Fabulous & rewarding experience!
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.Travelled on accommodated 3 Day Kakadu & Litchfield Green Season Tour in March 2020.Stuart & JW- UK
Memorable, fascinating 2-day guided tour of Kakadu in the dry
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.Travelled on accommodated 2.5 Day Kakadu Tour in November 2019.Daniel- UK
Four memorable days in Kakadu
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!Travelled on accommodated 4 Day Kakadu Tour in October 2019.Marian & Adam- US
Fabulous 3 days in Kakadu with Charter North
GT was our fabulous host and guide on our 3 day/2 night trip to Kakadu. We were 4 in his comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser and he entertained us royally with his wit and enthusiasm, his picnic lunches, but above all with his intimate knowledge of the flora, fauna, history and customs of the region. We were there in mid October and it was as hot as you'd want it to be, but the car a/c worked fine and was very welcome after our various walks to see rock paintings and waterfalls. GT showed us all the features of this amazing landscape and we loved every moment of his company.Travelled on accommodated 3 Day Kakadu Tour in November 2019.Jean Paul & Carine- Belgium
Darwin to Broome, Kakadu and Kimberley
We are 2 couples in our 60’s and 70’s, and had never visited “the top end”. We decided to join GT and Charter north for a 12 day camping tour. We had concerns about out fitness, ability to cope with tents, swags, reduced access to bathroom facilities, extreme heat, and large distances. We were all very pleased with what we encountered. We were aware that end of September would be hot but chose to travel then regardless, but generally we found we coped with walks into gorges etc. Charter north was very thorough in the itinerary, planning, equipment, preparation, and online advice. There were no surprises encountered. The vehicle was well prepared for the conditions and generally comfortable. The tents were simple, easy to erect, the swags were comfortable (though sleeping on the ground took a little getting used to). Food was healthy and plentiful. Breakfasts consisted of cereal fruit toast coffee, lunches were mainly salads, wraps or rolls, meats and cheese, fruit, and evening meals were a variety of BBQs, roast vegetables, pasta and rice dishes, different every night. We chose to spend one night in chalet accommodation at a station on day 6 with a dinner and breakfast included. Days start early, sunrise usually, and this time of day was ideal for walking in the environs of the camp before the heat got too intense. The drives were fascinating as the landscape changed in nature, and were interspersed with regular comfort stops. Most nights were spent near a gorge, or a waterfall, or stunning rock formation. So evening strolls allowed for excellent sunsets whilst olooking for birds and watching the freshwater crocodiles along the banks. GT, our guide and driver has vast experience of the region and detailed knowledge of the fauna flora geology and history of the region, and not a bad chef as well. Several members of our group were very keen on bird watching and spotting and he engaged in assisting the “search”. He was good at ensuring everyone was well equipped and that everyone was included in discussions and their needs considered, whilst still adhering to a tight itinerary and schedule. I think we all found him very approachable and easy to talk to. We purchased a number of add ons: the yellow water billabong sunset tour was spectacular, not to be missed. The accommodation at home valley station allowed a break from the tents and opportunity to do washing. Handy. The helicopter ride over the bungle bungles: we concluded that as a helicopter experience for those that had not previously flown this was a great place to do it. However we felt that it did not add to our appreciation of the bungle bungles themselves, which we felt had been gained by the treks into the ravines and watching these amazing structures from various vantage points at dawn and dusk. Overall, we had a superb experience, and would recommend Charter North to anyone prepared to depart from the usual hotel based bus format guided tour group model.Travelled on custom 12 Day Kimberley & Kakadu Tour in September 2019.Ita- UK
Fantastic 9 day trip in the Kimberley
"We had a private trip for 4 of us (2 couples) and it exceeded expectations. The Kimberley is a spectacular place to visit and this trip incorporated the highlights of the area but often we were the only people there. We were in the very capable hands of GT our expert guide whose 20 years of experience and knowledge was invaluable in finding fantastic bush camps and knowing the best places and locations to go to, as well as being good company. Sleeping under the stars in a comfortable swag was an amazing experience and GT was able to rustle up great food over the campfire including freshly brewed coffee for breakfast. There was a good balance of walking in spectacular scenery and being able to cool off in beautiful bodies of water. All the communication prior to the trip with Alina was excellent and very prompt- I felt we had plenty of information to prepare for the trip and we all thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Highly recommended." Travelled on private 9 Day Kimberley Tour in September 2019.Margaret & John- UK
