountains, to unveil purely isolated falls.
Our adventure tour started in the North end of Kakadu. As we clambered over rocks, hiking up to the point where Crocodile Dundee peered out into the Kakadu rainforest, I felt dizzy for a moment there as my sweat was seemingly flooding up my vision. Not the height, nor the heat was making me shudder– the view was making me dizzy, with excitement.
Ubirr lookout
On our way to Ubirr lookout, there were several Aboriginal Rock Art sites that were more pretty impressive, having been drawn hundreds of years ago. According to Aboriginal culture, these rock art have educational purposes – to pass down stories and lessons from one generation to the next. Stories of how the Tasmanian tiger went extinct, and how many other wildlife species have also disappeared for the same reason were told one after another.
Camping out in the outback was exciting to say the least. Although not exactly roughing it out, (after all, we had beds in the tents), it was still refreshingly down-to-earth with no electricity and waking up to wild horses. Every meal was over-the-top thou, with our all-rounded guide dishing up grilled kangaroo steaks, salads and wraps.
Gubana Pools / the Castle
The highlight of the hiking tour was perhaps the rough and challenging way up steeply entangled rocks enroute the Castle, past the Gubana pools. Most hikers only get to the pools. Technically, it’s against the park rules to ascend that way, but to hell with it, it was just 4 of us on our adventure quest, and we were ready for the ride. The way up, and the view at the top, was all worth it.
Wilderness Adventures (co-owned by Adventure tours) did a great job- our guide was amazing with her funny anecdotes and expertise, bringing us off the beaten track. We barely saw any other travelers and we were genuinely in the wild, enjoying every single moment of it!
At the end of the hike, back at the foot of the Castle, we dipped right into the fresh Gubana pools. A rewarding way to cool off the heat after our steep hike.
The tumbling sounds of the waterfalls deep in the rainforests excited me endlessly. At Gubana pools, we were exhilarated to have some private time in a little waterfall off a sandy pathway.
Motorcar Creek Falls / Boulder Falls
But not until the discovery of the Motorcar Creek Falls at Southern Kakadu, did we uncover the allure in the crumbling waters.
Formed phenomenally by tectonic plate movements, the creek was created thousands of years ago. It only gets filled with water in the wet season. (November to March) Luck must have on our side, since we went there right in the middle of the wet season, and we didn’t get hit by any rain!
Another 2km away, was the 3-layered Boulder Creek Falls. Clear shallow waters fill up the lowest level, where huge boulders create an aesthetic natural escarpment.
Venturing into the Kakadu would not have been so fulfilling and eventful without our fellow travel mates and guide from Wilderness Adventures. A genuinely independent way of traveling and getting in touch with nature. The Top End is definitely one of its kind, in stark contrast with the rest of Australia.
Wilderness Adventures offers 3-day adventure tours to Kakadu National Parks for AU$495 (US$320). I would recommend booking in person, only when you’re there in Darwin as you might just get a last-minute discount. Most of these tours depart daily.
wow u were there too! I went there last year. I love Kakadu National Park!
Hi Eunice! Is the place really fantastic? Oh don't tell me I'm so jealous now. I've researched more about kakadu tours adventure until I stumbled upon Nellie's wonderful post. Oh Lord, when can I visit this marvelous place?
Thanks for every other informative web site. The place else may I get that kind of info written in such an ideal means? I have a mission that I’m simply now working on, and I have been on the glance out for such info.| flight deals india http://www.funtraveldeals.com/book-flights/
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful blog!| tyflas http://www.takeload.com
Spot on with this write-up, I truly feel this site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information!| foto nunta http://madvideo.ro/fotograf-de-nunta%2
Why stop at walking up to horses? It would be better to ride across that terrain on one. If anything, it would make exploring a lot easier.