The Top End - The Kimberley, Uluru and Kakadu

Bamurru’s signature experience is a thrilling ride across the floodplains by airboat. This wildlife-packed journey takes you from wide open grasslands to a lagoon surrounded by peeling paper bark trees. Feel the rush as you skim the surface at speed then float in silence listening to the sound of nothing but the bush.

The floodplain wetlands of the Mary River catchment are the key natural feature of this area and some of the most important in the country, home to thousands of Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Egrets, Ibis and a host of other birds. These beautiful birds will take flight as you zip across the floodplains on your airboat, flocks sometimes thousands of birds strong!

Our guides will provide you with a hands on demonstration of the many uses of the flora from the wetlands whilst floating amongst a forest of melaleuca trees or looking out for crocodiles slowly swimming amongst the grasses of the floodplain. A morning trip out on the floodplains in an airboat is utterly exhilarating and the only way to truly experience this environment.

The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The significance of this particular property comes in the variety of habitat: black soil floodplains, paperbark swamps, savannah woodland, river mangroves and coastal beaches support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife. Even in the dry season the floodplains on the property still retain large areas of water where the birdlife congregate in extroadinary numbers rarely seen elsewhere in Australia.

The birding spectacle on the Swim Creek floodplain and surrounding Mary River region is second to none in the Top End due to both the extraordinary volume and variety of birdlife and Bamurru’s 300km2 allows birding groups a private and exclusive experience. At particular times of the year, the floodplain will host hundreds of thousands of Magpie Geese and species that are associated with the life cycle of the geese, particularly raptors.

The richness of the floodplain also supports dense populations of other waterbirds, with thousands of egrets, whistling ducks, jacanas, crakes and strong populations of jabiru, brolgas and raptors. The surrounding paperbark swamps and savannah woodland provide a huge diversity of species for keen birders.

The Sampan Creek, which is part of the Mary River System, forms the western boundary of the station. During the dry season (May-October) the crocodiles will regulate their body temperatures by basking on the banks in the sunlight. During these months, the numbers of crocs sunning themselves will give you an idea of the size of the population.

It’s not just the crocodiles, many bird species call this mangrove lined environment home. Relax in the shade provided on our canopy covered cruise as you meander along this creek system, learning about these animals from our skilled guides and enjoying sunset canape’s as the light begins to fade.

One of the best ways to see the variety of wildlife that teems here is on an open-top game drive, more akin to an African safari across the savannah.

With the recession of the waters from much of the floodplain in the dry season, the plains become accessible to 4X4 vehicles and a journey out with one of our guides will provide a unique insight to this fragile yet very important environment.

Our open sided safari vehicles feature shaded canopies with comfortable and raised seating to provide the best possible vantage point to view agile wallabies, estuarine crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo’s and some of the 236 bird species on the property.

Our guides will describe the Aboriginal uses for some of the local flora and fauna while you enjoy a cool drink and bite to eat.

A guided walking safari at Bamurru is the perfect antidote to a busy life. You’re compelled to slow down and absorb the sights and sounds of the bush, understanding how every element has its place. At this pace, nature has a way of showing you what’s important.

Look for ant trails that criss cross the ground at your feet, or the birds calling up in the tree tops before settling in for morning tea amongst the beauty which is Bamurru.

Head out with our guides away from the main lodge on a short drive before continuing on foot learning the Indigenous uses for the various plants and animals on Bamurru or learning how to track different wildlife through the forest.

Walking safaris are individually tailored to your interests and tend to be run in the latter part of the dry season.

Raised 6 metres above the ground in the tree canopy, the 24m2 screened platform allows a unique perspective on this fragile environment. The Hide is the ultimate eyrie from which birdlife and other wildlife can be observed undisturbed in their natural habitat.You will have a 360º view overlooking the Mary River floodplain, canopy and background woodland.

Perfect for photographic or ornithological groups as well as individuals, adjustable flaps allows cameras and binoculars to be focussed on the surrounding wildlife, birdlife and floodplains and there’s a Nikon Prostaff fieldscope has been fitted for maximum visibility.

Criss-crossing between floodplain savannah, monsoonal forests and dry, open areas dotted with termite mounds alongside buffalo and brumbies, explore Bamurru from the wheel of your own quad bike.

This leisurely safari will take you to areas inaccessible by our regular 4WD vehicles, while our knowledgeable field guides lead you to some of our favourite secret spots.

While technically not a real activity, some of our guests prefer to do absolutely nothing. The best bit is that the wildlife will come to you. Watch hundreds of birds take flight from around the infinity-edge pool, see buffalo roam and Agile wallabies hop past your bungalow as you wake to sounds of thousands of Magpie Geese. If all you want to do is switch off, chill out and get away from the hustle and bustle of life then Bamurru is one of the best places in the world to do it.

