Limited Tours Itinerary
Ten Canoes Cultural Odyssey - 8 day 4WD / Fly
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A journey through Arnhem Land....
North Australian Expeditions and Venture North Australia is honoured to offer an 8-day tour through this fascinating part of the world, Arnhem Land, on our journey to Ramingining and the Arafura Swamp, home of the movie ‘Ten Canoes’.
Our exclusive itinerary provides travellers with an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and the opportunity to meet some of the cast of the Ten Canoes movie as we make our way to Ramingining and the Arafura Swamp. Experience authentic Australia with the Traditional Owners of Arnhem Land as you visit major rock art sites, hike, fish, hunt, collect bush tucker (native foods), and learn to weave pandanus with them.
On our journey to Ramingining, we visit the World Heritage-listed, Kakadu National Park, and travel on through Arnhem Land, lands of ancient rock art, curious wildlife and surreal landscapes. En route visit the Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) community where we have the opportunity to wander through the major aboriginal rock art sites of Injalak hill with local guides. From Gunbalanya continue east to Maningrida to visit the world-renowned Maningrida Arts and Culture Centre and the impressive and informative Djomi Museum, home to a collection of local Aboriginal art, artefacts, ceremonial dress and photographs.
Our overland Odyssey takes us to Murwangi nearby Ramingining, home of the stars of the Ten Canoes movie.
The Arafura Swamp is a large, irregular inland wetland situated in Arnhem Land and home to hundreds of species of birds. It is unique as there are no other wetlands listed in the same aggregation. It is a near pristine Top End floodplain, and the largest wooded swamp in the Northern Territory and possibly Australia (ANCA, 1996). The site is of cultural significance to Aboriginal people in the area, particularly the Ramingining community.
Ten Canoes, which recently won a special jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival and opened this year’s Sydney festival, is set thousands of years ago and is about a tribe of Aborigines living near the 130,000-hectare Arafura Swamp in far north Australia. The movie, the product of a two-year collaboration between Director, Rolf de Heer, veteran Aboriginal actor, David Gulpilil and local Aborigines from Ramingining, is a long overdue introduction to Aboriginal social life and cultural traditions before European settlement, just over two centuries ago.
The traditional owners from Ramingining and Murwangi welcome you to come and “share their story”.
Note: Private Charter programs and special interest group departures available upon request. Program can be designed to suit tour group If accommodation is preferred, it is available at Ramingining however, comfortable camping at Murwangi is encouraged to gain the best experience. Programs can also continue on and finish in Nhulunbuy (Gove) or return to Darwin via the central Arnhem Highway.
Day 1 Darwin - Kakadu
At 7:30am your personal guide will meet you and at the Hotel reception. Depart Darwin by 4-WD for Kakadu National Park via the Arnhem highway. Enter Kakadu via the old Jim Jim road and travel to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). A scenic 1km walk along the Barramundi Creek takes us to the base of the falls where safe swimming in the crystal clear waters is available.Depart Maguk for Cooinda; home of Yellow Waters where you join the 4:30pm, 2-hour Yellow Waters sunset cruise. Depart Yellow Waters for Jabiru.
*Dinner tonight is at own expense
Overnight : Gagadju Crocodile Hotel
Meals : LDay 2 Kakadu to Gunbalanya
Tour Kakadu before departing and entering Arnhem Land via Cahill’s crossing and making our way to the Gunbalanya community.This afternoon visit Injalak Arts and Craft Centre.
Overnight : Gunbalanya Community accommodation
Meals : B L DDay 3 Injalak to Maningrida
This morning commence the Injalak hill rock art tour with local Aboriginal Guide.Return to Injalak Arts and Craft Centre before departing for Maningrida.
Overnight : Maningrida accommodation
Meals : B L DDay 4 Maningrida
A relaxing morning before visiting the Maningrida Arts and Culture Centre and the Djomi Museum.Overnight : Maningrida accommodation
Meals : B L DDay 5 Ramingining, Murwangi Station, Arafura Swamp
Depart Maningrida for Ramingining community, Murwangi Station and the Arafura Swamp.Settle in at Murwangi and enjoy the surrounding beauty of the Arafura wetlands.
Overnight : Murwangi Station camping
Meals : B L DDay 6 Arafura Swamp
Today we travel with local Aboriginal guides out to the Arafura Swamp, home of the Ten Canoes movie. Spend the day with Traditional Owners of the area and cast members of the film before returning to Ramingining / Murwangi Station.Overnight : Murwangi Station camping
Meals : B L DDay 7 Ramingining
This morning we visit the Bula Bula Arts and Craft Centre in Ramingining before continuing to explore more of the region spending time with the traditional owners.Overnight : Murwangi Station camping
Meals : B L DDay 8 Darwin to Kakadu
This morning we farewell our hosts and depart Ramingining returning to Darwin by plane.Upon arrival you will be transferred to your chosen accommodation.
Meals : B
End of North Australian Expeditions Service
Inclusions:
- Private 4WD GXL Landcruiser (maximum 6 passengers per vehicle)
- Personal guide
- Fully equipped 4WD trailer
- Yellow Waters cruise
- Arnhem Land road transit permits and fees
- Community fees
- Injalak Hill tour fees
- Murwangi camping fees
- Return air charter from Ramingining to Darwin
- Airport to hotel transfer
- Meals as stated B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
- Accommodation as stated (double / twin share)
(per scheduled tour departure)
Cost per person is AUD $ 5,221.00 nett
Note :
- Cost includes GST and valid until 30 November 2008
- The above is subject to availability and road conditions.
- Itinerary is subject to change due to cultural reasons such as ceremonies and is not the responsibility of North Australian Expeditions. Alternative arrangements will be made should this occur.
- The majority of the program operated in Arnhem Land is on dry communities and no alcohol is permitted.
- Helicopter flight over the Arafura Swamp (an experience like nothing else) - subject to availability.
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© Copyright North Australian Expeditions 2006. This program is operational only through North Australian Expeditions Pty Ltd.^ top
