"Kakadu and Arnhem Land with "VT Survivor"" Top 5 Page for this destination Kakadu National Park by tiabunna

Kakadu National Park Travel Guide: 274 reviews and 971 photos

"Zig's Mob" touring Borradaile and rock art

On a magical mystery tour with “Zig’s Mob”

There’s only one way to begin some stories (LOL).

Starting out - how to fit it all in?

Once upon a time, for nine days a group of twelve assorted VTers and partners travelled on a camping tour called “VT Survivor” but which became something like the "Trip of a Lifetime” for the participants. With them they took two lumbering Landcruisers, a number of Virtual Attendees, a mountain of food, water, camping gear and luggage, and a trailer for all the bits that wouldn’t otherwise fit. Oh, and two curious travel mascots, a penguin and a German bear.

Zig (aka 1+1 in VT) had volunteered at the 2007 Perth VT meeting to arrange this trip. In the outback parlance, any kind of group is called “a mob”. So “Zig’s Mob” was conceived. Word gets around in the bush and Zig is well known, so that became our collective identity during our travels. Zig himself (and I hope this description doesn’t embarrass him) is a true ‘bushie’ with a deep affinity with the Aboriginal culture. He also is a long time Ranger at the Kakadu National Park and has an encylopaedic knowledge of the ‘Top End’. For our trip he combined the roles of Pied Piper, Peter Pan, teacher and guide: we were in excellent hands and were fortunate to experience far more than would be possible on any conventional tour. I guess the request from several participants, as we returned to Darwin, sums up the success: ”Can’t we just refill the fuel tanks, top up the food and do it all again?”

VT Survivors, safely back in Darwin

Before we go any further, I must tell you who was on the trip. From the left in this photo, Mrs tiabunna; tiabunna; Mr adelaidean; rosie235; Mr kiwi; Gillybob; kiwi (front); aussirose; Mr aussirose; 1+1; adelaidean; feelingfabulous

And where did we go? The photo was taken back in Darwin after our return and the map in the middle shows our route, which I’ve highlighted with red spots. Starting from Darwin on the left, we headed out toward the east into the Kakadu National Park, then turned north into Arnhem Land. After a detour to Mt Borradaile we continued as far north as it’s possible to drive, up the Cobourg Peninsula. A few idyllic days there passed quickly and we headed south again to visit more of the Kakadu National Park, before continuing to our most southerly point at Adelaide River which is on the main road. Then we again travelled OTBP to some points along the Ghan railway, before again joining the main road and returning to Darwin. Maybe it doesn’t sound much, and it may not look far on the map, but we travelled 2500km on this trip! I'll add separate pages for our travels outside Arnhem Land and Kakadu

You also might care to visit the pages on this trip prepared by Aussirose (who also has some great video footage); Rosie235 who has some hilarious video footage; and Kiwi with some great photo galleries - but I reckon her heading photo (and added titles) is a classic.

NB - because Arnhem Land is somewhat more difficult to visit than Kakadu National Park, I have included the 'to dos' for it as "Off The Beaten Path".*

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A marvellous and unforgettable trip

Last visit to Kakadu National Park: Dec 2007
Intro Updated Jan 13, 2009
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Reviews (34)

Our 'family' in VT2! - Kakadu National Park

A little about Aboriginal society Local Customs (3)

I can't claim to be expert on Aboriginal society. Relatively few 'whitefellers' can make that claim. Fortunately Zig (VT... more travel advice

Nourlangie Rock (panorama) - Kakadu National Park

Nourlangie Rock – Not to be missed! Things to Do (8)

Main photo Nourlangie Rock (pano) – larger than it looks! Photo 2 VTers on walkway, taking photos of rock art Photo 3... more travel advice

Um, where's the plane? We're waiting... - Kakadu National Park

Why not fly in? Transportation (4)

. That’s a good question! Unfortunately there are no commercial flights to Jabiru or to the Cobourg Peninsula part of... more travel advice

Lighting the fire by twirling a fire stick - Kakadu National Park

Bush Tucker Local Customs (3)

Photo 1 Lighting the fire by twirling a fire stick Photo 2 Fish, cooked to perfection Photo 3 Damper (bush bread,... more travel advice

Shopping (2)
See All Nowhere much else ...
Favorites (5)
See All Little fish in streams
Off The Beaten Path (7)
See All Koolpin Gorge – Swimming with crocs

Hotels (3)
See All Top Camping
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All The only good Cane Toad!
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Comments (25)

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AlbuqRay Jun 26, 2010 at 8:00 AM

George, I am starting to study for my trip. Your tips are outstanding and very well written. Thanks! Until now I did not realize that Zig was stationed at KNP. I am looking forward to meeting all of you.
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balhannah Feb 15, 2010 at 1:35 AM

What a wonderful time you had here! It is such an interesting beautiful place to visit.
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rosie235 Nov 2, 2009 at 11:05 PM

just revisiting your pages George.. We had such an awesome time. Can't wait to do it all over again.. love to you and Pauline.xxx
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iandsmith Sep 8, 2009 at 6:00 AM

So, what happened to the flies? Mozzies get them all? Wow, information overkill here, well done.
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DennyP Aug 27, 2009 at 4:47 AM

Once again great informative tips and pics.George..I must say that I would have loved to have done this trip..must have been absolutely amazing taking in this part of OZ..cheers Denny
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vinc_bilb Jul 21, 2009 at 1:25 PM

Excellent, as usual, George. You are a star, really! I still don't understand why the "Multilingual crocodile warning sign", is written in english but with one german word (achtung)....
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hindu1936 May 17, 2009 at 4:10 AM

quite a park you have here! agree about the toads much as we feel about possums and porcupines in oregon. some fantastic vistas--any snakes?
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lynnehamman Mar 29, 2009 at 5:32 AM

Wow Na-kamerrang- this is one of the best pages I have seen on VT. What fun it must have been.I suppose I will 'never ever know-if I never ever go' LOL! ((Can do without the witchetty grubs)!.I will return here to read more
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volopolo Mar 17, 2009 at 5:38 AM

Excellent information!
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junecorlett Feb 24, 2009 at 9:36 AM

The only thing I know about billabong is a shirt!!!!!!!!!