Great Family Trip!
We recently finished a 4 day Kakadu/Litchfield vacation with our two teenager grand children (16 and 15) . My wife and I are both 65 and wanted to share a memorable holiday with our grand children, but really did not have the capability to take on Kakadu... hence we wanted the experience without the worry of organising etc. Greig was outstanding, from the time he picked us up in Darwin until the time he dropped us back. He listened to our requirements, helped shape the itinerary and then ensured we made it through each day... He had a great depth of knowledge, whether it was the vegetation, wildlife, indigenous art or just 4wd .... he did not push, but responded to our questions. We appreciated the healthy meals and enjoyed new season mangoes. His twenty years experience in the top end really came through. Apart from being a competent guide, he displayed a genuine interest in the teenagers and what they were doing etc... and helped them thoroughly enjoy their time. We could not have asked for more. Travelled on private, accommodated Kakadu & Litchfield Tour in October 2018.Kerry, Philip, Gaia & Hugo- Australia
Kakadu 3 days/2 nights private tour
We have been on many holidays and this one would have to count as one of the most memorable. We are a family of four (children ages 11 and 9) and only had limited time to spend in Kakadu. We gave Grieg a list of bucket list items that we wanted to tick off while in Kakadu and he fulfilled each of them with expert knowledge and professionalism. If you want a holiday that allows you to really connect with your loved ones against a backdrop of some of the world's most diverse and beautiful landscapes and habitats, hike to the most stunning swimming holes, learn about ancient rock art and Australia's indigenous culture, all while not having to lift a finger in terms of camping preparation, cooking, navigation and driving, then Charter North is for you. Greig was driver, navigator, tour guide, camp host, chef, and fireside story teller all in one and he worked from 6am in the morning til well after we had all gone to bed at night to make sure our experience was as rewarding and comfortable as is possible in the harsh climates of the Australian outback. The hikes he took us on were a particular highlight as we would never have been able to locate these incredible locations without him. I would have no hesitation in recommending Charter North to family and friends.
Travelled on private 3 Day Kakadu family camping Tour in October 2018.Sarah,Charles, Will & Anna- Australia
Kimberley 9 day camping tour
Travelled on mixed group 9 Day Kimberley Tour in September 2018.I'm born and raised in Australia but have never explored the top end so i was looking for some personalised, detailed local knowledge to ensure I saw more than the average tourist. Greig & Alina supplied a seamless, fun, educational and active experience. Meeting the locals in each area was important to me and Greig knows them all. The camp sites were fantastic, meals fantastic, hikes and swims also fantastic! Thanks Guys, (K)arl.
Karl- Australia
9 day Broome - Darwin Camping Tour
Travelled on mixed group 9 Day Kimberley Tour in September 2018.Thanks to Alina and GT for a organising a fantastic introduction to the Kimberley. Although a mixed group, GT managed to integrate into the programme a nice balance of hiking, swimming and culture. The campfire meals were delicious and the nights under the Kimberley sky magical. We particularly appreciated being guided to front row seats for some of the most spectacular views the Kimberley has to offer - often with no one else around! Truly an amazing experience.
Jian Wen & Catherine- Singapore
9 Day Broome to Darwin Camping Tour
Guided by Grieg our experience met and surpassed all expectations, taking in a huge itinerary in a perfect blend of hikes, swims, visits to rock art sites, galleries and world heritage sites. The comfortable vehicle carefully and competently piloted by Grieg got us through the Gibb River Rd where others came to grief! Greig’s detailed knowledge of the route extended to a list of hidden campsites where we could enjoy the incredible night sky in privacy and comfort. By the time we set up our tents and rolled out our swags the multi-talented Grieg would have the campfire blazing and another gourmet meal under preparation. It’s hard to pick winners on this trip when it includes so much like the sunset trip (and champagne fuelled swim) on Lake Argyle and a memorable visit to the Bungle Bungles. Thanks Alina and Grieg!
Travelled on mixed group 9 Day Kimberley Tour in September 2018.Sue & Carl- Australia
Unique Kimberley experience with a true Aussie legend!
