Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your tour

How far is Kakadu National Park from Darwin?

The entrance to Kakadu National Park is approximately two and a half hours by road from Darwin. Kakadu is vast, and its attractions are spread across a large area, so travelling between locations is all part of the experience.

We break up the journey with scenic stops, walks, wildlife viewing and cultural experiences along the way.

How far is the Cobourg Peninsula from Darwin?

Cobourg Coastal Camp is approximately 570 kilometres from Darwin by road.

On our touring itineraries, the journey into Cobourg is generally completed over two days, with visits to Kakadu and Arnhem Land along the way. Some itineraries include a longer return journey from Cobourg to Darwin on the final day, with stops en route.

A charter flight may also be available for guests who prefer to fly one way.

Can I fly to or from the Cobourg Peninsula?

Yes. Charter flights between Darwin and the Cobourg Peninsula may be arranged, subject to aircraft availability, passenger numbers, luggage restrictions and weather conditions.

The flight takes approximately one hour and provides spectacular views of the Cobourg Peninsula coastline. Current pricing will be confirmed at the time of enquiry.

Where do your tours depart from?

Our tours begin and finish in Darwin unless otherwise specified.

Exact departure times, collection arrangements and other important information will be provided in your booking confirmation and pre-departure information.

Do you collect guests from their accommodation?

Yes. We collect and return guests directly to their Darwin accommodation.

Please provide your accommodation details before departure so we can confirm your collection time and location. If you are staying outside the Darwin CBD or Waterfront areas, please check with our team to confirm collection arrangements.

Should I arrive in Darwin before the day of departure?

We strongly recommend arriving in Darwin at least one day before your tour begins, particularly if you are travelling on an interstate or international flight.

Venture North cannot amend, refund or recover losses if a delay or cancellation involving a flight, train, cruise or other third-party transport provider prevents you from joining your tour.

What is included in the tour price?

Inclusions vary slightly between itineraries but generally include:

• Transport throughout the tour
• Accommodation or camping
• Meals as specified
• National Park entry fees
• Permits
• Included touring activities
• The services of an experienced Venture North guide

Your itinerary and booking confirmation will clearly outline everything included in your particular tour.

Domestic flights, alcohol, personal expenses and pre- or post-tour accommodation are not included unless specifically stated.

Are meals included?

Yes. Meals are included as specified in your individual itinerary.

Because we travel through remote areas, meal arrangements vary depending on the tour and accommodation being used. Please advise us of any dietary requirements or allergies before departure.

Do I need to arrange permits?

No. Venture North arranges the permits and permissions required for all destinations and activities included in your itinerary.

Access to Arnhem Land, the Cobourg Peninsula and other culturally significant locations is carefully managed. Guests must remain with their guide and follow all instructions relating to access, photography and culturally sensitive areas.

What should I bring?

A detailed packing list will be provided before departure.

We generally recommend bringing:

• Lightweight, comfortable clothing
• A hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
• A reusable water bottle
• A small daypack
• Personal medications
• Swimwear and a swimming towel
• A light warm layer for cooler evenings
• Charging cables for your electronic devices

Please follow the packing advice provided for your specific itinerary and time of year.

How much luggage can I bring?

Due to limited space in our vehicles and trailers, we recommend one soft-sided travel bag weighing up to approximately 20 kilograms per person, plus a small daypack.

Strict luggage and total passenger-weight restrictions apply when travelling by light aircraft or helicopter. We will advise you of the applicable limits before departure.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed.

Your policy should cover:

• Cancellation
• Emergency medical care and evacuation
• Illness or injury
• Transport delays and cancellations
• Weather events and natural disasters
• Lost or delayed luggage
• Activities included in your itinerary
• Travel in remote areas

Venture North cannot refund or recover losses if delays or cancellations involving flights, cruises, trains or other third-party operators prevent you from joining your tour.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. Remote-area touring can be affected by weather, road conditions, cultural obligations, park closures, permit requirements and other operational considerations.

We may adjust the order, timing or content of an itinerary when necessary. Any changes are made with guest safety, cultural responsibility and the overall quality of the experience in mind.

Travelling with Venture North

What is the maximum group size?

Our scheduled tours operate with a maximum of six guests per vehicle and one Venture North guide.

This micro-group format allows us to provide a more personalised experience while travelling responsibly through remote and culturally significant areas.

For larger groups, we can accommodate additional guests by travelling with multiple vehicles and Venture North guides in convoy, while maintaining the same small-group experience within each vehicle.

Private charters are designed exclusively for your travelling party and can be tailored to suit groups of varying sizes.

What vehicles do you use?

Our tours are primarily conducted in high-end Toyota Landcruiser 200series four-wheel-drives.

Our vehicles are air-conditioned throughout and fitted with heavy-duty suspension, shock absorbers and equipment suitable for remote travel. Each vehicle also carries drinking water, a first aid kit, satellite phone and recovery equipment.

