Northern Territory Adventure

Expressions of Interest for 2022 & 2023, 8 Nights

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Northern Territory Adventure
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

Retreat Highlights:

  • Your trip includes in-person training and pre-trip engagement
  • Trips can be created specifically for your club/group or join with an existing retreat
  • Observe stunning wildlife and scenery in World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park
  • Night of camping under the stars
  • Learn about Katherine Gorge's ancient culture and history

This challenging adventure takes you to Katherine Gorge via Kakadu and provides the opportunity to experience World Heritage sites up close. Kakadu alone is home to one-third of Australia's bird species, and we will both cycle and hike deep into this national park, plunge in remote waterholes, and camp under the stars a million miles from whatever stress you are leaving behind.

The challenge of paddling, carrying and dragging your canoe through wet and dry sections of the Katherine Gorge is an achievement that will stay with you for a lifetime. Our experts will individualise a program for you to succeed on this incredible adventure trip.

WHO IS TRAINING FOR TRIPS

Training for Trips will work with you to understand your current level of fitness, training routine and goals. Using this information we will individualise a training program for you to ensure you are fit, ready and confident to have an amazing adventure.
​
We are experts at supporting people to achieve extraordinary things.

​Our resident Strength and Conditioning coach, Justin Crow, has a unique mix of qualifications and experience that guarantees you are getting a training program of the highest quality:

  • Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Pro Scheme: Elite Coach
  • Exercise and Sports Science Australia: Accredited High Performance Manager
  • Australian Physiotherapy Association: Accredited Physiotherapist
  • 10+ years of strength/conditioning, rehabilitation and high performance coaching in the AFL
  • Currently Senior Manager, High Performance at Paralympics Australia

Coupons

About

  • Individualised pre-trip training program
  • 5 nights accommodation, 2 nights camping
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
  • Healthy snacks, fruit and water during activities
  • Bikes and canoes with safety equipment
  • Camping equipment
  • All transportation included within the itinerary
  • Expert local guides
  • International & domestic air tickets unless added
  • Meals and beverage not already mentioned
  • Early check-in and late checkout hotel charges
  • Visas
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tipping, etc

FOOD

All meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) and some snacks during activities are included

ACCOMMODATION

5 nights of comfortable stay in accommodation

2 nights of camping under the stars

Minimum age of participant is 14 years old

Northern Territory is open to domestic and NZ travellers without the need for quarantine if you have not been in a hotspot in the last 14 days

This tour would be ideal for nature lovers who enjoy active vacations

Prices On Request. Prices will vary depending on numbers and any alternations depending on ability.

Contact us to learn more.

Gallery

About The Host

Your Instructors

Your Instructors

Aaron Davis

Aaron has 25 years experience in the travel industry designing and leading adventure travel in Australia, Japan, UK and the US. Aaron values genuine connections and sustainable travel and has built strong relationships with locals around the world.


Justin Crow

Justin is an Elite Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCA), Accredited Physiotherapist (APA), Accredited High Performance Manager (ESSA), and has extensive experience preparing elite athletes to succeed across a wide variety of sports. Justin’s experience includes 12 years at the highest level of Australian football and he is currently employed as Senior Manager, High Performance at Paralympics Australia where he continues his passion of supporting people to do extraordinary things.

Itinerary

  • 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.

Location

Things to keep in mind

If you book on a Training for Trips adventure and the experience is deemed inoperable due to restrictions caused by COVID-19, the following options are available to you:

  • You are able to re-book your trip for any of the next available dates

  • You can re-book onto an alternate trip and your deposit will be transferred across

  • Your deposit can be held in credit to use towards another TFT adventure to be re-booked by 31 Dec 2022.