Northern Territory Adventure

• Pre-trip Training

  As soon as you book we will engage with you in the development of your individualised and targeted training program. You will provide some background information to us on your current training and goals and then we will be in touch to make sure we craft your training program to suit your personal situation.

  This particular program will target bike endurance, kayak-specific movement, hiking capacity, and make sure you are strong enough to drag your kayak over the rocky sections in Katherine Gorge.

  Your journey starts now.

• Day 1

  Welcome meeting

  We gather for the start of our adventure in the evening and discuss our journey ahead before taking the opportunity to get to know each other better and enjoy dinner together on the waterfront.

• Day 2

  Litchfield National Park Ride and Mindil Beach market

  Bike - 56km, Swim - Waterhole exploration

  We will venture to Litchfield National Park on a 56km journey through vast outback landscapes and undulating terrain.

  Our first rest stop is at Wangi Falls, where you will get an opportunity to freshen up in the gentle plunge pools whilst listening to the roaring sounds of the nearby waterfall.

  To continue the theme of swimming holes, the day’s end see us arrive at the spectacular Florence Falls, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the open valley and waterhole below.

  We finish the day at the Mindil Beach markets where we have dinner again by the Darwin waterfront.

• Day 3

  Sunday Ride to Jabiru, via Nourlangie

  Bike - 82km, Hike - 2km

  Today is the longest riding day of our Great Top End Escape as we journey from Yellow Water to Jaibiru.

  After lunch we will head on a mesmerising ride through the Word Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. You may notice termite mounds towering upon the horizon, exotic flora and fauna and maybe even a grey nomad or two.

  Be sure to check out the Anbangbang rock art, showcasing the ancient history of the land through extraordinary indigenous artwork dating back thousands of years.

  Kakadu is teeming with native flora and fauna and we are right in the middle of it.

  Tonight we dine under the Milky Way at the famous Crocodile Hotel and enjoy a sunset that is hard to describe and capture - but we'll try!

  Tonight we take the chance for a short star-gazing hike under the incredible Kakadu sky.

• Day 4

  Ride to Ubirr and billabong cruise

  Bike - 44km

  Today is a jam-packed day of riding and attractions as we roll along and see more of what Kakadu has to offer.

  We begin the day with a magical cruise of the Yellow Waters Billabong. The cruise encompasses the natural surrounds of Kakadu National Park, taking you through one of Australia’s unique ecosystems.

  Keep an eye on the sky – Kakadu National Park is home to approximately one-third of Australia’s bird life, with up to 60 species found soaring between the surrounding floodplains, woodlands and wetlands.

  Take the chance to recuperate or explore with an afternoon of freedom. We won’t need the bikes again so they head back to Darwin.

• Day 5

  Kakadu hike and camp

  Hike - 18 km

  We start out early and hike deep into Kakadu National Park. We roam world-class rock art sites, hike high above the ground along breathtaking escarpments, and watch for wildlife as we stroll around the occasional billiabong.

  Our reward at the end of the day is the opportunity to camp out under the stars in this untouched landscape.

• Day 6

  Kakadu return hike and Katherine Gorge cruise

  Hike - 15 km

  Today we pack up camp and take the scenic route back to Kakadu visitor centre. We then transfer to Nitmiluk visitor center which is the gateway to Katherine Gorge.

  We take the opportunity to cruise the gorge and learn about the culture and history of this ancient landscape.

  Early to bed tonight ahead of a challenging adventure tomorrow.

• Day 7

  Katherine Gorge Canoe/Portage to Smitt Rock campsite

  Canoe/Portage - 12km, Swim - 4km return (optional)

  This is your hardest day and and involves paddling through the stunning Katherine Gorge in addition to carrying and dragging your 18-26kg canoe filled with our camping gear across stretches of rock between gorges. It is an amazing challenge in hot conditions.

  When we finally make it to Smitt Rock we are able to set up camp and embark on a recovery swim through the whole of the 6th Gorge. You won't get further from the hustle and bustle than spending a night on a sandy beach in the middle of Katherine Gorge.

• Day 8

  Butterfly Gorge return hike

  Hike - 15 km, Swim - 4km (optional)

  Wake up with the sun and pack up camp. We take the opportunity for a morning swim and then hike up the cliff face, through Butterfly Gorge, and all the way back to Nitmiluk visitor center.

  We will take the chance to eat lunch together before heading back to Darwin by bus. Tonight is a chance for us to celebrate our achievements, share our stories, and enjoy dinner on the Darwin waterfront.

• Day 9

  Charles Darwin National Park and Sunday Farewell

  Bike - 10km, Mountain biking options available

  This day brings us to the end of our incredible adventure through some of the most untouched natural landscapes in the world. We ride together out to Charles Darwin National Park, where we explore the Wirraway track and hidden munition stores from WWII. Our ride concludes at a picnic ground and a lookout platform that allows us to look back over the city of Darwin and reflect on our trip.

  We share cooked breakfast and take the chance to debrief, and focus on the future. Before we say farewell we take the chance to discuss future training plans, and just as importantly, plans for future trips.

Read More