Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer
Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer
Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer
4 Days Starting and ending in Darwin
Visiting: Darwin / Litchfield National Park / Mary River, Kakadu National Park, Kakadu National Park / Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine / Darwin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZRK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin / Litchfield National Park / Mary River
Location: Darwin / Litchfield National Park / Mary River
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Kakadu National Park / Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine
Location: Kakadu National Park / Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine
Accommodation: Safari Tents with shared facilities
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine / Darwin
Location: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine / Darwin
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (2 nights), Safari Tents with shared facilities (1 night) -
Lambells Lagoon - Pudakul Aboriginal Ecological Experience
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Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
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Litchfield National Park - Florence Falls
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Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls Loop Walk & Swim
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Kakadu National Park - Nourlangie Rock Art Site Walk
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Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk
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Kakadu National Park - Cahills Crossing
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Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk & Swim
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Katherine - Hot Springs
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Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA
- Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- HOT WEATHER
- From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures over 35C/95F. These extreme temperatures place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your leader will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping cool and hydrated.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- PARTICIPATORY CAMPING
- Our camping trips in Australia stay in a variety of campsites, from powered sites with permanent tents and shared bathroom facilities, to bush camping in remote locations. Check your daily itinerary for more details. On all camping trips you will be expected to lend a hand to ensure your experience is a comfortable one for everyone, whether it is helping to bring equipment from the bus, gathering firewood, making your beds up in a tent, putting together your picnic lunch or helping to wash up. Your leader will let you know how you can contribute as well as ensure that we leave all our campsites ready for the next visitors when we depart.
Important Information
- START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
- The trip commences in Darwin on Day 1 at 7:00 am. It is very important that you are on time as we will be departing right away and are unable to delay our departure. We recommend you arrive a day prior to your trip. The trip finishes back in Darwin on the final day (Day 4) at approximately 6pm. Onward travel should be booked for the following day.
- CAMPING
- Accommodation on this trip is at private semi-permanent tented campsites. Tents are twin-share, unless a single supplement has been purchased. You'll have stretcher beds to sleep on and pillows are provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag, or 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.
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- Tents on this trip are twin-share. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that all tents have single beds. No double beds are available.
- SLEEPING BAG
- A sleeping bag is recommended for this trip. Please bring your own or request to hire one through us at the time of booking (additional cost). Please note that winter nights can get cool, however during the warmer months a sleeping bag liner may be sufficient. Please take into consideration the weather and the season in which you are travelling.
- LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGS
- This trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Please consider the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you and your family are well hydrated in the tropical heat.
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
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 winter nights can get cool, however during the warmer months a sleeping bag liner may be sufficient. Please take into consideration the weather and the season in which you are travelling. 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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions