Overview
Top End culture and vistas
Explore the vast top half of Australia on this adventure through contrasting landscapes, staying at some wildly remote luxury camps and lodges.
Led by expert guides, encounter incredible wildlife on land and underwater, and learn about life in this ruggedly beautiful place.
From Perth in the west, follow the coast clockwise, first to Sal Salis, a camp right on the beach off Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with whale sharks. Then, in the Top End, enjoy Australia’s take on a safari before a private overland trip through epic Outback country to get immersed in the rich Aboriginal culture and heritage of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. End on an idyllic private island on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Swimming with whale sharks from Sal Salis
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Bamurru Plains’ cacophony of wildlife
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An insight into Aboriginal culture in Kakadu
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Barefoot luxury on Haggerstone Island
Inclusions
What's included
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15 nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences, and activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 3
Relax in Perth
Unwind after your flight with a short stay in Perth, Western Australia’s relaxed capital. With its thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and universities alongside sandy beaches and green parks, it’s easy to see why Perth is regularly voted among the world’s most liveable cities.
We can arrange tours based on your interests – food, art or history, or even a trip over to Rottnest Island to meet its grinning quokkas.
Days 3 — 6
Whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef
Fly north to the remote North West Cape and the elegant Sal Salis sat on the sands between the Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef. It is a unique, low-impact camp of canvas safari tents set on decks (where you may find wallabies relaxing in the shade) overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Spend your days exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site reef, snorkelling with the manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, hundreds of fish species and dazzling coral. Between August and October, you’ll have the chance to share the water with humpback whales. The night skies here are spectacular.
Days 6 — 7
Overnight in Perth
Back in Perth, pick from a selection of privately guided experiences such as walking tours and e-bike excursions.
Days 7 — 10
Outback safari
Fly via Perth to Darwin before taking a scenic light aircraft flight to Bamurru Plains, a chic safari camp in the middle of a 300km² private reserve on the edge of Australia’s North Territory. This is an untamed but beautiful landscape of floodplains, savannah woodland and open waters, home to a cacophony of life.
Join experienced field guides on boat cruises to spot crocodiles, fishing trips, four-wheel drive safaris, walks and birding experiences that reconnect you with the bush. Back at the lodge, cool off in the pool and enjoy fabulous cuisine inspired by your surroundings.
Days 10 — 12
Private Kakadu and Arnhem Land safari
And now for a real Top End adventure. Hop aboard a fully kitted-out off-roader with your private guide for a three-day exploration of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, spending nights at permanent campsites in off-grid areas.
Kakadu’s epic scenery of crocodile-filled rivers, red canyons, billabongs and forests harbours a rich variety of wildlife and around a third of Australia’s bird species, which you can spot on river cruises and walks, but it is the culture and people here that are the real reasons to visit. This region is where, despite decades of persecution, Aboriginal culture thrives after some 40,000 years. Thanks to Lords Safaris’ long relationship with local communities, you’ll be shown around breathtaking artworks by Aboriginal guides, meet craftspeople and enjoy genuine insights into the area, its stories and its people.
Days 12 — 16
Great Barrier Reef retreat
A charter flies you to your final stop, a private, jungle-clad island skirted by sands and clear waters off the Queensland coast and its very own piece of the Great Barrier Reef. Haggerstone Island has a real castaway feel, with just five hand-built villas tucked off the beach. An idyllic way to round out your adventure.
Spend your days here doing whatever you feel like, whether relaxing on the beach, snorkelling on the reef, enjoying the homegrown and just-caught cuisine, getting active with watersports like wakeboarding, kiteboarding and waterskiing, or exploring by jet ski and kayak. Adventures to further afield can also be arranged.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
