Skippy goes multinational

Compared to sheep and cattle, Kangaroos produce less methane - one of the worst causes of climate change. Dr George Wilson, of the Australian Wildlife Services is encouraging stock farmers to switch from beef to ‘roo’ in an attempt to reduce gas emissions. Although Kangaroos may be the missing link to ‘saving the planet’, they are still best seen in their pollution-free, natural wilderness instead of between a sesame bun.

For the opportunity to see Australian endemics, including marsupials, amongst a backdrop of pure Northern Territory wilderness, Naturetrek still has availability on its 17-day tour focusing on the unrivalled wetlands of Kakadu, the remote Arnhem Land escarpment and the spectacular Katherine Gorge. Wildlife of Australia's Northern Territory departs London 12th September 2008.

An initial night in Darwin allows time for a first introduction to some of Australia’s unique bird species including the Red-headed Honeyeater, Azure Kingfisher and Rosecrowned Fruit-dove, before continuing south to Litchfield National Park. Here, a sandstone plateau in the centre of the park supports rich woodland flora and patches of monsoon rainforest, along with intriguing ‘magnetic’ termite mounds, a range of historical sites, weathered sandstone pillars and wildlife including Antilopine Wallaroo, Agile Wallaby and abundant birdlife.

Journey through open woodland and stony hills to Pine Creek, keeping watch for rare Hooded Parrot en route. Here, echoes of the 1871 gold rush days are still evident, although today Pine Creek is best known for its birdlife as the town is located at the junction of temperate and tropical zones. Next, three nights are spent in the town of Katherine, base from which to explore some of the 300,000-hectare Katherine Gorge (or Nitmiluk) National Park.

Enjoy a cruise on Katherine River, within this ancient sandstone gorge, keeping watch for Rock Wallabies on the overhanging rock walls, and Johnston River Crocodiles on the sandy riverbanks. At Kakadu World Heritage Site, one of the world’s largest national parks, a wealth of scenery and wildlife is on offer along with one of the world’s greatest concentrations of pre-historic rock art. Here, an abundance of waterbirds - watched by Saltwater Crocodiles and overhead raptors - are the main focus amongst the park’s vast floodplains and during a wildlife cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong.

The most spectacular landform here is the massive Arnhem Land escarpment where guests stay at an isolated tented camp for more explorations of the plains, stunning waterfalls and pristine rock pools of this ancient landscape. Further endemic highlights include Banded Fruit-dove, White-throated Grasswren and Silver-crowned Friarbird, plus possible marsupial sightings such as Agile, Black and Antilopine Wallaby.

The holiday costs £3,995 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, motel and hotel accommodation, most meals and expertly guided wildlife viewing.

For more information, log on to Naturetrek.co.uk.