As Greig Taylor, our driver and guide, said “this trip is an experience” and he certainly made it so. He was very knowledgeable about the country and wildlife and, despite difficult conditions, gave us a memorable trip. In fact, at the end, my husband wanted to turn around and do it again. I thoroughly recommend Charter North as they are committed to, and genuinely care about, both the country and their customers.
Travelled on private 9 Day Kimberley Tour in May 2021.
Family of 4 (kids 11 and 9) did the 4 day wet season tour through Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield. GT was an amazing tour guide. His knowledge of the parks and friendly nature meant that we immediately relaxed and knew he was going to take care of everything. His extensive experience meant that he could modify the tour in real time to fit the kids and found an incredible swimming hole off the beaten path that we could enjoy by ourselves in the middle of a long hike on a warm sunny day. Definitely recommend it for families looking for an alternative to the run of the mill beach holiday.
From the moment he picked us up from our hotel to when he dropped us off at the end of our trip, GT was warm, easy-going and relaxed. It was like having an old friend show you around their hometown, chatting comfortably as if you’d known him forever. Our teenagers also found him approachable and likable. GT clearly has an extensive breadth of knowledge and experience in place, nature, culture and history, sharing this at opportune times in a casual manner that always felt incidental, rather than a lecture. He took us to delightful places we could never have found on our own in Kakadu, especially during the green season when many sites were not yet open. We never felt rushed, nor did we have too long anywhere – everything seemed to work out just right, something which requires the talents of a skilled operator to achieve. Each day we were given options to choose from depending on our energy levels at the time (considerably affected by the heat!). He accommodated our interests and made the most of opportunities arising – eg turning the car back on spotting a large crocodile in a culvert next to the highway so that we all got to see it.
The 4WD was clean and comfortable. The food was healthy and delicious. Everything was really just so easy and pleasant. Our trip had been delayed a year from our original booking due to COVID, and the communications with Charter North throughout all that unknown period were excellent.
We cannot speak highly enough of this tour operator.
We were a party of 4 (two couples in our sixties). We felt very safe and well looked after by GT on our 5 day 4 night private tour to Kakadu and Katherine. We were involved in planning the tour and Alina answered all our questions quickly. In the year of Corona there has been much disruption to tourism and we were very lucky to be able to travel to NT from SA. GT was very conscious of keeping us safe. He was an excellent driver and his vehicle was immaculate when he collected us from our hotel. We did the Corroboree Billabong cruise and visited Ubirr on the first day which were both wonderful. We camped at Sandy Billabong the first two nights in tents and swags which came with sheets and pillows The tents protected us from the mosquitoes and after the challenges of setting up the first night we found it easy for the rest of the trip. GT worked long days caring for us. All our evening meals were on the camp fire and were healthy and nutritious. My favourite was the salmon, salad and potatoes. Breakfast was coffee, tea, juice, muesli , fruit and toast with spreads. Lunch was wraps and rolls with salad and fruit. Day two we visited Nourlangie and Jim Jim Falls. The rock scrambling into the falls was challenging but we were rewarded with a sandy beach and a swim. We loved the rock art and stories at Ubirr and Nourlangie. We visited Maguk and Gunlom more beautiful swimming spots. The camp at Gunlom had showers and was in a pretty location. On the way to Katherine we stopped at Pine Creek, we had another swim and lunch at Edith Falls ( Leliyn) then on to Katherine. Our final day was canoeing and swimming in Nitmiluk Gorge which we loved. It was an adventure for us where someone else did all the driving, guiding and meal preparation thank you GT and Alina.
