Top End & Kakadu Adventure

Top End & Kakadu Adventure

6 Days Starting and ending in Darwin

Visiting: Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine , Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine, Litchfield National Park / Darwin

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PZSK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $1805

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Take in the treasures of Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks and more magical Top End moments on this six-day adventure. From your starting point in Darwin, you’ll soon sample the incredible sights of Kakadu National Park. Cruise down the Yellow Water Billabong and tour the fascinating First Nations rock art at Ubirr. Then it’s on to the contrast of Katherine, where the red expanses of the outback meet the flowing waters of the Katherine River. Finally, the wonders of Litchfield National Park await – all the idyllic swimming holes will leave you spoiled for (a refreshing) choice.

Highlights

  • Spot eagles, crocs and more of Kakadu National Park’s rich wildlife on an Indigenous-owned river cruise along Yellow Water Billabong.

  • Marvel at ancient First Nations rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and learn more about the wildlife and histories of the respective areas.

  • Glide or walk along the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – a maze of waterways spanning over 12 km carved out of ancient sandstone.

  • Refresh yourself with incredibly scenic swims in the natural pools of Litchfield National Park, with stops at Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole.

  • Take part in a cultural weaving class, learning the traditional techniques used to create baskets, bags, jewellery and more – and take your creation home with you!

  • 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.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Darwin

Location: Darwin

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to the Top End! 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), capital of the Northern Territory. A welcome meeting at 6 pm will give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers, then you’re free to spend an evening resting before your early start tomorrow. If you arrive early, you might like to take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon, or visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for a taste of the state’s culture, history and art.

Day 2: Kakadu National Park

Location: Kakadu National Park

Accommodation: Hotel (with shared facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Rising bright and early this morning, head towards Kakadu National Park. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is truly bountiful in its biodiversity. After a chance to stretch your legs on a short walk at Mamukala Wetlands, stop for a picnic lunch by the river at Cahill's Crossing. Then, hop aboard a cruise down the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country). You’ll be joined by a First Nations guide who’ll provide a unique insight on the cultural significance of the landscape, and the plants and animals that live there. After your cruise, set off on the Ubirr walk with your leader. The 1 km loop will lead you past incredible examples of First Nations rock art and to an awe-inspiring lookout point. Tonight, chill at your accommodation of get to know your fellow travellers over a few card games.

Included Activities:
-Kakadu National Park - Picnic Lunch at Cahills Crossing
-Kakadu National Park - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River
-Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk

Day 3: Kakadu National Park

Location: Kakadu National Park

Accommodation: Hotel (with shared facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. There are various short walks available while you’re here, offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Your exploration of the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park will continue with an Indigenous-owned cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong. As you glide through the wetlands and tributaries of the South Alligator River, keep an eye out for the area’s rich wildlife – eagles, jabirus, brolgas and plenty of crocodiles all call the billabong home. When you’re back on dry land, you’ll visit the local cultural centre and, depending on the time of day, you may be able to join a weaving or damper making class.

Included Activities:
-Kakadu National Park – Yellow Water Cruise on the South Alligator River
-Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk

Day 4: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine

Location: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Say farewell to Kakadu National Park and head out on a short drive to Katherine. Along the way, you’ll stop at the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek, then the idyllic Leliyn (Edith Falls). At the falls, there’ll be a chance to take a short hike along the upper pools circuit, go for a swim and stop for lunch. Later, continue to Katherine – a town where the outback meets the tropics. When you arrive, you’ll drop into the Arts and Culture Centre for an introduction to the rich heritage of the area, before making your way to your accommodation for the night.

Included Activities:
-Katherine – Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre
-Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk & Swim

Day 5: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine

Location: Nitmiluk National Park / Katherine

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Start the day with a visit to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – a truly impressive series of sandstone gorges sculpted by the Katherine River. Here you’ll have some free time 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. Later, head back to Katherine for lunch and a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs.

Included Activities:
-Nitmiluk National Park - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk
-Katherine - Hot Springs

Optional Activities:
-Nitmiluk National Park - NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise

Day 6: Litchfield National Park / Darwin

Location: Litchfield National Park / Darwin

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

For the final day of your Top End adventure, drive to the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Sitting on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to stunning waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds, then you’ll visit the Buley Rockhole – a series of shallow rock pools perfect for a quick dip. Then, walk to Florence Falls for a picnic lunch and another swim. If that’s not enough, the amazing Wangi Falls also provide a picturesque spot for a swim. Then, it’s time for the drive back to Darwin. Say goodbye to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end when you arrive. If you’d like to spend more time in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent.

Included Activities:
-Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
-Litchfield National Park - Buley Rockhole
-Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls

Optional Activities:
-Darwin - Mindil Beach Markets Visit - Free

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (3 nights), Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities (2 nights)

  • Kakadu National Park - Picnic Lunch at Cahills Crossing

  • Kakadu National Park - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River

  • Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk

  • Kakadu National Park – Yellow Water Cruise on the South Alligator River

  • Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk

  • Katherine – Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre

  • Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk & Swim

  • Nitmiluk National Park - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk

  • Katherine - Hot Springs

  • Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle

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.

Important Information

  • START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
  • The trip starts in Darwin with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel, and finishes back in Darwin on Day 6 at our finishing point hotel around 6 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A Single Supplement can be booked if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    On some days of the trip, you’ll spend many hours driving through very remote areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. The days can be long, but we want to fit as much of this amazing place in as we can in 6 short days!

    Stay in comfortable beds every night of the trip, with hotel accommodation for three nights and a resort with shared facilities facilities for two nights.

    Temperatures in the Top End can be extreme. During the day the weather can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop so make sure you check the forecast and have a suitable sleeping bag and warm clothes for the climate.

    As sunrise and sunset times as well as weather conditions vary throughout the year, the order of activities may change to ensure you have the best experience possible. On occasion, the First Nations experiences may not be available should our guides have other cultural commitments, in which case we will include alternative activities.

    If you’re looking for a shorter, camping-based trip in the Top End, you might like to consider the 4-day Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer. Search trip code PZRK on our website. Alternatively, if it is more comfort you are after, search for Best of the Top End & Kakadu (PZKK).

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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13-Aug-2024

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1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Wednesday

May 09, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$1805

Friday - Wednesday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
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Friday - Wednesday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
$1895

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$1985

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
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Friday - Wednesday

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Friday - Wednesday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
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Friday - Wednesday

Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
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Friday - Wednesday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
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Friday - Wednesday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
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Friday - Wednesday

May 08, 2026 - May 13, 2026
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Friday - Wednesday

May 29, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026
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Friday - Wednesday

Jun 05, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026
$1990

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026
$1990

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 03, 2026 - Jul 08, 2026
$2085

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 29, 2026
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Friday - Wednesday

Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026
$2085

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 26, 2026
$1990

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026
$1895

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
$1895

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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