Overview

 Highlights


  • This program is 100% carbon offset. World Expeditions Schools absorb the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions as its ongoing commitment to responsible travel
  • Welcome to country ceremony
  • Indigenous cultural immersion program
  • Corroborree Billabong Wetlands Cruise
  • Experience the iconic Edith Falls
  • Stay in campsites
  • View indigenous rock art galleries
  • Service program day with the local community

Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Area covering some 20,000 square kms. Waterfalls tumble from the red cliffs off the Arnhem Land escarpment into shady pools; tranquil wetlands teem with animal and bird life, while 40,000 years of Aboriginal cultural heritage is on display in the numerous hidden rock art galleries. This private experiential program for the students at St Catherine's gets away from the crowds on a walking based itinerary combining a Corroborree Billabong Wetland Cruise with local elders, indigenous activities and a service program in a local community. It's when you go for a walk beyond the main tourist sites that Kakadu will reveal its true magic.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Melbourne

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate   


On arrival at Darwin Airport you will be met by your guides and transfer to Pudakul land in Wulna country. On arrival we will meet with Aboriginal elders for a traditional welcome to country and a full trip and safety briefing. After the briefing we will set up our camp and prepare lunch with our hosts. Later this afternoon we will embark on a Aboriginal cultural exploration of the surroundings including a bush tucker walk and connection to country. We learn the meaning behind Pudakul (the name of the Macaranga tree used to make spears) and try our hand at throwing one, along with learning about using local fibres and local ochre colours. Tonight we will have a BBQ with our hosts and have storytelling around the campfire with the local community. Overnight camping Pudakul

Meals:  L,D

This morning we rise early and make our breakfast before we break camp and head towards the Mary River Wetlands. We will join our Aboriginal hosts for a private boat exploration along the crocodile infested waters. One of our guides Graham was a park ranger for 14 years and will discuss elements of living on the land alongside the local animals and how the local peoples are custodians of the land and its inhabitants. We then head into Kakadu National Park, and if it is open to the public, we will complete the Ubirr trek. The walk at Ubirr passes several breathtaking Aboriginal art sites and is world renowned. Ubirr’s rock art is considered among the best in the world, with fine examples of x-ray painting as well as contact art from the time when indigenous people first encountered Europeans. Stories about behaviour and law are told at the Mabuyu, Narmarrkan Sisters and Rainbow Serpent paintings. The Bardeljildiji sandstone walk will take us through towering sandstone pillars and small pockets of monsoonal rain forest. If Ubirr is closed we will visit Nanguluwurr rock art site. Tonight we will camp at Jabiru or Cooinder campsite.

Meals:  B,L,D

We wake to the dawn chorus of the multitude of birds of the savannah and wetlands. After a nourishing breakfast we drive a short distance to Nourlangie to explore the Aboriginal Rock Art Sites, some of the oldest and most impressive rock art in the world documenting how life was like in the region thousands of years ago. After lunch we'll head to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre to further our knowledge. We continue to our campsite at Cooinder and set up our base for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will join local legend Mandy Muir at Patonga community in an indigenous immersion program. We will learn about connection to country and join in a range of activities with the local mob. This program is an authentic Aboriginal culture and nature based engagement experience providing the students with information, knowledge and culture. Areas will be bush medicine, bush tucker, art, connection to country and the rich local traditional stories. This afternoon we will join a local community project in setting up a bush tucker and vegetable garden. We return to Cooinder Campsite late this afternoon and prepare dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise early and pack up camp in readiness for the 4 hour drive to picturesque Leiliyn (Edith Falls) located in the Jawoyn-owned Nitmiuk National Park. We aim to arrive by lunchtime and set up camp before embarking on a small trek to the lower pools for a cool refreshing swim. There are three main habitats at Leliyn, the sandstone escarpment, the riverine corridor and the open Eucalypt Woodlands. The are includes many species of interest including the stunning Gouldian Finch, the Hooded Parrot and the Black Wallaroo. Overnight Edith Falls Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will rise at Edith Falls campsite and help prepare breakfast before heading out on a challenging trek to Sweetwater Pools. The trek is approximately 5 hours and takes us to the upper pools at Edith Falls. Todays walk leads us to a wonderful swimming spot where we can cool off in this stunning location. Sweetwater Pool is one of the last days on the iconic Jatbula Trail. We will have a picnic lunch at Sweetwater before trekking back to our camp site at Edith Falls in the afternoon. Overnight Edith Falls campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will rise and prepare breakfast before breaking camp and hitting the trail back to Pudakul Country. We will stop and have lunch at Adelaide River Township before continuing to Pudakul. This afternoon we can debrief and continue our cultural immersion program before enjoying our last dinner together on trail. Overnight Pudakul Country campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will rise to breakfast and break camp to head to the airport for our flight to Melbourne

Meals:  B


Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young men and women to help them deal with adverse situations in life.
CARBON NEUTRAL
World Expeditions Schools absorbs the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.


Inclusions

  • Flights Melbourne to Darwin return on Qantas
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Professional wilderness guides
  • 2 teachers from St Catherine's accompanying each group
  • Safari camps including tents
  • Billabong Corroborree Wildlife cruise
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • All transport in private facilities

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance

Grading

Introductory to Moderate


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Kakadu Explorer Testimonials


Kakadu Explorer Videos

Kakadu Walking Adventure

Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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