We spent a day with Greig visiting Litchfield National Park. He picked us promptly at our holiday apartment and we chatted about everything and nothing as we headed toward our destination! The country is stunning as is the quiet. We visited termite hills and falls as Greig provided us with some background – but not in an overwhelming way. In fact, he enjoyed answering all of our questions. After stopping at two falls, we had a coffee break and then visited more falls, including a challenging 137 steps down and back up! We had a lovely fresh lunch spread served up by Greig before we walked to Sandy Creek and its falls. My favourite spot I think and we enjoyed a swim across the pool to the falls. Heading back toward Darwin we visited Wangi Falls and paused for some afternoon tea before setting off for Darwin. Our calves were sore the following morning so we know we’d had some exercise as well as fun with Greig whilst seeing the beautiful country at first hand. Not to forget the sparklingly clean 4WD which we travelled in, although pretty dusty by the end of the day. A great experience and thoroughly recommended!
We were the first trip to be run by Charter North after the national parks were closed down due to COVID. Our guide, GT fully embraced the need for social distancing practices for both our and his own protection. GT planned a sensational trip, taking us to all of Kakadu’s stunning locations and proving additional local knowledge that we would never have been privy to without him. GT was extremely flexible and at our request, while we were already in Kakadu, added an additional sunset cruise to the program.We had a couple of dietary requirements in our group and each was met perfectly. The food was healthy, delicious and perfect for fuelling us before and after days filled with exploring. We stayed in the ‘Taj’ which was very comfortable and resulted in a great few nights sleep.
Thanks again GT, we will always remember this trip. Highly recommend. Five stars.
Greg is loquacious, informative, accessible and extremely efficient.
He multi tasked .. drove (a long way), talked, provided picnics, cooked dinner, made good coffee and remained cheery throughout.
We shall remember him for his great friendliness and he even gave us advice as to how to fill 3 more days in Darwin. Would unreservedly recommend this trip, particularly if you enjoy swimming in waterfalls.
Thanks so much Charter North for taking us on this awesome adventure.
I would recommend this trip to anyone who values traveling with an experienced, knowledgeable and professional guide. Greig (GT) worked incredibly hard to ensure our small group had the best experience possible. Admittedly our little group was a pretty cool bunch of people anyway… looking at you Stuart and JW 🙂
The food was delicious and fresh (Alina makes the best muesli), the vehicle was comfy and cool, the landscape and the waterholes were amazing.I had never visited the NT before and thanks to this well run trip along with GT’s stories I feel like I have a better general understanding of the region. I have not even left yet but am looking forward to returning in the future for more exploration. Thanks Charter North and thanks GT
What a great 3 days/2nights we had in Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks!
Grieg (GT) is a very experienced tour guide knowing all the great spots and how to beat the big coach groups. He is a fun storyteller and a great cook, excellent host – paying great attention to all people in our mixed group tour of 2+3.
If you don’t like big(er) groups, then out of all the private tours we researched we reckon this is the best for exploring the surroundings of the NT and it’s parks.
Thanks a million. We shall remember this forever.
We spent 2 glorious days in searing heat visiting Kakadu – seeing exciting and thought-provoking indigenous art. unbelievable bird life, an indescribable number of crocodiles and enjoying the scenery and expert guiding. Charter North’s Greig picked us up as planned at Darwin, recommended and organised accommodation, guided us expertly and knew exactly where to go – full of interesting tales of the park in the wet and the dry and of the region. CN were responsive, flexible and a pleasure to deal with.
My husband & I had an incredible visit to the Top End, thanks to our guide JT & Charter North. It was our first trip to Australia, & it more than lived up to our expectations. We saw an amazing array of wildlife on a cruise, visits to billabongs & while walking in the bush to plunge pools for refreshing swims. JT has an expansive knowledge of the area’s flora & fauna, as well as Australia & the Northern Territory history/politics in particular. He also has a wonderful sense of humor. Our accommodations were great, immersing us in the local landscape. Waking up to the sound of cockatoos was an unforgettable experience. I especially enjoyed JT’s explanations of the meanings behind Aboriginal rock paintings dating back thousands of years. If you’re looking for an experienced guide in the NT, look no further than Charter North. Highly recommended!