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Best of the Top End & Kakadu

Best of the Top End & Kakadu

From $ 2,630 AUD

Description

Journey through the Top End on this four-day adventure in Northern Australia’s Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. Dive into the natural pools at Wangi Falls, have a picnic lunch near Florence Falls and visit the Magnetic Termite Mounds in Litchfield. Cruise up the East Alligator River and learn about the landscape, plants and animals from an Aboriginal guide, look out for wetland birds at Mamukala Wetlands and see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). With an Intrepid leader by your side, get closer to some of the Australia’s favourite places, no matter how much time you have.

Trip Name
Best of the Top End & Kakadu
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
4
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore some of the best waterfalls and secret swimming spots in Litchfield National Park. Swim in the natural pools at Wangi Falls, see Tolmer Falls and enjoy a picnic lunch in the monsoon forest at Florence Falls.
  • See First Nations rock art at Ubirr and at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people and hear stories about the Kakadu region from your local leader.
  • Hop aboard a cruise up the East Alligator River and learn from an Aboriginal guide about the cultural significance of the landscape and the plants and animals that live here.
  • Visit the Magnetic Termite Mounds in Litchfield and walk through the 2 m tall, 100-year-old natural sculptures, distinctive to the Northern Territory.
  • Make the most of your time in Australia’s Northern Territory with a local leader by your side. Travel through the Top End’s most scenic landscapes and learn about the rich First Nations history along the way.

Itinerary

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

Day 1 - Darwin
Welcome to Northern Australia! Your adventure begins in Darwin (Gulumoerrgin in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Darwin is now located) with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take some time to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon – a protected bay with a net that keeps crocodiles and other unwelcome creatures out. After the meeting, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers, before an early start tomorrow morning.
Day 2 - Litchfield National Park to Darwin
This morning, travel into Litchfield National Park. Situated on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be Litchfield’s Magnetic Termite Mounds – these 100-year-old natural sculptures are distinctive to the northern parts of Australia. Then, it’s off to and Florence Falls. Hidden among monsoon forest, you'll stop for a picnic lunch next to a bubbling creek. Next up is Buley Rockhole, where you can go for a refreshing swim while your leader prepares lunch. After lunch, head to the Tolmer Falls lookout, and then to Wangi Falls, where you can take a short loop walk or plunge into the natural pool. Later, continue back to Darwin where you’ll stay tonight.
Day 3 - Kakadu
This morning drive towards Kakadu National Park – covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Along the way, stop at the Mamukala Wetlands and see if you can spot the wetland birds, before continuing to Ubirr – one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where you’ll learn more about the local First Nations history and hear stories from your leader. This afternoon, hop aboard a cruise up the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country) and take in the surrounding wilderness of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. As you float along the river, hear about the cultural significance of the landscape, and the plants and animals that live here from an Aboriginal guide. Later, travel to your accommodation in Kakadu. Tonight, join your group for dinner to celebrate the last night of your trip through Australia’s Top End.
Day 4 - Darwin
Your final morning at Kakadu National Park starts with breakfast, followed by a drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) – known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. When you arrive, set off on one of the various short walks, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Next up you’ll visit the local cultural centre and, depending on the time of day, you may be able to join a weaving or damper-making class. You then have the option to explore the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park with an Indigenous-owned cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong (at own expense). After lunch, drive back to Darwin where your adventure will finish at around 5.30 pm. If you’d like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 3,170-
25-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 2,860-
09-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 2,995-
30-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 2,995-
06-08-202609-08-2026AUD $ 2,940-
13-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 2,740-
27-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 2,630-
10-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 2,830-
24-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 2,730-
01-10-202604-10-2026AUD $ 2,795-
15-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 2,650-
20-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 2,830-
27-05-202730-05-2027AUD $ 2,830-
10-06-202713-06-2027AUD $ 2,830-
17-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 2,830-
24-06-202727-06-2027AUD $ 2,830-
08-07-202711-07-2027AUD $ 2,830-
15-07-202718-07-2027AUD $ 2,830-
29-07-202701-08-2027AUD $ 2,830-
05-08-202708-08-2027AUD $ 2,830-
12-08-202715-08-2027AUD $ 2,830-
26-08-202729-08-2027AUD $ 2,830-
09-09-202712-09-2027AUD $ 2,830-
23-09-202726-09-2027AUD $ 2,830-
14-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 2,830-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map