Top End & Kakadu Adventure
6 Days Starting and ending in Darwin
Visiting: Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine , Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine, Litchfield National Park / Darwin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZSK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Take in the treasures of Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks and more magical Top End moments on this six-day adventure. From your starting point in Darwin, you’ll soon sample the incredible sights of Kakadu National Park. Cruise down the Yellow Water Billabong and tour the fascinating First Nations rock art at Ubirr. Then it’s on to the contrast of Katherine, where the red expanses of the outback meet the flowing waters of the Katherine River. Finally, the wonders of Litchfield National Park await – all the idyllic swimming holes will leave you spoiled for (a refreshing) choice.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin
Location: Darwin
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to the Top End! 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.
Day 2: Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation: Hotel (with shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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 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 Activities:
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Day 3: Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation: Hotel (with shared facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast
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 Water 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 Activities:
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Day 4: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine
Location: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, 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 Activities:
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Day 5: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine
Location: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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 Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Litchfield National Park / Darwin
Location: Litchfield National Park / Darwin
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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 your booking agent.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Airport Transfers at Destination
No
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Fully Guided
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Kakadu National Park - Picnic Lunch at Cahills Crossing
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Kakadu National Park - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River
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Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk
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Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk
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Kakadu National Park – Yellow Water Cruise on the South Alligator River
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Katherine – Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- Private vehicle
Important Information
- 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.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- PARTICIPATORY CAMPING
- Our camping trips in Australia stay in a variety of campsites, from powered sites with permanent tents and shared bathroom facilities, to bush camping in remote locations. Check your daily itinerary for more details. On all camping trips you will be expected to lend a hand to ensure your experience is a comfortable one for everyone, whether it is helping to bring equipment from the bus, gathering firewood, making your beds up in a tent, putting together your picnic lunch or helping to wash up. Your leader will let you know how you can contribute as well as ensure that we leave all our campsites ready for the next visitors when we depart.
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 15 years old or above
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Is this trip right for you
On some days of the trip, you’ll spend many hours driving through very remote areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. The days can be long, but we want to fit as much of this amazing place in as we can in 6 short days!
Stay in comfortable beds every night of the trip, with hotel accommodation for three nights and a resort with shared facilities facilities for two nights.
Temperatures in the Top End can be extreme. During the day the weather can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop so make sure you check the forecast and have a suitable sleeping bag and warm clothes for the climate.
As sunrise and sunset times as well as weather conditions vary throughout the year, the order of activities may change to ensure you have the best experience possible. On occasion, the First Nations experiences may not be available should our guides have other cultural commitments, in which case we will include alternative activities.
If you’re looking for a shorter, camping-based trip in the Top End, you might like to consider the 4-day Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer. Search trip code PZRK on our website. Alternatively, if it is more comfort you are after, search for Best of the Top End & Kakadu (PZKK). -
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most activities will be challenging.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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