This trip generates 15 kg of CO2-e per person per day. Learn more about our climate commitment.
Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer
Striking natural colour and proud First Nations culture combine in the Northern Territory
Get a taste of the Top End’s natural wonders on this four-day adventure. One minute you could be lazing by a waterfall, the next, watching for a Cahills Crossing croc or feeling the draw of Litchfield’s Magnetic Termite Mounds. Learn from the Traditional Custodians about Country and culture on a First Nations wetlands ecological experience, then maybe cruise down the billabong on an optional boat ride. Uncover ancient drawings on a walk through the Ubirr rock art sites, then choose to take a cruise through the famous Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and follow your leader to Leliyn (Edith Falls) for a refreshing dip. Finish each day with an NT sunset and toast to another day of Outback adventures.
4.8
59 reviewsStart: Darwin, Australia
End: Darwin, Australia
- Duration
- 4 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
- Basic
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
From
EUR 1.045 €
EUR 889 €
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore some of Litchfield National Park’s magical waterfalls, including Wangi Falls and Florence Falls, and swim in their refreshing natural plunge pools.
- Gain insight into the First Nations customs and traditions of the Northern Coast Wetland region on a Culture Ecological Experience.
- Tour through time and see incredible examples of First Nations rock art on short walks in Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).
- Choose to go on an optional Indigenous-owned cruise through the Yellow Water Billabong within Kakadu National Pak.
- Admire the sculpted sandstone of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge on either a guided walk or on a cruise along the Katherine River.
Itinerary
Welcome to the Northern Territory! 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). You’ll meet your group early, and then set off south to Litchfield National Park. Overflowing with picture-perfect waterfalls, your first stop is to Wangi Falls. Here, there’s a chance for a serene swim or take a short loop walk with your leader. Next, it’s on to Florence Falls, where you can explore the nearby plunge pools and stop for a picnic lunch. Then, you’ll swap bubbling creeks for iconic earthly towers at Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds. After leaving the park, a First Nations owned and operated Cultural Ecological Experience will provide you with an understanding of the customs and traditions of the Aboriginal people of the Northern Coast Wetland region. You’ll then head to Mary River and your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation
- Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- Lambells Lagoon - Pudakul Aboriginal Ecological Experience
- Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
- Litchfield National Park - Florence Falls
- Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls Loop Walk & Swim
Special information
Today's first meeting and pick up will take place at 7 am this morning. Please see the Joining Point instructions for further details. It’s very important that you are on time today as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time, and then head out to Litchfield National Park right away.
Make sure you stock up on snacks for this morning, as we won't be stopping for breakfast or coffee. And have your swim wear handy, as you'll have plenty of options to take a dip.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Rising bright and early this morning, you’ll drive to the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is filled with biodiversity and significant First Nations sites. First, you’ll set off on the Ubirr walk with your leader. The 1 km loop takes you past incredible examples of First Nations rock art and up to an awe-inspiring lookout point. Stop at Cahills Crossing for some rest and respite (just keep an eye out for crocs), and after lunch drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. Take a short walk here for a good overview of the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Later, head to your campsite for the night and spend the evening getting to know your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
- Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Included activities
- Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art Site Walk
- Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk
- Kakadu National Park - Cahills Crossing Crocodile Spotting
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. The Ubirr walk is a Grade 2-3 (easy to moderate) 1 km loop, taking around 1.5 hour to see the rock art sites and enjoy the views. The 250 m climb to the lookout is steep.
This morning, enjoy some free time to choose to glide through the wetlands and tributaries of the Yellow Water Billabong on an Indigenous-owned cruise. The river system sits entirely within the national park, and is home to rich wildlife, dramatic scenery and an ever-changing landscape. Then say goodbye to Kakadu and drive to the historic gold mining town Pine Creek, before continuing to Leliyn (Edith Falls). After a (late) lunch, you can hike along the upper pools or go for a refreshing swim. Later, a final drive will take you to your campground in Katherine where you can soak up a striking sunset.
Accommodation
- Safari Tents with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk & Swim
Optional activities
- Kakadu National Park - Yellow Water Cruise - AUD145
Special information
The optional 2 Hour Yellow Water Cruise at 6:45 am is offered as a pre-booked service through us, which will guarantee you a place (subject to availability). If you would rather wait and book this locally on the ground at a better price, or directly via the operator's website, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. If you book online, please book the 6:45 am time slot. This is the only time the leader will make the transfer from camp to the starting point of the cruise, and we are leaving Kakadu National Park shortly after the cruise.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. The hike at Leliyn is 2.6 km with swim stops along the way.
