5 Day Private Tour of Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield National Parks

  You definitely need a guide if you wish to visit the hidden treasure of Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge) and Hamish from Sugarbag Safaris is one of the best.
The organization of... read more permits, pickup for the 2hr 4WD in, the guide itself, the provided lunch were all first class. Thanks Hamish for keeping us safe and sharing your extensive knowledge and respect of Kakadu.

  Our four day trip to Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Lichfield was amazing. One of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world. Hamish's profound knowledge of the area,... read more wildlife, local culture, art and history is impressive. We relied on him to decide the itinerary and it was a good decision. We visited all the well-known sites but in addition he took us to some great private spots. His organisation was impeccable and everything was taken care of, from tasty lunches to ice cold water on tap. His vehicle is very comfortable. Hamish was very flexible and was happy to accomodate our specific requirements. Hamish was great fun to talk to and he is a truly outstanding guide.

  We are just back from the 5 day/4 night camping safari with Hamish from Sugarbag safaris
Great itinerary which captured the highlights of the 3 National Parks .
Hamish... read more is the most super organized, efficient, and fastidious tour guide I have ever met ! His Land Cruiser vehicle is immaculate and the inner workings of his trailer etc is a lesson in experience and organization ! He is also a pretty good cook which is no mean praise from me ! Menu was varied and plentiful. Particularly enjoyed the lunches - plenty of meat, salad, cheese and bread to fill the hungriest of travelers.
Hamish also proved himself to be amazing in a crisis - he was calm collected, super kind and knowledgeable in the most stressful situation. For this we will be forever grateful.
Hamish also impressed me in his understanding of the complex social situations in the NT and provided interesting perspectives
His knowledge of the flora and fauna was immense and I learnt a lot of very interesting things
Hamish is a guide of great integrity and experience and I would recommend his trips for those wanting a genuine outback experience and don’t mind getting a bit of dirt under the fingernails

  We just came off 5 awesome days camping in Kakadu with Sugarbag Safaris. It was just the four of us- two adults, a 16 year old and a 14 year... read more old. The camping was great - amazing to be able to just relax and take it all in while someone else (thanks again Hamish!) fed the kids. The food was delicious, healthy, fresh and plentiful. The swags were comfy but best of all was falling asleep under the immense, starry Kakadu sky. Each day was a gradual build up to the next, with the ultimate being access to a permit only, pristine paradise on day 4. Hamish was able to tell us the name of every animal we spotted as well as help us understand local culture and practices. A highlight was the thousands of years old artwork etched into rocky galleries - such a privilege to be able to see these places of living history and have them explained. Hamish was super patient with our many questions, friendly, kind, thoughtful and attentive. He is the real deal, having spent decades in the NT, he seems to know everyone important to know and be able to open doors for us to have a great experience. He talked about having lived with Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land and he was so generous with his knowledge and had a lot of wisdom to share. He was really lovely to be around for five days- a great influence on our teenage boys who demonstrated a capacity to be organised and healthy under his watch! He himself was super organised and the experience was authentic yet comfortable. I really can’t say enough good things about Hamish and Sugarbag Safaris- it’s been a peak experience for our family and a fantastic circuit breaker for our teens in this day and age where they’re mostly glued to their tech. We actually had two whole days without reception so it was a great chance to switch off. And 5 whole days of being pleasant to each other! This was really, truly wonderful. Hamish, there aren’t enough words. Thank you a million times!

  I highly recommend Sugarbag Safaris for trips into Kakadu. Without Hamish leading us into to Bilkbilkmi we may still be waiting for a vehicle rescue or wandering stone country to... read more find the gorge. Walking with Hamish was like walking alongside a very knowledgeable friend. He brings many years of experience and has great advice and skills he enjoys sharing.

  Hamish made our visit to the NT a most memorable adventure Hamish from Sugarbag Tours has an amazing knowledge of all aspects of the NT bush. Whilst visiting... read more great locations with indigenous art and cooling off in wonderful waterholes, Hamish shared his great knowledge of the local areas, indigenous culture and the flora and fauna around us. Hamish looked after all aspects of our tour including the itinerary, camping equipment and gourmet bush meals in a professional manner from start to finish. Thanks again Hamish. …

  My family of four (2 adults, 2 kids 5 and 8 years) completed a Kakadu 5 day tour with Hamish of Sugarbag this July (22). It was everything we... read more hoped for. Hamish is extremely knowledgeable about all things Kakadu and the NT. It was peak season and yet we managed to see some major or extraordinary sites either on our own or with very few people about. We were well fed and Hamish managed the impossible - keeping the kids happy with the menu! My eldest also thoroughly enjoyed being Hamish’s 2ic on the hikes.

If you are looking for a 4WD safari style tour (sleeping under the stars in tents) - which we were - then I absolutely recommend Sugarbag.

