Kakadu National Park tour
Prepare for a 4-day Kakadu tour from Darwin. Explore Katherine and Kakadu National Park with a guided tour. Experience the rich culture and beautiful scenery. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and see crocodiles on a river cruise. Immerse yourself in local traditions and stories. Visit monsoon forests, stunning escarpment country, and witness Kakadu’s diverse flora and fauna. Stay in comfortable air-conditioned accommodations in Kakadu and Katherine.
| DAYS | 4 |
| DEPARTS | 06:30 |
| RETURNS | 18:30 |
| PRICE | $1950 AUDCRUISE |
Highlights
- You can visit Kakadu National Park, which is a World Heritage site.
- ExploreBowali&Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centres
- The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise can be experienced on the East Alligator River, situated on the Kakadu border and Arnhem Land.
- Watch forCrocsandBarramundiatCahills Crossing
- Ubirr Rock offers stunning Aboriginal rock art and sunset views.
- Visitors can be guided through two exceptional Aboriginal rock art locations, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr Rock, depending on conditions and seasonality.
- Kakadu and Edith Falls allow visitors to experience beautiful waterholes with waterfalls and plunge pools, creating a peaceful and relaxing environment.
- You can immerse yourself in Jawoyn culture during a NitNit Katherine Gorge cruise. Another optional activity is a scenic helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge and its surroundings. Additionally, you can learn from locals and experience art and culture at Katherine’s Top Didj Art Gallery.
This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions. The waterfalls are rarely open before late June. Kakadu National Park’s diverse landscape and extreme weather conditions require flexibility and adaptability. Please note that these itinerary highlights are just a rough guideline.
















Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park
We leave Darwin and head to WakWak, a wetlands region an hour away, where we can see the beautiful scenery of the top end. We can see a variety of birdlife and crocodiles in Katherine. Then, we continued our journey to Kakadu National Park, where we checked into our accommodation and enjoyed the nature around us. We visit the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about the park before going to the East Alligator region. There, we take a cultural tour on the East Alligator River, where we can hear creation stories, see birdlife, and hopefully spot crocodiles. We also visited Ubirr Rock, which has a tremendous Aboriginal art collection and watched the sunset from a high point. Finally, we went back to our accommodation for dinner.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel offers a variety of room options, including twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Driving Distance: 420km
The hike distance is a 1km loop with a grade of 2-3.
Day 2: Kakadu National Park
Today, we will explore various cultural centres and art sites showcasing the stories of different Kakadu and Arnhem Land clan groups. We will be guided through the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) art site areas, including Kunwarddewardd Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, and Nawurlandja. If the group wants, we can also visit the Naguluwurr art site. These locations offer breathtaking views of escarpments, stone country, woodlands, floodplains, and wetlands. Take your time to appreciate the creation stories and artworks in the galleries and learn about local traditions, plants, and wildlife. After enjoying a beautiful sunset, we will return to our accommodation for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Meals served include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel accommodation options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The driving distance is 150km, and the hike distance is 1km with a grade 2 difficulty level.
Day 3: Kakadu to Katherine
We prepare to travel southwest to Katherine and Nitmiluk. The road offers scenic views of the Northern Australian bush. Look out for wildlife like the red-tailed black cockatoo and agile wallabies. In Pine Creek, we can take a break and learn about the Overland Telegraph and the gold rush era. We visit Nitmiluk National Park in Katherine and enjoy a 2-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge. After the cruise, we relaxed in our accommodation and prepared for the next day of exploration.
Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms at either Katherine’s Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel. The driving distance is 310km, and there is no hiking distance or grading.
Day 4: Katherine to Darwin
This morning, we explored the Katherine area by visiting the Hot Springs for a relaxing dip and float. We also stopped at the Top Didj Gallery, where visitors can view art created by locals and explore the bush tucker and bush medicine gardens. After that, we continued our journey south to the stunning Edith Falls for more relaxation in the beautiful Top End surroundings. We enjoyed a picnic lunch, swam in a large plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall, and cooled off.
Upon your return to Darwin this evening, you will have ample time to explore the famous Mindil Markets or relax at your accommodation, reflecting on your adventures and the friends you’ve made.
Meals provided include breakfast and lunch. The driving distance is 350km. The hike distance is 1km with a grade 1 difficulty level.
Details
Pricing Options
*Solo passengers who book this fare option will be paired in a room with another traveller, where possible, with the same gender, but this is not guaranteed.
Children between 12 and 17 must stay in a private room with a legal guardian or adult. Please note that Triple share or family rooms are unavailable, and due to the remote nature of the tour, ensuite facilities are not available at every property.
Not suitable for infants or children 11 years and under
*Twin Share Room – Adult 18+ (shared bathroom)
$1,950pp
Double/Twin Room – Adult / Child (private ensuite)
$2,150pp
Single Private Room – Adult 18+ (private ensuite)
$2,550pp
What's Included?
