Top End & Kakadu Explorer

Day 1: Darwin

Welcome to the Top End! Your adventure begins in Darwin (Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Darwin is now located). Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and your gateway to the wonders of the Top End. Prior to your welcome meeting tomorrow morning, the day is yours for your own discoveries of Darwin, so you are free to arrive at any time. You may like to take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon, a protected bay with a net to keep out crocs and other unwelcome creatures. A visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is a must for a taste of the state’s culture, history and art. Rest up this evening for an early start and exciting day tomorrow.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Today is arrival day with your accommodation in Darwin included. You will meet your group and the group leader tomorrow early morning on day 2.

Day 2: Kakadu National Park

Rise bright and early and meet at the hotel’s reception at 7:30am, when you will meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your journey. Drive towards Kakadu National Park. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Stop for a photo opportunity at Mamukala Wetlands, and after a picnic lunch by the river at Cahill’s Crossing hop aboard a cruise down the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country). You’ll be joined by an Aboriginal guide who will provide a unique insight on the cultural significance of the landscape and the plants and animals that live there. After your cruise, set off on the Ubirr walk with your leader, a 1km loop that leads you past incredible examples of Aboriginal rock art and to an awe-inspiring lookout point. Continue to your accommodation for the evening, a resort within the national park.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Kakadu National Park – Picnic Lunch at Cahills Crossing
• Kakadu National Park – Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River
• Kakadu National Park – Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours. As we will leave Darwin this morning please make sure you have your luggage ready to be loaded into our vehicle. The Ubirr walk is a Grade 2-3 (easy to moderate) 1km loop, taking around 1 hour to see the rock art sites and enjoy the views. The 250m climb to the lookout is steep.

Day 3: Kakadu National Park / Katherine

This morning, drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. There are various short walks available to you while here, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Continue to Gunlom Falls and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch while admiring the towering cascade. You may like to cool off after lunch with a dip in the gorgeous plunge pool beneath the falls. In the afternoon, drive to Katherine, where the outback meets the tropics. Your accommodation for the next two nights is near Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk
• Kakadu National Park – Gunlom Falls & Picnic Lunch

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours. The Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery & shelter walk is a Grade 2 (easy) 1.5km return walk. Please note that Gunlom Falls may be closed at short notice. If this is the case on your departure you will visit Barramundi Gorge instead.

Day 4: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine

Start the day with a visit to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a truly impressive series of sandstone gorges sculpted by the Katherine River. Enjoy a cruise down the river to marvel at the dramatic scenery, as local guides fill you in on the flora and fauna of the region while providing historical and cultural context. In the afternoon, head out on foot and explore Nitmiluk from a different angle. Return to your accommodation for another night in Katherine.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Nitmiluk National Park – Katherine Gorge Cruise
• Nitmiluk National Park – Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 1 hour. You’ll be walking around 3 hours (4km) today on Grade 3 (moderate) tracks. If the weather is too hot to safely do today’s walk your leader will suggest to visit Mataranka Hot Springs instead.

Day 5: Katherine / Batchelor

Start off the day with a visit and swim at Katherine’s hot springs. Then head to Leliyn (Edith Falls), a stunning collection of tumbling cascades where you’ll enjoy a swim in the deep-blue natural pools. Once you’re thoroughly refreshed, its time to hit the road again. Make a stop along the way at the town of Pine Creek where you’ll learn more about the rich indigenous history of the region before arriving at our overnight stop for tonight at Batchelor, the gateway to beautiful Litchfield National Park.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Nitmiluk National Park – Leliyn (Edith Falls)
• Katherine – Hot Springs Visit

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours. Please note that if the group has visited Mataranka Hot Springs yesterday then you will not be visiting Katherine Hot Springs today, but instead spend more time at Edith Falls.

Day 6: Litchfield National Park / Darwin

This morning make the drive into magnificent Litchfield National Park. On arrival, visit Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds. Take a refreshing dip in the amazing Wangi Falls, then enjoy a peaceful lunch next to the falls themselves. Next pay a visit to the Buley Rockhole, a series of shallow rock pools perfect for another dip. Arrive back in Darwin in the afternoon and say goodbye to your newfound friends, as your adventure comes to an end here upon arrival. Make sure you schedule time for Darwin’s famous Mindil Beach Market, which is open Thursdays and Sundays.

 

Included Activities

• Litchfield National Park – Full Day Excursion
• Litchfield National Park – Highlights including Wangi Falls, Termite Mounds & Buley Rockhole
• Litchfield National Park – Picnic Lunch at Wangi Falls

Optional Activities

• Darwin – Mindil Beach Markets Visit – Free

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.