Sustainability

  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 remained adaptable.

We travelled with Hamish at the start of the wet season and the weather was not always in our favour. Hamish remained easy going, relaxed and flexible and readily adapted to the changing conditions. Hamish was very knowledgeable about the local aboriginal lore and culture, very observant with the local flora and fauna, and is an overall great guide.

The tour was well organised and featured picnic lunches which were well catered.

My partner and I have no hesitation in recommending Sugarbag Safaris to anyone who is looking for a guided tour of the top end.

  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. …

  Our 6 day tour of Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Parks with Hamish as our guide, surpassed all our expectations. The six days were packed with breathtaking experiences to the... read more point that it was tough to name our top 3 spots on the tour. We were often the first people at a site, making each stop really special.
Hamish is an outstanding guide with exceptional knowledge of the beautiful landscape, flora and fauna. We learnt a lot! Camping under the stars with our very comfy swags, will be a lasting memory of the tempo of the bush around us and the stars and moon above us as we drifted off to sleep. Hamish is a great cook (great vegetarian options!) and seemed to intuitively understand how to pace the trip and give us family time along the way. His insight into the Aboriginal communities and way of life gave us all a perspective that we had not considered. He also adjusted when we had special requests. Thanks Hamish for taking me to Alex and Petrenas Top Didj gallery. I came away with art that I will treasure always!
If you want to immerse yourself in a truely wonderful experience, bypass the big tour groups and make your Kakadu experience one to remember, we all recommend Hamish. Big thanks!
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  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

  An absolutely wonderful way to experience the Kakadu. Hamish meet us at our hotels in Darwin before taking us towards Kakadu. We didn’t have any firm plans but Hamish had... read more organised 3 days to sites to visit, and walks. As we headed out of Darwin we mentioned we had permits to fly drones in a number of parks (but no Kakadu), Hamish took an unexpected turn off the Hwy, stopping at Knuckey Lagoons and letting us fly our drones before we entered Kakadu where we couldn’t. This was the flexibility that having a private tour was fantastic for. On the second day we were heading out to our first walk of the day and we spotted a dingo just off the road. Hamish was able to pull over, and drive back to allow us to get some amazing photos. This happened a few times where there was an opportunity to stop and get some photos that we never would have been able to in a larger group in a bus. Hamish was a fantastic, knowledgeable guide. He was able to adapt the tour to our wishes and our abilities. He prepared a great lunch each day, and had the coldest water to fill our water bottles. I have no idea how it was still cold on the third day, but it was. If you do visit I Kakadu make sure you take the opportunity to do the Yellow River cruise, it was a real highlight. …

  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

  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

  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 really enjoyed our 4 day trip to Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield Park with Hamish. He is a terrific guide with a huge knowledge of the area as... read more well as a great love for the country. I would highly recommend Sugarbag Safaris.

  Heading to Darwin and Kakadu in April before the open of season was showing lots of tour options from May. From the moment I sent a message to Sugarbag Safaris... read more to enquire of options a couple of weeks before the dry season I had a...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

  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.

  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

  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 partner and I had a two day overnight private tour of Kakadu with Hamish and it was fantastic. Hamish crated a flexible tour and demonstrated an enormous understanding... read more of the culture, history, plants and animals of the top end, generoulsy sharing this knowledge with us. We spent the first day looking at aboriginal rock art which Hamish brought to life with his experience, then on the second day we went on a 2 hour sunrise Yellow Waters Cruise which was the highlight of our trip.
I can't recommend Sugarbag Safari's highly enough and viewing Kakadu with Hamish was a first rate experience.

  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

  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 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

  Not having been to Northern Territory before we were keen to do it properly and see as much of Kakadu as we could. So pleased we found Hamish at... read more Sugarbag Safaris! Specializing in small groups made it even better. Hamish had a knack of getting...More

  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 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

  We just had the most amazing experience travelling with Hamish from Sugarbag safaris around Kakadu in the Northern Territory. His knowledge of the area is extraordinary. Travelling on a... read more private tour is so much more enjoyable as it provided the flexibility to do and see things

  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. Patricia, Susan

  I've dreamt about spending my 40th birthday in Kakadu for years. Hamish was the perfect tour guide to help me plan a memorable tour for me and some of my... read more closest friends. He was so flexible and helpful throughout the entire planning process and everyone...More

  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

  I went on a 5 Day tour around the Top End with Hamish a couple of weeks ago and I had an amazing time! We saw so many special things... read more from enormous crocodiles to natural infinity pools for swimming. Because the group is pretty small...More

  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.

  With Hamish and Sugarbag’s small-group tours, we felt like we had Kakadu and surrounding parks to ourselves for 5 days. We found ourselves in the most amazing swimming holes, rivers... read more and waterfalls, hikes and lunch spots with not another soul around, seemingly always to be...More