HELL WEST AND CROOKED

Length of Tour: 16 days / 15 nights

Tour Dates: Only available as a private charter on request

Cost: On Application as a private charter only

Pickup Point: Darwin

Includes: Fully escorted by professional and experienced tour guides, accommodation (both camping and accommodated), canoes, entry permits, charter flights and meals where specified.

Highlights Include:

• Day 1: Darwin
  Arrive Darwin. Possible visit to NT Museum & Art Gallery.
  
• Day 2: Katherine River
  Canoe adventure. L/D
  
• Day 3: Katherine River
  Canoe adventure. B/L/D
  
• Day 4: Katherine
  Canoe adventure. Return to Katherine. B/L
  
• Day 5: Manyallaluk and Surrounds
  Manyallaluk cultural experience. Nipanjang rock grotto. B/L/D
  
• Day 6: Arnhem Land
  Exploration of Aboriginal art sites in Arnhem Land. B/L/D
  
• Day 7: Arnhem Land
  Visit Mangarrayi/Yangman people at Jilkminggan (‘Land of the Never Never’). B/L/D
  
• Day 8: Arnhem Land
  Exploration of the ‘Land of the Never Never’. B/L
  
• Day 9: Katherine
  Visit Land of the Lightning Brothers. L
  
• Day 10: Jabiru
  Day excursion to Kakadu. L
  
• Day 11: Darwin
  Drive to Darwin.
  
• Day 12: Aboriginal Island
  Arrive Aboriginal Homeland on an Island off the Arnhem Land coast. L/D
  
• Day 13: Arnhem Land
  Arrive at Safari Camp. B/L/D
  
• Day 14: Arnhem Land
  Exploration of spectacular rock art sites. B/L/D
  
• Day 15: Arnhem Land
  Exploration of local environs. B/L/D
  
• Day 16: Darwin
  Arrive Darwin. B
  

Overview:

Tom Cole, legendary cattle drover, crocodile and buffalo shooter, in his memoirs ‘Hell West and Crooked’ written over sixty years ago, describes aspects of the Northern Territory; “from the southern border to the outlying islands of the Arafura Sea was more than 1,000 miles; from east to west was 500. A total of 523,000 square miles into which most of Europe could be dropped. Within these borders were vast deserts, impenetrable swamps, tropical jungles, unmapped rivers and awesome ranges.’’

In many ways not much has changed. This remote part of Northern Australia remains as vast and intriguing for today’s traveler as it was for these early pioneers opening up the new frontier. The main difference today is that, thanks to modern infrastructure and technology, you can enjoy the wild splendor of this fascinating region in a degree of comfort Tom Cole could never have imagined. Your journey has been carefully designed to provide you with a cumulative experience that will connect you to the spirit of the land, its fascinating characters and history.

The oldest evidence of Aboriginal occupation has been recorded at around 60 000 years in the rock shelters of Kakadu. To this day the many different clan and language groups that own and occupy nearly fifty percent of the Northern Territory are testimony to the oldest cultural continuum in the world. Their ancestors explored, occupied, altered and managed this landscape since the creation times and today their ongoing custodianship blends traditional practices with the cutting edge of modern technology.

One of the most dramatic and visible elements of the rich cultural tapestry you will experience is the artistic expression of the many different cultural groups. It has gained worldwide interest. The stone country of the Arnhem Land plateau hosts one of the world’s treasure troves of rock art displayed in stunning surroundings reaching back over 20 000 years. This legacy is carried on by a host of contemporary artists working in many mediums and materials from the traditional bark paintings and delicate fibrecrafts to intricate designs on fabric, ceramics and even carpets. All of this work relates back to the stories and traditions arising from the varied landscapes which have moulded and governed the lives of the indigenous people who, in many cases, regard the land as their ‘mother’.

Your journey will bring you in touch with people, both black and white, with true passion and a wealth of knowledge about this unique part of Australia. Through their insight and interpretation you will gain a rare experience of the power, beauty and many contradictions of this area which remains a continuing fascination to all who venture to the Top End.

“What a fabulous trip you organised for us, everyone was over the moon about every aspect. It is difficult to work out the highlights as there were so many. However, the canoeing at the start was an ideal way to throw the group together. Although we all knew each other we certainly had not lived so close as was required on the river. After a very short time we were paddling as experienced canoeists. Our guide was just so patient and positive with his group of geriatrics!!!

I don't know if I can really separate the other highlights as all had their own fascinating features.

I think it is important when contemplating the type of trip we undertook to realise that time is needed to come to grips with the whole environment, not only the physical features but also the aboriginal culture. This part of Australia cannot be appreciated in a rush trip of only a week!” I.C. NSW

For any enquiries regarding booking this tour, or for more information about what Diverse Travel Australia can offer, please contact us.

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