Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
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About
The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is a unique boat tour on Kakadu's scenically spectacular East Alligator River. Take in the Wonderful pristine wilderness of this world heritage Landscape as you leisurely cruise up stream. An Aboriginal guide provides guests with an insight into their culture, local mythology, the river's abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants and animals as well as the bush survival skills. Disembark on the Arnhem Land side of the river for a display of traditional hunting & gathering implements. Limited to 25 guests, the cruise ensures an intimate & personalized cultural experience. Departs Daily April to November
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
471 reviews
Excellent
407
Very good
46
Average
8
Poor
5
Terrible
5
KATHARINE D
Darwin, Australia9 contributions
Feb 2021
Last weekend we took the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the Magela Creek and Ubirr surrounds in the peak wet season. Gently cruising through the paperbarks, and seeing the wetlands vegetation growing up through the flood waters, the long stemmed lilies breaking the surface and the serenity of this wonderful waterway was unforgettable. We have been to Ubirr a number of times, bit never have I seen the huge expance of water on the surrounding fllodplains as it was last weekend. It was a privilege to be guided by Roman, Robbie and Trevor, an entertaining, knowledgeable and authentic team whose love of country and desire to share their stories enhancing the tour. Make the time to take this tour .... UBIRR COMBO WET SEASON, $162 pp 5 - 6 hours, Wed - Sunday, pick up from kakadu lodge or Mecure.....you will nor regret it and the experience will stay with you forever. ph. 1800 525 238 !
Written 4 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roojesh/Prasila
Darwin, Australia24 contributions
Oct 2021
Great tour guide with humour and wealth of knowledge. View of the Cahills crossing and numerous crocodiles from the boat was amazing. The tour guide provided us the opportunity to land on the Arhnem land and spend some time there. He explained that East Alligator river is the border between Kakadu national park and the Arhnem Land. It was amazing feeling to have landed in the Arhnem land. Spear throwing demonstration by tour guide was a rare live scene. Only complaint is about the cost: 80 AUD for 45 minutes cruise is bit expensive for me.
Written 20 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wonderannina
Perth, Australia190 contributions
Mar 2021
All staff were excellent and very passionate about their country, the Magela wetlands are stunning and I have never seen them so full! Melaleuca Paperbark forest is stunning and we also spotted a crocodile's nest and the female croc guarding it! Ubirr rock art site was unreal also because we were the only ones who could access it. Trevor our guide is very knowledgeable about his culture!
Thanks to Robert, amazing boat driver, Roman good talker and Trevor.
Anna and Karen
Thanks to Robert, amazing boat driver, Roman good talker and Trevor.
Anna and Karen
Written 20 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davebrowan
Sutherland, Australia9 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
This was a great way to spend time in Kakadu. While experiencing the sights of a really beautiful part of Australia, our guide Tyrone pointed out lots of the important plants and animals along the way, such as which tree he makes his Woomera out of, and shared his indigenous knowledge, and pointed out some rock art. RECOMMEND
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2wombats
Australia401 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
Having stayed close to departure jetty at Merl Campground we booked the 9.00am cruise. When our aboriginal local guide Gleeson arrived we set off. Oh my crocodiles - they were everywhere we looked along the banks of East Alligator River. During the tour we stopped and learnt about numerous plants and how they are used to make various items and utensils by aborigines. Viewed birds and ancient rock sites. Stopped to walk briefly on Arnhem Land across to a billabong and then watch Gleeson demonstrate throwing spears and explain the Miru thrower.
Not only was it an informative tour but also very scenic along the East Alligator River.
Not only was it an informative tour but also very scenic along the East Alligator River.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sweet_hitchhiker
Adelaide5 contributions
Sept 2020
Strongly recommend this boat trip to anyone visiting Kakadu. Only operates on Tue and Fri with 4 sailings daily. Small boat, with max 25 people, we had only 15 on board. The guide, Robbie, was extremely informative. For those wanting to see crocs up close, you will not be disappointed. We got to spend about 15 minutes on Arnhemland and even in that short time got some amazing photos. We are seasoned travellers and rate this one of the best boat trips we have experienced. Bonus is you can visit the Ubirr rock art sites afterwards which are located within the vicinity.
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren H
West Lakes, Australia41 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This tour is owned and operated by aboriginal owners of the area, and their knowledge, culture and reverence for the river and Arnham land shine through in every aspect of this tour.
On the shore we got to meet and talk to some artists who come across from Arnham Land every day, it was great to watch them work and understand their techniques.
