Tours

Today we are privileged to visit Arnhem Land, the home of Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years. Access to this area is restricted to a select group of tour operators, and we are allowed to visit this area only by invitation of the traditional owners, who may deny access at any time. Lords Safaris has a proud history of more than 25 years working with the indigenous people of Arnhem Land and Kakadu to ensure the best experience for both the local communities and our clients.

Departing the northern region of Kakadu National Park, we cross the infamous Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River and enter Arnhem Land.

A 15-kilometre scenic drive to the Gunbalanya Indigenous Community provides some of the best driving views in the Top End, taking in floodplains, billabongs and the Arnhem Land escarpment. Gunbalanya is the Aboriginal name for the Oenpelli settlement (which was originally a mission). The area includes the floodplains of the East Alligator River that are covered by water from December to April and a rocky sandstone plateau rising up to 200 metres above the plains.

Upon arrival at Gunbalanya you will visit the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre. Visitors to Injalak will experience the traditional culture of the Kunwinjku people. Here you have the opportunity to experience traditional art in an intimate setting where you can get to know the artist and see firsthand how artworks are created.

Opened in 1989, Injalak Arts is a nonprofit Aboriginal-owned social enterprise whose members are the artists and community. Injalak artists produce traditional art inspired by ancient Dreamtime stories, the nearby rock art galleries and an unbroken link between the present generation of Kunwinjku people and their ancestors.

At the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre there is an opportunity to browse and purchase a range of affordable art in different mediums and styles reflective of the ingenuity of the Kunwinjku people. Injalak caters to both the affordable and fine art markets. Artworks available include paintings on paper and bark, carvings, artefacts such as clap sticks, didgeridoos mimi poles and lorrkons, fibre works such as baskets and grass pandanus floor mats, and special edition prints.

After visiting Injalak we head up into the Mikinj Valley to take in ancient Aboriginal rock art and incredible views. This is a very special place, not only for the local people, but for the Lords Safaris team, who are honoured to be welcomed here.

Today we begin with the magical Maguk (Barramundi) Gorge. A one-kilometre walk through sub-monsoon rain forest leads to the base of a beautiful plunge pool. Maguk Gorge is a natural wonder of crystal-clear water surrounded by towering rock walls, the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing swim in paradise.

After leaving Maguk we then head on to Bamurru Plains, an exclusive lodge and wildlife experience on the magnificent Mary River floodplains. Located on Swim Creek Station, this safari-style camp is surrounded by savannah woodland teeming with an amazing assortment of wildlife, reptiles and birds. The accommodation is comfortable freestanding bungalows that are spacious and screened to let in the sounds of the floodplains. The camp also boasts a large dining area with commanding views across the vast wetlands, a 10-metre infinity pool and a library.

The focus of your stay at Bamurru is the environment around you and the wildlife and bird life for which it is home. Each individual safari bungalow is designed to blend with the surroundings and immerse guests in the sights and sounds of the bush around you, whether it is the haunting call of a Whistling kite, the raucous cacophony from the Blue-winged kookaburras as dawn breaks or the sound of a full grown buffalo splashing its way through the floodplains just a short distance from your bed. The morning chorus of tens of thousands of Magpie geese, after which the camp is named, is an experience in itself.

The Mary River catchments are home to some 236 species of birds, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The significance of this particular property comes in the variety of habitat: Black soil floodplains, paper bark swamps, savannah woodland, river mangroves and coastal beaches support an extraordinary diversity of bird life.

We end the day with a dramatic sunset over the floodplains while enjoying a glass of wine.

A morning airboat adventure on the floodplains is an exhilarating and perfect start to the day, and the only way to truly experience this amazing environment.

While at the camp we enjoy a variety of activities. The floodplains of the Mary River region form one of the most significant ecosystems in Australia. Dominated by the climatic extremes of the tropical monsoon, the wetlands and savannah woodlands that fringe the coastal regions between Darwin and Kakadu National Park harbor an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. This place is home to thousands of Magpie geese, Plumed whistling ducks, egrets, ibis and a host of other birds, not to mention wild buffalo and wallabies.

Our journey ends with your return to Darwin after four magical days amidst the natural beauty, incredible wildlife and rich cultural traditions of the Northern Territory.

• Experienced local guide
• Luxury air conditioned Toyota GXL 4WD vehicle
• Accommodation at the Lords Safaris exclusive permanent camp
• Fogg Dam Reserve
• Yellow Water Billabong cruise
• Arnhem Land entry permits
• Gunbalanya
• Mikinj Valley
• Maguk (Barramundi) Gorge
• Accommodation at Bamurru Plains
• Floodplains airboat tour
• All camping fees
• All meals where noted
• Water bottles
• Alcoholic beverages