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Escape on an outback safari from Darwin to Kakadu National Park

Journey into the Northern Territory's rugged Top End on this short but sweet four-day tour. Learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legends and customs during the Top Didj cultural experience, go bird and croc spotting in the lush Mary River and see traditional rock art in Ubirr. Climb high to look down on the Nardab Floodplain and then find refuge from the tropical heat in the swimming holes of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Discover the history of the First Peoples of Australia at Anbangbang and cruise through the towering rock walls of Katherine Gorge. The reds of the soil and orange of the sunsets will leave you with a lasting impression of the Territory’s beauty and biodiversity.

Start
Darwin, Australia
Finish
Darwin, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Overland, Short Breaks, Wildlife
Code
PNTY4C
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 21

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the highlights of Australia's iconic Top End on this family-friendly adventure

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

  • Learn about the ancient culture and traditions of The First Peoples of Australia during an interactive experience in Katherine.

  • The Mary River Wetlands feature a wealth of wildlife, including the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the southern hemisphere. Get up close to the snappy beasts on a river cruise

  • Discover the wonders of Kakadu National Park. See ancient traditional rock art and take an optional flight over astounding landscapes

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.

  • This trip has a strict luggage limit of 10kg. Excess luggage can not be carried however, it can be stored at Darwin accommodation.

Map of Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure including Australia
Group silhouette on Darwin beach at sunset
Northern Territory Waterfalls
Kakadu indigenous caveart
Australia, Northern Territory, Mary River, traveller group
Australia, Kakadu National Park, falls
Australia, Northern Territory, Kakadu wallaby
Australia, Northern Territory, Litchfield, Buley, lizard

Itinerary
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Welcome to the Northern Territory! Your adventure begins in the tropical city of Darwin. Set off from Darwin and head south to Lichfield National Park, a huge sandstone plateau with dozens of waterfalls. Explore Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and the Buley Rockholes. After a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip in one of Litchfield's picturesque swimming holes. Enjoy some relaxed time at the campsite and a meal before climbing into bed at the secluded Mary River campsite.
All tents are twin-share and come with a proper bed.

Total driving time: about five and a half hours (approximately 400 km)
Total walking time: approximately 45 minutes
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Litchfield National Park
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast this morning, head to onto the water on a wildlife cruise in the Mary River Wetlands, a network of waterways home to crocodiles and native bird species. Kakadu National Park and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art in Ubirr. Your guide will lead an interpretive cultural walk through the numerous rock galleries, before you climb to the top of a lookout for views over the Nardab floodplain. Tonight, relax by the pool at the Kakadu campground and enjoy a group dinner.

Total driving time: about six and a half hours (approximately 550 km)
Total walking time: approximately two hours
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ubirr Rock
  • Kakadu National Park Fee
  • Mary River cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning you have the option to take a scenic flight over Kakadu (at your own expense). The flight takes in views over the Arnhem Land escarpment, vast flood plains and billabongs. Later spend time exploring Kakadu’s other major Aboriginal rock art site – Nourlangie (Burrunggui), while your guide provides a glimpse into how the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live. After lunch head south and stop to visit the historic gold-mining centre of Pine Creek. Stop for a quick dip at Maguk or Gunlom Falls, before continuing on to Katherine, where you'll settle in for the night at a private campsite near Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).

Total driving time: about five and a half hours (approximately 400 km)
Total walking time: approximately one hour
Accommodation
  • Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bowali Visitor Centre
  • Pine Creek Gold-Mining Centre
  • Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Optional Activities
  • Flight (Fixed Wing Aircraft) over - Kakadu - from - AUD150
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Depending on the season, head out on a morning cruise along the inky waters of Katherine Gorge, or canoe between red rock walls that are up to 70 metres high (both of these activities are optional and at your own expense). This 23 million-year-old landscape was formed by the Katherine River, which flows from Arnhem Land out to the Timor Sea. After lunch we head to the beautiful Edith falls for one last refreshing swim in the huge plunge pool before we hit the road back to Darwin, where your adventure comes to an end on arrival. Perhaps enjoy one final group dinner in town and toast to your adventure with your new friends.

Total driving time: about five hours (approximately 400 km)
Total walking time: approximately one hour
Included Activities
  • Edith Falls
  • Top Didj Indigenous Experience
Optional Activities
  • Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise - AUD94
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Meals

3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

All Terrain vehicle

Accommodation

Permanent, furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Litchfield National Park
  • Ubirr Rock
  • Kakadu National Park Fee
  • Mary River cruise
  • Bowali Visitor Centre
  • Pine Creek Gold-Mining Centre
  • Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
  • Edith Falls
  • Top Didj Indigenous Experience

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Important notes

1. Tour commences in Darwin on day 1 at 6:50am and finishes in Darwin day 4 at approx 6pm. Onward travel must be booked for the following day.
2. Strict luggage limit of 10kg applies in Kakadu excess luggage can be stored at Darwin accommodation.
3. The opening and closing of attractions is dependent on National parks.
4. Please note single supplement is available for this trip

Essential trip information

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