Charter North organised a remarkable 9 day trip on the Gibb River Road from Darwin to Broome for our family group of six adults and six children aged from 6 to 13.
GT (Greig) was our guide, organiser, chef, raconteur and chief tyre change adviser / observer. He arranged a trip that ensured that we not only saw all of the must-see sights of the Kimberley (Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle, Emma Gorge, Bell Gorge, Manning Gorge and Windjana Gorge) but also covered some unique experiences such as sunset at our campsite looking over the Cockburn Range or swimming in deserted river gorges, watched only by rock wallabies and, perhaps, a freshie or two. His knowledge of the area is remarkable and makes for a richer understanding of the landscape and the characters that inhabit it. Even on a long stretch of dirt road, there is always a funny story from his years of guiding that will come out! To be able to take a group of city slickers and show them a true Australian 4WD camping experience is a real skill and GT has all the experience necessary to make it happen. All we needed to do was turn up in Darwin and it was all taken care of. Sitting around the campfire each night with the whole family was something to be treasured, particularly after GT had created another wonderful meal over the fire! All in all, a unique experience and one to be recommended to anyone looking to see the real Kimberley from a swag under the stars, without the stress of trying to organise it all yourself.Travelled on private 9 Day Kimberley Tour in July 2018.Story Family- Australia
Fantastic experience - highly recommend!
We recently returned from a 6 night 7 day guided trip from Darwin through Kakadu to Katherine, finishing in Litchfield National Park before heading back to Darwin. It was a family trip - 2 adults and 2 kids (12 and 10) and it was fantastic in every respect. Greig and Alina were very professional in organising the trip for us and every detail was covered. Our guide Daniel (Dan) was superb - knowledgeable, organised, good fun and a fabulous cook!! Dan really got the measure of our capabilities and interests early in the trip and organised the daily intinerary accordingly. We had such a variety of fabulous experiences - swimming at Jim Jim Falls; a challenging but super rewarding trek to the top of Jim Jim; lots of croc spotting (including a stuffed one), viewing amazing rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie; seeing the wonderful bird life on the Yellow River cruise; swimming in more waterfalls than we thought possible including the gorgeous Maguk and learning so much from Dan and others about indigenous history, culture and custom (plus the odd campsite Jenga showdown!). It was a truly fantastic trip - so many great family memories created. We can't rate Dan highly enough - his experience and good nature meant we always felt we were in good hands and just made the trip so enjoyable and fun (plus he laughed at a lot of our jokes!). Thanks so much. Chris (aka Luddy), Emma, Lucy and Alice.
Travelled on 7 Day Kakadu & Beyond Tour in July 2018.Schulz family- Australia
Kimberley and Kakadu Safari Trip
We had a fabulous 13 day camping trip with GT. He is very experienced and yet extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the environment, plants, animals, bird life and the indigenous people of this area. GT is a great guide who made our group feel incredibly relaxed to enjoy this amazing landscape. Nothing is too much for GT and we would highly recommend him and love to travel with him again.
Travelled on 13 Day Kakadu & Kimberley Tour in July/ August 2018.Susan R., Australia
A camping adventure with two young girls
Travelled on 4 Day Kakadu & Litchfield Tour in August 2018.We booked this trip with Charter North, the whole booking experience was very easy and Alina was most accommodating indeed. We were met at our Hotel in Darwin by Dan our guide for the 4 days. Dan was a super host, he interacted with us all and the kids enjoyed their time with him, swimming, cooking, toasting marshmallows and just general outdoor fun. Dan made the trip for us all, he was knowledgeable and most personable. Kakadu is a special place and well worth a visit. We enjoyed it so much I spoke to a friend today about it and he is going to book a similar trip himself. Making memories is good and we made a lot on this trip. Highly recommend.
Lyn & Garry, UK
Memorable Trip!
