Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris

When guests are so captivated by what they find that they keep coming back time and time again you've got to be doing something right. And there's no question that Max and Philippa Davidson know exactly what they're doing with their multi award-winning Mount Borradaile Safari camp on the edge of a secluded Arnhemland floodplain, 350 kilometres east of Darwin in Australia's Top End.

Mount Borradaile lies in the heart of Arnhemland, the largest Aboriginal reserve in Australia. The reserve covers approximately 94,000 square kilometres. The region is considered so precious that visitor numbers to Davidson's safari camp and the surrounding features are strictly controlled.

Max came across Mount Borradaile and its incredible wealth of art sites in the 1960s while conducting hunting safaris in the area. In 1986 Max and Philippa negotiated with the area's traditional Ulba Bunidj people to lease 700 square kilometres of this pristine estate as the base for their acclaimed Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris.

Here guests can walk through ancient galleries to witness some of the world's oldest, most profuse and most exceptional indigenous rock art. They can cruise at sunset on a peaceful billabong among the water lilies, crocodiles, and teeming flocks of more than 200 bird species, or they can quietly cast a line to experience the thrill of catching a big barramundi.

Master bushman Max is a former New South Wales jackeroo and farmer turned Northern Territory buffalo hunter. He presents the perfect picture of a safari operator with his white hair and beard, weathered features and incredible knowledge gleaned over 25 years as a specialist nature guide.

Max has developed his knowledge of the area's fascinating culture, wildlife and bush features through a close association with the local traditional owners and from the pioneering buffalo hunters, musterers and crocodile catchers who have played a significant part in the history of Mount Borradaile.

He was one of the earliest guides into the secluded reserve that became the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park.

His passion for Arnhemland and its people is clearly evident as he leads his guests among the sandstone outcrops, caves and billabongs, stopping occasionally to discuss and demonstrate the use of bush medicines fibres and foods, or to point out a rare plant, bird or insect.

A Savannah Guide site since 1999, Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris represents the ultimate in exclusive wilderness expeditions, with experienced guides escorting visitors through a series of educative adventures. Max, Philippa and their team guarantee you a special experience at any time of the year.