5 day/4 night Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield Experience

Day 1 – Darwin, Litchfield and Mary River

DEFAULT PICK UP: Melaleuca on Mitchell Street 52 Mitchell St Darwin, 6:50am

Leaving Darwin, we journey south to the beautiful Litchfield National Park where we visit waterfalls that flow all year round. Litchfield National Park is well deserving of all its hype and the perfect place to soak up the tranquility of the tropics. We explore Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and Buley Rockholes. Enjoy a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip in one of Litchfield's picture perfect swimming holes. We finish the day in the spectacular Mary River Wetlands where the exotic birds are not the only wildlife to see. Keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on an afternoon wildlife cruise. Enjoy an outback Aussie pub meal before climbing into your bed for a well-earned rest at our Mary River region camping spot. (LD)

Day 2 –Kakadu National Park

Today we head to Kakadu National Park where we discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr. Here you guide will lead an interpretive cultural walk through the different rock art galleries before we climb to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next we head to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the in the beautiful clear plunge pools. Tonight we relax poolside and enjoy a group dinner at the Bistro at our Jabiru campground. (BLD)

Day 3 – Kakadu to Katherine

This morning you have the option of a scenic flight over Kakadu (price from $150 pp) the sheer size of Kakadu means the only way to truly appreciate it is from the sky. The flight takes in views over the stunning Arnhem Land escarpment, vast flood plains and billabongs and gives you a true sense of the amazing diversity of the Kakadu ecosystems. We then spend time exploring Kakadu's other major Aboriginal rock art site Nourlangie or Burrungi as it is known to its local traditional owners. Here your guide will give you a snapshot of how the local Aboriginal people have lived in an area with 20 000 years of documented occupation which is reflected in some of the rock art. After lunch we head south stopping to visit the historic gold-mining centre of Pine Creek before travelling further on for a quick stop and swim at Edith Falls before continuing on to Katherine and settling in for the night at our private campsite on the doorstep of Nitmuluk National Park. Fall asleep listening to the chatter of the outback night. (BLD)

Day 4 –Katherine Gorge to Darwin

Depending on the season, this morning we'll embark on a cruise along the inky waters of Katherine Gorge or take the chance to head out by canoe between red rock walls up to 70 m high (both activities are optional at own expense). Formed by the Katherine River flowing from Arnhem Land to the Timor Sea, this 23 million-year-old natural marvel is one of the Top End's true wonders. After lunch we experience a truly authentic indigenous cultural experience. This interpretive display will not only teach you about local indigenous culture but will also provide hands on experiences including fire making, boomerang and spear throwing and the chance to try painting your own indigenous artwork to take home as a unique souvenir. We then hit the open road and head back to Darwin to enjoy a night on the town toasting your adventure with new friends. (BL)

Seasonal itinerary changes

SHOULDER SEASON ITINERARY (may apply in the months of April/May and Sep/Oct)*
Day 1 – Florence Falls | Wangi Falls | Bluey Rockholes | Wildlife Cruise |Overnight camp in Mary River Region. (LD)
Day 2 – Ubirr or Nouralangie |Gubara pools| Nawurlandja lookout | Bowali Visitors Centre | Camp in Jabiru (BLD)
Day 3 –Optional Kakadu Scenic Flight | Edith Falls | Overnight camp at Katherine (BLD)
Day 4 – Katherine Gorge (optional activities subject to seasonal conditions) | Return to Darwin (BL)

* Should any of the attractions on days 1-3 of the standard itinerary not be open as a result of National Park decisions surrounding accessibility and safety, the above listed activities will be substituted. The standard attractions will be visited immediately as they begin to open. The opening and closing of 'dry season' activities varies from year to year.

B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner