Kakadu Tours

Prepare for a 4-day Kakadu tour from Darwin. Explore Katherine and Kakadu National Park with a guided tour. Experience the rich culture and beautiful scenery. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and see crocodiles on a river cruise. Immerse yourself in local stories and traditions. Visit monsoon forests, stunning escarpments, and diverse landscapes. Stay in comfortable air-conditioned accommodations in Kakadu and Katherine.

Tour Information

Day 4
Price $ 1950 AUD

Highlights

Consider visiting Kakadu National Park, which is recognized as a World Heritage site.
ExploreBowali&Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centres
You can experience the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, located on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
Watch forCrocsandBarramundiatCahills Crossing
Ubirr Rock offers impressive Aboriginal rock art and stunning sunset views.
Visitors can explore two exceptional Aboriginal rock art locations, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr Rock, depending on conditions and seasonality.
Kakadu and Edith Falls are popular destinations with stunning waterholes that provide a serene atmosphere, waterfalls, and plunge pools for relaxation.
Visitors to Katherine Gorge can participate in a NitNit cruise to learn about Jawoyn culture. Additionally, an optional scenic helicopter ride is available to explore Katherine Gorge and its surroundings. Another opportunity for cultural immersion is to visit Katherine’s Top Didj Art Gallery and learn from locals about art and culture.

The itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions. The waterfalls are rarely open before late June. Kakadu National Park has a diverse landscape and extreme weather conditions, requiring flexibility and adaptability. Use the itinerary highlights as a rough guideline only.

What you can actually see!

Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

We will depart from Darwin and head to WakWak, a wetlands region an hour away. The scenery in this area is stunning. We may see various bird species and apex predators like crocodiles. Next, we will continue our journey into Kakadu National Park, where we will check into our local accommodation. The park is located 300 km east of Darwin. We will visit the Bowali Visitor Centre to appreciate the park’s landscape and wildlife. Then, we will head to the East Alligator region, the most north-eastern point of Kakadu. Here, we will have a cultural tour and join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River. The cruise will allow us to learn about the area’s creation stories, observe beautiful birdlife, and hopefully spot crocodiles. We will also visit Ubirr Rock, home to a remarkable Aboriginal art collection. We will climb up high to witness a breathtaking sunset. Finally, we will head back to our accommodation for dinner.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel offers a variety of accommodation options, including twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Driving Distance: 420km

The hike is a 1km loop with a grade of 2-3.

Day 2: Kakadu National Park

Today, we will visit cultural centres that showcase the stories of clan groups in Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We will explore the Burrungkuy art site areas, including Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, Nawurlandja, and possibly Naguluwurr art site. These locations offer stunning views of escarpments, stone country, woodlands, floodplains, and wetlands. Take time to appreciate the creation stories and artworks in the galleries, and learn about local traditions and wildlife. After a beautiful sunset, we will return to our accommodation for dinner and rest.

Meals provided will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation options at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The driving distance will be approximately 150km. The hike distance is 1km with a grade 2 difficulty level.

Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine

We are heading southwest to Katherine and Nitmiluk for our next destination. The road offers beautiful views of the Northern Australian bush. Look out for wildlife like the red-tailed black cockatoo and agile wallabies. In Pine Creek, we can take a break and learn about the Overland Telegraph construction and the gold rush era. We can also visit the Pine Creek Museum, Australia’s oldest prefabricated corrugated iron building. Once we check in to our accommodation in Katherine, we will visit Nitmiluk National Park and enjoy a 2-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge. The cruise will take us through stunning rock walls, and we might spot some wildlife. After the cruise, we will return to Katherine to relax and prepare for our final day of exploration.

Meals available include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation options include Katherine at either Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel, with room options of twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The driving distance is 310km, and there is no hiking distance or grading.

Day 4: Katherine to Darwin

This morning, we explored the Katherine area by visiting the Hot Springs for a swim and relaxing in the Top End surroundings. We also stopped at the Top Didj Gallery, where we had the opportunity to view art created by locals and learn about the bush tucker and bush medicine gardens. After that, we continued our journey south to the beautiful Edith Falls, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch and cooled off in the plunge pool beneath the cascading waterfall.

Upon your return to Darwin this evening, you will have ample time to explore the famous Mindil Markets or relax at your accommodation, reflecting on your adventures and the friends you have made.

The itinerary includes breakfast and lunch, a driving distance of 350km, and a hike distance of 1km with a grade of 1.

Details

Options

4 DayKakadu Tours4WD Adventure:

The cost is $1,950 per person for a twin-share room.

