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Bamurru Plains, Northern Territory
Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary bush experience on the edge of Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. The coastal floodplains of northern Australia are home to prolific bird and wildlife (Australia's answer to the Okavango Delta) whilst Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartland of the country’s indigenous culture.
The Bamurru Photographic experience is the most unique and diverse workshop that we offer and offers such a wide scope of subject matter that it is truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for photographers to take their work to another level while experiencing one of Australia’s most, remote, rugged, and diverse areas.
This ecologically sensitive luxury camp focuses on environmental sustainability and key luxury standards offering the highest levels of comfort.
The nine-room camp exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ ensuring that guests are introduced to the sights and sounds of this spectacular environment in style and exclusivity. Each suite blends seamlessly with the surrounding bush, with a focus on the key luxury comforts: a supremely comfortable bed, innovative Australian cuisine, and premium wines (no TVs, minibars or telephones to distract from the wildlife outside). It is the soft touches that surprise in this remote bush location and the understated luxury is very much in tune with the environment.
Your inclusive tariff includes accommodation, meals, house wine and beers with dinner (premium wine and spirits available for purchase), and daily scheduled activities, which may include 4WD safaris, river trips, airboat trips and guided walks (note, some activities are seasonal.).
Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary wilderness experience on the coastal floodplains of the Mary River delta in the Top End of Australia's Northern Territory. Situated on the 300 square kilometer Swim Creek Station just west of Kakadu National Park, and 150 miles east of Darwin. Bamurru Plains is an exclusive bush camp that exudes the 'wild bush luxury' of upmarket African-style safaris, bringing a touch of style to a remote and beautiful wilderness region.
The free standing rooms are on raised platforms with views across the floodplains, designed to expose guests to the sounds of the surrounding bush and plains. These wetlands have an extraordinary diversity of birdlife, reptiles and wildlife on offer. They host one of the largest crocodile populations in the Northern Territory while the fringing savannah bush is home to wallabies, dingoes and other animals. The stone country of Arnhem Land and Kakadu is just a short distance away, providing an insight into the region's Aboriginal heritage.
Rooms are spacious, open to the surrounding bush and offer the best bedding and linen to ensure a comfortable stay. With no telephones, TVs, CD players or the typical features of a hotel room to distract you, your focus turns to the surrounding environment. The concept is simple - they have focused on key creature comforts, a supremely comfortable bed, 100% cotton linen, large soft bath towels, a high-pressure shower and providing lots of space. Meals in the lodge building are wholesome and innovative with a hint of native produce in many dishes. Your hosts will provide an informal level of attention that is only possible when you are one of a small number of guests. It is their knowledge of the area that brings the experience alive. With just 9 safari suites built amongst the savannah bush fringing the floodplains, the camp is exclusive and guests will not see other tourists on the property. Each safari suite has an en suite bathroom, and is raised on a timber platform, with space for sitting out the heat of day with a good book or watching the local wildlife.
Bamurru Plains Activities
Over the 5-day period we will be photographing the many wonderful facets of this extraordinary paradise. Of course unplanned and unpredictable photographic opportunities are also abundant! With that in mind we have scheduled the following activities to place us in the best position to take advantage of the spontaneous events that make a photographers' life such fun!!
Day 1: Airboat Tours
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The floodplain wetlands of the Mary River catchment are the key natural feature of this area and some of the most important in the country, home to thousands of Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Egrets, Ibis and a host of other birds. A morning trip out on the plains in an airboat is utterly exhilarating and the only way to truly experience this environment. A great opportunity to find the best locations for the best photographs of birdlife and crocodiles!
Optional free time or photographic walkabout with Greg.
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Optional one-hour discussion and critique session led by Greg where participants are invited to view each others work and receive feedback and suggestions on edits, composition, cropping, and photoshop tips. |
Day 2: Bird Watching
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The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The significance of this particular property comes in the variety of habitat: black soil floodplains, paperbark swamps, savannah woodland, river mangroves and coastal beaches support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife.
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Evening
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After Dinner: optional one-hour discussion and critique session led by Greg where participants are invited to view each others work and receive feedback and suggestions on edits, composition, cropping and photoshop tips.
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Day 3: Wildlife Viewing
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The floodplains and neighboring savannah woodlands host an immense variety of wildlife. Species that you might encounter include Agile Wallabies, Antilopine Wallaroos, Dingos, Estuarine Crocodiles, wild pigs and buffalo. Other species appear at night and include a variety of reptiles, possums, water monitors and other amphibians. Our open top safari vehicles provide for the best possibly viewing and are equipped so that you can enjoy a cool drink and bite to eat while out on the property.
Optional free time or photographic walkabout with Greg 3-6pm.
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Evening |
After Dinner: optional one-hour discussion and critique session led by Greg where participants are invited to view each others work and receive feedback and suggestions on edits, composition, cropping and photoshop tips.
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Day 4: River Cruises
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The Sampan River, which forms the western boundary of the station, harbors one of the largest crocodile populations in the world. Cruising amongst the mangroves in search of these prehistoric reptiles will also uncover a huge variety of birdlife.
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Evening
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After Dinner: optional one-hour discussion and critique session led by Greg where participants are invited to view each others work and receive feedback and suggestions on edits, composition, cropping and photoshop tips. This evening will include a discussion on preferred subjects for tomorrow’s shoot
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Day 5: Photographer’s Choice
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This is photographers’ choice day! The night before during the Photoshop and discussion hour the group will decide todays workshop subjects and Greg will be on hand for advice and feedback.
Will it be the crocodiles, landscapes, birdlife, and local characters or will you relax and take in the beauty of this most special of Australianna? It’s up to you!
Fishing: The Sampan River is mecca for barramundi fishermen and specialist fishing guides can be arranged for your stay. While Barramundi are the real target, offshore reefs provide one of the best spots in the country for Jewfish.
Optional free time or photographic walkabout with Greg 3-6pm.
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Evening
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After Dinner: optional one-hour discussion and critique session led by Greg where participants are invited to view each others work and receive feedback and suggestions on edits, composition, cropping and photoshop tips.
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Day 6: Return to Darwin
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Bamurru is located on Swim Creek Station, one of a handful of buffalo pastoral properties in this area, and when the muster is in full swing the sight of helicopters or 'Mad Max-like' bull catchers corralling these beasts into the yards is awe inspiring.
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Resort to Laura Madrid will customize your pre- and post- itinerary based on your time,
