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Map of Walk Kakadu National Park including Australia

Be surrounded by natural wonders in the Northern Territory.

Take a drive along Nature’s Way in the Northern Territory, a round trip which takes in the best of the Top End. You’ll travel through the spectacular landscape of Kakadu National Park, followed by a few days in Katherine and a day at Litchfield National Park, with plenty of spectacular hikes along the way. View some of the world’s most impressive rock art sites, see thundering waterfalls, and go swimming in natural waterholes. This eight-day small group tour combines moderate walks, comfortable accommodation, and a knowledgeable leader with some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery.

Start
Darwin, Australia
Finish
Darwin, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
PJXK
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the many wonders of Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Parks on foot, from beautiful walking trails to amazing lookouts.

  • Go further and visit remote and restricted rock art sites including Ubirr and Nourlangie with a local guide.

  • Cool off in some of the Northern Territory’s most beautiful waterholes, rivers and natural pools as you go swimming in the National Parks.

  • Enjoy several included picnic lunches in the best secret spots, known only to a handful of people including our experienced tour leaders.

  • Embark on a spectacular journey through Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land. With an experienced First Nations guide, you’ll learn about the aboriginal culture and heritage of this area.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

  • This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.

Group hiking through Cascade Falls, Northern Territory, Australia
Group hike through Cascade Falls, Northern Territory, Australia
Wangi Falls, a waterfall located in the Northern Territory of Australia
Group boat ride through Katherine Gorge, Northern Territory, Australia
Aerial view of Katherine Gorge, Northern Territory, Australia
View from the bottom of Butterfly Gorge, Katherine, Australia
Group admiring sunset in Ubirr, Kakadu National Park, Australia

Itinerary
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Welcome! 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). You won’t need to venture far to find plenty of things to keep you entertained before your tour starts. Go shopping for First Nations art, check out the (free) Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or discover Australia’s war history at World War II oil storage tunnels along the waterfront. Your tour begins with a 6pm with a Welcome Meeting, where you will meet your leader and the rest of your group. Afterwards we’ll head to a local restaurant to get to know each other and celebrate the start of your adventure.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's first meeting will take place at our hotel in Darwin. It’s very important that you are on time today as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time.

After breakfast set off on the drive to Mamukala Wetlands, in World heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, where water pythons, birds, crocodiles, turtles and other wildlife can be spotted. From here, we’ll drive to Ubirr which is widely regarded as one of the world’s most outstanding rock art sites. Here, you’ll embark on a walk to discover the different rock art galleries and learn about the incredible history of this area. After you have checked out the fascinating paintings, which include depictions of some of the first interactions with non-Aboriginal people, we’ll head to Jabiru and check into our comfortable motel for the next few nights.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kakadu National Park – Ubirr walk
  • Kakadu National Park - Mamukala Wetlands
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours. Today’s total walking time is approximately 2-3 hours. Today’s Mamaluka wetlands walk is a Grade 2 (easy) walk of 3km, taking around 1.5 hours. The Ubirr walk is a Grade 2-3 (easy to moderate) 1km loop, taking around 1 hour to see the rock art sites and enjoy the views. The 250m climb to the lookout is steep.

After breakfast, embark on a spectacular journey through Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land with traditional owners. You’re lucky to spend the day today with experienced First Nations guide leading the way and discover the Australian outback from 4WD buses that transport you to Mikkinj Valley and beyond. Expect to uncover rock art sites, sandstone gorges, forests, flood plains and an abundance of birdlife, whilst learning about the aboriginal culture and heritage of this area. Plus, enjoy some time by the water and a bite to eat at Inkiyu Billabong.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Arnhem Land - Arnhemlander Cultural & Heritage 4WD tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total walking time is approximately 2-3 hours.

Kakadu National Park has one of the world’s highest concentrated areas of rock art. After breakfast we’ll take a short drive to Nourlangie and walk to the famous painting of Namarrgon, the lightning man, who is said to control the spectacular wet season lightning storms. You’ll also view the rest of the site which is reminiscent of a traditional art gallery with multiple rooms (caves) featuring different styles of art. Afterwards, take on the Barrk Walk, through the sandstone country of Nourlangie. After an initial steep climb to the top of a rocky outcrop you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the World Heritage area. Roughly half-way through, you reach Nanguluwurr art site where you’ll find more breathtaking paintings. From here, you can choose to turn back or complete the entire circuit.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site
  • Kakadu National Park - Barrk sandstone walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery & shelter walk is a Grade 2 (easy) 1.5km return walk. The Barrk sandstone walk is a Grade 5 (difficult) walk over steep and rugged terrain. You have the option to complete the full 12 km (approx 6 hours) or finish your walk after 8km. Today’s total walking time is approximately 7-9 hours.