Better than we could have imagined! Spending what we thought would be 6 days traveling with a complete stranger, turned into one of our best holidays we've had! Dan, our personal guide, was a sensational guy, he knew every inch of the Top End, was incredibly knowledgeable of the flora and fauna and had a fantastic sense of humor. Not only was he friendly, he was hard working, patient, super organized, efficient and had very creative cooking skills. We learnt quickly he was very well known in the area and well regarded. Dan's planning was immaculate and we were always ahead of the big tour groups. I highly recommend Charter North for an unforgettable experience. Thanks Charter North, and thank you especially Dan!
Travelled on accommodated 6 Day Kakadu & Beyond Tour in July 2018.Sterley family- Singapore
Kakadu, a unique place of beauty
We were well satisfied with the Itinerary offered us and in the leadership provided by Daniel. Dan was terrific. His trailer and equipment was just great, his meal management and standard of meals was totally satisfactory, his adaptability to Twin Falls not being available and selection of alternative sites and items of interest was good, his education and information story was rewarding and able to be absorbed by our 12 year old grandsons, we felt totally safe in the car and finally his conversation and general interest in our lives was friendly and genuine. The campsites selected were totally adequate. We accepted we were camping in outback NT and therefore the ablutions, corrugated roads and dusty conditions were just part of the deal. The Corroboree Wetlands Cruise with Chris as our skipper and guide was so good, and a great introduction to Kakadu. The whole of the communication and organisation with Alina, Greig and Dan gave us confidence and great service.
Travelled on 4 Day Kakadu Tour in July 2018.Collin & Yvonne and their two grandsons, Australia
The trip my children will tell their children about
Having done all the overseas trips with my family (husband and 22 and 18 year old daughters), this trip to Kakadu with Greig of Charter North 4WD Safaris will be THE one my girls will tell their children about. Kakadu is absolutely stunning in its pristine beauty. The play of the light on the landscape changing all the time is a photographer’s dream. Being able to appreciate it better through the guidance of Charter North enhanced our experience 100 fold. Greig was able to take our small party of 4 away from all the tourists and on secluded walks and to private water holes. From his vast knowledge, we learned about local culture, plants and animals and felt like the first explorers ever to enjoy the magnificent views from the huge rock outcrops. Greig judged our fitness and climbing skills like the true professional he is, challenging all of us in different ways with the 12km Barrk Walk, rock scrambling, and jumping off rocks into deep waterholes, at all times keenly aware of safety issues but also entertaining us with stories of crocodiles and buffalo and the elusive macropods! As a parent, I saw a new side to my children, engaging in fast flowing conversation with Greig, such as debating about the aboriginal rock paintings – was that a head dress or did the hunter sit on the same rock as us just before a storm and his hair stood on end too with the electricity in the air? There was much laughter on our trip and we are definitely looking at asking Greig to plan a Kimberley tour for us in the future. Charter North offered modern, clean and comfortable equipment, from the 4WD to tents and swags (with pillows!). The numerous emails and “what to bring” list was spot on, and ensured we were well prepared. The day was always started with a fresh cup of percolated coffee and a spread of cereals, breads, fresh fruit and when time permitted damper, eggs and bacon, often with an open fire. We were all surprised at the quality and variety of food Greig prepared. Fresh, organic, delicious and plenty thereof, always thinking of the environment in our use of the camping area, roads and bush. Thank you Greig for giving us a first class insight into our wonderful country.
Travelled on 4 Day Kakadu Tour in April 2018.Fischer Family, Perth
Fantastic, family friendly trip - I can't recommend it highly enough!
