Starting from
$995 AUD
Overview
"Join us on an exclusive 4wd safari adventure of a lifetime showcasing the very best Kakadu & Litchfield National Park has to offer. Discover some of the oldest and best-preserved Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and cool off in some of the most beautiful natural plunge pools imaginable. "
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park
- Explore Kakadu Aboriginal Cultural Centres
- Take a boat cruise on the Mary River Wetlands
- Watch for Crocs and Barramundi at *Cahills Crossing
- Be guided to breathtaking sunset views at Ubirr Rock
- See world-class Aboriginal rock art sites Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) or Ubirr walk (conditions/seasonality permitting)
- Adventure to some of Kakadu’s most impressive waterfalls and plunge pools (conditions/seasonality permitting)
- Be impressed by century-old magnetic termite mounds
- Uncover the wonder of Litchfield National Park’s roaring waterfalls and hidden waterholes
- Take a dip in the pools of Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, or Wangi Falls
*The itinerary may change due to seasonal access, limiting entry to certain areas before and after the dry season. The falls typically don’t open until late June. The highlights are guidelines, as Kakadu’s diverse landscape and weather require flexibility, and group fitness levels will affect where we visit.
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and heading out to the Mary River Wetlands region onboard the Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise. A great opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End birdlife, not to mention some apex predators… crocodiles!
We journey on to Kakadu National Park visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre which offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife. After some relaxation at camp, we will journey north to *Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We will visit one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal rock art in the world at Ubirr rock upon sunset. This incredibly significant site showcases many styles of rock art and allows us to climb up high for a sunset that will blow you away looking out over the Nadab Floodplain. After a big day, we head back to our cozy private camp and prepare dinner together, enjoying an evening with our fellow travellers.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Jabiru Campground - Permanent Safari Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 420km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 3, featuring flat pathways and a gradual climb up a rock face to the vantage point at the top.
Day 2: Kakadu Waterfalls & Plunge Pools
We rise and shine early on day 2 and make our way south in Kakadu National Park. Today we’ll spend the day soaking up the spectacular natural beauty of the area, hiking through lush monsoon rainforests, and swimming in pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs.
We aim to visit one or more of the available waterfalls depending on the group's physical ability to complete the hike(s). This can include any one of the following: Gunlom Falls, Motor Car Falls, Moline Rockhole, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), or Jim Jim Falls. There are many factors affecting accessibility although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible.
Time permitting, we stop at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), another indigenous rock art site where archaeologists have uncovered works dating back over 20,000 years old. We explore the evolving social, cultural and environmental changes to the area over time before making our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Jabiru Campground - Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 150km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km - 4km Grade 4
Day 3: Kakadu to Litchfield National Park to Darwin
An exciting day awaits as we head out of Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park.
We will spend the afternoon immersed in Litchfield’s natural oasis of waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments. We’ll spend time in any combination of Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls or Florence Falls for a refreshing soak in picturesque rock holes and waterfalls.
Discover the uniquely impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds before making our way back to Darwin, arriving back at your accommodation at approximately 7:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 500km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1 - 2 km Grade 2-3.
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.
Essential Packing List
3L Refillable water bottle
Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
Swimwear, beach towel & toiletries
Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (tread closed toe shoes)
All-weather clothing (extreme conditions inc wind, heat, cold, day/night)
Raincoat, windbreaker, warm clothes in the evening
15kg soft bag or backpack & small day pack
Tropical strength insect repellent
Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
Flashlight, headlamp or torch, camera
Money for snack and meals
Bring your own sleeping bag & pillow (optional - if staying in a swag)
Recharge power bank (limited access to power to charge phone or cameras)