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
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Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
458 reviews
Excellent
395
Very good
46
Average
7
Poor
5
Terrible
5
Jan Colaco
8 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
The young local aboriginal guide was very informative, the cruise went along the East Alligator River and included a walk to look at a billabong in Arnhem Land - it was so scenic. Lots of wildlife (huge crocs, birds etc). The cruise departs from the East Alligator Boat Ramp (its only about 150 metres along the river from Cahills Crossing) - there were so many huge crocs to see before we even got on the boat. Its only a 10 minute drive from Ubirr Rock Art site. This was one of the favourite things we did while we were in Kakadu - easy to drive yourself up here from Jabiru. Not available during the wet season
Written 17 November 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.
Clare T
Sydney, Australia9 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Aboriginal heritage and the pristine natural ecosystem of Kakadu’s East Alligator River. This exceptional cruise offers more than just sightseeing—it is an educational and engaging excursion into the heart of indigenous culture and the wilds of Northern Australia.
From the onset, the abundance of crocodiles along the riverbank was a riveting sight, presenting these ancient creatures in their natural habitat. The experience was enhanced by the knowledgeable guidance of Hilton, my Aboriginal guide whose storytelling painted a vivid picture of his culture’s relationship with the land, their hunting methods, and linguistic traditions. Stepping ashore on East Arnhem Land was a privilege that lent a profound sense of connection to the ancient land and its people.
The cultural immersion continued back at the wharf, where I had the rare opportunity to observe the traditional preparation of a meal. Watching the local men unearth the slow-cooked Barramundi, meticulously wrapped in paperbark to protect it from the earth, was a lesson in the art of bush cuisine and demonstrated the care and skill involved in traditional cooking methods.
For those interested in taking a piece of this rich cultural experience home, the tour provided a chance to purchase local art—a valuable support to the community and a tangible memory of the journey. The artwork by Tyrone Garner is not merely decor; it's a narrative woven in color and form, soon to be a cherished focal point on my wall.
The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is not just a tour; it is an invitation to understand and respect the deep spiritual connection between the land and its traditional custodians. Every element of the cruise—from the wildlife to the storytelling, and the chance to witness traditional practices—is thoughtfully curated to provide a meaningful and memorable experience.
This experience rightly earns a 5 out of 5 rating for its commitment to authenticity, conservation, and cultural education. It’s a jewel in the crown of Kakadu tourism, offering visitors a unique and respectful bridge to understanding the Aboriginal heritage that shapes and sustains this landscape.
From the onset, the abundance of crocodiles along the riverbank was a riveting sight, presenting these ancient creatures in their natural habitat. The experience was enhanced by the knowledgeable guidance of Hilton, my Aboriginal guide whose storytelling painted a vivid picture of his culture’s relationship with the land, their hunting methods, and linguistic traditions. Stepping ashore on East Arnhem Land was a privilege that lent a profound sense of connection to the ancient land and its people.
The cultural immersion continued back at the wharf, where I had the rare opportunity to observe the traditional preparation of a meal. Watching the local men unearth the slow-cooked Barramundi, meticulously wrapped in paperbark to protect it from the earth, was a lesson in the art of bush cuisine and demonstrated the care and skill involved in traditional cooking methods.
For those interested in taking a piece of this rich cultural experience home, the tour provided a chance to purchase local art—a valuable support to the community and a tangible memory of the journey. The artwork by Tyrone Garner is not merely decor; it's a narrative woven in color and form, soon to be a cherished focal point on my wall.
The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is not just a tour; it is an invitation to understand and respect the deep spiritual connection between the land and its traditional custodians. Every element of the cruise—from the wildlife to the storytelling, and the chance to witness traditional practices—is thoughtfully curated to provide a meaningful and memorable experience.
This experience rightly earns a 5 out of 5 rating for its commitment to authenticity, conservation, and cultural education. It’s a jewel in the crown of Kakadu tourism, offering visitors a unique and respectful bridge to understanding the Aboriginal heritage that shapes and sustains this landscape.
Written 4 November 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.
DanielleK723
Washington DC, DC117 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Solo
I loved this cruise- I'm American and really loved overall how so many NT tours are Aboriginal- owned and run. Our guide was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing his Country and culture. We saw lots of crocs and birds, and the geology /flora/fauna was gorgeous.
Written 6 September 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.
lazarolanie
Northern Territory, Australia4 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
It was amazing experience today August 26 2023 we did a Guluyambi Cultural tour in Kakadu and it was beautiful,Highly recommended Roby our tour guide and Captain of the boat he was so informative about the land.Thank you Roby shout out to you I post his photo so you can say high to him when you do your tour in Kakadu.
Written 26 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.
Toni
Pemberton, Australia40 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Tyrone 11/5 (fantastic guide!)
Cruse 10/10 (do it!)