My family and I (wife and kids who are 7 and 9) recently completed an 8 day trip from Darwin to Broome. I can honestly say it was one of the great family holidays we've taken. We opted for a personal tour because we are relative newcomers to the world of 4-wheel driving and camping, we were on a reasonably tight timeframe and because we were slightly apprehensive about taking on a trip of that scale with relatively small kids. After a fair bit of online research, we decided upon Charter North because of the ability to do a private tour, but also because they allowed flexibility in the itinerary, which we felt was important with the kids. It proved to be an inspired choice. GT and Alina were fantastic in their communication and advice in the lead up to the trip, which ensured we were well prepared, and from the moment GT picked us up from our hotel in Darwin, he was a fantastic and engaging host. He is a walking encyclopaedia of knowledge about the region, and is more than happy to impart that knowledge. He was great with the kids, and engaged with them really well. We took up a package with a camp trailer, which meant we had very comfortable accomodation, and GT's well choreographed evening routine meant we could go from pulling over at a campsite, to having the camp trailer popped, beds ready, the fire going, snacks being served and a cold beer in hand (in a can preferably) in less than 30 mins. And then GT would invariably demonstrate his culinary skills using a trusty wok and a campfire - I was expecting 8 nights of BBQ'ed sausages, but we ended up with everything from stir fries to tacos to pasta, all cooked on an open fire. So the dinners were great, and it would be remiss of me not to mention Alina's muesli and GT's coffee, which got the mornings off to a great start. The campsites we used were a combination of established camps and bush camps. GT knows the area like the back of his hand, so the bush camps were great, and if you ask the kids, probably their pick of the places we stayed (although they loved night swimming in Manning River one evening, so that's right up there as well). And then the days themselves were packed with great experiences - from the Bungles (helicopter flight highly recommended), through Emma Gorge, Manning Gorge, Bell Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Winjana Gorge, each day was like a highlights package. There was some hiking involved, which could have been challenging with the kids, but GT tailored it well for us, and most hikes ended up with a swim under a waterfall, or in a deep gorge, so that allowed us to bribe the kids to get them through to the end. It was hot, but not oppressively so because humidity was low when we were there, but generally we'd look to be hiking early morning or late afternoon, and avoid the heat of the day, which made it all very manageable with the kids. And beyond the physical beauty, the kids also loved some of the wildlife experiences - freshwater crocs, water monitors, wallabies, bower birds and a friendly snake, as well as some of the cultural highlights such as aboriginal rock art, and the broader history of the area, which I don't think is generally well understood. At no stage did we feel the slightest hint of danger - we felt we were in safe hands the whole way, helped by GT's meticulous preparation. So if you combine professional and knowledgeable service, with great company, super comfortable accomodation, good food and coffee, with great experiences all in a safe and kid-friendly package, it's a pretty hard combination to beat. So we would all highly recommend the tour, and if anyone has reservations about taking on a trip like this with kids, I can honestly say that it's one of the great family holidays, and those concerns can be put to rest. Cheers! Travelled in September 2017 on 8 Day Family Kimberley Tour.Andrew & Lisa W.- Melbourne
Amazing 4 day/3 night tour of Kakadu and Litchfield
We’re a family of five (17, 15 and 10 year old kids) who’ve just returned from a fabulous trip with Charter North to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. I’m so happy I discovered this great tour guiding company after chancing upon reviews on Trip Advisor; now I’m hoping someone else will read my review and make a booking! First up, Charter North really can provide a unique ‘bespoke’ tour that can cater for all individual needs. They are so flexible and we were very impressed with their clear and comprehensive communications in the run up to our trip. Initially we were going to do a 3 night/4 day camp, but unseasonably hot and humid conditions were persisting in mid- April, so Alina and Greig gave us the last minute option of switching to air-conditioned accommodation. With temps of 38 degrees every day and hot nights, we were happy we made the last minute change (the 10 year old was struggling a bit with the heat). The accommodation selected worked perfectly, we particularly loved Mount Bundy Station and just wish we had more time to spend there. Even after the owner Sue casually mentioned that a 6 foot freshie had strolled across the driveway a couple of days before! Greig is truly a master at his job. He really is like an ever-ready battery with boundless energy; if he wasn’t guiding us around the Aboriginal rock art and hikes etc, then he was busy driving or preparing delicious meals for us. His passion for the environment and reverence for the Aboriginal culture and rock art is infectious. Greig was so personable and respectful and had a knack of making each person feel special. His knowledge about the indigenous culture, wildlife and the diverse landscapes is second to none. We fully expected 3 nights of BBQ sausage in rolls so it was fantastic to get a really delicious home-cooked meal every evening, from stir fries to homemade pasta sauces. Plenty of snacks and a hearty breakfast (and espresso coffee..no international roast here!) set us up for the day. Greig just seemed to keep on producing more and more food from ‘the tardis’ trailer, which meant we never went hungry; including two plus-six foot teenage boys. There’s no doubt in my mind that we wouldn’t have got anywhere near as much out of a self-drive to Kakadu. Greig took us to some magical sites, some of which were not yet accessible to the general public. Highlights: the infinity pool at Gunlom Falls; the incredible rock art at Ubirr; the most stunning sunset at Nardab Lookout with 360 degree panoramic views of Kakadu; campfire under the stars at Mount Bundy Station; swimming under waterfalls in Litchfield...the list could go on and on. I really hope that some day we might be able to do another Charter North tour to the Kimberley. Greig and Alina: you provide an exceptional and unique service, thank you!
