6 Day Alice Springs to Darwin including Kakadu and Litchfield
$1,780.00
Travel up ‘The Track’ over 3 days visiting the icons of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) Mataranka and Kurlu Kurlu (Devils Marbles). Have a beer at the Daly Waters Pub then spend a night in Darwin soaking up the atmosphere. Wake up to set off on a camping safari through Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks over 3 days and 2 nights!
Includes:
- Friendly, informative tour guide
- Accommodation
- Food as indicated in itinerary
**This tour can be done in reverse, Click here to check it out**
“This trip allows you to experience as much as you can of the top end and the Northern Territory travelling north to Darwin before visiting Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.” – Cameron – One Stop Adventures Travel Expert
Description
- Explore Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks
- Spot Crocodiles on the Mary River Wetlands
- Visit Katherine Gorge
- Swim in Mataranka Thermal Pools
- Visit the Daly Waters Pub
- See the Devils Marbles
Day 1
You will be collected from your Alice Springs accommodation at approximately 6.00am and then our adventure through the ‘Territory’ to Darwin begins. Just north of Alice Springs is the Tropic of Capricorn (80% of the Northern Territory lays north of this point). Further along the track is the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) which are a collection of gigantic granite boulders magically balanced on top of one another. Our day winds to a close just north of Tennant Creek at historic Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp in tents and swags for the night.
- Tropic of Capricorn
- Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)
- Banka Banka Cattle Station
- Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
No trip to the ‘Territory’ is complete without a visit to the Daly Waters Pub, an important watering hole for explorers and drovers in days gone by and now a great spot for a cold beer, a bit of history and a ‘fair dinkum outback experience’! Later in the day, you can take a soak in the Mataranka Thermal Pools, a lush oasis fringed by paperbark trees and nearby where we camp overnight.
- Daly Waters Pub
- Mataranka Thermal Pools
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Your guide will wake you early this morning for the short drive to the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park which is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Ancient sandstone has been carved away by the Katherine River to create a deep and picturesque gorge. You may like to take a boat cruise or paddle a canoe (not available all year due to seasonal conditions) through the peaceful water (both optional and additional cost). In the afternoon, relax and watch the changing landscape as we travel to cosmopolitan Darwin and arrive in the early evening.
- Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park
- Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at approximately 6.30am where our Top End adventure begins as we travel to the Mary River Wetlands for our cruise. This region is home to over 250 bird species and has the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the Southern Hemisphere. Search for the mighty crocs who rule this waterway, buffalo, birds and other wildlife. Our entrance to Kakadu National Park is at the South Alligator River, a picturesque location for a picnic lunch. There’s the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Bowali Visitor Centre before our late afternoon arrival at Ubirr. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land. As the day draws to a close we head to our private campsite for dinner and our overnight stay.
- Crocodile and Wildlife cruise
- Bowali Visitor Centre
- Ubirr
- Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
This morning the jewels of Kakadu National Park await. After breakfast and departing camp we travel off road to the majestic Twin and Jim Jim Falls* for a day of adventure and exploration. Travelling into Twin Falls by 4WD track, a boat shuttle and finally a rocky track and boardwalk we will be rewarded by the beauty of this remote waterfall deep within Kakadu National Park. Afterwards we stay off the beaten track where a walk through monsoon forests and over boulders lead us to Jim Jim Falls. Surrounded by 150 metre cliffs, we spend some time soaking up the natural beauty of this majestic location. This afternoon we depart Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park where we will stop along the way at our private campsite. Tonight, enjoy a hearty meal with your fellow adventurers.
- Twin and Jim Jim Falls
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Today is spent exploring the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park. Marvel at the intriguing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls*. Discover the many rock holes and cascading waterfalls of Buley Rockhole before our early evening arrival back in Darwin.
- Termite mounds
- Florence Falls
- Wangi Falls
- Buley Rockhole
- Breakfast, Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of camping is done on this trip?
Swag Camping! A swag is a kind of bag that you can sleep in. It has a mattress and pillow inside and you can roll it up for storage. It has a flap you can put over your head for total cover but most people choose to fall asleep staring at the night sky!
Do I need a sleeping bag?
You will definitely want a sleeping bag in winter as it can get quite cold at night, especially the further south you are and in the Red Centre, around Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. In summer it is advisable as it can still be cool at night. We advise to bring along your own sleeping bag, otherwise you can hire one for $50.
I've heard the flies are bad in summer. Is this true?
In the warmer months, there can definitely be a lot of flies while travelling through the outback. It is advisable to bring a fly net in the warmer months.
What clothes do I need?
In summer the temperatures can be extremely hot when travelling through the outback. A shirt and shorts are all that is needed during these months though we recommend a light long-sleeved top and light long pants (zip-off) to minimize your exposure to the sun. It can still get cool at night and in the morning so you will want a jumper as well.
Definitely Bring swimmers as there will be opportunities to swim at some locations. Sunglasses, as well as sunscreen SPF 30+ or better, are also a necessity no matter what time of year.
During winter the temperatures can be mild during the day but cold at night and in the morning when travelling through the centre of Australia. You will want a mixture of warm and cool clothes for this time of year. Long pants, a good jumper, a beanie, gloves and warm socks are recommended for use at night and in the morning. Further north near Darwin the temperature will not be so cold.
At all times of the year, you will need a hat. Preferably wide-brimmed.
What to bring:
- Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high)
- Hat and sunscreen
- Towel and toiletries
- Warm clothing in winter
- 1.5L water bottle
- Torch
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Travel pillow
- Sleeping bag (can be hired for $50)
Extras / local payments: Customers are required to pay their National Park fees to their guide on departure. Fees vary between $50 and $77.50 depending on the time of travel. Swags will be provided as standard and tent hire is available for a $60 local payment. Sleeping bags and tents need to be pre-booked and can be done so by informing your travel agent or by reconfirming 48 hours prior to departure. Local payments can either be made by credit card at time of reconfirmation or on by cash only on day of departure.