Seating is rotated during shared tours so everyone has the opportunity to experience different positions and views.

How much driving is involved?

Travelling through the Top End involves covering considerable distances, particularly on itineraries visiting Kakadu, Arnhem Land and the Cobourg Peninsula.

There may be several hours of driving on some days, including travel on sealed and unsealed roads. We break up longer journeys with scenic stops, walks, cultural experiences, meals and wildlife viewing wherever possible.

Please speak with us before booking if you have concerns about extended travel or sitting for longer periods.

How much fitness is required?

We welcome guests with a wide range of fitness levels and abilities. For our shared tours, however, we recommend a reasonable level of fitness and that guests are steady and confident on their feet.

Activities may include easy to moderate walks, rocky paths, sandy or uneven ground, steps, getting in and out of four-wheel-drive vehicles and boats, and walking in warm conditions.

If you have limited mobility, are less steady or confident on your feet, or feel that the activities on a shared tour may not be suitable, we recommend considering a private charter. Private charters allow us to tailor the itinerary, pace and activities specifically to your individual fitness level, mobility, interests and abilities, creating a comfortable and rewarding experience without the need to keep pace with a shared group.

If you are unsure which option is right for you, please contact us before booking and we can help you choose the most suitable experience.

Can you accommodate accessibility or mobility requirements?

Absolutely! We love welcoming people with any special requirement. Our micro-group tours and private charters allow us to provide a highly personalised approach.

Please discuss any mobility, medical, sensory, dietary or accessibility requirements with us before booking. This allows us to assess the itinerary, accommodation and activities honestly and determine what adjustments may be possible.

Private charters provide the greatest flexibility for guests with specific accessibility requirements.

Do you take children?

Absolutely! We love welcoming families on tour and introducing younger travellers to the landscapes, wildlife, culture and stories of the regions we visit.

Children aged six years and over are welcome to join our scheduled tours, provided the itinerary and activities are suitable for them.

For families with younger children, or those looking for greater flexibility, a private charter is a wonderful option. We can tailor the pace, activities and itinerary to suit your family’s ages, interests and needs.

Can solo travellers join a scheduled tour?

Absolutely! We love welcoming solo travellers on our scheduled departures. Our small-group tours are a great way to explore with like-minded travellers while enjoying a relaxed and personal experience.

Please contact our team to find out about available departures, accommodation arrangements and any applicable single supplement. We’ll be happy to help find the right option for you.

Can private charters be customised?

Yes. Every private charter is designed around your travelling party.

We can tailor the itinerary, pace, accommodation and activities to suit your interests, available time, fitness levels and individual requirements. Private charters are particularly well suited to families, couples, photographers, special-interest groups and guests seeking greater flexibility.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. We can cater for many dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, pescatarian, nut-free and medically necessary diets, as well as most food allergies and intolerances.

Because we travel through remote areas where supplies can be limited, all dietary requirements and allergies must be provided before departure. Please also discuss your requirements with your guide at the beginning of the tour.

We may contact you for further information if your dietary requirements are complex or involve a serious allergy.

Is drinking water provided?

Yes. Drinking water is carried in our vehicles and provided throughout the tour.

We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle that can be refilled during the journey. It is important to drink regularly in the Top End’s warm climate, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Can I bring a CPAP machine or other medical equipment?

In many cases, yes. Charging can generally be arranged for CPAP machines and other essential medical equipment, including at Cobourg Coastal Camp.

Please tell us about any equipment before departure, including its power requirements, so we can confirm suitable arrangements.

Guests must bring sufficient medication and medical supplies for the entire tour. Please also advise us of any medical conditions or existing health concerns before departure.

Accommodation and facilities

What type of accommodation is used on tour?

Accommodation varies depending on your itinerary and may include hotels, wilderness lodges, safari camps and Venture North’s private Cobourg Coastal Camp.

Your itinerary and booking confirmation will outline the accommodation included in your tour.

What facilities are available at Cobourg Coastal Camp?

Cobourg Coastal Camp features comfortable clifftop safari tents overlooking the Cobourg Peninsula coastline.

Each tent contains two single beds, with the option of adding a third bed where required. Guests have their own external private amenities, including a toilet and outdoor shower.

The camp also features an open-air dining pavilion, sunset bar area and solar power for essential lighting and device charging.

Cobourg Coastal Camp is a remote wilderness camp, so guests should expect an authentic experience with thoughtful comforts rather than conventional hotel facilities.

Do I need to bring bedding or towels?

All bed linen and bedding are supplied at Cobourg Coastal Camp and at other accommodation included in your itinerary.

Guests should bring their own swimming towel, as accommodation towels should not be taken to swimming locations or used outdoors.