  We had the most fantastic trip with Hamish guiding us through the splendid Kakadu National Park during the dry season. We are from the U.K., and although we know Australia... read more well, the NT is another matter. Hamish was so knowledgable and we learnt so much more that we could ever have hoped on our own. I think he answered pretty much any question we could throw at him about the flora, fauna, aboriginal culture and Southern Hemisphere constellations. Literally he is a walking encyclopaedia!
We also felt very safe in his capable hands, and were able to do all the things we wanted, which he arranged to run like clockwork. Bush camping, wild swimming, fishing and boat trips were all on the list and he managed to get us everywhere at the right time to avoid the crowds and feel like we had the whole park to ourselves.
It was an awesome experience for all of us.
Also.....fab food! Thanks so much. More

  I travelled with my adult granddaughter to Darwin and Kakadu, having 3 days, 2 nights in Kakadu, which was the highlight of the trip. Hamish from Sugar Bag safaris,... read more was our guide, his knowledge of the area, the history, all plants, birds and animals is amazing, we felt very well looked after ( I’m 81) and he was very considerate of my age and capabilities, at the same time giving some challenges for my granddaughter with the walks and some rock climbing! Hamish provided lunch each day with fresh salad, cold meat and nice bread, and fruit always available too, not forgetting the never ending really cold water from the container inside his trailer, and knew where to stop along the way to buy the best homemade ice cream in NT! We were treated to many stories attached to the rock art we saw in Kakadu, taken to museums and the best spot for photographs, all in all those 3 days were exceptional, I learnt a lot about the territory, even stories of people past and present. If you want to learn all about Kakadu with a very nice person, Hamish is your man. Judy Wolfe …

  Going in the Wet Season to Kakadu is the time to go! This experience with Hamish was such a delight! Hamish picked us up from where we were staying at... read more Cooinda Lodge in a new comfy air conditioned land cruiser. Extensive knowledge of plant, animal...More

  We couldn't have asked for a better way to discover the magic of Kakadu! Thanks Hamish for sharing your deep insights into an amazing part of the world. What... read more a perfect setting for an introduction to the Dreaming ... the kids were enthralled and still...More

  Awesome 5 days touring Kakadu with Hamish and sleeping in swags under the stars. His local knowledge was superb and he provided a fascinating insight into the area, its history... read more and geography. Even though we had visited Kakadu before he was able to take us to deserted gorges and swimming holes we hadn't seen and provided a totally different view of things. Considerate and generous host with an excellent repertoire of camp fire recipes. Perfect for small groups and an excellent guide to the area. Thoroughly recommended.

  Today’s private tour is one of the reasons I enjoy traveling. My husband and I met Hamish who was a fantastic guide. He is very passionate about the area... read more and he exudes his energy while exploring in the park. He picked us up right on...More

  We had a great 4 day 3 night trip with Hamish with our family of 6 from the US. I was worried about traveling through the Northern Territory with a... read more 4 and 7 year old, my husband and my elderly parents who were not super mobile, but Hamish was able to adapt our trip (on a daily basis) to make it work so we still hit all of the highlights, various trip members’ wish list (lots of wild crocs for my son, Ubirr and Gunlom for myself), and just have a truly unique one-of-a-kind experience.

We swam in beautiful waterholes, saw inspiring indigenous rock art, spectacular scenery, and tons of wildlife (wallabies, crocodiles). Also camped under the stars for one night, but opted for lodging the other nights for a little extra convenience.

Hamish was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the region, the local flora and fauna, and just all around great guide with 20+ years experience. Food was delicious, including Cape Grim Tasmanian grass fed beef cooked to perfection, nutritious breakfasts and sandwich lunch picnics. The Land Cruiser was spotless and extremely comfortable. We’d definitely come back again with Hamish and highly recommend his company! More

  My 7 year old, my parents and I did a three day chartered tour of Kakadu with Hamish from Sugarbag Safaris and I have to say this one of the... read more best decisions we have made. Hamish has been running tours of Kakadu for 20 years...More

  Want to swim in pristine Kakadu waterholes with only one or two other people and then towel off for a picnic lunch served on a colourful cloth with Indigenous designs?... read more Then Hamish Clark from Sugarbag Safaris is the guide for you. My husband and I had waited until our sixties to see Kakadu and I was worried that the volume of people at each attraction would leave me underwhelmed, besides which our trip was at short notice and left little time for planning. Enter Hamish. He took care of everything for our four-day trip including permits to Jarrangbarnmi and Bilkbilkmi Gorges, places most visitors don’t get to see. We got to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the landscape as Hamish drove us for up to two hours down 4WD tracks closer to the heart of Kakadu. We saw dingoes, antilopine wallabies, agile wallabies, brumbies, a wide variety of birds and even a python, lazing in the sun. When we reached the end of the car access, we took to our feet and hiked alongside rivers and through bushland, Hamish finding the track when none seemed visible. Along the way, he answered our many questions and proved himself incredibly knowledgeable on just about every aspect of Kakadu you could imagine—flora, fauna, geography and history, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. The gorges themselves were spectacular, and few things can beat swimming the length of the safe pools in Jarrangbarnmi or floating on your back at Bilkbilkmi and looking up through towering cliffs to a blue, blue sky. Hamish had the safety aspect covered too, making sure we stayed clear of water that might contain crocodiles and carrying a pack with a sat phone and a first aid kit. As for the level of fitness required for the walks we undertook, a certain degree of stamina is required to walk a few kilometres in the heat, but while I can clamber over boulders, I would describe my level of fitness as only mild to moderate. I’m sure Hamish was adjusting his pace down to accommodate. We spent a magical few days in Kakadu thanks to Hamish, and thoroughly recommend his services.

