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Top End & Kakadu Adventure

Top End & Kakadu Adventure

From $ 2,730 AUD

Description

ake in the natural and man-made treasures of Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks on this six-day Top End adventure. From your starting point in Darwin (Gulumerrdgen), depart for the wilds of Kakadu National Park, where a cruise down the Yellow Water Billabong and First Nations Ubirr rock art tour awaits. Then it’s on to Katherine, where the red expanses of the Outback meet the tropical flowing waters of the Katherine River. Finally, the magnetic wonders and natural pools of Litchfield National Park call to end your adventure with a splash.

Trip Name
Top End & Kakadu Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
6
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Spot eagles, crocs and more of Kakadu National Park’s regional wildlife on an Indigenous-owned river cruise along Yellow Water Billabong.
  • Hike to ancient First Nations rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and learn more about the local stories and history of the respective areas.
  • Choose between land and sea for your afternoon exploring the waterways, rock art, and ancient sandstone landscapes of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
  • Refresh yourself with a dip in one of the many natural pools of Litchfield National Park, with stops at Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole.
  • Coast along the East Alligator River on a culture cruise with a First Nations guide who’ll also perform an example of traditional hunting techniques.

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 the Top End! Your adventure begins in Darwin (Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Darwin is now located), capital of the Northern Territory. A welcome meeting at 6 pm will give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers, then you’re free to spend an evening resting before your early start tomorrow. If you arrive early, you might like to take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon, or visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for a taste of the state’s culture, history and art.
Day 2 - Kakadu National Park
Rising bright and early this morning, head towards Kakadu National Park. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is truly bountiful in its biodiversity. After a chance to stretch your legs on a short walk at Mamukala Wetlands, stop for a picnic lunch by the river at Cahill's Crossing. Then, 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’ll provide a unique insight into 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 past incredible examples of First Nations rock art to a bird’s eye lookout point over the park. Tonight, you have free time to spend at your accommodation getting to know your fellow travellers.
Day 3 - Kakadu National Park
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 while you’re here, including the easy Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk. All walks offer a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Your exploration of the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park will continue with an Indigenous-owned cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong. As you glide through the wetlands and tributaries of the South Alligator River, keep an eye out for the area’s wildlife – eagles, jabirus, brolgas and plenty of crocodiles all call the billabong home. When you’re back on dry land, 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.
Day 4 - Katherine
Say farewell to Kakadu National Park and head out on a short drive to Katherine. Along the way, you’ll stop at the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek, then travel on to Leliyn (Edith Falls). At the falls, there’ll be a chance to take a short hike along the upper pools circuit, go for a swim and stop for lunch. Later, continue to Katherine – a town where the Outback meets the tropics. When you arrive, you’ll drop into the Arts and Culture Centre for an introduction to the area’s history and culture before making your way to your accommodation for the night.
Day 5 - Katherine
Start the day with a visit to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – a truly impressive series of sandstone gorges sculpted by the Katherine River. Here, you’ll have some free time to choose your own adventure – maybe take a relaxing cruise down the river to enjoy the scenery, with local guides providing added context about the region’s flora and fauna. Alternatively, you could head out on foot with your leader and explore Nitmiluk up close. Later, head back to Katherine for lunch and a dip in the natural hot springs.
Day 6 - Litchfield National Park
To start the final day of your Top End adventure, you’ll head out to Litchfield National Park. Sitting on a giant sandstone plateau, the park is home to waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first two stops will be Litchfield’s Magnetic Termite Mounds and the Buley Rockhole – a series of shallow rock pools perfect for a quick dip. Then, set off on an easy walk to Florence Falls for a picnic lunch and another swim. Those looking for a longer walk can head for nearby Wangi, which also boasts a swimming hole. Then, it’s time for the drive back to Darwin, where you’ll say goodbye to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-05-202613-05-2026AUD $ 2,895-
15-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 2,920-
29-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 3,040-
05-06-202610-06-2026AUD $ 2,920-
19-06-202624-06-2026AUD $ 2,970-
26-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 2,860-
03-07-202608-07-2026AUD $ 3,130-
17-07-202622-07-2026AUD $ 3,030-
24-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 3,130-
31-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 3,080-
07-08-202612-08-2026AUD $ 2,860-
14-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 2,830-
21-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 2,830-
04-09-202609-09-2026AUD $ 2,830-
11-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 2,830-
18-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 2,730-
02-10-202607-10-2026AUD $ 2,730-
09-10-202614-10-2026AUD $ 2,730-
16-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 2,790-
23-10-202628-10-2026AUD $ 2,850-
07-05-202712-05-2027AUD $ 2,830-
14-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 2,915-
28-05-202702-06-2027AUD $ 2,995-
04-06-202709-06-2027AUD $ 3,055-
18-06-202723-06-2027AUD $ 3,055-
25-06-202730-06-2027AUD $ 3,055-
02-07-202707-07-2027AUD $ 3,055-
16-07-202721-07-2027AUD $ 2,995-
06-08-202711-08-2027AUD $ 2,995-
13-08-202718-08-2027AUD $ 2,995-
20-08-202725-08-2027AUD $ 2,915-
03-09-202708-09-2027AUD $ 2,915-
17-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 2,830-
08-10-202713-10-2027AUD $ 2,830-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map