Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Discovery - 5 Days

Darwin - Kakadu National Park - Jabiru. You will be picked up from the designated meeting point between 6:20 and 6:30 AM before we leave Darwin and make our way towards the Wetlands Region. This area of the Top End is alive with birdlife and, if we are lucky, we may catch sight of the crocodiles that call these waterways home.

Our journey continues into Kakadu National Park, where we settle into our base for the next two nights in Jabiru. We begin with a visit to the Bowali Visitor Centre, an excellent introduction to the landscapes, culture, and wildlife of the park, before heading to our accommodation for a short break.

Later in the afternoon, we travel northeast to Cahills Crossing on the border of Arnhem Land, a place well known for both its natural beauty and its saltwater crocodiles. As the day draws to a close, we make our way to Ubirr, one of Australia’s most significant Aboriginal rock art sites. Here we explore ancient galleries that have been preserved for thousands of years, then climb to the lookout for sweeping views over the Nadab Floodplain as the sun sets.

After a full day of exploring, we return to our private camp in Jabiru where we prepare dinner together and relax with our fellow travellers.

Please note:Please note: You will need to arrive in Darwin the day before the tour begins. The itinerary and route may be adjusted in response to seasonal weather conditions or park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.

Meeting point: Travelodge Resort Darwin (rebranded to THE LEEA DARWIN), 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City, Northern Territory 0800, Australia, between 06:20 and 06:30.

Driving Distance: 420 KM

Hike Distance: 1 KM loop

Jabiru - Kakadu National Park - Jabiru. Early this morning, we continue our adventure south through Kakadu to discover some of the park’s most stunning natural highlights. The day is all about immersing ourselves in this remarkable landscape – walking through monsoon rainforest, cooling off in clear plunge pools, and enjoying the dramatic backdrop of towering escarpments and rugged cliffs.

Depending on conditions and the group’s ability, we may visit one or more of Kakadu’s iconic waterfalls such as Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, or Moline Rockhole. Your guide will assess accessibility on the day to make sure we experience the best possible option.

If time allows, we also stop at the Warradjan Cultural Centre, where we learn from stories and artefacts shared by the traditional owners. This is a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and environmental changes that have shaped Kakadu.

We finish the day back at camp, sharing dinner together and unwinding after a rewarding day of exploration.

Driving Distance: Minimum 150km, depending on waterfall access. This includes a minimum of 40 KM off-road on each journey.

Hike Distance: 1.5 KM - 4 KM

Jabiru - Kakadu National Park - Katherine. Today, we begin with a visit to Burrungkuy, also known as Nourlangie, to view remarkable Aboriginal rock art that tells the Dreaming stories of the Bininj people. We also take in the sweeping views from Kunwarddewardde Lookout, with the option to explore nearby Nawurlandja Lookout and Anbangbang Billabong.

From here, we journey along another four-wheel drive track as we make our way south to Barramundi Gorge, also known as Maguk. After a walk through monsoon forest – combining flat pathways with some rocky sections and creek crossings – we reach one of Kakadu’s most pristine waterfalls. Here we enjoy a picnic lunch by the plunge pool and, for those keen, a refreshing swim. A moderate to high level of fitness is needed for the 2 km return walk.

In the afternoon, we continue through the southern stretches of Kakadu and travel towards Katherine. Our day ends at a private safari-style campsite, where we can relax under the stars and share dinner together around the campfire.

Driving Distance: 420 KM

Hike Distance: 1.5km

Katherine - Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine. Early this morning, we set out for Nitmiluk National Park to join a two-hour NitNit Katherine Gorge cruise – a true highlight of the Top End. Gliding between towering 70-metre cliffs, we take in the dramatic scenery while keeping an eye out for the wildlife that makes its home along the gorge. This area is deeply connected to creation stories, and the cruise offers a wonderful way to appreciate both its natural beauty and cultural significance.

For those who wish, there is also the option to take a scenic helicopter flight after the cruise – an unforgettable way to see Nitmiluk and Katherine Gorge from above.

We then continue our journey to Edith Falls, where we enjoy a picnic lunch and the chance to swim in the large plunge pool beneath the cascading falls. Surrounded by classic Top End scenery, this is the perfect spot to relax and cool off.

As the day draws to a close, we return to our private campsite, where we share dinner and enjoy the sunset before stargazing under the wide northern skies.

Driving Distance: 470 Km

Hike Distance: 2 KM, depending on the walk embarked on. The main pool (when open) is a short walk with low grades. Upper pools require a reasonably steep climb and descent, and at least a moderate level of fitness and agility.

Katherine - Litchfield National Park - Darwin. After breakfast, we leave Katherine and begin our journey north towards Litchfield National Park. Known for its lush rainforest pockets and striking escarpments, Litchfield offers a refreshing escape in the heart of the Top End.

Our first stop is the remarkable Magnetic Termite Mounds, impressive natural structures that stand as a testament to the ingenuity of these tiny creatures. From here, we continue to some of Litchfield’s most popular swimming spots such as Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls, where you have the chance to cool off in crystal-clear plunge pools.

We also visit one of the park’s spectacular waterfalls, either Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls, to admire the power and beauty of water carving through stone over time.

After, we will then drive back to Darwin, arriving in the evening, where our journey comes to an end, once we have arrived at the drop-off point.

Drop off point: Travelodge Resort Darwin (rebranded to THE LEEA DARWIN), 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City, Northern Territory 0800, Australia, at approximately 06:30 PM.

Driving Distance: 470 KM

Walking Distance: 1 KM - 2 KM