  Want to swim in pristine Kakadu waterholes with only one or two other people and then towel off for a picnic lunch served on a colourful cloth with Indigenous designs?... read more Then Hamish Clark from Sugarbag Safaris is the guide for you. My husband and I had waited until our sixties to see Kakadu and I was worried that the volume of people at each attraction would leave me underwhelmed, besides which our trip was at short notice and left little time for planning. Enter Hamish. He took care of everything for our four-day trip including permits to Jarrangbarnmi and Bilkbilkmi Gorges, places most visitors don’t get to see. We got to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the landscape as Hamish drove us for up to two hours down 4WD tracks closer to the heart of Kakadu. We saw dingoes, antilopine wallabies, agile wallabies, brumbies, a wide variety of birds and even a python, lazing in the sun. When we reached the end of the car access, we took to our feet and hiked alongside rivers and through bushland, Hamish finding the track when none seemed visible. Along the way, he answered our many questions and proved himself incredibly knowledgeable on just about every aspect of Kakadu you could imagine—flora, fauna, geography and history, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. The gorges themselves were spectacular, and few things can beat swimming the length of the safe pools in Jarrangbarnmi or floating on your back at Bilkbilkmi and looking up through towering cliffs to a blue, blue sky. Hamish had the safety aspect covered too, making sure we stayed clear of water that might contain crocodiles and carrying a pack with a sat phone and a first aid kit. As for the level of fitness required for the walks we undertook, a certain degree of stamina is required to walk a few kilometres in the heat, but while I can clamber over boulders, I would describe my level of fitness as only mild to moderate. I’m sure Hamish was adjusting his pace down to accommodate. We spent a magical few days in Kakadu thanks to Hamish, and thoroughly recommend his services. …

  We were lucky to find Hamish and to be able to visit Kakadu with his expert guidance. Our private tour allowed us (with a daughter of 6) to explore the... read more most relevant spots in the beautiful parc. And at night, sleep inside our tent away...More

  What a great way to spend a weekend seeing the magical parts of Kakadu. Hamish is the most incredible host, taking care of our family, and engaging everyone in... read more the wonders of Kakadu. The evident passion Hamish has for this part of Australia is infectious...More

  Our guide, Hamish Clark took pains to work out our interests and shaped our journey to ensure that we had the opportunity to visit, appreciate and to begin a deeper... read more understanding of a range of rock art sites. He took us into magical swimming holes and taught us much about the wildlife and landscapes from woodlands to stone country. He is a safe driver and his years of life experiences up in the NT position him as one who can confidently offer nuanced insight into the complexities of life here( past and present). We valued every minute of our time in his care and under his guidance.

  We had an amazing time with Hamish from Kakadu safaris. He is extremely knowledgeable about birds, plants, animals and aborginal culture and history, such an interesting trip. He... read more cooked for us on the fire, we slept under the stars (in tents with no fly), and...More

  Sugar Bag Safari (Hamish) treated us to a 5 star private tour of Kakadu National Park during a very hot summer day in 2019! Hamish's knowledge of the park's birds,... read more plants, animals and legends is amazing! He made our visit unforgettable!

  My partner and I travelled with Sugarbag Safaris for a 3 day, 2 nights tour in Kakadu. Right from the first enquiry Hamish was very helpful and supportive and... read more determined what we would like to see and do. With the threat of instant border closures from COVID outbreaks, Hamish

  We booked Sugarbag Safaris to take us places that we couldn't get to on our own. Turned out to be so much more than expected. Hamish was able... read more to introduce us to places and history we had no idea about. Hamish is so easy going but the operation is tight. Highly recommended.

  Hamish from Sugar bag and I went to Kakadu and Litchfield National Park, which was off season for 3 days and 2 nights. He took wonderful care of us,... read more prepared a great programme. It was obvious that he loves his work and puts his heart into it. We felt amazing the whole time. We learned a lot of new information and enjoyed our time with Hamish.
Peter and Blanka

  Our four day trip to Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Lichfield was amazing. One of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world. Hamish's profound knowledge of the area,... read more wildlife, local culture, art and history is impressive. We relied on him to decide the itinerary and it was a good decision. We visited all the well-known sites but in addition he took us to some great private spots. His organisation was impeccable and everything was taken care of, from tasty lunches to ice cold water on tap. His vehicle is very comfortable. Hamish was very flexible and was happy to accomodate our specific requirements. Hamish was great fun to talk to and he is a truly outstanding guide. …

  A fantastic 4 night tour through Kakadu with Hamish as our guide. We travelled in a new 8 seater land cruiser that comfortably fitted the 7 of us and... read more that took us to destinations and sites I could not access on my previous visit. The...More