Just a short hop by light aircraft across the river systems that separate Bamurru Plains from Kakadu brings you to the heart of this country. Rock art galleries reveal stories of Aboriginal people and their ancient culture. Textures of colours, vistas across savannah woodlands and floodplains provide a sense of the spirituality of this ancient landscape.

From rock overhangs and caves at Ubirr Rock (think classic scenes from Crocodile Dundee) to the meandering waters of the East Alligator River that drains from the stone country of Arnhem Land and marks the boundary between Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, this day will expose the senses to country that is rich in Aboriginal culture, flora and fauna.

Travelling with Wild Bush Luxury’s field guides in our custom built vehicle, your day will include a scenic flight into Kakadu, a bush picnic lunch and the chance to spend time with an Aboriginal guide on the waters of the East Alligator River before returning overland, with a stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre, returning in time for sundowner drinks, canapes and the comfort of the safari lodge as the sun sets over Bamurru Plains.

Included on a shared basis on the Ultimate Kakadu Experience package, also available to be booked at $750 per person subject to availability on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Capture the changing lights reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips down below

the horizon, chilled glass and canapé in hand. The essential outback experience!

Artist Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed solar installation Field of Light arrives at the Red Centre in April 2016, offering visitors to the region a transformative experience of iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Bruce conceived the idea for the Field of Light while visiting Uluru in 1992, but it first materialised in 2004 at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. The work has since appeared in varying incarnations around the UK, in the US and Mexico.

The Field of Light at Uluru is the largest recreation of the installation, made up of 50,000 bud-like stems and crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres, which will bloom and appear to sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland. Pathways will invite visitors into the artwork, which will come to life under a sky brilliant with stars. Longitude 131° guests will experience the interactive artwork as part of the signature experiences program, arriving at dusk to meander around the field before enjoying the cool night skies at Table 131°. Witness the monumental combination of art and culture from April 1, 2016.

Table 131° is without doubt the perfect way to wind down after a day of discovery. Dine out on sumptuous outback fare and discover the wonders of the night sky. Arrive to the mesmerising sounds of an ancient culture and feast on four delicious courses complemented with the finest Australian wines. Later, Longitude’s resident astronomer regales the gathering with tales of the Southerly constellations. Return to the Dune House for after dinner drinks or float back to your luxury tent, for a deep slumber under the stars.

Table 131° operates subject to weather and climatic conditions.

Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta, the walls of Walpa Gorge rising obliquely on each side and discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today’s landscape. Pause for a long distance perspective and photo opportunity before a visit to the Cultural Centre where informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Join the Lodge guide for a gentle walk along a portion of Uluru’s base and learn about the history of the Mala people, viewing cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the rock walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Revel in the silence sunset drinks and canapés.

Discover peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti as the sun

lights up the ancient monolith. Along this walk our guide shares the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru, adding greater depth to Uluru’s striking features. Should departure flight times allow, consider extending the morning’s tour and join a guided Uluru Base Walk. Please note, this activity must be booked prior and an additional charge applies.

Return to Longitude 131° for breakfast in the Dune House. Take stock of the journey, capture some last images, complete a journal or send a postcard of Australia’s most recognisable natural icon and the resilient presence that has been a constant throughout the stay.

Guests looking to explore more of the outback, or who have a special interest to pursue can choose from a selection of bespoke experiences in addition to their signature Longitude 131° itinerary. Activities may be relaxed and intimate, like romantic private dining or sunset viewing options to more energetic pursuits like guided hikes, which include the classic Uluru base walk and rewarding Valley of the Winds circuit at Kata Tjuta. There are day trips to Kings Canyon or an exclusive visit to the remote art community at Ernabella and private arrival and departure tour options, most thrillingly via helicopter.

Longitude 131° also partners with outback adventure operators for specialist ventures, ranging from ‘bush tucker’ tours to day trips to Cave Hill, a renowned rock art site. Scenic flights over Uluru, Kata Tjuta and beyond to Mount Conner, the region’s ‘other’ distinctive monolith offer an exhilarating aerial perspective of the outback, revered as a ‘must do’ by those in the know.

Adventure seekers can jump on a Harley-Davidson for an unforgettable ride around Uluru, join a camel train for a mesmeric encounter of the outback at dusk in the style of the western pioneers, whilst others take to mountain bikes for a more down-to-earth adventure. Possibilities to explore Australia’s outback are as vast as its horizons; the team at Longitude 131° will choreograph each guest’s stay to create a highly tailored, personal experience of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and beyond and always in stylish comfort.