Travelled in April 2018.The Cotton family, Manly NSW
The Real Deal
I’m one of those people who is difficult to please. I want to see the most beautiful sights and sites on Earth, but I don’t want anyone else to be there. I want to ‘get back to nature’, but I want crisp linen sheets and sparkling clean glassware. I adore being social and chatty - but love my solitude. So is always a struggle for me to find the perfect solution when we travel to tourist locations. I think Charter North was the ideal choice for our family. An early pick up from our hotel in Darwin got us on the road for the quick trip to Coroboree Creek for our boat cruise. We’d done a ‘jumping croc’ tour a few days ago and had no interest in doing another, but thankfully this was a complete contrast. A cool early morning breeze meant that it was extremely pleasant cruising down the billabong and we saw crocs, an abundance of birds and some gorgeous lillys. Then off to Ubirr for the rock art and sunset. Our guide has an intimate knowledge and love of indigenous culture and heritage - we never felt like we were just getting a ‘spiel’. In fact one of the highlights of the tour was just how well our guide interacted with my two children - either he’s the world’s best actor or he genuinely relates to young people (the latter for sure!). Our first night’s camp was a bit of a disaster - Kakadu had had a long, hot wet season and we caught the tail end. So we were assaulted by a plague of mosquitos, a stinking hot night and techno music drifting over from the backpackers camp next door. To be fair Charter North did warn us that it would unpleasant and offered us the choice of booking into accommodation. But, being the awkward bugger that I am, I insisted on camping and then whinged about how awful it was! We hightailed it out of the mozzie hell hole first thing and instead had a lovely breakfast under a tree just before our first hike to a secret water hole. This was more like it - not a soul and just pristine water and wilderness. I wanted the whole tour to focus around water - I knew the only way I could get the kids to go on hikes in 38 degree heat was to plunge into a waterfall at the end of it. So Charter North certainly delivered - we visited 4 totally different water holes, with the highlight being an early morning visit to Gunlom where we were the ONLY people there. Unheard of and the reason it’s definitely worth booking with a well established tour operator who has early season access permits to avoid the crowds. The second campsite was a real hit - hardly any mozzies, a handy Creek down the road for a quick dip and absolute serenity on the second night when the backpackers left after the weekend. Meals were healthy and huge portions. We never went hungry. As I said in the title to this review - Charter North is the real deal. It’s definitely not glamping - if you’re soft and want hot and cold running water, flushing toilets and French linen then stick to Longitude 131. But if you want a genuine, fully immersive, no BS, true blue Aussie bush experience with guides who are truly passionate about what they do and live, breathe and dream Kakadu then book with Charter North.
Travelled on 4 Day Kakadu Tour in April 2018.Susan W., Sydney
12 Day Kakadu & Kimberley Tour
Alina and Greig offered us an exceptional customised 12 day tour with 3 days of camping in Kakadu followed by 9 days in the Kimberley. My husband is not well and it was to be the trip of a lifetime for us. Greig was our driver, guide, cook and cleaner! I didn't have to do a thing and my husband was able to completely relax. Greig has such expert knowledge of the areas and was able to be entirely flexible in our day to day needs. We saw the absolute best of Kakadu and the Kimberleys. It is so hard to say which sight was the best from Ubirr, Maguk Watefall, Gunlom Natural Infinity Pool, Riverside camping, Bungle Bungles and Cathedral Gorge, Geike Gorge and on and on. Sunset and Sunrise viewing Greig had it all planned for us. The most amazing places we have seen, and we have travelled extensively overseas. I can't recommend it more highly. Due to my husband’s illness we had to have a very specific diet, which Alina planned expertly for Greig to prepare each day. They provided us with a complete list of items to take, including warm wear for the cold nights in the desert. You will not be disappointed. From the outset communication was easy with prompt answers and honest recommendations, I felt completely at ease with their organisation. Travelled on 12 Day Private Kakadu & Kimberley Tour May/June 2018.Erica & Graham, ACT
A choice you will not regret...
