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Explore the national parks around the Top End of Australia including Arnhem Land

Delve into the spectacularly diverse ecosystems of Australia's Northern Territory on this 5-day Outback adventure. The Top End is famed for its exceptional national parks, rich representation of Aboriginal culture and hidden corners bursting with native wildlife, tranquil waterholes and tumbling waterfalls. Exclusive access to Arnhem Land where you will be shown significant cultural sites and taught about the history of indigenous culture by a local guide. Kakadu National Park, a visit to Katherine Gorge and Nitmiluk National Parks are equally as incredible with a range of active adventures to be had on both land and water.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Darwin, Australia
Finish
Darwin, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer, Indigenous Culture, Short Breaks, Wildlife
Code
PNTK5
Physical rating
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1, Max 15

Why you'll love this trip

  • The only 5 day trip in the Top End that visit Arnhem Land, Kakadu and Litchfield in a small group tour

  • Interactive Indigenous experiences in Kakadu and Arnhem Land delivered by local Indigenous guides

  • See art sites and cultural grounds in Arnhem Land that the general public and other tour groups don't visit

  • Explore the highlights of Australia's iconic Top End in rugged style on this five-day overland trip

  • Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, the local knowledge of a passionate guide and the magic of camping under the great southern sky

  • Discover the wonders of Kakadu National Park on a boat trip through the spectacular Twin Falls gorge, and hike to the base of Jim Jim Falls

Is this trip right for you?

  • You'll spend some nights of the trip sleeping in outback camping grounds. While conditions can be basic and facilities are minimal, this is all part of the adventure. You'll need to pitch in with preparing meals and cleaning.

  • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to truly enjoy the surrounding nature. Some hikes are longer and more challenging than others. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

  • Temperatures in the Top End can be extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.

Map of Top End and Arnhem Land Adventure including Australia
Sunset, Kakadu
australia_nt_kakadu_entrance_group
Rock art, Kakadu

Itinerary
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Travel into Wulna Country, where you'll receive a Cul Cul ('Welcome to Country') by the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan-Wulna people. Learn about their ancient culture as you enjoy bush tucker talks, didgeridoo demonstrations and basket weaving.
Next stop, head to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience a Guluyumbi cruise along the East Alligator River. Travelling with a Bininj guide, understand more about the cultural importance of the East Alligator River to the region’s traditional custodians. Once the cruise wraps up, jump in a vehicle and cross straight into Arnhem Land for an unforgettable afternoon of exploration at an indigenous art complex known as Mawurndaddja. This complex has a spectacular series of galleries with rock art spanning from the present time to many thousands of years of age. Your guide will explain the importance of this art, the methods used to perform this expressionism and the anthropological system used to date the art as you are guided through the site. Spend the afternoon exploring this historic ancient site before heading back to Kakadu and settling into this evening’s campsite.

Note: Total driving time is about six hours (approximately 350kms) Total walking time is approximately one and a half hours (including stops for informative talks)
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
  • Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Early this morning after breakfast, travel by 4WD to the Twin Falls. Experience this spectacular gorge aboard a boat shuttle that’s operated by the national park, with a walk along the boardwalk afterwards. Unwind and relax on the sandy banks before heading to explore Jim Jim Falls. After a quick lunch break, take in the views of this natural wonder before taking a challenging walk to the base of the falls. Here you can choose to swim or relax on the beach, enjoying the spectacular scenery, before making the short drive to your overnight bush camp.

Note: Total driving time is about four hours (approximately 120kms)
Total walking time is approximately two and a half hours
Accommodation
  • Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jim Jim Falls Walk
  • Twin Falls Walk
  • Twin Falls Gorge River shuttle
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, head to either Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) or Gunlom Falls and cool off with a dip in the plunge pools. Stop off at the Lazy Lizard Hotel and shop at Pine Creek before heading further south after lunch. Journey for around three hours in a private vehicle to your campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before relaxing in your tent for the night.

Note: Total driving time is about five and a half hours (approximately 340kms)
Total walking time is approximately one and a half hours
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Spend the morning at the magnificent Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Perhaps take a cruise along the gorge or rent a kayak and paddle downstream. These options are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, head off to Edith Falls where you can cool down with a refreshing swim in the huge rock pools. Continue on to the edge of Litchfield National Park. Settle down for the night in a snug camp and enjoy dinner with your group.

Note: Total driving time is about four and a half hours (approximately 350kms)
Total walking time is approximately three and a half hours
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Edith Falls
Optional Activities
  • Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise - AUD94
  • Katherine Gorge Canoe from - AUD45
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Once you’ve had breakfast, head into Litchfield National Park. Filled with waterholes, creeks and waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to soak up the tranquillity of the tropics. Visit the gateway of Florence Falls, the popular Wangi Falls and the refreshing waters of the Buley Rockholes. Enjoy a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip in one of Litchfield's swimming holes. In the afternoon, take the two-hour drive back to Darwin where your trip ends. Enjoy an optional night out with the group if you decide to stay in Darwin for the night.

Note: Total driving time is about three and a half hours (approximately 250kms)
Total walking time is approximately one hour


Should any of the attractions of the standard itinerary not be open as a result of National Park decisions surrounding accessibility and safety, activities will be substituted. Please see 'climate and seasonal information'.

- Florence Falls
- Wangi Falls
- Bluey Rockholes
Included Activities
  • Buley Rockholes
  • Florence Falls
  • Litchfield National Park
  • Wangi Falls
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Meals

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

All Terrain vehicle

Accommodation

Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (3 nights), Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included activities

  • Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
  • Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex
  • Jim Jim Falls Walk
  • Twin Falls Walk
  • Twin Falls Gorge River shuttle
  • Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
  • Edith Falls
  • Buley Rockholes
  • Florence Falls
  • Litchfield National Park
  • Wangi Falls

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. Tour commences in Darwin on day 1 at 6:50am and finishes in Darwin day 5 at approx 6pm.
2. Onward travel from Darwin must be booked for the following day.
3. Strict luggage limit of 10kg applies in Kakadu. Excess luggage can be stored at Darwin accommodation.
4. This trip requires a sleeping bag during the cooler months of May to October.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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Reviews

Our Top End and Arnhem Land Adventure trips score an average of 4.67 out of 5 based on 30 reviews in the last year.

Top End & Arnhem Land Adventure, June 2018

Jeannine Kinghorn

Review submitted 20 Jun 2018

Top End & Arnhem Land Adventure, June 2018

Karen Harmon

Review submitted 16 Jun 2018

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