BARUNGA FESTIVAL PACKAGE, 6-9 JUNE, 2024, DEPARTING DARWIN
This Barunga tour is an exclusive, small group tour, designed to capture the best of the Northern Territory Aboriginal cultural experiences as well as many amazing Top End landmarks including Litchfield and Nitmiluk National parks. Our experienced guide will take you to the Northern Territory’s best swimming holes, waterfalls and hot springs.
Barunga Festival provides the opportunity to meet Aboriginal people in a remote Aboriginal community in a festive environment. Experience Aboriginal culture, art, sport and music at the Barunga Festival, hosted on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn people. Bush tucker, song, dance and authentic experiences await.
All accommodation is provided in two-person safari tents at Gorge View Bush Retreat.
Basic fitness level (ability to walk for 30 minutes) is recommended. This tour is suitable for all types of travellers.
DAY 1: THURSDAY, 6 JUNE
LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK AND KATHERINE GORGE (NITMILUK)
Our tour begins in Darwin departing on Thursday the 6th of June at 7am after pickups from various local accommodation providers. We travel to beautiful Litchfield National Park and get to experience beautiful waterfalls a plenty (so definitely pack your bathers).
In the afternoon, travel to the township of Katherine. We finish the day with a sunset overlooking the Arnhem escarpment enjoying diner and a few drinks looking down to the start of the Katherine Gorge and the meandering Katherine River.
DAY 2: FRIDAY, 7 JUNE
BARUNGA FESTIVAL AND SUNSET DINNER CRUISE AT NITMILUK
We travel to the community of Barunga home of the Jawoyn people to experience the yearly Barunga festival where the people open their community to show the amazing art, dance, craft and sport. More information on the festival can be found here: https://barungafestival.com.au/
We depart Barunga and return to Katherine for a 3.5-hour sunset dinner cruise along the Katherine River where it has cut a path through the ancient sandstone escarpment which forms Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) created by Bulung, the Rainbow Serpent, and the home of the Cicada. The cruise is led by amazing and knowledgeable guides who can speak to the geology, flora, fauna and Aboriginal mythology of the region.
DAY 3: SATURAY, 8 JUNE
MATARANKA HOT SPRINGS AND BARUNGA FESTIVAL
We drive to Mataranka to swim and explore the beautiful Natural thermal pools and relax in the waters before again heading to Barunga community to continue our adventures at the festival. This is a big day and usually finishes late as we enjoy experiencing the various dancers and performers on stage.
DAY 4: SUNDAY, 9 JUNE
TOP DIDJ CULTURAL EXPERIENCE, LELIYN (EDITH FALLS), RETURN TO DARWIN
We attend the multiple award winning Top Didj Art Gallery. We also take this opportunity for those that would like to take a scenic helicopter flight over Nitmiluk.
We then travel to Leliyn (Edith Falls) and hike to the top of the escarpment for a swim in the falls. We then continue our journey to Darwin, stopping in Adelaide River before dropping off at accommodations of your choice between 4pm and 7pm.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
The 4-day tour includes accommodation at the Brolga award winning Gorge View Bush Retreat in 2-person permanent eco-safari tents with very comfortable king single beds, and shared bathroom facilities. Tents include a fan and lights.
All meals are provided except dinner on day 3 where you will be required to purchase your own food at the Barunga festival. All dietary requirements can be accommodated with forward notice.
So strap in, and get ready for the adventure of a life time, with all the best inclusions, wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable guides, and friends you haven’t met yet. For more information, please call Kate or Carney on 0439627902 or book directly on our website by selecting the Barunga Festival Ultimate Package for 6-9 June.
The adventure of a lifetime awaits.