Your final day in the Top End begins with a visit to the truly impressive Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Here, you’re again free 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. Then head back to Katherine for lunch and a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs, before a drive north takes you back to Darwin, where your adventure ends. If you’d like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Katherine - Hot Springs
Optional activities
- Nitmiluk National Park - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk - Free
- Nitmiluk National Park - NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise - AUD155
Special information
The optional Nit Nit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise at 9 am is offered as a pre-booked service through us which will guarantee you a place (subject to availability). If you would rather wait and book this locally on the ground at a better price, or directly via the operator's website, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. If you book online, please book the 9 am time slot only. This is the only time your leader will make the transfer from camp to the starting point of the cruise.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. You’ll arrive in Darwin at approximately 6 pm. Please take this into consideration when booking onward transportation. We recommend you spend an additional night in Darwin.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
AustraliaMeals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (2 nights), Safari Tents with shared facilities (1 night)
Included activities
- Lambells Lagoon - Pudakul Aboriginal Ecological Experience
- Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
- Litchfield National Park - Florence Falls
- Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls Loop Walk & Swim
- Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art Site Walk
- Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk
- Kakadu National Park - Cahills Crossing Crocodile Spotting
- Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk & Swim
- Katherine - Hot Springs
Optional activities
- Kakadu National Park - Yellow Water Cruise - AUD145
- Nitmiluk National Park - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk - Free
- Nitmiluk National Park - NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise - AUD155
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Before you book you should know
- Your accommodation on this trip is at private semi-permanent tented campsites. However, this isn't the most basic camping experience, as you'll have stretcher beds to sleep on. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Please note that winter nights can get cool, however during the warmer months a sleeping bag liner may be sufficient. Please take into consideration the weather and the season in which you are travelling. Facilities are shared with other nearby campsites, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from where we camp.
- Please note that you must bring your own sleeping bag, suitable to the conditions. Please familiarise yourself with the weather conditions that are to be expected at the time of your trip. You can also hire a sleeping bag from us at an additional cost. This must be requested with your booking agent no later than 14 days prior to departure.
- On some days of the trip, you’ll spend many hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. Think of it as a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.
- 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.
- Group participation makes up a lot of this trip, so you'll be required to help with the preparation of meals and cleaning up. These are the kind of tasks that bring a group closer together.
- 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.
- It is very important that you advise us of any dietary requirements and allergies at least 2 weeks prior to departure. We need this information well ahead of time to be able organise catering for the trip. This trip’s remote location means that some food items will not be available on short notice, and once the trip has commenced changes to dietary requirements are not possible. Please also advise us of any medical conditions at the time of booking and bring along any personal medication. Please note that if you require urgent medical attention during the trip, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility.
START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
The trip commences in Darwin on Day 1 at 7:00 am. It is very important that you are on time as we will be departing right away and are unable to delay our departure. We recommend you arrive a day prior to your trip. The trip finishes back in Darwin on the final day (Day 4) at approximately 6pm. Onward travel should be booked for the following day.
CAMPING
Accommodation on this trip is at private semi-permanent tented campsites. Tents are twin-share, unless a single supplement has been purchased. You'll have stretcher beds to sleep on and pillows are provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag, or alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are shared with other nearby campsites, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from where we camp.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Tents on this trip are twin-share. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that all tents have single beds. No double beds are available.
SLEEPING BAG
You must bring a sleeping bag, suitable to the conditions. Please familiarise yourself with the weather conditions that are to be expected at the time of your trip. You can also hire a sleeping bag from us at an additional cost. This must be requested with your booking agent no later than 14 days prior to departure. Please note that winter nights can get cool, however during the warmer months a sleeping bag liner may be sufficient. Please take into consideration the weather and the season in which you are travelling.
LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGS
This trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Please consider the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you and your family are well hydrated in the tropical heat.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
It is very important that you advise us of any dietary requirements and allergies at least 2 weeks prior to departure. We need this information well ahead of time to be able organise catering for the trip. Darwin's remote location means that some food items will not be available on short notice, and once the trip has commenced changes to dietary requirements are not possible.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
As we operate in remote areas, you will need to bring all of your own personal medications with you. While our leaders are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry any emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention during the trip, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. If you have any pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the trip or may have an impact on other guests’ experiences and you do not disclose these prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the trip.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (2 nights), Safari Tents with shared facilities (1 night)
CAMPING
Accommodation on this trip is at private semi-permanent tented campsites. Tents are twin-share, unless a single supplement has been purchased. You'll have stretcher beds to sleep on and pillows are provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag, or alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are shared with other nearby campsites, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from where we camp.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Tents on this trip are twin-share. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that all tents have single beds. No double beds are available.
SLEEPING BAG
You must bring a sleeping bag, suitable to the conditions. Please familiarise yourself with the weather conditions that are to be expected at the time of your trip. You can also hire a sleeping bag from us at an additional cost. This must be requested with your booking agent no later than 14 days prior to departure. Please note that winter nights can get cool, however during the warmer months a sleeping bag liner may be sufficient. Please take into consideration the weather and the season in which you are travelling.
PARTICIPATORY CAMPING
Our camping trips in Australia stay in a variety of campsites, from powered sites with permanent tents and shared bathroom facilities, to bush camping in remote locations. Check your daily itinerary for more details. On all camping trips you will be expected to lend a hand to ensure your experience is a comfortable one for everyone, whether it is helping to bring equipment from the bus, gathering firewood, making your beds up in a tent, putting together your picnic lunch or helping to wash up. Your leader will let you know how you can contribute as well as ensure that we leave all our campsites ready for the next visitors when we depart.
Argus Hotel Darwin
13 Shepherd Street
Darwin
AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 889418300
Dates and prices
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Reviews
4.8 . 59 reviews
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