Indigenous Litchfield Spectacular Small Group Tour
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9 hours (approx.)
Small Group Tour
Overview
Your tour will commence with exploring the back roads of Darwin, which will take you to the Finniss River and beyond, into Tess’s family’s country. In here you you’ll stretch your legs at this shady riverside stop and discover the resources available from this riverine environment.
During our tropical summer, from about December to May, road authorities often close the back road into Litchfield due to flooding at this crossing. When this occurs we will enter and leave Litchfield by the main road through the pretty town of Batchelor.
This tour will also demonstrate seasonal bush resources used by local Aboriginal people for thousands of years, and describe the relationship of Litchfield’s landscape features to local indigenous culture.
Learn about the many termites, primary herbivores of the Northern Territory, and the huge housing complexes they build. You’ll be amazed at how indigenous people use these industrious creatures and their homes.
After, discover the Bamboo Creek* area as known as ‘Marchinbar’, an important place for local people. You’ll find out why and learn about the pioneering efforts of our ancestors at the old tin mine here. Please note: *During our tropical summer, from about December to May, road authorities close the road into Bamboo Creek Tin Mine due to flooding. When this occurs we will instead visit Tolmer Falls, which is spectacular at this time of year.
Later, during the tropical summer, you’ll be taken to a short walk through Litchfield’s stone country to Tolmer Falls. The stone country comes alive at this time of year with a profusion of life and a gushing of water into Tolmer’s deep chasms. Please note* During the dry season the stone country around Tolmer Falls is very dry and hot. At this time of year we’ll instead visit the heritage-listed Bamboo Creek Tine Mine.
Just before lunch, you’ll be exclusive visitors to Tess’s family’s private land at beautiful Woolaning Spring*. We’ll enjoy a morning tea stop here in our little patch of rainforest by a crystal clear stream. You can take a therapeutic dip in the warm spring waters or explore the remains of Tess’s family’s sawmill camp. Please note* During tropical summer, from about December to May, the track into Woolaning Spring is often too boggy to use. When this occurs, you will have morning tea at a more accessible spot.
Then enjoy a yummy meal as the you’ll be served a freshly cooked lunch of wild caught barramundi, crocodile and kangaroo, in beautiful surroundings.
After lunch, time to visit iconic Wangi Falls, its plunge pool a popular dry season swimming spot and a special place for indigenous women. Cool off with a swim* or explore the nearby lush rainforest, home to a variety of birds and restless fruit bats. For people who are keen on trekking, there may be an opportunity for a more strenuous walk around and over the falls. Please note* When water levels rise to a pre-determined point during our tropical summer, from about December to May, park authorities close the Wangi Falls plunge pool to swimming due to strong currents and the potential for saltwater crocodiles to enter the plunge pool. Viewing the falls, however, and doing the walk around and over them, is safe and especially spectacular at this time of year.
Before ending the tour, you’ll see stunning Florence Falls from the plateau-top lookout, a short walk from the car park. Keen swimmers can tackle the 135 stairs that lead down to the clear, refreshing waters of Florence’s stone-walled gorge and plunge pool. Easier walks allow swimming too, in the warmer waters above Florence Falls.
At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to the port of Darwin plenty of time in advance before your ship’s departure.
What's Included
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Air conditioned transportation
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Aboriginal English speaking guide
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Lunch
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Bottle of water
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Wangi Falls
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Bamboo Creek
Considerations
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Minimum 2 guests required for tour to operate.
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This tour only operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays and does not operate at all in the months of November, December, January, February and early March.
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Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day (shopping/attractions).
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Discover is not an accepted credit card and American Express usage may be limited.
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Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash.
Special Instructions
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Bring your swimwear and a towel in case the conditions are suitable for you to swim in the waterfalls.
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Wear loose fitting, light weight clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
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The sun is very strong, wear a hat, sunglasses and a minimum of 30+ sunscreen, even if you are outside for short periods.
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Bring a light sweater, jumper or rain jacket and your water bottle.
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This tour operates in all weather. Your tour guides are locals and will have some alternatives sites or activities on the day.
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Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.
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