The boat is quite small but very stable. Our guide, Hilton, gave a great explanation of the tools and techniques his people use, including spear fishing and throwing. He also talked about the flora and fauna along the river, always telling us the names in his language.
Of course we got to see lots of crocs, but also many birds. In some areas we could see sandy shores and outliers of the stone country. Hilton also took us to see paintings on the river cliffa, and we were privileged to step ashore in Arnham Land and explore cliffs, sandy beaches and a hidden Billabong.
A great experience.
It's worth doing both this trip and the Yellow Water sunset cruise at Cooinda, they are both very different and equally beautiful.
Darren
On the shore we got to meet and talk to some artists who come across from Arnham Land every day, it was great to watch them work and understand their techniques.
The boat is quite small but very stable. Our guide, Hilton, gave a great explanation of the tools and techniques his people use, including spear fishing and throwing. He also talked about the flora and fauna along the river, always telling us the names in his language.
Of course we got to see lots of crocs, but also many birds. In some areas we could see sandy shores and outliers of the stone country. Hilton also took us to see paintings on the river cliffa, and we were privileged to step ashore in Arnham Land and explore cliffs, sandy beaches and a hidden Billabong.
A great experience.
It's worth doing both this trip and the Yellow Water sunset cruise at Cooinda, they are both very different and equally beautiful.
Darren
Written 16 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve S
Terrigal, Australia216 contributions
July 2022 • Family
Our indigenous guide Hilton motored us out into the East Alligator River with skill and style, pointing out the features of the slow grey river, and making sure we got an eyeful of the scores of ‘salties’ there. The crocs were in abundance, small and huge, lining the riverbank in droves, while others swam away from us as we went along. Hilton showed us how his people used a spear to fish, and later on a stop in Arnhem Land demonstrated how far a spear could travel when propelled by a Woomera. A great two hour window into Kakadu wildlife and his people’s lifestyle.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travellingpantaloni
Sydney, Australia260 contributions
June 2021
I really loved this cruise!
We had an older indigenous man as our guide, and luckily I sat right up the front so I could hear every word he was saying. All so fascinating & a real privilege to hear about his life growing up on Arnhem Land, uses for different trees and plants, and watching him throw a spear was amazing!
We also saw a few giant crocs.
If you want a cultural experience, this is a really good one.
We had an older indigenous man as our guide, and luckily I sat right up the front so I could hear every word he was saying. All so fascinating & a real privilege to hear about his life growing up on Arnhem Land, uses for different trees and plants, and watching him throw a spear was amazing!
We also saw a few giant crocs.
If you want a cultural experience, this is a really good one.
Written 16 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison S
Kapunda, Australia60 contributions
Sept 2021
Neville spoke to us first about the area and his experiences as a child living near the big rock. Robbie, an elder from Arnhem Land, took us on the cruise. He was very knowledgeable and shared his beliefs and how he and his family are trying to live and keep the traditional ways alive for his family and others. We saw a huge number of crocs and one had caught a wallaby. We were lucky to be able to go on a beautiful part of Arnhem Land. Robbie also demonstrated a woomera and spear that he had made. It went at least 30 meters into the water. He explained how different plants are and were used. I definitely recommend this tour.
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I can't remember what the cost was but we thought it was appropriate. Check the web site - we bought our tickets via the web site also.
Written 15 June 2019
What time does the Guluyambi cruise start and how long is it?
Written 8 January 2018
Hi Murrystein. Cruise is every 2 hours from 9am. Cruise lasts about 1hr45.
Written 10 January 2018
How is this different from the Yellow Water Tour?
Also is early September a good time to go?
Written 28 May 2017
Yellow water is a wetland with lots of bird life, crocodiles and the scenery is very different.
There is a wet and dry season and this is the start of the dry season but there is still a lot of water around so I am not sure what September would be like as November is often start of the wet season.
The other is a tidal river and gives a lot of cultural information with very different scenery. If you have time and money do both.
Written 29 May 2017
My friend and I got eVouchers of "Guluyambi Boat Tour – Kakadu Cultural Tours" from TLC Marketing.
Firstly, May I confirm it is "Guluyambi Cultural Cruise" mentioned in the website as I cannot find "Guluyambi Boat Tour" in the website.
We are planing to come in the mid-Feb, would this time period have this tour running?
Do we have to book in before? And how many days before should I book in if needed?
Any accommodation around there? We may stay there for a night or two.
Thanks a lot.
Hope to get back from you soon.
Written 7 January 2016
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