Incredible 9 day overland trip from Broome to Darwin with Charter North
"Four of us, 50-60 YOA, have just finished a 9 day tour from Broome to Darwin with Charter North. The trip was absolutely fantastic. Alina made all the bookings and arrangements easy to do and GT was the best guide/chef/camper wrangler you could ask for. The scenery included desert, gorges, lakes, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock paintings and the amazing landforms at Purnululu National Park. Activities included hiking, swimming and experiencing crocodiles, wallaroos and archer fish up close and personal while sunset boating on Argyle lake. GT was extremely knowledgeable about the areas covered (3200 kms!), the plants and animals encountered and had a real knack for finding areas that were private even when there were other campers in the area in which we were staying/visiting. For the bush camps, we were completely out in the bush, very quiet and peaceful and an amazing night sky with no light pollution. GTs campfire meals were delicious and varied, and all the more impressive as he was feeding 1 vegetarian, 2 pescatarians and a carnivore hundreds of kilometres from the nearest store. He frequently checked with us to make sure we were all getting the most from the experience, and we always were. The camping was comfy as was both the space and ride in our vehicle, even over some of the rougher terrain the Kimberly has to offer. As other reviewers have mentioned, a 30 min or greater helicopter view of the Bungles Bungles and gorges at Purnululu National Park was definitely a worthwhile addition. All in all, a truly rare experience perfected by the excellent preparation and implementation of Charter North! Thanks again!" Travelled on 9 Day private Kimberley Tour in September 2019.Connie & Jim- UK
Bucket List Ticked and Thoroughly Enjoyed
"We would like to thank you for the amazing time we had in Kakadu with Sean. He was an organised & knowledgeable guide, excellent driver and a talented chef (for a non coffee drinker, he serves up a good brew). The food you organised was plentiful & delicious. The car was spacious & extremely comfortable. As we were the last tour before the wet season, a special thanks for your advice on staying in air conditioned accommodation in lieu of camping. After hiking each day in the extreme heat, our rooms were greatly appreciated! We would have no hesitation in recommending your services in future." Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Tour in September 2019.Sandra & Colin- Australia
Exploring Kakadu with a deeply knowledgeable guide added more than I could have imagined to this memorable experience
"Kakadu is an enormous park, hot and dry by mid September. But every day GT brought us to some miraculous gorge or billabong, where we walked or climbed to discover beautiful swimming holes, or stretches of water full of crocodiles and birdlife. We got informed answers to our endless questions about trees, birds, insects, and routes taken by explorers. We were also being guided through this extraordinary landscape by someone with a deep respect for and knowledge about the region's Indigenous communities and their way of life. We also laughed a great deal, ate too much good food and travelled in style." Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Tour with Camper Trailer in September 2019.Belinda- Melbourne
Trip of a lifetime
"GT and Alina from Charter North organised an incredible trip for our group of 6 (family and friends). We loved the breathtaking scenery, birds and animals in Kakadu and were incredibly comfortable in GT's Toyota Land Cruiser tour vehicle. The camping was magical, with delicious food and amazing sunsets. "The Taj" trailer tent featured the most comfortable queen size beds you could imagine for camping. We had a brilliant time and will be recommending this tour with Charter North to our friends and family in Sydney, Melbourne and the UK." Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Camper Trailer Tour in September 2019.Jonny- Australia/ UK
Fabulous trip with tour guide extraordinaire
I’ve dreamed of getting to Kakadu for a long time and this was the perfect way to fulfil the dream. Three nights of camping under a full moon on a very comfortable mattress in a spacious trailer-tent with four days of intense but well-paced exploration by vehicle and on foot. Highlights were swimming in the amazing plunge pools, sunsets and sunrises in extraordinary settings, Aboriginal art adorning ancient living spaces, and the indefatigable and knowledgeable GT. Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Tour in September 2019.Jonathan- Melbourne
A great way to experience Kakadu
A very well-designed trip - coming back through Ubirr pulled the experiences over four days together. Amazingly varied landscapes with plenty of opportunities to hike and swim. GT was the perfect host and guide and spurred the dormant bird-watchers into action. Loved the camping, campfire and food.
Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Tour in September 2019.Wendy C.- UK
Truly Outstanding!
