4 Day Kakadu Tour from Darwin

Days
4
DEPARTS
08:00
RETURNS
18:30
PRICE from
$2060 AUD

Get ready for a unique 4-day Kakadu Culture-based Tour from Darwin, an adventure of a lifetime. Katherine and Kakadu National Park and the surrounding area can be explored in the comfort of a fully guided tour, showcasing the best of culture and scenery. Discover the oldest and best preserved Aboriginal rock art in the world, spot some prehistoric reptiles (crocodiles) as we Gulyumbi Cruise on the Alligator River, and experience local culture, stories, and traditions. We’ll explore monsoon forests, spectacular escarpment country, and the amazing biodiversity of Kakadu’s landscapes, home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. Enjoy comfortable air-conditioned accommodations in Kakadu and Katherine.

Highlights

  •  Visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage site.
  •  Explore Bowali & Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centres
  • Experience the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, located on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
  • Watch for Crocs and Barramundi at Cahills Crossing
  • Breathtaking Aboriginal rock art and sunset views at Ubirr Rock
  • Be guided through two exceptional Aboriginal rock art
    locations, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr Rock (conditions/seasonality permitting)
  • Visit spectacular waterholes in Kakadu and Edith Falls, offering a tranquil setting with a waterfall and plunge pool for relaxation
  • Immerse in Jawoyn culture in a NitNit Katherine Gorge cruise, The optional activity is a scenic helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge and its surrounds
  • Learn from locals and experience art and culture at Katherine’s Top Didj Art Gallery

*Due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions in certain areas pre and post-dry season, this itinerary is subject to change. Please be aware that the waterfalls are rarely open before late June. Kakadu National Park diverse landscape and extreme weather conditions require great flexibility and adaptability. These itinerary highlights are to be used as a rough guideline only.

OPERATES
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“We had a great tour guide Lizzie, the weather was perfect, scenery spectacular and photography opportunities fantastic. Good amount of hiking involved which we enjoyed.” – Rita Illinois, USA.

Itinerary

We depart from Darwin and head towards the wetlands region known as WakWak, an hour outside of Darwin, where the top end’s magnificent scenery is on display. We have the chance to see Katherine’s range of Top End birdlife and apex predators such as crocodiles. Our journey continues as we wind our way into Kakadu National Park, where we check into our local accommodation and continue to take in the sights and sounds of nature, 300 km east of Darwin. We take some tim Kakadu’sk in the landscape and wildlife of the park at the Bowali Visitor Centre before heading to the East Alligator region, the most north-eastern point of Kakadu for a cultural tour of a lifetime. The group will join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the creation stories of the area, observe majestic birdlife, and, of course, hope to see crocodiles. In this same area, we’ll visit Ubirr Rock, home to one of the best-preserved collections of Aborigina We’llk Art in the world, and climb up high for a sunset that will take your breath away. We hea Kakadu’so our accommodation for dinner.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Driving Distance: 420km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3

Today is a day of perusing the attend ‘series and cultural centres that portray the stories of former and present clan groups north and south of Kakadu and into Arnhem Land. We will journey on a guided walk through the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) art site areas, enjoying any combination of places, including Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, Nawurlandja, and should the group feel like an extra bit of walking, there is also potential for the Naguluwurr art site. Offering unmatched vistas of escarpments, sweeping stone country, savannah woodlands, lowlands and endless floodplains and wetlands, take your time to enjoy the different creation stories and artworks in the various galleries, hear stories about local groups and traditions as well as commentary on the plant and wildlife you see before you. After a fantastic sunset on day two of your adventure, we head back to our accommodation for our evening meal and restful sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Driving Distance: 150km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km grade 2

After a leisurely morning, we get ready to hit the road southwest toward our next fantastic destination of Katherine and Nitmiluk. The road south winds through vistas, showcasing the radiant earthy colours of the typical Northern Australian bush. Keep a lookout for wildlife, including the Red Tailed Black CockatooAgile Wallabies, wild horses and buffalo.
Heading through the historical township of Pine Creek, we stop to stretch our legs and enjoy an array of refreshments available to those who are keen, including homemade ice cream – which is trendy with Top End locals. Enjoy stories of the Overland Telegraph construction, leading to the Pine Creek gold rush era of the 1870s. 
After checking in to our Katherine accommodation, we head out to the wonderful Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge, where we enjoy the 2-hour NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise, a leisurely snapshot into the history and stories behind this beautiful area. This cruise guides you down the middle of 70m sheer rock walls with wildlife hiding around every corner. An area rich in creation stories, you will marvel at your surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere of the cruise.
After your cruise, we head back to Katherine, where we can settle in and relax in our comfortable
accommodation, enjoying local hospitality in readiness for our fourth and final day of exploring the region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Katherine, either Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel; options include twin, double, and single rooms
with ensuite bathrooms.
Driving Distance: 310km
Hike Distance and Grading: none

This morning, we make the most of the Katherine area, visiting the Hot Springs for a dip and float. We then make our way to the Nitmiluk Cultural Centre, where we get to join a unique 2-hour “Footsteps of our Ancestors” tour. This interactive program immerses guests in Jawoyn culture through activities like basket weaving, spear throwing, and playing the didgeridoo. This is followed by a stop at the Top Didj Art Gallery where you will have the chance to view art created by locals. It’s time to continue our journey south, going to the beautiful Edith Falls for further relaxation in picture-perfect Top End surroundings with a picnic lunch, a huge plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall, and a welcome chance to cool off!

