Overview

 Highlights


  • Welcome to country
  • Stay in Pudakul country on Wulna Land and in semi-permanent campsites away from the crowds
  • A hands on Indigenous cultural immersion program
  • Service program with the local community
  • Sunset cruise on the Yellow Water billabong, home to a variety of wildlife
  • View some of the most important indigenous rock art galleries in the world
  • Southern Kakadu walks and trek
  • Explore Darwin and surrounds (if time allows)

This private Indigenous Immersion specially designed for the students of Sacred Heart College Geelong combines cultural learnings and community service with an exploration "on country" in Kakadu National Park. Our team in the Northern Territory will consult with the local community to work on projects for our regenerative journey based on our "travel. give, grow" philosophy. The students will learn about the local peoples and ancient culture that has lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years as well as challenge themselves physically on a number of "on country" expeditions. The 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.

Countries:

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate   


After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over! On arrival in Darwin you will be met by our crew and head straight to Wulna country. The drive will take just over 1 hour. On arrival we will have a full trip and safety briefing covering our journey. This is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have about the logistics of the program. Over the next four days we will learn about the local peoples and gain an insight into their culture. Our immersion program will include elements of service for the local community, a bush tucker walk and learning about connection to country. We will participate in a number of hands on activities including arts, crafts and hunting and gathering. We will 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 in everyday life. We gain first hand experience of how the local people view themselves as custodians of the land and how they need to live sustainably so the land can be passed to the next generation. We learn how they have lived in harmony with nature over thousands of years. Overnight camping at Pudakul Land

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise at Pudakul and have breakfast followed by meeting with local Aboriginal community members for a traditional welcome to country and smoke ceremony offering safe travels for our group. Over the next three days we will continue our Indigenous Immersion program and partake in a service program with the local community. Prior to departure our team will connect with the local elders and community and discuss projects that we can all work on together that will benefit the local peoples and environment. This is part of our regenerative "travel, give, grow" philosophy that underpins all of our service programs. At night we again join our hosts for a dinner under the stars for storytelling and dreamtime. Overnight camping at Pudakul

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise and have breakfast with our hosts before continuing our cultural immersion program on Pudakul land. After lunch we heat to the famous Ubirr Rock art site and Cahills Crossing. The walk at Ubirr is short but passes several breathtaking Aboriginal art sites. We will have expert interpretation about the art, recognised as some of the most important rock art in the world. In the late afternoon we take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, home to an astounding variety of wildlife. We may encounter Brumbies, wallabies and goannas drinking from the waterside, salt-water crocodile and thousands of birds including Magpie Geese, Brolga, Cormorants, Pelicans and one of Australia's largest flying birds – the Black-necked stork (Jabiru). The flat-bottomed boat is guided by an expert wildlife guide. This is a wonderful experience and gives a unique perspective of this huge National park and its origins. We continue to our semi permanent campsite located at Djarradjin Billabong, in the heart of Kakadu National Park. Students will be required to help participate with set up, food prep and general camp duties. Overnight Djarradjin Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we wake to the dawn chorus of the multitude of birds of the Savannah and wetlands. Students help with breakfast routine and food prep before we head out for our daily activities. Today we will complete the Burrungkuy, (Nourlangie) rock art walk, travel to Anbangbang Billabong to spot wildlife around the Billabong and headto the Nawurlandja lookout before returning to our semi-permanent camp near Djarradjin Billabong.

Meals:  B,L,D

The colossal Jim Jim Falls is Kakadu’s biggest waterfall and one of its most spectacular sights. At 200m high it’s also taller than all the waterfalls at Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks in the Northern Territory. We will travel here and walk to the main pool and embark on the Plateau Walk to gain spectacular views. Here you’ll be struck by the enormity of the surrounding cliffs. We soak in this ibncredible sight as we embark on our trek before returning to our semi-permanent camp near Djarradjin Billabong.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we visit the Warragjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Developed by the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu, Warradjan is a ‘must see’ for all visitors to the region. The displays include artifacts that illustrate the stories that the traditional owners wish to share with visitors. The Center mixes contemporary techniques – such as videos – to cover various subjects, ranging from personal histories to bush tucker. We then head south we will explore some of the other stunning waterfalls and gorges of Kakadu. Maguk (Barramundi) Falls is reached via a stunning walk through the monsoon forest, opening out to a deep plunge pool lined with blonde quartzite cliffs. Keep your eye out for birds such as Rainbow pitas, Emerald doves and Spangled drongos as well as the endemic Anbinik tree – the biggest trees in Stone Country. We aim to join a local ranger to hear about the local conservation land management that is undertaken in the park. Walking distance: 4km

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise for breakfast and continue our exploration of Kakadu National Park. We have a number of options to walk to nearby watering holes and important landmarks in the Park. After lunch we travel to Darwin and if times allows an exploration of the center before heading to the airport for our flight to Melbourne.

Meals:  B,L,D


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 a regenerative nature, leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed around our "travel, give, grow" philosophy and to enhance the following life skills that will help improve all round well being and personal growth:
• 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 ex Melbourne to Darwin return
  • All meals
  • Professional wilderness guides
  • Teachers accompanying the group
  • Indigenous immersion program
  • Community service program including all required materials
  • Wildlife cruise
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • All transport from Darwin

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation


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.

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Kakadu Walking Adventure

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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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