As a family of 4 we recently completed the 10 day Darwin to Broome trip. We couldn’t speak more highly of the trip - the stunning landscapes, the brilliant experiences and activities, and the outstanding GT! We were spoilt with stunning gorges to swim in, striking waterfalls to jump off, amazing helicopter trips over the Bungle Bungles and the Mitchell Falls (plus the spectacular surrounding coastal scenery), the lovely Coburn Ranges glowing at sunset, incredible aboriginal art, mesmerising views of the stars, abundant bird life and so much more. This was topped with GT being the best guide and companion for the trip. He is truly knowledgeable from his many years of guiding backed with a real passion and love for the area and what he does. He made the trip lots of fun with so many stories to tell as well as made the trip personal and interesting. He was always checking in on how we were doing and making sure we were getting the best out of the trip. The bush camping was a real highlight and gave us a true sense of adventure and privacy. The food was fabulous and GT amazed us each night with what he managed to cook up on the camp fire! We felt incredibly lucky to have experienced the trip but truly fortunate that we chose Charter North to experience it with. Thank you GT and Alina, truly outstanding! Travelled in July 2019 on private 10 Day Kimberley camping Tour with Camper Trailer Option.Sam, Richard & children- UK
Amazing 10 Day Private Broome to Darwin Kimberley Trip
With great excitement we booked what we thought sounded like the perfect way to see the Kimberley....private tour with Camper Trailer staring in Broome for a 10 day tour to Darwin. What followed met all our expectations plus more! GT was the ultimate host, imparting extradordinary knowledge of history, flora, fauna, geological facts & most importantly aboriginal heritage & culture. We were taken to many sacred sights viewing extraodianry rock art & were blown away with history every painting revealed. Everyday GT ensured we experinced highlights....we trekked, we swam in beautiful water holes, scrambled up & down breathtaking gorges & were rewarded every night with a gourmet campsite meal!! The variety of food (different menu every night) was fresh, healthy, & delicious! We would highly recommend this trip to those who want to get off the beaten track, avoid the touristy areas & want some autonomy over what you want to see & do at your pace! Thank you GT & Alina for giving us the ultimate Kimberley experience....your advice to experince the Bungles from the air was sensational even if we did have to request doors!!! And a big call out to GT for his driving skills in very difficult terrain. His continual safety checks & maintenance on the vehicle to ensure unnecessary break-downs, while we enjoyed ourselves, didn't go unnoticed!! Great trip, great company, we would highly recommend Charter North Tours to anyone who really wants to come back feeling enchanted by the beauty & knowledge the Kimberley holds. Travelled on 10 Kimberley Tour with Camper Trailer in August 2019.Barb, Cally & Pete- Australia
An epic adventure
We have just arrived in Broome after completing a 10 day tour with GT and Charter North. We have covered 3,200km and have seen some amazing scenery. From the Bungle Bungle range to Mitchell Falls and Manning Gorge to name a few. The organisation by GT was faultless, the food outstanding, and the bush camps spectacular and secluded. We haven’t camped for over 30 years so it stretched our comfort zone considerably. I would probably mix it up a bit if I did it again with mostly camping but a few nights in accommodation to get a balance. GT was extremely knowledgeable about the areas visited and local flora and fauna. Well done and thanks for a great adventure! Travelled on 10 Day private Kimberley Tour in August 2019.Angus & Tania- Melbourne
5 Days we will never forget!
If your are looking for a private tour from Darwin to the National parks we would definitely recommand you Charter North. It’s a small professional company with friendly people who offer big quality. First of all we had very nice contact with the office when we booked so we could make this tour like we preffered. Sean was a great guide with nice stories, good food and always very kind and calm. At night he played guitar by a campfire. We have teenage boys and we could climb JimJim falls. That was awesome. Also the bottompool was impressive. Thanks Charter North for this wonderful week! Travelled on private 5 Day Kakadu & Beyond Camping Tour in July 2019.Inge, Maurice & children- Netherlands
Great Tailor Made Kimberley Trip- 7 Days
This trip was exactly what we were looking for. Our group—4 adults—wanted an experience that suited our interests and our guide, GT, gave us just that. First, we had options for our campsites, which we loved. We quickly got used to the daily routine of setting and breaking camp and always looked forward to GT’s great morning coffee on the campfire. The food was good and the long car trips were filled with conversation and even some singing. The countryside and camps were memorable and we got a real Kimberley experience. Highlights for us were the Bungle-Bungle helicopter flight that GT fitted into our schedule—absolutely stunning scenery—and swimming in the Kimberley gorges, especially Manning Gorge. GT made an effort to take us to swim at secluded spots away from other visitors at this busy time of year. GT also organised a lunar eclipse for us one morning: just kidding, it caught us by surprise. Overall, we are very happy that we didn’t do a large-group tour because we got a tailored experience that we took at our pace. Travelled on private 7 Day Kimberley Camping Tour in July 2019.Lucy, David, Alexander & Danah- Australia
Kakadu- Fantastic experience
Sean the guide was great. Knowledgeable and friendly and a mean hand at the cooking. A thoroughly enjoyable experience in places we could never go solo. Travelled on private 4 Day Kakadu Tour in August 2019.Rodney, Maria, Keith & Sarah- Australia
Unforgettable family holiday in the Kimberley!