Solo passengers who choose this fare option may be paired with another traveller in a shared room, preferably of the same gender, although it is not guaranteed.

Children aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult and stay in a private room. Please be aware that no triple share or family rooms are available, and not all properties on the tour have ensuite facilities.

This product is not recommended for infants or children under 11.

Pricing Options

Aditional Information

What's Included?

3 Nights Resort Accommodation (Kakadu Jabiru x2, Katherine x1)
Includes: 3 x Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 3 x Dinner
Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
Cultural Boat Cruise on East Alligator River
Kakadu Park permit pass fees
Guided bush walking tours (~8.5km, grade 2-6)
Accredited outback driver-guide
Travel in air-conditioned off-road 4WD mini-coach
Comprehensive commentary on the tour
Pickup/ drop-off from selected inner-city Darwin points

What do you need to bring?

3L Refillable water bottle
Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
Comfortable hiking shoes
All weather clothing
Insect repellent
Money for food & beverages
Camera
Towel & toiletries
Flashlight or torch
Swimwear or bathers

Exclusions

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

Tour Pickup Location

2023 (Shoulder Season)

These departures may operate off a slightly different itinerary due to seasonal waterfall closures, which usually don’t open until late June.

Departure 1 – Mon 1st May 2023
Departure 2 – Thurs 4th May 2023
Departure 3 – Mon 8th May 2023
Departure 4 – Thurs 11th May 2023
Departure 5 – Mon 15th May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 6 – Thurs 18th May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 7 – Mon 22nd May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 8 – Thurs 25th May 2023
Departure 9 – Mon 29th May 2023
Departure 10 – Thurs 1st Jun 2023
Departure 11 – Mon 5th Jun 2023
Departure 12 – Thurs 8th Jun 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 13 – Mon 12th Jun 2023
Departure 14 – Thurs 15h Jun 2023
Departure 15 – Mon 19th Jun 2023
Departure 16 – Thurs 22nd Jun 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 17 – Mon 26th Jun 2023
Departure 18 – Thurs 29th Jun 2023

2023 (Dry Season)

These departures operate on the standard itinerary.

Departure 19 – Mon 3rd Jul 2023
Departure 20 – Thurs 6th Jul 2023
Departure 21 – Mon 10th Jul 2023
Departure 22 – Thurs 13th Jul 2023
Departure 23 – Mon 17th Jul 2023
Departure 24 – Thurs 20th Jul 2023
Departure 25 – Mon 24h Jul 2023
Departure 26 – Thurs 27th Jul 2023
Departure 27 – Mon 31st Jul 2023
Departure 28 – Thurs 3rd Aug 2023
Departure 29 – Mon 7th Aug 2023
Departure 30 – Thurs 10th Aug 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 31 – Mon 14th Aug 2023
Departure 32 – Thurs 17th Aug 2023
Departure 33 – Mon 21st Aug 2023
Departure 34 – Thurs 24th Aug 2023
Departure 35 – Mon 28th Aug 2023
Departure 36 – Thurs 31st Aug 2023
Departure 37 – Mon 4th Sep 2023
Departure 38 – Thurs 7th Sep 2023
Departure 39 – Mon 11th Sep 2023
Departure 40 – Thurs 14th Sep 2023
Departure 41 – Mon 18th Sep 2023
Departure 42 – Thurs 21st Sep 2023
Departure 43 – Mon 25th Sep 2023
Departure 44 – Thurs 28th Sep 2023
Departure 45 – Mon 2nd Oct 2023
Departure 46 – Thurs 5th Oct 2023
Departure 47 – Mon 9th Oct 2023
Departure 48 – Thurs 12th Oct 2023
Departure 49 – Mon 16th Oct 2023
Departure 50 – Thurs 19th Oct 2023
Departure 51 – Mon 23rd Oct 2023
Departure 52 – Thurs 26th Oct 2023
Departure 53 – Mon 30th Oct 2023

Important Notes

Mandatory passenger details are required when booking: date of birth, gender, and phone number.
We will try to cater to most dietary needs and food allergies. When booking, passengers MUST notify the tour operator of any special dietary requirements or medical conditions.
A minimum moderate to advanced fitness level 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 fitness level and a doctor’s certificate are required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).
An adult or legal guardian must always accompany children aged between 8 and 17 years old and stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children seven 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 on tour.
Guests are asked to participate in preparing meals, cleaning up, and vehicle unpacking/loading so everyone can relax after a long day of touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with fellow travellers.

Weather

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. Before 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 your tour to go ahead unless otherwise advised by the provider.