Iconic Wildlife and Timeless Landscapes
Northern Australia
July 17 to July 30, 2027
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Experience the wild heart of Northern Australia on an immersive journey from the vibrant coastal town of Cairns to the ancient landscapes of Kakadu. Begin in the lush tropical lowlands and upland rainforests of Queensland, where you’ll search for Southern Cassowaries, Victoria’s Riflebird, tree kangaroos, and a dazzling array of tropical birds. Continue north to the Daintree River for a cruise among kingfishers, herons, and crocodiles before flying west to the Top End. In the Northern Territory, explore the mangroves and monsoon forests around Darwin, then delve into the cultural and ecological wonders of Kakadu National Park, home to Aboriginal rock art, expansive wetlands, and elusive species like the black wallaroo and Rainbow Pitta. From coastal rainforests to sandstone escarpments, this expertly guided expedition offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and deep insight into Australia’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Diverse Habitats: Experience a variety of landscapes, including tropical rainforests, wetlands, savannahs, and sandstone escarpments, each supporting unique wildlife.
- Exclusive Wildlife Encounters: Search for rare and endemic species such as the Southern Cassowary, Victoria’s Riflebird, Rainbow Pitta, and black wallaroo.
- Expert-Led Exploration: Our knowledgeable guides provide insights into the region’s natural and cultural history, enhancing your understanding of this extraordinary ecosystem.
- Small Group Experience: Enjoy a personalized, small-group adventure, ensuring quality wildlife encounters and ample photography opportunities.
- Conservation-Focused Travel: We are committed to sustainable travel practices that protect and respect the environments we visit.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: May 2025
Print Trip
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 17-18 | Travel to Cairns, Australia. | ||
| Jul 19 | Cairns arrival and exploration. Arrive in Cairns and start your wildlife explorations. | Harbourside Hotel, Cairns | B, L, D |
| Jul 20 | Cairns to Atherton Tablelands. Journey to the Atherton Tablelands via coastal rainforest, with a chance to see the Southern Cassowary and diverse birdlife. | Chambers Rainforest Lodges, Atherton Tablelands | B, L, D |
| Jul 21 | Atherton Tablelands. Spend the day birding across the varied habitats of the Atherton Tablelands, with excellent opportunities for mammals and endemics. | Chambers Rainforest Lodges, Atherton Tablelands | B, L, D |
| Jul 22 | Atherton Tablelands to Daintree. Continue birding in the Tablelands before heading north to the famed Daintree region. | Riverview Lodges, Daintree | B, L, D |
| Jul 23 | Daintree cruise. Cruise the Daintree River for kingfishers, herons, and crocodiles, then return to Cairns. | Harbourside Hotel, Cairns | B, L, D |
| Jul 24 | Cairns to Darwin. Fly to Darwin and explore the monsoon forests and mangroves for rare species like the Rainbow Pitta and Chestnut Rail. | The Leea Hotel Darwin, Darwin | B, L, D |
| Jul 25 | Darwin to Kakadu. Visit Fogg Dam and travel to Kakadu National Park, spotlighting for nocturnal species after sunset. | Anbinik Kakadu Resort, Kakadu | B, L, D |
| Jul 26 | Kakadu. Discover the bird-rich Mamukala Wetlands and Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr in Kakadu. | Anbinik Kakadu Resort, Kakadu | B, L, D |
| Jul 27 | Kakadu. Visit Nourlangie Rock for range-restricted species and explore cultural heritage at the Bowali Center. | Anbinik Kakadu Resort, Kakadu | B, L, D |
| Jul 28 | Kakadu to Darwin. Cruise the Yellow Water Billabong, then return to Darwin via Howard Springs Nature Park. | The Leea Hotel Darwin, Darwin | B, L, D |
| Jul 29 | Depart Darwin and fly home. Transfer to the airport and depart from Darwin | B | |
| Jul 30 | Arrive home. Arrive home with unforgettable memories of Australia’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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TBD
TBDCheesemans’ Ecology Safaris carefully selects leaders who are experts in their field to ensure that your experience is the best it can be. One or more leaders, assisted by other local park guides, will provide a range of expertise for your trip.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $8,750 |
| Single Supplement | $1,600 |
Share the Experience – Earn Travel Credit
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Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | January 19, 2027 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport (except airport transfers), park entry fees, landing fees, permits, Goods and Services Tax (=VAT) for all activities unless described as optional.
- Accommodations (double occupancy) for the nights of July 19 through July 28.
- Meals from dinner on July 19 through breakfast on July 29, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- Transfers on July 19 between the Cairns Airport and Harbourside Hotel and on July 29 between The Leea Hotel Darwin and the Darwin Airport.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Transfers on July 19 between the Cairns Airport and Harbourside Hotel and on July 29 between The Leea Hotel Darwin and the Darwin Airport.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Breakfast and lunch on July 19 and lunch and dinner on July 29.
- Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
July is generally pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities, as it falls during the region’s dry season. In Queensland’s Wet Tropics, including Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands, temperatures range from 73–79°F (23–26°C) during the day and 50–59°F (10–15°C) at night, with low humidity and little rainfall. In the Northern Territory’s Top End, including Kakadu National Park, days are warm and sunny with highs around 86°F (30°C), while evenings are cooler and comfortable. This time of year offers clear skies, minimal rain, and excellent conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals often gather near water sources.
Fitness Level
This trip is best suited for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Most days involve guided walks, wildlife excursions, and spotlighting outings that require participants to be comfortable walking on uneven trails, sometimes for extended periods. The itinerary includes long immersive days in nature with early starts to maximize wildlife sightings, so a good level of stamina and enthusiasm for full days in the field is important.
You’ll be exploring a range of habitats, from rainforest to savannah and wetlands, often in warm and humid tropical conditions. While not physically strenuous, the trip does require reasonable mobility and a readiness to be active and outdoors throughout the journey.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Cairns, Australia (CNS) by 1:00 PM on July 19.
- Depart from Darwin (DRW) after 12:00 PM on July 29.
Flights we book
- The one-way flight from Cairns to Darwin; we’ll add the flight cost to your final trip balance.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Australia.
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.