YOUR TOUR GUIDE

Kakadu Private Tours

With a passion for the Top End and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible travel, Hamish creates immersive, respectful, and deeply informative tours.

Renowned for his in-depth knowledge of the region’s flora, fauna, history, and Indigenous culture, Hamish began his guiding career in Kakadu National Park in 1998 and has been sharing the wonders of northern Australia ever since.

 In late 2011, Hamish founded Sugarbag Safaris to share the Northern Territory’s spectacular landscapes, rich wildlife, and diverse cultures with travellers worldwide. His goal has always been simple: to create meaningful, respectful, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Northern Territory.

A Brolga Award-winning and Eco-certified guide, Hamish leads private tours through some of the Top End’s most iconic destinations, including Litchfield National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, and the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
When you travel with Sugarbag Safaris, you’re not just ticking off destinations—you’re exploring the Top End with a guide who genuinely knows, loves, and respects this extraordinary part of Australia.

It’s about more than sightseeing—it’s about creating unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most culturally and naturally rich landscapes.

” Whether your interest is bird watching, nature and wildlife photography, bushwalking, bush tucker, local history… or just soaking in all the Top End has to offer, Hamish’s expertise will ensure you an in-depth experience like no other. Hamish is renowned for his commitment to customer safety, passion for the outdoors, and his sense of humour – as well as for cooking up a mean steak over the coals.”

Yuki Hayashi, travel writer, Toronto.

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Trent Munro profile picture
Trent Munro
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Can't recommend Sugarbag Safaris enough!! We had an amazing time and Hamish is just the perfect host and tour guide. Always willing to share his incredible knowledge of the area, the history and the environment. We wanted to make sure that we spent our first trip to the NT getting an appreciation of this amazing wilderness and also to better understand the First Nations history. So if you are looking for the best way to see this awesome part of Australia and you are a family or small group, this is definitely the way to go. Thank you for an outstanding tour and just fantastic experience Hamish!! More people should take the time to explore this part of the world for sure.
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Chris OConnor
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We had an amazing 5 days with Hamish. His knowledge of the environment, fauna/flora, geology , history of the area and so many stories that you wouldn't normally get on a tour made this an unforgettable experience. When Koolpin Gorge was not open, he organized a cultural tour at Cahills Crossing with Hilton in a small boat and a 2 hour bushfood walking tour with Jacqueline Cahill. Both these experiences were outstanding and were very special. We loved talking with Hamish about our shared interest of geology, history and flora/fauna of Kakadu. We would highly recommend this tour.
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Grace Chua
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Had great fun with Hamish on our tour of Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine. We were able to customise the tour to suit our specific interests. Hamish ensured that our needs were well taken care of, and proved to be a very knowledgeable guide.
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Mathew Kempton
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We (4 adults) did the 4 day Kakadu/Katherine/Litchfield tour with Hamish. It included transport, breakfast, lunch, accommodation and of course Hamish the tour guide - all excellent!! Everything went without a hitch. Hamish was on time, every time. The vehicle was always clean and ready to go every morning. Hamish was fantastic in sharing his knowledge of the region including little bits of information that you would not get on the larger group tours. I don't think we stopped talking/asking questions the whole time we were in the car. The advantage of doing this area like this is that it can be tailored according to what the (small) group wants - eg, more walks, more swimming, more museums, more rock art, etc. We had a really great time and would not hesitate recommending Hamis and Sugarbag tours if you're a small group looking for a more intimate experience that what you would get on the larger group tours.
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Luciano Boschiero
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One of the most memorable holiday experiences we've had. In a wonderful 5-day tour of Kakadu, Katherine, and Litchfield National Parks, it was great to have Hamish as our guide. Our family of four rode comfortably in his 4WD, slept beautifully in his tents under the stars, ate well for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and received a deeper appreciation of such an enchanting and ancient land. Jim Jim Gorge was our favourite location, alongside the rock art. Hamish is a knowledgeable guide and great company.
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Christine Crewdson profile picture
Christine Crewdson
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What a fantastic 5 day tour of Kakadu our family had with Hamish! We have never camped as a family before however Hamish made us feel incredibly safe and comfortable. We ate some great meals prepared by Hamish and he was always so well prepared and organised. Hamish’s knowledge of nature and Aboriginal culture is very extensive and he showed us a whole other side of Australia we hadn’t seen before. We were lucky enough to explore parts of Kakadu that required permits and even had some special spots to ourselves which was amazing. It certainly was a trip we will never forget, we couldn’t recommend him more highly!
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Paula Reynolds profile picture
Paula Reynolds
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Three of us just completed a wonderful four day private safari to Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield with Hamish who is clearly passionate about his work and very well informed. We appreciated his cultural and environmental sensibilities. And his attention to our comfort! Nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend.
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Lesley O'Donohue profile picture
Lesley O'Donohue
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My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 3 day trip to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks with Sugarbag Safaris. Hamish is a wonderful guidee and extremely knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, history and Indigenous culture of the area. Touring with Hamish was absolutely stress-free as everything was taken care of, he is an extremely cautious driver and a really interesting person to talk to as well. We had a fantastic trip that we will always remember and we would not hesitate to recommend Sugarbag Safaris to anyone wanting a personalised experience of the top end. Thanks so much Hamish!
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Ben Everitt
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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 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.
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Colleen MEADLEY profile picture
Colleen MEADLEY
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We had a 3 day 2 night tour of Kakadu with Sugarbag Safaris and had a wonderful time. Hamish organised everything. He was extremely professional and made sure we were happy with every aspect of the trip. Hamish has a detailed knowledge of Kakadu flora, fauna, landscape and environment as well as Indigenous Culture and would stop and point things out to us and explain everything to us. We learnt so much and had so many special and memorable experiences such as swimming at a secluded waterfall that is not open to the public but he has a permit to visit and providing a detailed explanation of the rock art and cultural history at Ubirr and other significant places in Kakadu. We really appreciate and value this aspect of the trip. Hamish also provided lovely picnic lunches in amazing settings and icy cold water was always available. We highly recommend taking a private tour with Hamish and Sugarbag Safaris. Colleen, Bern and Eva. April 2022
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb TomAussieBackpack
    June 25, 2018