Definitely book yourself into this fantastic cruise - we combined it with a day outing from Jabiru to Ubirr and Cahill’s crossing. Highly recommend and will be back.
Wonderful wildlife, birds, crocodiles, fish etc
PS we were recommended by a family member who joined Tyrone on the trip the week before and are so glad we did!
Cruse 10/10 (do it!)
Definitely book yourself into this fantastic cruise - we combined it with a day outing from Jabiru to Ubirr and Cahill’s crossing. Highly recommend and will be back.
Wonderful wildlife, birds, crocodiles, fish etc
PS we were recommended by a family member who joined Tyrone on the trip the week before and are so glad we did!
Written 21 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.
Culture821848
Perth, Australia2 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
We booked the early cruise for the cooler part of the day. My partner and I found it very interesting .
Guide name was "Robbie". He was very informative in explaining his culture with relation to this section of the east alligator river.
The cruise went downstream to cahills crossing and then upstream, with a running commentary from the guide on all aspects of river life over the seasons.
Lastly, there were so many crocodiles to see.
I would strongly recommend this cruise.
Guide name was "Robbie". He was very informative in explaining his culture with relation to this section of the east alligator river.
The cruise went downstream to cahills crossing and then upstream, with a running commentary from the guide on all aspects of river life over the seasons.
Lastly, there were so many crocodiles to see.
I would strongly recommend this cruise.
Written 12 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.
Passport732220
3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
Excellent presentation of the many aspects of flora and fauna from Gleeson on this tour. Then a very impressive spear throwing demonstration by him. Terrific!
Written 7 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.
2wombats
Australia390 contributions
Jul. 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.
Bernadette C
Vancouver, Canada7 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
After traveling 3500 kms over days to do this cruise and sitting in the shelter at the boat ramp for 40 minutes waiting with no sign of any staff the previous cruise boat finally returned, late. The guide ambled up after the passengers had disembarked and proceeded to have a smoke. He then informed the 20 passengers who had been waiting patiently that 2 guys had not bothered to turn up to work that day and there was only him and there would be no cruise for us!!!! He then proceeded to take the 20+ passengers who had arrived 30 mins after us on a tour bus and told the rest of us “too bad he can’t do anything cos can only take out one boat”
When we asked re the possibility of a cruise later that day he said no way as many people would miss out and be sent away that day as there’s not enough staff.
Our cruise was scheduled for 11am
He said the guys hadn’t turned up at 8 am yet no effort - no attempt was made to call in any other staff or alert passengers over those hours.
Several people had just driven 3 hrs from Darwin and missed out. We had come the afternoon before and paid $400 for accommodation just to be there to do this cruise.
What a waste of our time and money.
I cannot express how disappointed we were and are. The circumstances that day were very poorly managed.
We will not have this opportunity again.
We had booked and paid weeks before, we even confirmed the booking before leaving home.
The we don’t care and can’t be bothered attitude was palpable that day and the people waiting patiently in the shelter were shocked and so disappointed at what happened. While on our long journey home 2 days later we were offered another cruise but it was certainly too late for us.
When we asked re the possibility of a cruise later that day he said no way as many people would miss out and be sent away that day as there’s not enough staff.
Our cruise was scheduled for 11am
He said the guys hadn’t turned up at 8 am yet no effort - no attempt was made to call in any other staff or alert passengers over those hours.
Several people had just driven 3 hrs from Darwin and missed out. We had come the afternoon before and paid $400 for accommodation just to be there to do this cruise.
What a waste of our time and money.
I cannot express how disappointed we were and are. The circumstances that day were very poorly managed.
We will not have this opportunity again.
We had booked and paid weeks before, we even confirmed the booking before leaving home.
The we don’t care and can’t be bothered attitude was palpable that day and the people waiting patiently in the shelter were shocked and so disappointed at what happened. While on our long journey home 2 days later we were offered another cruise but it was certainly too late for us.
Written 25 July 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.
Murray L
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
This is a great cruise! Our Indigenous guide was exceptionally informative and humorous, the (misnamed) East Alligator river is full of saltwater crocodiles, the birdlife is brilliant and the scenery in this remote country is wonderful.
Written 24 July 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.
jobrennan2014
Surfers Paradise, Australia88 contributions
Cost per person please?
jannaenger
Sydney, Australia85 contributions
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.
Murraystein
3 contributions
What time does the Guluyambi cruise start and how long is it?
SuziOzz
Sydney, Australia156 contributions
Hi Murrystein. Cruise is every 2 hours from 9am. Cruise lasts about 1hr45.
LPHDK
Copenhagen, Denmark1,064 contributions
How is this different from the Yellow Water Tour?
Also is early September a good time to go?
nomad0202
Bribie Island, Australia375 contributions
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.
samchankh
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
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.