Top End & Kakadu Explorer

6 Days | Come face to face with the staggering scenery of the Top End

4.8 out of 5 based on 8 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $4,150
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Rugged, remote and absolutely remarkable – there’s nowhere on earth like Australia’s Top End. Over six days, a knowledgeable local leader will introduce you to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Northern Territory, and at the end of each day you’ll retire to comfortable hotels. Join an Aboriginal guide and cruise through Kakadu National Park, discover some of the world’s oldest art in Nourlangie, float past the towering sandstone walls of Katherine Gorge and explore the waterfalls and pools of Litchfield National Park. From fantastic wildlife to thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, this corner of Australia is truly something special.

Trip overview

Map of Top End & Kakadu Explorer including Australia
Start
Darwin, Australia
Finish
Darwin, Australia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Australia
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
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
POKK
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Explore the vast wonderland of Kakadu National Park, taking a cruise down the East Alligator River. Led by an Aboriginal guide, learn about the cultural and natural story of the landscape.
  • Marvel at some of the world’s oldest art at Nourlangie. Painted by the Bininj people, this fascinating rock art provides insight into life some 20,000 years ago.
  • Discover the belief-defying landscapes of the Katherine Gorge during a guided cruise along the Katherine River, learning about local history and culture along the way.
  • With a local leader by your side, you’ll get a special insight into the environments you visit and discover all the best places to walk, swim and explore.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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.
  • On some days of the trip, you’ll spend several hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. 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.
  • The itinerary has some slight variations in July and August. Please read the daily itinerary and the important information section before booking your trip. Throughout the year the exact order and nature of inclusions may vary depending on factors such as weather, driving times, group fitness, road conditions, so be prepared to be flexible. We will still show you the very best of what the region has to offer!

Itinerary

Map of Top End & Kakadu Explorer including Australia

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 4 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Activities
  • Kakadu National Park - Picnic Lunch at Cahills Crossing
  • Kakadu National Park - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River
  • Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk
  • Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk
  • Kakadu National Park - Gunlom Falls & Picnic Lunch
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge Cruise
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk & Swim
  • Katherine - Hot Springs
  • Litchfield National Park - Full Day Excursion
  • Litchfield National Park - Highlights including Wangi Falls, Termite Mounds & Buley Rockhole
  • Litchfield National Park - Picnic Lunch at Wangi Falls
Add on activities
  • Darwin - Mindil Beach Markets Visit - Free

Dates and availability

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Important notes

START & END TIMES
The tour commences in Darwin on Day 1 with arrival at your leisure and finishes back in Darwin on the final day in the late afternoon. We recommend onward travel should be booked for the following day.

ITINERARY VARIATIONS
Please note that the departure on 5th August 2023 will commence with a group meeting at 4pm on day 1, followed by a drive to our overnight destination of Batchelor. The itinerary will continue as scheduled from day 2. Please ensure your flight arrives into Darwin in time for the group meeting. The departure on 29th July 2023 will return to Darwin for the night of day 5. On day 6 you will visit Litchfield National Park as a day trip.

LUGGAGE LIMIT
A strict luggage limit of 10kg applies on this trip. Excess luggage should be stored at your accommodation in Darwin.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 8 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Fiona · Traveled October 2023
The Top End tour was incredible. I discovered so much about part of my own country and myself. The rockpools and rock art were highlights for me. Our tour group were lovely and our guide, Natalie was awesome! Thanks.
Review submitted 17 Oct 2023

Michael · Traveled October 2023
We undertook the Top End tour during the wet season "Build up" (October). It's hot, humid and that can be a challenge but more so its spectacular and thought provoking. Embrace the experience and take it as hard or easy as you like. A must do.
Review submitted 17 Oct 2023

Neil · Traveled September 2023
You can use any of my comments including my name. However this I consider unlikely
Review submitted 04 Oct 2023

Louise · Traveled August 2023
Great trip for anyone! Weather was perfect in August (shorts & T shirt day & night). If you love beautiful swimming spots, this trip is for you! Note; You do need sturdy ankles & knees, the walking is not ‘hard’ but the terrain is rocky & uneven
Review submitted 04 Sep 2023

Larissa · Traveled April 2023
Great small trip for this first time solo traveller. IAs it was the cross over between the wet and dry season many areas were closed so the itinerary changed a bit. Hot and humid but the bus is well air conditioned.
Review submitted 15 May 2023
Top End & Kakadu Explorer
From
NZD $4,150