Starting from
$35 AUD
Overview
"Journey to the Northern Territory and uncover the rich history and incredible landscapes of the Top End "
The northernmost section of the remote Northern Territory, Australia’s Top End packs an unbelievable punch. This is where the tropics meet the Outback, sandstone escarpments are decorated with ancient First Nations rock art, and the national parks are bursting with plunging waterfalls, monsoon forests and breathtaking waterholes. This five-day adventure spends ample time at Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park and includes exclusive access to Arnhem Land. Spend time with the Traditional Owners of Wulna Country, take a croc-filled cruise along the East Alligator River, check out the spectacular Jim Jim Falls and swim in the breathtaking locations on this unforgettable adventure through the country's far north.
Why we love this trip
- Explore the highlights of Australia's iconic Top End in rugged style on this five-day overland trip
- Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, the local knowledge of a passionate guide and the magic of camping under the great southern sky
- Learn about the ancient culture and traditions of the Limilngan-Wulna people as they invite you into their community with a traditional 'Welcome to Country'
- 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 billabong cruise
- Discover the wonders of Kakadu National Park on a boat trip through the spectacular Twin Falls gorge, and hike to the base of Jim Jim Falls
- Two interactive Indigenous experiences, one in Kakadu and one in Arnhem Land delivered by local Indigenous guides
Itinerary
Darwin to Arnhem Land
Welcome to Darwin, the Northern Territory’s tropical capital. There’s no time to waste, so get cracking at 6.30 am and hit the road. We travel East along the Arnhem Highway to the Corroboree Billabong on the Mary River, for a cruise to learn about the Top End’s wetlands, and a very good chance of sighting a variety of birdlife and the saltwater crocodiles. After lunch we continue to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land, Cahill’s Crossing, where the 4WD is utilised to traverse the croc-infested East Alligator River. Welcome to Arnhem Land. Learn about the cultural importance of the West Arnhem Land region as your Bininj guide takes you to restricted areas that First Nation ancestors have been visiting for thousands of years. Spend the afternoon learning about the region and its people’s history from your guide, before heading back to Kakadu for an overnight stay. Accommodation: Powered camps (with shared facilities) (1 night) Total walking time: about 1.5 hours (including stops for informative talks). Total driving time: about 6 hours (approximately 350 km)
Kakadu National Park
After fueling up with an early breakfast, head to Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu’s most iconic natural attraction. Take a challenging walk through monsoon forest and over boulders, then recharge with a cooling dip in the clear waters beneath the falls. After lunch head to Anbangbang, another incredible site that features ancient art on what was originally Warramal Land. Sadly, there are no surviving Warramal People, so the care of the site is maintained by the neighbouring Mirarr and Djok communities. This afternoon, you have the option of taking a scenic flight over Kakadu or visiting the Bowali Cultural Centre.. Powered camps (with shared facilities) (1 night) Total walking time: about 2.5. Total driving time: about 4 hours (approximately 120 km)
Kakadu National Park
After breakfast, head to either Gunlom Falls or Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) for a swim in another pristine waterhole. Maguk flows down the steep walls of rugged gorges into a beautiful natural plunge pool, while the steep climb to the Gunlom Falls plunge pool is rewarded with sweeping views of Kakadu along with the larger pool which is found under the welcome shade of gum trees. Neither option will disappoint you. After a relaxing morning, it’s time to hit the road. Stop in the old gold-mining town of Pine Creek for lunch before continuing for another three hours to your private campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before settling in under the stars for the night. Powered camps (with shared facilities) (1 night) Total driving time: about 5.5 hours (approximately 340 km). Total walking time: about 1.5 hours
Nitmiluk National Park
Spend the day exploring the deep Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and greater Nitmiluk National Park, a wonderland of colours, ancient rock art, waterfalls and wildlife. While here, you can explore the region on foot, or choose to take a cruise (optional) to get a different perspective of the Gorge. Keep in mind that these optional activities are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, travel to Edith Falls, a hidden oasis of clear, cool waters surrounded by bronze boulders. After a quick swim in the huge rock pools, continue to tonight’s camp located at the edge of Litchfield National Park, where dinner awaits. Powered camps (with shared facilities) (1 night) Total driving time: about 4.5 hours (approximately 350 km). Total walking time: about 3.5 hours
Litchfield National Park to Darwin
After breakfast, head to Litchfield National Park. A bit of a local secret, Litchfield is awash with tropical rainforest, gorgeous waterfalls and crystal-clear waterholes. Visit Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Bluey Rockhole, then tuck into a picnic lunch. Enjoy a stroll through the steamy rainforests and a refreshing dip in one of the park’s gorgeous swimming holes. In the afternoon, make the two-hour drive back to Darwin.. Total walking time: about 1 hour. Total driving time: about 3.5 hours (approximately 250 km)
Essential Packing List
Water bottle (2L)
Hat and sunscreen
Towel and toiletries
Towel and bathers for swimming
Camera and batteries or charger
Sturdy walking shoes
Sleeping bag or pre-purchase at time of booking
Pillow
Torch or head light
Powerbank for charging phone (optional)