Top End & Kakadu Adventure Itinerary

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), capital of the Northern Territory. A welcome meeting at 6 pm will give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers, then you’re free to spend an evening resting before your early start tomorrow.

If you arrive early, you might like to take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon, or visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for a taste of the state’s culture, history and art.

Accommodation: Darwin - Hotel - 1 night

Rising bright and early this morning, head towards Kakadu National Park. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is truly bountiful in its biodiversity. After a chance to stretch your legs on a short walk at Mamukala Wetlands, stop for a picnic lunch by the river at Cahill's Crossing.

Then, hop aboard a cruise down the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country). You’ll be joined by a First Nations guide who’ll provide a unique insight on the cultural significance of the landscape, and the plants and animals that live there.

After your cruise, set off on the Ubirr rock art site walk with your leader. The 1 km loop will lead you past incredible examples of First Nations rock art and to an awe-inspiring lookout point. Tonight, chill at your accommodation of get to know your fellow travellers over a few card games.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kakadu - Hotel (with shared facilities) - 2 nights

Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

The Ubirr walk is a Grade 2-3 (easy to moderate) 1 km loop, taking around 1 hour to see the rock art sites and enjoy the views. The 250 m climb to the lookout is steep.

The Kakadu accommodation is owned and operated by the Djabulukgu Association representing the traditional owners of northern Kakadu and Western Arnhem Land. There are two bathrooms per block of six air-conditioned twin rooms that are located on the outside of the building. Please bring a torch for use after dark.

This morning, drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. There are various short walks available while you’re here, offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area.

Your exploration of the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park will continue with an Indigenous-owned cruise along the Yellow Waters Billabong. As you glide through the wetlands and tributaries of the South Alligator River, keep an eye out for the area’s rich wildlife – eagles, jabirus, brolgas and plenty of crocodiles all call the billabong home. When you’re back on dry land, you’ll visit the local cultural centre and, depending on the time of day, you may be able to join a weaving or damper making class. 

Included Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Say farewell to Kakadu National Park and head out on a short drive to Katherine. Along the way, you’ll stop at the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek, then the idyllic Leliyn (Edith Falls). At the falls, there’ll be a chance to take a short hike along the upper pools circuit, go for a swim and stop for lunch. Later, continue to Katherine – a town where the outback meets the tropics. When you arrive, you’ll drop into the Arts and Culture Centre for an introduction to the rich heritage of the area, before making your way to your accommodation for the night.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Katherine - Hotel - 2 nights

Start the day with a visit to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – a truly impressive series of sandstone gorges sculpted by the Katherine River. Here you’ll have some free time to choose your own adventure – maybe take a cruise down the river to marvel at the dramatic scenery, as local guides provide the historical and cultural context of the region’s flora and fauna. Alternatively, you could head out on foot with your leader and explore Nitmiluk up close. Later, head back to Katherine for lunch and a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs.

Included Meals: Breakfast

For the final day of your Top End adventure, drive to the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Sitting on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to stunning waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds, then you’ll visit the Buley Rockhole – a series of shallow rock pools perfect for a quick dip. Then, walk to Florence Falls for a picnic lunch and another swim. If that’s not enough, the amazing Wangi Falls also provide a picturesque spot for a swim. Then, it’s time for the drive back to Darwin. Say goodbye to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end when you arrive. If you’d like to spend more time in Darwin, just speak to us here at First Light Travel and we can arrange your next destination.

Included Meals: Breakfast

START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
The trip starts in Darwin with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel, and finishes back in Darwin on Day 6 at our finishing point hotel around 6 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement can be booked if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.