Description
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.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Darwin – Arnhem Land
Welcome to Darwin, the Northern Territory’s tropical capital. Leave Darwin in the early morning and travel to Wulna Country where you will be greeted by a Cul Cul or ‘Welcome to Country’ from the Traditional Owners of the land, the Limilngan-Wulna people. Learn about their culture as your hosts treat you to bush tucker talks and didgeridoo and basket weaving demonstrations. Then, it’s on to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land for a Guluyumbi cruise along the East Alligator River. Both scenic and informative, your Bininj guide will explain the cultural importance of the river to the region’s Traditional Owners as you glide past pristine wilderness – and countless crocodiles! Next, unveil indigenous art at a complex known as Mawurndaddja. This complex has a spectacular series of galleries with rock art spanning from the present time to many thousands of years of age. Your guide will explain the importance of this art, the methods used to perform this expressionism and the anthropological system used to date the art as you are guided through the site. Spend the afternoon exploring this historic ancient site. Following this, head back into Kakadu for an overnight stay.
Total driving time: about six hours (approximately 350 km)
Total walking time: about one and a half hours (including stops for informative talks)
Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
- Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex
Optional Activities
Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2: Kakadu National Park
After fuelling up with an early breakfast, it’s on to Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu’s most iconic natural attraction. It’s a challenging walk through monsoon forest and over boulders. Recharge with a cooling dip in the clear waters beneath the falls upon arrival, or simply soak up the spectacular scenery while relaxing on the beach. After lunch head to Anbangbang and discover ancient rock art. Originally Warramal clan land, who have now passed away, Anbangbang is now looked after by neighbouring Mirarr and Djok clans. Consider taking a scenic flight over Kakadu in the afternoon, or visit Bowli Cultural Centre.
Total driving time: about four hours (approximately 120 km)
Total walking time: about two and a half hou
Accommodation
- Camping (with shared facilities) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Jim Jim Falls Walk
Optional Activities
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3: 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 gorge into a beautiful natural plunge pool. It’s a steep climb to the Gunlom Falls plunge pool, though the reward is sweeping views of Kakadu and the welcome shade of gum trees. Neither option will disappoint. 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 relaxing in your tent for the night.
Total driving time: about five and a half hours (approximately 340 km)
Total walking time: about one and a half hours
Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Optional Activities
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4: Nitmiluk National Park
Spend the day exploring the deep Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and ancient sandstone landscape of Nitmiluk National Park. A wonderland of colours, Aboriginal rock art, waterfalls and wildlife, perhaps take a cruise or rental a kayak to get a closer look. Keep in mind that these optional activities are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, travel on 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.
Total driving time: about four and a half hours (approximately 350 km)
Total walking time: about three and a half hours
Accommodation
- Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 Night)
Included Activities
- Edith Falls
Optional Activities
- Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise – AUD95
- Katherine Gorge Canoe from – AUD82
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5: Litchfield National Park
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 Rockholes, then tuck into a picnic lunch. Enjoy a stroll through the steamy rainforests and refreshing dip in one of the park’s gorgeous swimming holes. In the afternoon, make the two-hour drive back to Darwin where the trip ends on arrival. If you decide to stay an additional night in Darwin, perhaps enjoy an optional night out with the group to celebrate the end of a fantastic trip.
Total driving time: about three and a half hours (approximately 250 km)
Total walking time: about one hour
Included Activities
- Buley Rockholes
- Florence Falls
- Litchfield National Park
- Wangi Falls
Optional Activities
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