Are toilets and showers available throughout the tour?

Toilets and showers are available at the accommodation and camps used on our tours.

At Cobourg Coastal Camp, each safari tent has its own external private amenities, including a toilet and outdoor shower.

Facilities during travel days and remote activities may be limited. Your guide will explain what is available and provide plenty of opportunities to use facilities along the way.

Can I charge electronic devices?

Yes. Phones, cameras and other small electronic devices can be charged during the tour.

Our vehicles have charging facilities, and solar power is available at Cobourg Coastal Camp for charging devices.

Please bring your usual charging cables and consider carrying a portable power bank. Let us know before departure if you need to power essential medical equipment.

Will I have phone reception or Wi-Fi?

Phone reception is limited or unavailable across many of the remote areas we visit. There is no mobile reception or guest Wi-Fi at Cobourg Coastal Camp.

Reception is generally available in Darwin and major regional centres, including Batchelor, Katherine, Jabiru, Cooinda, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Ramingining and Nhulunbuy, although coverage cannot be guaranteed.

Our guides carry satellite phones for operational and emergency communication.

Can I do laundry during the tour?

Laundry facilities may be available at some hotels and accommodation used during the tour but should not be relied upon, particularly on shorter or more remote itineraries.

We recommend packing sufficient lightweight clothing for the duration of your tour. Your guide can advise if laundry facilities are available during your particular itinerary.

Alcohol, weather and safety

Can I bring alcohol?

Alcohol arrangements vary depending on the tour:

• Guests on the 5-day Kakadu, Arnhem Land & Cobourg Peninsula tour may bring their own alcohol for their stay at Cobourg Coastal Camp.
• Guests staying at Cobourg Coastal Camp or bush camps may bring their own alcohol.
• Alcohol is included on private charters and the scheduled 5-day Top End Tour.

Alcohol should be purchased before departing Darwin unless otherwise advised. We can keep reasonable quantities chilled during the tour.

Responsible consumption is expected at all times, and alcohol must not interfere with the safety or enjoyment of other guests.

What safety equipment is carried?

Our guides are accredited and hold current first aid qualifications.

First aid kits are carried in our vehicles and boats and with guides during relevant activities. Vehicles also carry additional drinking water, satellite communication and recovery equipment.

Guests receive safety briefings appropriate to each location and activity, including information about crocodiles, swimming, heat, wildlife and remote-area travel.

What happens in a medical emergency?

Our guides are trained in first aid and carry satellite phones for emergency communication in areas without mobile reception.

If an illness or injury requires further medical assistance, emergency services or evacuation may be arranged. Due to the remote locations we visit, response times and evacuation arrangements can differ considerably from those in urban areas.

Guests are strongly encouraged to have travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation.

Is it safe to swim?

Swimming is only permitted at locations assessed as suitable by your guide.

Crocodiles inhabit many waterways across northern Australia, and conditions can change. Always follow your guide’s instructions and never enter the water unless your guide has confirmed that it is appropriate to do so.

What weather should I expect?

The Top End has two main seasons:

• The Dry season generally runs from May to October.
• The Wet season generally runs from November to April.

Dry-season days are usually warm and sunny, while evenings can feel cooler in remote areas. The Wet season brings higher humidity, tropical rainfall, dramatic storms, flowing waterfalls and lush landscapes.

Conditions vary depending on the location and departure date, so please follow the packing advice provided for your tour.

Are mosquitoes and insects a problem?

Mosquitoes and other insects are a natural part of travelling in the Top End, particularly around waterways and during the Wet season.

We recommend wearing lightweight long sleeves and trousers when required and applying insect repellent regularly. Guests should bring their preferred insect repellent, although additional supplies are also carried on tour.

Bookings and cancellations

What are your booking and cancellation terms?

A 20% non-refundable deposit is required within 72 hours of receiving your booking confirmation. The remaining balance is due six weeks before departure.

Cancellation fees apply to the total value of the tour as follows:

• 42 days or more before departure: 20%
• 41–22 days before departure: 50%
• 21 days or less before departure: 100%

Tours that have not been paid in full 14 days before departure may be cancelled after email and telephone warnings have been issued.

Please read our full Terms and Conditions before booking.

What information do I need to provide before departure?

Before departure, guests must provide all information requested in their booking confirmation, including:

• Accommodation and collection details
• Dietary requirements and allergies
• Medical conditions
• Health, mobility or fitness concerns
• Emergency contact details
• Any other requested passenger information

Providing accurate information helps us prepare properly and ensure the tour is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Who should my family contact in an emergency?

Guests should provide Venture North’s contact details to a relative or friend before departure.

Our office can be contacted on +61 8 8927 5500 or by emailing [email protected]. The telephone number is monitored 24 hours a day while our tours are operating.

Our guides also carry satellite phones for emergency communication in remote areas.