White-throated Grasswren Expedition
See All the Kakadu Endemics!
The beautiful, elusive and endangered White-throated Grasswren is the number one target of this trip. Officially classed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN list of threatened species, there was a time when this species was one of the easiest of the grasswrens to see. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, it is now much more difficult. To see this bird we embark on a three day hike on foot, packs on our backs and binoculars at the ready as we walk though spectacular sandstone and spinifex wilderness. Other Kakadu endemic species we expect to see are White-lined Honeyeater, Banded Fruit-Dove, Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon and Sandstone Shrike-thrush. Day one finishes off with the famous Yellow Water sunset wildlife cruise. On day five we enjoy a dawn breakfast beside a waterhole where Gouldian Finches and Hooded Parrots come to drink, then we return to Darwin with some special stops along the way.
Key species - Rainbow Pitta, Green-backed Gerygone, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Crimson Finch, Long-tailed Finch, Gouldian Finch, Hooded Parrot, Northern Rosella, Red-winged Parrot, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Buff-sided Robin, Partridge Pigeon, Black-tailed Treecreeper and Sandstone Shrike-thrush. Red Goshawk, Black-breasted Buzzard. Kakadu escarpment endemics - White-throated Grasswren, Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, White-lined Honeyeater, Sandstone Shrike-thrush and Banded Fruit-dove.White-throated Grasswren, Arnhem Land Endemic (photo copyright Mick Jerram)- Will this tour suit me?
Accommodation on the first and last night is in comfortable air-conditioned rooms with ensuites. We have thee days and two nights away from civilization and traverse over moderately difficult terrain. We each carry our own packs (provided) with tent, bedding and food. A good level of health and fitness is required. We enjoy bush breakfasts at beautiful locations surrounded by birdlife at its busiest. Lunch is enjoyed out in the field and dinners are ala carte menus at resorts or restaurants. Group is small, with a maximum of only six guests, plus two guides.
- Cost - $3595 per person twin share, single supplement $295
- 2017 dates - May 23-27, 2017 (six seats available)
"Hi Mike
We just wanted to thank you once again for looking after us all so well over the past few days and for such a wonderful trip. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to meet you and we have thoroughly enjoyed your company and all of the great places that you have taken us to. Your knowledge of NT, the birds, Aboriginal culture etc has certainly helped to educate us in a way that we could never have achieved on our own and we will remember our fantastic bush breakfasts and lunches fondly for many years to come - huge thanks to Jenny too!!
We hope that all goes well for Experience the Wild in future and we will have no hesitation in recommending you to our friends back home.
Maybe we can meet up again at a future Birdfair in the UK.....
Lots of love
Sue and Jim
UK October 2015
Itinerary
DAY 1 - DARWIN to KAKADU
7.30am Pick up from Darwin accommodation
We head out along Stuart Highway and call into Howard Springs Nature Park. Here we do the circuit walk, looking for Rainbow Pitta, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, Green-backed Gerygone and Little Shrike-thrush.
We leave Howard Springs and head out to Kakadu, stopping for lunch by a billabong on the Old Jim Jim Road.
We check in at our accommodation at Cooinda then head down to the dock for the Yellow Water sunset cruise. From the comfort and safety of an open sided, covered vessel we are likely to see four species of Egret - Great, Intermediate, Little and Cattle as well as Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Radjah Shelduck, Wandering and Plumed Whistling-ducks, Green Pygmy-goose, Pied Heron, Nankeen Night-heron, Comb-crested Jacana, Royal Spoonbill, Azure Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Buff-sided Robin as well as many large Estuarine Crocodiles. What is particularly amazing about this cruise, is that, because it runs four times a day, every day of the year, the birds and crocodiles are so accustomed to it that they continue on in their natural behaviour completely undisturbed by the presence of the boat.
We pause on sunset and take a few minutes to absorb the splendour of the location as the sun dips below the horizon, often with hundreds of birds flying overhead to their night roosts. Then it’s the short drive to the resort to for dinner.
Dinner and bird call at Cooinda.
DAY 2 - COOINDA to the ESCARPMENT
We leave Cooinda early and take the unsealed road to the Arnhem Land Escarpment, where we leave the vehicle and head off for three day hike.
Todays leg of the walk covers 8.5 kilometres of rugged and beautiful country. In addition to the gorgeous scenery we can see and hear Kakadu endemics such as White-lined Honeyeater and Sandstone Shrike-thrush. Other endemics we are watching out for are the Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon and Banded Fruit Dove.
We set up camp, enjoy dinner and sleep under the stars.
DAY 3 - GRASSWREN HUNT
Today is the big day! We rise early, have a bush breakfast, and set off on a 6 kilometre return walk through White-throated Grasswren habitat, hopefully we will have good views of our quarry.
Camp, dinner and sleep under the stars.
DAY 4 - KAKADU to PINE CREEK
DAY 5 - PINE CREEK to DARWIN
Early bush breakfast by a river bed south of Pine Creek, where we often see Gouldian Finches, Cockatiels, Hooded Parrots, Northern Rosellas and then head north towards Darwin.
We enter Litchfield National Park, visiting and stop to view some magnificent waterfalls and the wildlife in the area. Here we may find Dingo, Short-eared Rock Wallaby, Olive Python, Merton’s Water Monitor, Spangled Drongo, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Great Bowerbird, Pheasant Coucal, Pied Butcherbird and Silver-backed Butcherbird. This is also one of the few locations where the amazing magnetic termite mounds are found.
We head back to Darwin now via the back route which takes over the beautiful Finniss River. Both Estuarine and Johnston’s Crocodiles are present here. If there is time we will expore birding hotspots around Darwin.
Return to Darwin accommodation
Please Note:
The above itinerary is based on the outcomes of many previous tours to the areas described. Each season is different and as various wildlife observing opportunities arise, adjustments will be made.
Inclusions - Two nights comfortable air-conditioned accommodation, Yellow Waters Sunset Cruise, all meals, Kakadu Park entry fees and walking permits. Cold water, tea and coffee and refreshments available at all times.
Exclusions - Pre and post tour accommodation, alcoholic drinks, purchases of a personal nature such as souvenirs.
Group Tour - $3595 per person twin share, single supplement $295.
Booking Procedure
You can book directly using our secure online booking site by clicking here. Payment options are Visa, Mastercard, Paypal or Bank Transfer. A 20% deposit secures the booking, the balance is due 30 days prior to start of tour. Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries regarding the tour.
Further Information
Click here to download our 'What to expect on an Experience the Wild tour' document. Our Terms and Conditions document outlines our cancellation and refund policy. Email enquiries@experiencethewild.com.au or ring Jenny or Mike on 0400 404 058
