Kakadu Air Jabiru - Scenic Flight - 30 minute

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Half an hour over the north of Kakadu from Jabiru: the Arnhem Land escarpment, the East Alligator Valley, the Mikinj Valley billabongs and the Magela floodplains, country shaped by 1.8 billion years of erosion.

Days

30 minute flight; check in 30 minutes before

Age

All ages; under-3s sit on a parent's lap

Group size

Shared scenic flight in a small plane

Start / finish

Jabiru Airport / Jabiru Airport

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

High-wing light plane, window seat for everyone

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Kakadu Air Jabiru - Scenic Flight - 30 minute

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Included experiences

The Archway — fly past the rock arch
Arnhem Land escarpment — follow the edge of the plateau
East Alligator Valley — look down on the valley and river
Mikinj Valley — see the billabongs from above
Magela floodplains — cross the floodplains back to Jabiru

Kakadu Air Jabiru - Scenic Flight - 30 minute

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Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT JABIRU

Your flight starts at Jabiru Airport, a few kilometres out of Jabiru, a town built in 1982 to house the workers of the nearby uranium mine. You check in at the small terminal, meet your pilot and walk out to a high-wing plane, most often a Gippsland Airvan, built in Australia for bush flying. Every seat is a window seat, and the headset carries the pilot's commentary, with recorded commentary in between. Kakadu Air has flown over the park since 1981. Half an hour suits anyone short on time who still wants to see the escarpment country from above.

IN THE AIR: THE ESCARPMENT AND THE EAST ALLIGATOR

The plane heads for the Arnhem Land escarpment, a sandstone wall up to 300 metres high, cut by 1.8 billion years of erosion into cliffs, gorges and lone towers. Look for The Archway, a rock formation the wind and water have worn through. Then you fly over the East Alligator Valley, where the river, named by the explorer Phillip Parker King after he mistook its crocodiles for alligators, marks the border between Kakadu and Arnhem Land. The billabongs of the Mikinj Valley shine below like a string of mirrors.

HOME OVER THE MAGELA FLOODPLAINS

Turning back, you cross the Magela floodplains, part of the park's internationally protected wetlands, which change from a shallow inland sea in the Wet to a patchwork of pools and grass in the Dry. Water birds gather here in their thousands as the land dries out. The plane lines up over Jabiru and lands about half an hour after take-off.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Jabiru Airport, off the Arnhem Highway about 5 km past the turn-off into Jabiru town and signposted. Check in inside the terminal 30 minutes before your flight. A pick-up from Jabiru accommodation can be arranged for $20 per person.
Departure time: Your flight time is confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Children under 3 sit on a parent's lap with a child seat belt; children aged 3 to 12 have their own seat.
Fitness: You need to climb into a small plane with little help, as there is no lifting equipment; mention any mobility needs when you book. Each seat takes up to 130 kg, and you'll be asked your approximate weight when you book.
Please note: The flight needs at least two passengers; solo travellers can book on a to-be-confirmed basis and will hear closer to the date. Flights depend on the weather. Alcohol, matches and other dangerous goods can't be carried on board.

What to bring

Camera
Sunglasses and a hat
Comfortable clothes and enclosed shoes

What is included

30-minute scenic flight from Jabiru
Window seat
Headset with live and recorded commentary from your pilot

Not included

Pick-up from Jabiru accommodation ($20 per person, optional)
Food and drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.