    star rating  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

    S-J
    May 1, 2021

    star rating  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

    GarfM
    May 1, 2021
  • star rating  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

    Bergfalke4
    January 2, 2021

    star rating  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

    Amanda S
    August 1, 2021

    star rating  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

    avatar thumb Jenny_C_id
    October 19, 2018
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb brittpad
    December 14, 2018

    star rating  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

    MohawkTimmy
    May 31, 2021

    star rating  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

    avatar thumb Emerald-Kitty
    May 21, 2019
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb Peter K
    December 16, 2022

    star rating  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

    Jenny L
    April 1, 2021

    star rating  Highly recommend Hamish to give you the best tour of Kakadu. He is both very knowledgeable and respectful of the local culture and area. We saw places we would never... read more

    Trail668219
    April 27, 2021
  • star rating  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

    michaelpiskun
    June 26, 2019

    star rating  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

    Amanda S
    August 20, 2021

    star rating  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

    Chasefloow
    July 9, 2019
  • star rating  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

    sarah a
    August 30, 2019

    star rating  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

    30Trish
    September 1, 2020

    star rating  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

    RubyK149
    December 1, 2020
  • star rating  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

    30Trish
    September 20, 2020

    star rating  I was a part of a group of 8 colleagues participating in a post conference tour. Being my first time in the Northern Territory I was keen to experience... read more

    avatar thumb georgiep478
    February 22, 2019

    star rating  Short story - this was one of the most exceptional experiences of my life.

    Hamish's knowledge of the local geography, flora and fauna, history and the Aboriginal... read more

    BikeSailRun
    July 1, 2019
  • star rating  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

    susiej796
    June 1, 2021

    star rating  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

    GReilly65
    June 23, 2019

    star rating  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

    JA404
    June 20, 2021
  • star rating  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

    X7331QSbene
    July 26, 2022

    star rating  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

    avatar thumb Berlinerin3749
    August 12, 2018

    star rating  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

    H7472ENjanetc
    September 2, 2019
  • star rating  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

    Brownymelb
    May 2, 2022

    star rating  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

    Ruby K
    November 1, 2020

    star rating  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

    bucketlistgrandma
    August 29, 2019

Advanced Ecotourism
Kakadu National Park - Sugarbag Safaris
2009 - Winner Outstanding Interpretive Guide - Sugarbag Safaris
Quality Tourism Accredited Business