Aboriginal experiences

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Sydney

  

  Free time in Sydney, where you can visit the Art Gallery. In the heart of the botanical garden, this very diverse museum gives a large place to Aboriginal artists and Australian painters. The gallery also hosts major national and international exhibitions. The café-restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Woolloomooloo Bay. Night in Sydney

• day 2

  Visit of Sydney and the Opera.

  

  Half-day in Sydney with a French-speaking guide. Meet your French-speaking guide for a walk through places that can only be discovered on foot: the historic Rocks district, the birthplace of the Australian nation, with its unique architecture and many fascinating stories. Discover hidden alleys and listen to its tales, from the time of the settlers to today’s Sydney. Your visit includes entry inside the Opera House for a complete and unforgettable experience of this Australian icon. End of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sydney.

• day 3

  Sydney - Ayers Rock

  

  Transfer to Sydney airport and flight to Ayers Rock (not included), then shuttle transfer to your hotel. Excursion with English-speaking guide to observe the sunset over Uluru: Head to Uluru (or Ayers Rock), where you will take a short walk allowing you to observe rock paintings left by Aboriginal ancestors. You will understand the importance of this sacred place for the Aboriginal people. At sunset, you can admire the sun setting behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta. An aperitif will be served so you can enjoy the spectacle of glowing colors. Overnight at Ayers Rock Resort

• day 4

  Ayers Rock - Aboriginal Experience at Cave Hill

  

  Early departure for an exclusive experience in the Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal lands, where you will immerse yourself in the Australian outback and Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal stories about the Creation ancestors will be told to you, illustrated by magnificent rock paintings. The Anangu are the traditional owners of this sacred site, "The Seven Sisters." After this visit, you will take a walk and enjoy these typical Red Center landscapes. A typical "Aussie" barbecue will be served to you. Depending on the availability of the Anangu Aboriginal community, a local guide may be present during the excursion. Overnight at Ayers Rock Resort

• day 5

  Ayers Rock - Kata Tjuta

  

  This morning you will visit another iconic site of the Red Centre, Kata Tjuta or the Olgas. 45 minutes from Ayers Rock, you will take a short walk with a picnic breakfast to enjoy the sunrise and all the color palettes of these strange rock formations. The place is also sacred to the Aboriginal people. You will take a walk in the Walpa Gorge before returning to Ayers Rock. There, another experience awaits you: an Aboriginal painting class that will introduce you to Dot Painting. An Aboriginal artist will explain the techniques and meanings of these paintings. Overnight at Ayers Rock Resort.

• day 6

  Ayers Rock - Darwin

  

  Shuttle transfer to Ayers Rock airport and flight to Darwin (not included), where you will pick up your rental car. Free time in Darwin: you can visit the very interesting Museum & Art Gallery, stroll and have lunch at Stokes Hill Wharf, or visit Crocosaurus Cove, where you can immerse yourself safely in a cage with a crocodile. In the late afternoon, if you are there on a Thursday or Sunday, head to the folkloric Mindil Beach Market. Overnight in Darwin.

• day 7

  Darwin - Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Park

  

  Departure for Litchfield National Park, with its magnificent waterfalls and giant termite mounds. It is also the ideal place to cool off in natural pools after a lovely hike. You will then continue on to Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park. Overnight in Nitmiluk.

• day 8

  Nitmiluk National Park - Kakadu National Park

  

  Nitmiluk National Park, with its 13 successive gorges of clear waters, is renowned for its wild nature. You will take a cruise through the first two gorges of Katherine, which are accessible by boat, and will likely spot some freshwater crocodiles, which are generally harmless. You will take a short walk during which you will see rock paintings, and your English-speaking guide will explain the rites and traditions of the Jawoyn people. You will then have some time to continue exploring the gorges on foot by yourself, or to take a scenic flight. You will then take the road to reach Kakadu National Park. Overnight in Kakadu National Park.

• day 9

  Yellow Water Cruise - Kakadu National Park

  

  A true safari on the water, this cruise on the Yellow River is a must during a visit to Kakadu. The departure is early in the morning, but it allows you to observe the wildlife in the best conditions. This marshy area, or billabong, is home to many birds, crocodiles, buffalo... Breakfast will be served to you. You will then set off to discover Kakadu, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to its unique landscapes and natural setting, it is home to many sites with rock paintings. Also visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre, which will provide you with information about the traditions of the indigenous peoples of Kakadu. Overnight in Kakadu National Park.

• day 10

  Excursion in Arnhem Land - Kakadu National Park

  

  With your Aboriginal guide, you will cross the "East Alligator River" to reach Arnhem Land, one of the most remote and least visited regions of Australia. Your guide will explain how his ancestors lived and adapted in this harsh environment. You will meet Indigenous artists in an art center and, after your lunch, you will continue your exploration of other wetlands and their rich wildlife. A wonderful experience. Night in Kakadu National Park.

• day 11

  Ubirr - Darwin

  

  This morning, head to the Aboriginal site of Ubirr, where you can take the hiking trails that will allow you to discover numerous rock paintings and take a walk up to the Narbdab rocky outcrop, in order to enjoy a magnificent panorama over Arnhem Land. You will then take the road back to Darwin. We can advise you on the best stops to make along the way. Night in Darwin

• day 12

  Darwin - Cairns

  

  Return your vehicle at the airport and take a flight (not included) to Cairns, where a transfer will take you to your hotel. Free time in Cairns, a pleasant city with a tropical atmosphere and a relaxed vibe. Overnight in Cairns.

• day 13

  Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef

  

  Enjoy a day cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to listen to the Aboriginal crew tell you their history and legends. The "Sea Rangers," from the local Gimuy Walubara, Yidinji, Gunggandji, Mandingalbay, and Yirrganydji tribes, will introduce you to the origins of their culture as well as the underwater world. In fact, you will discover this underwater world during the exploration of two sites on the Outer Reef, where you can swim among fish and colorful corals like you have never seen before. Overnight in Cairns

• day 14

  Cairns - Port Douglas

  

  Transfer to Port Douglas and free time for the rest of the day. This seaside resort has kept its fishing village soul. You instantly feel on vacation here: the atmosphere is peaceful and warm. Macrossan Street, the main street, offers a wide choice of restaurants, cafés, and pubs, as well as many charming little shops. Overnight in Port Douglas.

• day 15

  Port Douglas - Cape Tribulation

  

  More than just a discovery of the region, this day will be a meeting with a true Aboriginal guide, an opportunity to exchange about his culture and to discover his native region, the Kuku Yalanji lands. You will learn more about the customs, beliefs, and way of life of his people, while discovering this magnificent region and participating in some unique experiences. You will go on an expedition in the mangrove, where you will discover traditional Aboriginal fishing, collect shellfish, and practice crab hunting with a spear. In the Daintree rainforest, your guide will explain the use of medicinal and culinary plants, and you will end the day with a refreshing swim in a natural pool in the middle of the forest. Overnight in Port Douglas.

• day 16

  Port Douglas

  

  Enjoy a moment of relaxation in Port Douglas. Along the coast stretches a long beach lined with palm trees, perfect for lounging. Overnight in Port Douglas.

• day 17

  Port Douglas - Cairns Airport

  

  Transfer to Cairns airport for your connection with your international flight.