Today is a day off from walking as we make the long drive south. After breakfast, sit back and relax as we embark on our adventurous drive to Mataranka thermal pools. Once arrived you will quickly see why it’s such a special place to visit. Take a quick soak in Mataranka Thermal Pools and relax the muscles from the previous days walks. Along the way we’ll have brief stops in Pine Creek and Katherine. Then head to Katherine to check in at our hotel and make yourself at home for the next 3 nights.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kakadu National Park - Yurmikmik lookout walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that the Gunlom walking track to the lookout and pools above the falls is closed at the request of the Traditional Owners until further notice. In addition to this, the road to the falls has sustained major damages after this wet season's floods. For these reasons we do not visit the Gunlom area on this trip until further notice. Instead you will be able to soak in the hot pools of Mataranka.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the northern section of Nitmiluk National Park to Leliyn (Edith Falls). We have plenty of time today to explore this picturesque area. Edith Falls is the last stop along the Jatbula trail which begins 62km away in Katherine Gorge. Today’s walk has plenty of natural pools to cool off in. Walk part of the trail along a sandy path to Sweetwater Pool, where rich red rocks frame the perfectly calm (and very inviting) waterhole. Then, on the walk back, you’ll stop at the Upper Pools of Leliyn for one final dip to cool off before the drive to Katherine.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls)
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Jatbula Trail (Leliyn to Sweetwater Pool)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's walk is along the final section of the Grade 4 (challenging) Jatbula Trail, covering the section to Sweetwater Pool and back for a total of 9km. Today’s total walking time is approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast this morning, a short drive to the southern section of Nitmiluk will take us to Katherine Gorge. Depending on the temperature on the day, your local guide will offer a selection of walks of varying difficulty and length (6km-12km). Take your time to discover Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge which was created as the Katherine River carved its way through ancient sandstone cliffs more than 20 million years ago. You’ll notice the natural horizontal bands defining the cliffs surrounding the gorge that were created by layer upon layer of sediments. After a full day exploring all that Katherine Gorge has to offer, we’ll make our way back to Katherine for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge walks
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Southern Rockhole Ferry (Dec-Mar only)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total walking time is approximately 6-8 hours.

Please note that the Southern Rockhole Ferry to the seasonal waterfall runs during the tropical summer months only (Dec–Mar). Outside of this season, this activity will be replaced with an alternative walk in Nitmiluk National Park.

After breakfast, drive to Litchfield National Park where waterfalls cascade from escarpments into plunge pools and there are deep prehistoric-looking forests and thousands of six-foot-high termite mounds. During the wet season, four major waterfalls thunder from the cliffs into rock pools. During the dry season, the waterfalls flow more gently, making the waterholes perfect spots for swimming. We’ll stop by the Magnetic Termite Mounds then our first walk will be determined by our local guide. Today’s walks will be dependent on the ability of our group members and seasonal accessibility. Regardless of which walks are chosen, you’re sure to reach stunning waterfalls and billabongs along the way. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Darwin where your tour ends. No accommodation is provided tonight but if you would like to spend more time here, we can book additional accommodation for you (pending availability).
Included Activities
  • Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
  • Litchfield National Park - Day walks
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total walking time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, walking

Accommodation

Hotel (3 night), Resort (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Kakadu National Park – Ubirr walk
  • Kakadu National Park - Mamukala Wetlands
  • Arnhem Land - Arnhemlander Cultural & Heritage 4WD tour
  • Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site
  • Kakadu National Park - Barrk sandstone walk
  • Kakadu National Park - Yurmikmik lookout walk
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls)
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Jatbula Trail (Leliyn to Sweetwater Pool)
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge walks
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Southern Rockhole Ferry (Dec-Mar only)
  • Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
  • Litchfield National Park - Day walks

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk Kakadu National Park trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

START & END TIMES
The trip begins in Darwin with a group meeting at 6pm, and finishes upon arrival back into Darwin on the last day in the late afternoon.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking.

OPERATOR
This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.

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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