Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer

Trip Type: Explorer
Australia | 4 D | 1 - 16 People
Starts From:

NZD 1,296.00 /Person

Get a taste of the Top End’s natural wonders on this four-day adventure.

Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer

Get a taste of the Top End’s natural wonders on this four-day adventure. Chase the many magnificent waterfalls at Litchfield National Park and be drawn to the 2 m tall Magnetic Termine Mounds – an iconic feature of Northern Territory’s landscape. Learn from the traditional owners of the land at Kakadu National Park, and marvel at examples of First Nations rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Wind your way through the staggering sandstone of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – the reds of the soil and orange of the sunsets will leave you with a lasting impression of the Territory’s beauty and biodiversity.

Welcome to the Northern Territory! Your adventure begins in Darwin (Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Darwin is now located). You’ll meet your group early, and then set off south to Litchfield National Park. Overflowing with picture-perfect waterfalls, your first stop is to Wangi Falls. Here, there’s a chance for a serene swim or take a short loop walk with your leader. Next, it’s on to Florence Falls, where you can explore the nearby plunge pools and stop for a picnic lunch. Then, you’ll swap bubbling creeks for iconic earthly towers at Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds. After leaving the park, a First Nations owned and operated Cultural Ecological Experience will provide you with an understanding of the customs and traditions of the Aboriginal people of the Northern Coast Wetland region. You’ll then head to Mary River and your accommodation for the night.

Rising bright and early this morning, you’ll drive to the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is filled with biodiversity and significant First Nations sites. First, you’ll set off on the Ubirr walk with your leader. The 1 km loop takes you past incredible examples of First Nations rock art and up to an awe-inspiring lookout point. Stop for a picnic lunch at Cahills Crossing for some rest and respite (just keep an eye out for crocs), then drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. Take a short walk here for a good overview of the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Later, head to your campsite for the night and spend the evening getting to know your fellow travellers.

This morning, enjoy some free time to choose to glide through the wetlands and tributaries of the Yellow Water Billabong on an Indigenous-owned cruise. The river system sits entirely within the national park, and is home to rich wildlife, dramatic scenery and an ever-changing landscape. Then say goodbye to Kakadu and drive to the historic gold mining town Pine Creek, before continuing to Leliyn (Edith Falls). After a (late) lunch, you can hike along the upper pools or go for a refreshing swim. Later, a final drive will take you to your campground in Katherine where you can soak up a striking sunset.

Your final day in the Top End begins with a visit to the truly impressive Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Here, you’re again free to choose your own adventure. Maybe take a cruise down the river to marvel at the dramatic scenery, as local guides provide the historical and cultural context of the region’s flora and fauna. Alternatively, you could head out on foot with your leader and explore Nitmiluk up close. Then head back to Katherine for lunch and a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs, before a drive north takes you back to Darwin, where your adventure ends. If you’d like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent.

Meals
3 Breakfast(s), 3 Lunch(s), 2 Dinner(s)

Transport
Private vehicle

Accommodation
Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (2 nights), Safari Tents with shared facilities (1 night)

Included Activities

  • Lambells Lagoon - Pudakul Aboriginal Ecological Experience
  • Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
  • Litchfield National Park - Florence Falls
  • Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls Loop Walk & Swim
  • Kakadu National Park - Nourlangie Rock Art Site Walk
  • Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk
  • Kakadu National Park - Cahills Crossing
  • Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk & Swim
  • Katherine - Hot Springs
  • Explore some of Litchfield National Park’s magical waterfalls, including Wangi Falls and Florence Falls, and swim in their refreshing natural plunge pools.
  • Gain insight into the First Nations customs and traditions of the Northern Coast Wetland region on a Culture Ecological Experience.
  • Tour through time and see incredible examples of First Nations rock art on short walks in Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).
  • Choose to go on an optional Indigenous-owned cruise through the Yellow Water Billabong within Kakadu National Pak.
  • Admire the sculpted sandstone of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge on either a guided walk or on a cruise along the Katherine River.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Country Needs People. Donations help them support Indigenous land and sea management in Australia. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Your accommodation on this trip is at private semi-permanent tented campsites. However, this isn't the most basic camping experience, as you'll have stretcher beds to sleep on. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are shared with other nearby campsites, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from where we camp. On some days of the trip, you’ll spend many hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. Think of it as a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to truly enjoy the surrounding nature. Some hikes are longer and more challenging than others. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Group participation makes up a lot of this trip, so you'll be required to help with the preparation of meals and cleaning up. These are the kind of tasks that bring a group closer together. Temperatures in the Top End can be extreme. During the day the weather can be hot (and the Australian sun is strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so ensure you have base layers and warm clothing.

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Destination Details
Australia | 4 D | 1 - 16 People
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Australia
Trip Finishes:
Australia
Countries Visited:
Australia
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