I took a 5-day private tour of Kakadu and Litchfield with my two children aged 8 and 12 in April 2018. It was a much anticipated part of our trip to Australia and our expectations were high. We were not disappointed. GT and Alina made sure from the beginning of the booking process that we had all of the information we needed and responded rapidly to our questions. From the time we were collected by GT on the first morning in his spotless 4WD, I was sure that we were in good hands and that we were with someone who is very comfortable interacting with children. GT is very well informed about the places visited, indigenous culture and painting and also about the local flora and fauna. He is a walking encyclopaedia if you will. He is also a master of fading into the background at certain times to allow you and your tour group private time together. We really appreciated these two facets. We took the option of the camping trailer, rather than camping in tents. It is a great choice for those who prefer to sleep up off the ground in a real bed with fresh sheets, duvets and pillows. Such luxury for a camping holiday! The food served at each meal, as others have described, is another luxury that one does not necessarily expect when camping. A highlight of the food was the freshly made coffee each morning and the home-made pasta sauce, which disappeared from our plates with great gusto. As for the places that we went on tour, we were so fortunate to often be the only ones there, or be leaving just as others arrived. The fact that GT timed our visits very carefully gave us this wonderful experience. We were lucky to visit Gunlom - with it's marvelous natural infinity pool - as GT had obtained special early permission to be there. Another place we loved was Yurmikmik which was easily accessible and a great place for a swim; and again we were the only ones there! We loved our trip so much that we would love to come back one day to do a Kimberley tour with Charter North 4WD safaris. To go with them is really is a choice you will not regret!Travelled on 5 Day Kakadu Tour in April 2018.Fiona H., Australia/Switzerland
A beautiful escape from daily life...
Our family enjoyed the most fantastic private tour with Charter North in April. We were shown the delights and beauty of Kakadu and benefited greatly from GT's local knowledge. We visited stunning locations, billabongs and relaxed in the beautiful surroundings. GT was an excellent guide and we would have no reservations about recommending this trip to other families.
Travelled on 4 Day Kakadu Camping Tour in April 2018.Hannah B., UK
Awesome Adventure!
Totally loved our time spent exploring Kakadu National Park. The expert guidance, knowledge of the indigenous history and care from GT our tour guide, made this a holiday of a lifetime. The 3 nights and 4 days were packed with amazing moments: Country is a spectacular sacred space, the views from the mountain top overlooking the wet lands just blew my mind, the infinity pool and the natural spa whirl pool were moments that took my breath away. I feel the call of the ancient wild ways and some part of me will forever remain embedded in the rich red earth. The memories will forever live on in my heart. Thank you!!
Travelled in October 2017 on 4 Day Private Kakadu Tour.Cassandra C.- UK
Awesome! A ton of fun and quite an experience!
My girlfriend and I were lucky enough to be the last tour party for this year. Greig (GT) was our wonderful tour guide, and he kept up a constant string of stories, jokes and regional information during the travel segments. The countryside is a sight to behold, with the most incredible vistas, waterfalls, valleys and rock structures. We got to see some amazing rock art, all sorts of wildlife, and the most incredible rock pools I’ve experienced. You’ll be thankful for a quick swim when the heat gets up there. On our last night we were treated to the first electrical storm of the season with the best vantage point to enjoy the thunder, lightning and rain. Thankfully the tent was up to the job! Being in the middle of all that natural splendor was a real honor. The food, banter, and company were all excellent and I can’t recommend these guys highly enough.
Travelled in October 2017 on private 4 day Kakadu Tour.Paul A.- Great Britain
