DESCRIPTION
*This Camping Twin Share Tent fare price is (Per Person) for Adults or Children. Children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Solo travellers booking separately in a twin share safari tent will be paired with another passenger where possible with the same gender but not guaranteed. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Guests who purchased the camping fares will travel in the same vehicle as the accommodated guests.
TOUR CODE: KO4-C
OPERATES: Mon, Thur (May-Oct)
DEPARTS: 06:30am
RETURNS: 18:30pm
TOUR DURATION: 4 Days / 3 Nights
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Travelodge Resort Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City NT 0800.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage site.
- Visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centres in Kakadu for a cultural experience.
- Guests can participate in a cultural cruise on the East Alligator River, located on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land, known as the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise.
- Watch out for crocodiles and barramundi when crossing Cahills Crossing.
- Ubirr Rock offers stunning views of Aboriginal rock art and sunsets.
- Visitors can be led on a tour of two exceptional Aboriginal rock art locations, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr walk (conditions/seasonality permitting)
- Visit Kakadu’s largest waterfall, Jim Jim or Twin Falls, depending on conditions and season.
- Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) offers a tranquil setting with a waterfall and plunge pool for relaxation.
- Choose between a Katherine Gorge cruise or a helicopter ride.
- Explore the cascading waterfalls of Edith Falls.
*This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal access permitting us from entering certain areas pre and post the dry season. Please note the falls are rarely open before late June. Highlights are a guideline only, Kakadu’s diverse landscape and weather conditions mean a high amount of change and flexibility in the itinerary is expected. Your expert guides will ensure the most amazing adventure is had by all.
ITINERARY:
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on an exclusive 4WD safari tour that showcases the best of Kakadu National Park. Discover the oldest and most well-preserved Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, spot some prehistoric friends such as crocodiles as we cruise the river system by boat, and visit spectacular waterfalls and natural plunge pools. We’ll explore the pockets of monsoon forests that are home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. After action-packed days of exploration, culture, and unmatched vistas, stay overnight in our comfortable permanent safari camps exclusive to our groups.
DAY 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park
We depart from Darwin and head towards the Wetlands Region, where the top end’s magnificent scenery is on display. We have the chance to spot a vast range of Top End birdlife and apex predators such as crocodiles. Our journey continues to Kakadu National Park, where we check into our local accommodation in Jabiru, our home for the next two nights. We take some time to soak in the landscape and wildlife of the park at the Bowali Visitor Centre before heading to Cahills Crossing for a cultural tour of a lifetime. We’ll cruise down the East Alligator River on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the Dreamtime stories of the area, observe majestic birdlife, and, of course, hope to see crocodiles. We’ll visit Ubirr Rock, home to one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and climb up high for a sunset that will take your breath away. We head back to Jabiru for dinner. Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Jabiru Campground – Permanent Twin Share Safari Tents (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3.
DAY 2: Jim Jim Falls to Jabiru Return
Jim Jim or Twin Falls are probably two of the most famous and stunning locations within Kakadu. Depending on seasonal factors and cultural observations, we’ll visit one of these waterfalls situated at the bottom of an adventurous 4WD road. We’ll hike out to the huge plunge pool and accompanying beach area, where you can enjoy plenty of time to cool off, surrounded by thick monsoon forest framed by magnificent rock escarpments. On our way back, we’ll stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the culture of Kakadu and gain deeper insight into the stories, flora, and fauna of this World Heritage Listed National Park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Jabiru Campground – Permanent Twin Share Safari Tents (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 250km. Hike Distance and Grading: 4 km Grade 6.
DAY 3: Jabiru to Katherine
We’ll discover Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock, Kunwarddewardde Lookout, and have the potential to explore the surrounding areas of Nawurlandja Lookout and Anbangbang Billabong. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock features incredible Aboriginal Rock Art and dreamtime stories of the Bininj people. We’ll travel south on another 4WD track and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall, one of the most picturesque and pristine waterfalls in Kakadu. After our 2km walk, swim, and lunch, we head to Nitmiluk National Park before heading to tonight’s accommodation in Katherine to relax and enjoy the local hospitality. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Katherine Campground – Permanent Twin Share Safari Tents (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km Grade 3.
DAY 4: Katherine to Darwin
It’s an early start today to reach Nitmiluk National Park to enjoy a hike along the sheer rock walls (1.4km to 4.8km return) and panoramic views over Katherine Gorge. Alternatively, guests have an opportunity to jump on board the 2-hour Katherine Gorge Cruise (optional extra, strictly subject to availability on the day) payable directly to the cruise company. If you are interested in doing a scenic helicopter flight there are a range of options available to take in the spectacular views of Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge, the Arnhem Land escarpment, and local wildlife. We will then be making our way towards the beautiful Edith Falls for further relaxation in picture-perfect Top End surroundings with a picnic lunch, clear water, and a welcome chance to cool off! We’ll have you back in Darwin in time for you to meander down the famous Mindil Markets or spend a relaxing night at your accommodation reflecting on all the adventures you’ve had and new friends you’ve made. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Options: Scenic helicopter flights, Katherine Gorge Cruise (at guest’s own expense). Driving Distance: 470km. Hike Distance and Grading: 2km Grade 2-4 depending on the walk embarked. The main pool (when open) is a short walk with low grades. Upper pools requires a reasonably steep climb and descent, and at least a moderate level of fitness and agility.
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.
INCLUSIONS:
- 3 Nights Permanent Safari Style Tented Campsite (2 x Kakadu Jabiru, 1 x Katherine)
- Includes: 3 x Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 3 x Dinner
- Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, East Alligator
- Kakadu Park pass entry fees
- Guided bush walking & hikes (~8.5km, grade 2-6)
- Accredited outback driver-guide
- Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel
- Comprehensive tour commentary
- Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
EXCLUSIONS:
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Personal expenses
OPTIONALS:
On Day 4, guests can opt out of the morning rim walk around Katherine Gorge with the tour group and pre-book an activity. Optional activities are subject to availability on the day of the tour and are not included in the tour itinerary price. Pre-bookings are required.
- A) NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge Guided Boat Cruise – departing at 7:00am. Book direct at https://www.nitmiluktours.com.au/gorge-experiences/gorge-tours/.
- B) Katherine Gorge Scenic Helicopter Flight – departing at 8:30am. Book direct at https://www.helispirit.com.au/scenic-flights-and-tours/katherine-gorge-helicopter-tours/.
WHAT TO BRING:
3L Refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towel & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (closed shoes), all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), 15kg overnight bag & small day pack, tropical strength insect repellent, mosquito or fly net (summer months), flashlight, headlamp, or torch, recharge power bank limited access, money for snack and meals, camera.
CHILD POLICY:
Children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walks.
WEATHER:
The weather in the Top End of the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius with high humidity in the dry season and temperatures can drop dramatically in the evening. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
THINGS TO KNOW:
- Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, and phone number.
- While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, passengers MUST advise their booking agent at the time of booking. The tour operator must also be notified of any food allergies or known medical conditions at the time of booking.
- A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the hikes. The length of hikes will be between 2km to 4km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. Approximately 8.5km of hiking is included in this tour. Embarking on the hikes will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel).
- Children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under.
- Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
- Itineraries may need to vary, potentially at short notice, to adapt to seasonal changes, and occasionally sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
- Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up, and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