After an extraordinary trip with Charter North through the Top End in 2017, we decided to embark on a journey with the team through the Kimberley. Again, we were impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of GT and Alina in planning an adventure for our family of 5 (including 3 children ranging from 11 to 17 years). After a long conference call to discuss the various options, we opted for an 11 day private tour with GT enabling us to see more of the Kimberley. We were not disappointed! Despite the terrain being drier than usual (following a below average wet season), we still felt we were able to experience all that the Kimberley has to offer.Highlights of our holiday included:• an amazing private overnight camp on Lake Argyle – we enjoyed an afternoon on the lake, including freshwater croc and rock wallaby spotting; jumping off a 3m high ledge into the sparkling water; a sunset swim complete with bevvies and tasty snacks; an island camp all to ourselves; and the most spectacular sunrise we’ve ever seen;• 2 full days at El Questro, enabling us to complete 3 terrific gorge walks (Amalia; Emma and our favourite rock scramble through El Questro gorge); a soak in the Zebedee Hot Springs and a magical sunset at Branco’s lookout;• 2 nights at the Mornington Wilderness camp, allowing us to engage in bird spotting along Little Annie Creek; a canoe excursion through Dimond Gorge; another picturesque sunset at St John Gorge; a restaurant quality dinner at the Station and a slide slow about the efforts of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy;• Purnululu National Park, especially time alone in Cathedral Gorge (which has fabulous acoustics!) and a 30 minute scenic chopper flight over the Bungle Bungles;• Manning Gorge, which we explored downstream from the crowds, enabling us to enjoy some indigenous rock art and a private swim.We slept in the camper trailer, which we had christened the “Taj” two years ago (and it seems that the name has stuck!). The Taj has two double beds and room in the spacious annex for the third child in a swag (note that you can choose instead to sleep in tents). We opted largely for a diverse range of bush camps, so as to avoid over crowded camping grounds and really appreciate the stars. Our favourite campsites included March Fly Creek, which was adjacent to a water hole with marvellous reflections; the dry desert camp overlooking the magnificent Cockburn ranges; The Pines where we were surrounded ghostly gums and our private campsite at El Questro within metres of the Pentecost River. Unlike the Top End, the Kimberley gets cool at night, but we were super cosy around the camp fire and enjoyed snuggling under the doonas in the Taj. We enjoyed terrific meals cooked over the open fire, including BBQs, curries, fried rice and stir fries.The key reasons we booked with Charter North are as follows: (1) GT has more than 22 years’ experience in guiding. He knows the Kimberley and Kakadu like the back of his hand. Through his expert planning, we were able to enjoy pockets of the Kimberley all to ourselves, without the crowds. Quite simply, he took us where no other tours go. (2) With Charter North, we could book a private tour for our family, which gave us the ability to customise the itinerary according to our preferences and the needs of our group. (3) Charter North takes all the stress away. We were not worried about whether we had enough food or water, whether we’d wash away in a river crossing, get eaten by a croc or get stuck by the side of the road with a flat tyre or no petrol. They know what they are doing, leaving us to enjoy the ride. (4) All tours – even those with set itineraries - are in very small groups. We were not one of a large number, being herded around like cattle. (5) GT is a funny, personable man who gets on well with people of all ages. He has a great voice, joining in when we were all belting out the tunes. He’s also a fabulous cook – a master of the camp fire! If you book with Charter North, you’ll have a lifetime of happy memories. Do it people.Travelled on private 11 Day Kimberley Tour in July 2019.Lisa, Geoff & family- Australia
A great trip to Kakadu and beyond – Amazing
Thank you for what was a magic family holiday experience over 6 days across Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield. We are not “campers”, but we were able to safely sleep, eat, see and hike to places we wouldn’t have on our own, in a relaxed manner over our entire trip. Sean was exceptionally easy going and extremely knowledgeable about the land, culture, wildlife and the current issues impacting the area. In addition, he prepared great meals throughout the trip which kept us all well feed. We have and would highly recommend a Charter North trip as a great way to see this part of Australia. It will live long in our memory’s. Travelled on private 6 Day Kakadu & Beyond Tour in July 2019.Richard & Amy B.- Australia