- 3 Nights Resort Accommodation (Kakadu Jabiru x2, Katherine x1)
- Includes: 3 x Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 3 x Dinner
- Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
- Cultural Boat Cruise on East Alligator River
- Kakadu Park permit pass fees
- Guided bush walking tours (~8.5km, grade 2-6)
- Accredited outback driver-guide
- Travel in air-conditioned off-road 4WD mini-coach
- Comprehensive commentary on the tour
- Pickup/ drop-off from selected inner-city Darwin points
What do you need to bring?
- 3L Refillable water bottle
- Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- All weather clothing
- Insect repellent
- Money for food & beverages
- Camera
- Towel & toiletries
- Flashlight or torch
- Swimwear or bathers
Tour notes
Weather
The weather conditions in the Top End can fluctuate rapidly and be quite intense at times. Temperatures can soar to over 40+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and drop dramatically in the evening. Before your journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and packing suitable clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect your tour to go ahead unless otherwise advised by the provider.
Important Notes
- Mandatory passenger details are required when booking: date of birth, gender, and phone number.
- We will try to cater to most dietary needs and food allergies. When booking, passengers MUST notify the tour operator of any special dietary requirements or medical conditions.
- A minimum moderate to advanced fitness level is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2km to 4km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 8.5km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore, a medium/high fitness level and a doctor’s certificate are required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).
- An adult or legal guardian must always accompany children between 8 and 17 years old and stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children seven years and under.
- All private rooms are subject to availability and on request.
- Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
- Itineraries may vary to adapt to seasonal changes, and occasionally, sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority, we plan to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible on tour.
- Guests are asked to participate in preparing meals, cleaning up, and vehicle unpacking/loading so everyone can relax after a long day of touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with fellow travellers.
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
Tour Pickup Location
2023 (Shoulder Season)
These departures may operate off a slightly different itinerary due to seasonal waterfall closures, which usually don’t open until late June.
Departure 1 – Mon 1st May 2023
Departure 2 – Thurs 4th May 2023
Departure 3 – Mon 8th May 2023
Departure 4 – Thurs 11th May 2023
Departure 5 – Mon 15th May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 6 – Thurs 18th May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 7 – Mon 22nd May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 8 – Thurs 25th May 2023
Departure 9 – Mon 29th May 2023
Departure 10 – Thurs 1st Jun 2023
Departure 11 – Mon 5th Jun 2023
Departure 12 – Thurs 8th Jun 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 13 – Mon 12th Jun 2023
Departure 14 – Thurs 15h Jun 2023
Departure 15 – Mon 19th Jun 2023
Departure 16 – Thurs 22nd Jun 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 17 – Mon 26th Jun 2023
Departure 18 – Thurs 29th Jun 2023
2023 (Dry Season)
These departures operate on the standard itinerary.
Departure 19 – Mon 3rd Jul 2023
Departure 20 – Thurs 6th Jul 2023
Departure 21 – Mon 10th Jul 2023
Departure 22 – Thurs 13th Jul 2023
Departure 23 – Mon 17th Jul 2023
Departure 24 – Thurs 20th Jul 2023
Departure 25 – Mon 24h Jul 2023
Departure 26 – Thurs 27th Jul 2023
Departure 27 – Mon 31st Jul 2023
Departure 28 – Thurs 3rd Aug 2023
Departure 29 – Mon 7th Aug 2023
Departure 30 – Thurs 10th Aug 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 31 – Mon 14th Aug 2023
Departure 32 – Thurs 17th Aug 2023
Departure 33 – Mon 21st Aug 2023
Departure 34 – Thurs 24th Aug 2023
Departure 35 – Mon 28th Aug 2023
Departure 36 – Thurs 31st Aug 2023
Departure 37 – Mon 4th Sep 2023
Departure 38 – Thurs 7th Sep 2023
Departure 39 – Mon 11th Sep 2023
Departure 40 – Thurs 14th Sep 2023
Departure 41 – Mon 18th Sep 2023
Departure 42 – Thurs 21st Sep 2023
Departure 43 – Mon 25th Sep 2023
Departure 44 – Thurs 28th Sep 2023
Departure 45 – Mon 2nd Oct 2023
Departure 46 – Thurs 5th Oct 2023
Departure 47 – Mon 9th Oct 2023
Departure 48 – Thurs 12th Oct 2023
Departure 49 – Mon 16th Oct 2023
Departure 50 – Thurs 19th Oct 2023
Departure 51 – Mon 23rd Oct 2023
Departure 52 – Thurs 26th Oct 2023
Departure 53 – Mon 30th Oct 2023
Online Bookings
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Kakadu National Park?
Can I see Aboriginal rock art in Kakadu National Park?
Are there opportunities to see wildlife in the park?
Absolutely! Kakadu National Park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, over 280 species of birds, water pythons, and various other animals. Tours often include opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially on river cruises or guided walks.