At Davidsons, there are no itineraries or busy time schedules to adhere to. Everything happens spontaneously – exactly as they are meant to
Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris at Mt Borradaile is a registered aboriginal sacred site in an exclusively leased 700 sq-km area nestled against the Arnhem Land escarpment. Its rugged ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs, flood plains, paper bark swamps and monsoonal rainforests, an amazingly beautiful wilderness. Valleys, overhangs and caves have been occupied for over 50,000 years and offer magnificent galleries of rock art as well as occupation and burial sites.
Pricing
March to October
Cabins with ensuite $1600 pp 2nights night (Fully Inclusive) Share Twin
Deluxe Cabins with ensuite $1800 pp 2 nights night (Fully Inclusive) Share Twin
Single Supplement $840 pp 2 nights night
Includes, accommodation, touring, meals and permits
*Minimum 2 night stay
The friendly lodge guides and staff would love to show you this magnificent area, with so much to do and see we can keep you entertained for days no matter your specific interests. Within a half hour drive from the lodge at Mount Borradaile you can:
• Visit rock shelters with stunning rock art that spans thousands of years that give you insights into the aboriginal way of life from this region
• Walk through savannah woodland, the local supermarket and find plenty of local bush tucker
• Take a boat trip through the many water channels and the open floodplain to see some of the 275 bird
species found in the region
• Try your hand at barramundi fishing in the pristine Cooper Creek, the wet season waterfall is fantastic
• Take a dip in the pristine natural swimming hole (seasonal) or relax poolside back at the lodge
• Walk through the incredible catacombs that hold artefacts, signs of recent occupation and ancient
mortuary rites.
• Spend a late afternoon on the billabong observing the wildlife including the many crocodiles that inhabit the watercourses, finish up with a glass of wine and nibbles as the sun sets over the floodplain
• Walk up one of the many escarpments to find spectacular stone arrangements and art filled occupation sites
Usually we have your first tour pre planned, a short walk to see our famous Rainbow Serpent, where you will start to learn about the local rock art, the geology of the area and some of the local bush tucker and medicine that you walk past.
After this initial tour, we haven’t planned your itinerary; we would like to discover your interests and then plan each day accordingly. We want you to get the most out of your stay at Mt Borradaile.
So as not to delay the commencement of your first tour we do ask that you arrive at the lodge dressed in suitable attire for the tour.
For the same reasons as above please ensure that you have had breakfast prior to arrival.
Guests normally stay at the lodge for 3‐4 days, giving them enough time to see and enjoy the various different ecosystems, a variety of rock art styles and plenty of wildlife.
Please note that a 2 nights minimum stay does apply at Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris.
Getting There
Fly in Fly out – March to October
Access to the Mount Borradaile safari lodge is by light aircraft year round, a magnificent scenic flight along the coastline from Darwin or past the Arnhem Land Plateau following the East Alligator River from Jabiru.
The cost of air charters ex Darwin is AUD$550 per person each‐way (minimum 2 Pax). Guests are to arrive at Chart Air in the General Aviation at Darwin Airport at 7am for 7:30am departure.
Please limit luggage to 12kgs per person, preferably in soft bags. Excess luggage can be left at Chart Air. Guests arrive at the lodge around 8:30am ready for the days touring. Guests are advised to have breakfast prior to departing Darwin.
Return flights depart the lodge at 8.30am arriving back in Darwin around 9.30am. Afternoon flights can possibly be arranged for special circumstances.
The cost of air charters ex Jabiru is AUD$275 per person each‐way (minimum 2 Pax)
When to Go
The Top End of NT has a tropical savannah climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Mt Borradaile opens for the beginning of March and operates through to mid‐November, showcasing all the seasons of the Top End for guests to experience.
Wet Season – March and April
This is the lush season of wildflowers and lots of water. During this time thunderstorms are common and afternoon humidity can reach 70%. This season is a secret gem, most tourists are scared off with inaccessibility and threats of stifling humidity, however with the mornings are pleasant and the afternoon storms relieve the humidity that builds, the freshness is delightful. Across the landscapes miniature waterfalls appear and the swimming holes are deep and crystal clear.
Runoff Season –April and May
This is the best time for fishing. The rivers are pumping, the water is still warm and the barramundi are biting. The storms and humidity is easing. We do however go fishing for barramundi all year round.
Dry Season – June to September
This is the most popular season for visiting the Top End. We experience our coolest months in June and July where the nightly minimum temperature may dip as low as 14°C. The days are warm and sunny averaging 32°C and afternoon humidity of around 30%. Usually no rain falls during these months. As the rivers slow down and the water cools, the wildlife becomes prolific on our floodplain and the crocodiles come up on the banks to sunbathe.
Build‐up Season – Mid‐September to November
The temperatures start to rise slowly at first. By October and November the daily temperatures can reach 3638°C and the humidity increases to 80%. This time of year is the hottest and can be uncomfortable for those not accustomed to hot weather and humidity. The evenings often bring spectacular electrical storms as the build‐up develops.
AABH Holiday Ideas
INCLUSIONS
2 nights aboard The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine
Transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to hotel
3 nights’ accommodation in Darwin including breakfast daily
Half day Darwin City Sights tour
Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
1 night Kakadu and East Alligator River including accommodation guided touring
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Charter flight to Davidsons Arnhemland 2 Nights accommodation including all meals and touring
From $6295pp based on Share twin ex Adelaide