This evening, upon your return to Darwin fully relaxed and refreshed after your cool swim, we’ll have you back in Darwin in time for you to meander down the famous Mindil Markets or spend a relaxing night at your accommodation, reflecting on all your adventures and new friends you’ve made.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 350km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km Grade 1

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.

Details​

Fare type prices?

$2,060 per person – *Twin Share Room **$200 OFF SALE**
$2,360 per person – Private Double Room
$2,840 per person – Private Single Room

*Solo passengers who book this fare option will be paired in a room with another traveller, where possible, with the same gender but not guaranteed.

Children between 8 and 17 years old must stay in a private room and be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult. Please note that Triple share or family rooms are unavailable, and due to the remote nature of the tour, ensuite facilities are not available at every property.

Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under

Tour Pickup Location

Our central meeting point for this tour will be The Leea Darwin Hotel – 64 Cavenagh St Darwin City (formerly known as Travelodge Resort Darwin) @ 8:00am. Guests are to be waiting outside the main gates on Cavenagh Street for collection.

  • 7:55 – Mindil Beach Casino Resort – Casino Dr The Gardens Darwin
  • 7:55 – Cullen Bay Resort – 26 Marina Boulevard Darwin
  • 8:00 – The Leea Darwin Hotel – 64 Cavenagh St Darwin City
  • 8:05 – Courtyard by Marriott Darwin – 81 Smith St Darwin City
  • 8:10 – The Cavenagh Hotel – 12 Cavenagh St Darwin City
  • 8:15 – Tourist Precinct Mini Bus Zone – 69 Mitchell St Darwin City
  • 8:20 – H on Mitchell Hotel Apartment – 105 Mitchell St Darwin City
  • 8:23 – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade – 116 Esplanade Darwin City
  • 8:25 – Mantra on the Esplanade Darwin – 88 Esplanade Darwin City
  • 8:28 – Ramada Suites Zen Quarter – 6 Carey Street Darwin City
  • 8:30 – Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront – 7 Kitchener Dr Darwin City
  • 8:40 – Darwin Resort – 383 Stuart Hwy Winnellie (meeting point Bus Stop ID: 183 Stuart Hwy)
  • 8:45 – Mercure Darwin Airport – 1 Sir Norman Brearly Drive Darwin
  • 8:50 – Darwin FreeSpirit Resort – 901 Stuart Hwy Deviney Rd Holtze

*Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup location and time, so as not to delay or miss your tour. We ask you to wait outside the front of the hotel and not inside the foyer.

What's Included?

What you need to bring?

Tour notes

The weather conditions in the Top End can fluctuate rapidly and be quite intense at times. Temperatures can soar to over 40+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and drop dramatically in the evening. Prior to your journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and packing suitable clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect that your tour will still go ahead unless otherwise advised by the provider.

  • Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, gender, and phone number.
  • We will try to cater for most dietary needs and/or food allergies – passengers MUST notify the tour operator of any special dietary requirements or medical conditions at the time of booking.
  • A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2km to 4km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 8.5km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required, and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30-days prior to travel).
  • Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under.
  • All private rooms are subject to availability and on request.
  • Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
  • Itineraries may vary to adapt to seasonal changes, and occasionally sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority, we plan to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
  • Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up, and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.

Booking Terms & Conditions 

Privacy Policy

Safe Travel Update

Public Liability Certificate 2022 

Wildlife Tours is registered as a COVID Safe business under the guidelines of Safe Work Australia and the ATEC COVID Ready badge program. Our procedures address four key areas to help control the risks of coronavirus for both our Tour Guides and our Guests:

  • Manage staff and passenger well being
  • Wherever possible, practice practical physical distancing
  • Enhancing our hygiene and cleaning protocols
  • Providing hand sanitiser and disposable face masks onboard all our vehicles.
  • Ensuring our business is a fully vaccinated workplace.

VACCINATIONS

Customers must comply with all Government (Federal, State and Territory) COVID entry restrictions, vaccination guidelines and testing requirements for entry into Australia and at the time of travel on our tour and transport services.  

We strongly recommend vaccinated and unvaccinated guests travelling on Short Break / Extended Tours bring enough RAT tests for 1 test per person per day. In the unlikely event that a guest returns a positive test whilst on tour, some accommodation suppliers may require proof of a negative result before entering the property. 

Guests are responsible for all COVID-related relocation expenses should they need to leave the trip midway, and refunds will not be provided. All expenses will need to be claimed through travel insurance.

  • Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended
  • Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
  • Additional personal expenses
  • We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance

Check Availability & Book Now!

FAQ

A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Length of walks will be between 1km to 2km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 4km walk is included in this tour.

This tour includes 3x breakfast, 4x lunch, 3 x dinner. 

Accommodation on this tour will be hotel-style accommodation (2 x in Kakadu and 1 x in Katherine). 

The dry season (May to October) is the best time for a Kakadu tour, with cooler temperatures, less humidity, and better access to attractions. 

The size of tour groups varies. The maximum size is 21, to provide a more intimate experience with smaller groups, while others cater to larger groups. It’s a good idea to check the group size with your tour operator to ensure it suits your preferences.

Kakadu is teeming with wildlife, including crocodiles, wallabies, various bird species, and sometimes dingoes. While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, they are often a tour highlight.

Many tours include visits to rock art sites and cultural centers, offering insights into the Indigenous history and culture of the Kakadu region, sometimes led by Indigenous guides.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings.

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