Midwifery Study Tour in the Northern Territory
About the tour
Explore the dramatically beautiful landscapes of the Northern Territory as you gain deep insight into Birthing on Country and the history and practice of midwifery in the NT through a range of specialist visits and talks.
From Darwin, travel to Katherine and into stunning Kakadu before returning to Darwin at the end of the tour. Cruise beautiful Nitmiluk Gorge, mingle in Mindil Markets, explore spectacular waterfalls and swim in hot springs and learn about local culture and history ranging from ancient times to the modern day.
There is an optional extension to the Tiwi Islands after the tour.
This tour is eligible for CPD. Partners are very welcome.
Download our brochure Midwifery Study Tour in the Northern Territory Book now
Your tour leader
Ruth King
Ruth King is the Nursing Director for Midwifery, Women’s and Children’s Services North West for the Tasmanian Health Services and the professional lead for the North West Maternity Services Transition Project. Prior to this, Ruth was engaged as a senior project officer for the Nursing and Midwifery Office in ACT Health Directorate, leading the development of a manager's toolkit to support staff following incidents of occupational violence and the development of the Work Level Standards for ACT nurses and midwives.
For over eight years, Ruth held the role of midwifery advisor and sometimes acting CEO for the Australian College of Midwives (ACM), the peak professional body for midwives in Australia, giving her the capacity to work across jurisdictions, government and health services. Ruth has worked in a variety of public and private clinical settings including midwifery continuity of care caseload at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, during which time she completed her Midwifery Honours looking at practices and perspectives of healthcare providers when women wish to eat during labour.
Ruth has travelled widely around Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe and has previously led successful Jon Baines Tours midwifery study tours to destinations including Sri Lanka and the Northern Territory.
Need more information?
- Tel: (Toll Free) 1-8777-398-764
- Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Itinerary at a glance
- Day 1: Darwin (Sun, 16 June) Arrive in Darwin and check in to the hotel. Enjoy dinner and drinks at sunset in the Mindil Markets in a private area.
- Day 2: Darwin (Mon, 17 June) Explore the history of Darwin on a bus tour and learn about the city’s history through the World War II bombings and Cyclone Tracy to the current day. See many of the remaining buildings such as the old Court House and Police Station and the Old Palmerston Town Hall ruins. See hidden treasures including public artwork, architecture, historic buildings and memorials. Continue to Parliament House, an elegant example of tropical architecture, and take part in a tour. Lunch at leisure (at client expense) at Speakers Cafe in Parliament House. Visit the Mothers and Babies Hub at Malaka to hear Maggi O'Sullivan give a talk providing background to women’s, maternal and infant health in the Northern Territory. Meet local midwives and educators. Dinner at Hanuman restaurant.
- Day 3: Darwin / Katherine (Tues, 18 June) Drive to Katherine, visiting Litchfield National Park en route. See the magnetic termite mounds and stop at beautiful Wangi Falls (a traditional site for women’s business). Visit Florence Falls with the option to have a dip in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation.Visit Katherine Springs with the option of a dip in the clear thermal waters before taking part in the Katherine Art Trail with visits to galleries. Dinner at the hotel.
- Day 4: Katherine (Wed 19 June) Visit the Katherine community clinic, part of the Western Health Board. Learn about women’s and maternal health in the Katherine region and meet the Allied Health Team, including the midwife. Mid-afternoon drive to Nitmiluk Gorge and board a cruise. Explore the pristine wilderness from the water with a dinner cruise along the dramatic Gorge. Learn about ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people. Transfer to the hotel.
- Day 5: Katherine / Kakadu (Thurs 20 June) Drive to Kakadu. Arrive at Anbinik Lodge and relax at the lodge. Visit the clinic and meet the midwife at Red Lily Health and learn about Indigenous health services (midwifery and nursing). Dinner at Anbinik restaurant.
- Day 6: Kakadu (Friday 21 June) Optional pre-breakfast Yellow Water sunrise cruise through the beautiful wetlands or at leisure. Visit Marrawuddi Art Gallery with its coffee shop and artist in residence. Drive to the spectacular UNESCO Heritage listed Ubirr Rock Art site in time for sunset before returning to Anbinik.
- Day 7: Kakadu / Darwin (Sat, 22 June) Drive to Darwin via Humpty Doo. Visit the excellent Darwin Museum and check in to the hotel. Drinks with local midwives, followed by farewell dinner on the waterfront.
- Day 8: Darwin (Sun, 23 June) Depart the hotel after breakfast.
Tiwi Extension
- Day 8: Darwin (Sun, 23 June) Day at leisure in Darwin.
- Day 9: Darwin (Mon, 24 June) Full day to Tiwi Islands.
- Day 10: Darwin (Tues, 25 June) Depart hotel after breakfast.
Tour cost
The cost of the tour per person sharing is AU $3,480. The cost of the tour with a room to yourself is AU $4,152 (excluding flights and transfers).