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Top End & Kakadu Adventure

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Top End & Kakadu Adventure

Was From $ 2,390 AUD
Now From $ 2,032 AUD
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Description

Take in the treasures of Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks and more magical Top End moments on this six-day adventure. From your starting point in Darwin, you’ll soon sample the incredible sights of Kakadu National Park. Cruise down the Yellow Water Billabong, tour the fascinating First Nations rock art at Ubirr and take part in a weaving class. Then it’s on to the contrast of Katherine, where the red expanses of the outback meet the flowing waters of the Katherine River. Finally, the wonders of Litchfield National Park await – all the idyllic swimming holes will leave you spoiled for (a refreshing) choice.

Trip Name
Top End & Kakadu Adventure
Last Updated
2024-04-25
Days
6
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Spot eagles, crocs and more of Kakadu National Park’s rich wildlife on an Indigenous-owned river cruise along Yellow Water Billabong.
  • Marvel at ancient First Nations rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and learn more about the wildlife and histories of the respective areas.
  • Glide or walk along the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – a maze of waterways spanning over 12 km carved out of ancient sandstone.
  • Refresh yourself with incredibly scenic swims in the natural pools of Litchfield National Park, with stops at Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole.
  • Take part in a cultural weaving class, learning the traditional techniques used to create baskets, bags, jewellery and more – and take your creation home with you!
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Country Needs People. Donations help them support Indigenous land and sea management in Australia. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

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. 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 owners 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 a First Nations guide who’ll 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. The 1 km loop will lead you past incredible examples of First Nations rock art and to an awe-inspiring lookout point. Tonight, chill at your accommodation of get to know your fellow travellers over a few card games.
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, offering 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 rich wildlife – eagles, jabirus, brolgas and plenty of crocodiles all call the billabong home. When you’re back on dry land, you’ll visit a local cultural centre for a weaving or damper making class.
Day 4 - Nitmiluk National Park / 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 the idyllic 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 rich heritage of the area, before making your way to your accommodation for the night.
Day 5 - 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. Here you’ll have some free time to choose your own adventure – maybe take a cruise down the river to marvel at the dramatic scenery, as local guides provide the historical and cultural context of 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 refreshing dip in the natural hot springs.
Day 6 - Litchfield National Park / Darwin
For the final day of your Top End adventure, drive to the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Sitting on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to stunning waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds, then you’ll visit the Buley Rockhole – a series of shallow rock pools perfect for a quick dip. Then, walk to Florence Falls for a picnic lunch and another swim. If that’s not enough, the amazing Wangi Falls also provide a picturesque spot for a swim. Then, it’s time for the drive back to Darwin. Say goodbye to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end when you arrive. If you’d like to spend more time in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-05-202405-06-2024AUD $ 2,134-
14-06-202419-06-2024AUD $ 2,240-
19-07-202424-07-2024AUD $ 2,240-
16-08-202421-08-2024AUD $ 2,134-
14-09-202419-09-2024AUD $ 2,032-
04-10-202409-10-2024AUD $ 2,032-
18-04-202523-04-2025AUD $ 2,510-
09-05-202514-05-2025AUD $ 2,510-
30-05-202504-06-2025AUD $ 2,635-
06-06-202511-06-2025AUD $ 2,765-
27-06-202502-07-2025AUD $ 2,765-
04-07-202509-07-2025AUD $ 2,765-
25-07-202530-07-2025AUD $ 2,765-
08-08-202513-08-2025AUD $ 2,635-
22-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 2,635-
05-09-202510-09-2025AUD $ 2,510-
10-10-202515-10-2025AUD $ 2,510-

Accommodation

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

Transport

Private vehicle

Map