Intrepid Travel: Top End & Kakadu Adventure

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.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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.

The Ubirr walk is a Grade 2-3 (easy to moderate) 1 km loop, taking around 1 hour to see the rock art sites and enjoy the views. The 250 m climb to the lookout is steep. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. The Kakadu accommodation is owned and operated by the Djabulukgu Association representing the traditional owners of northern Kakadu and Western Arnhem Land. There are two bathrooms per block of six air-conditioned twin rooms that are located on the outside of the building. Please bring a torch for use after dark.

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

Staying in:

• Hotel (with shared facilities) (1 night)

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.

The Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery & shelter walk is a Grade 2 (easy) 1.5km return walk.

Activities:

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

Staying in:

• Hotel (with shared facilities) (1 night)

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.

Activities:

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

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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.

Your leader will suggest suitable walks in Nitmiluk National Park based on the weather and group. The Nit Nit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise at 9:00am is offered as a pre-booked service through us which will guarantee you a place (subject to availability). If you would rather wait and book this locally at a better price you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.

Activities:

• Nitmiluk National Park - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk
• Katherine - Hot Springs

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. The walk from Buley Rockhole to Florence Falls is a Grade 2, 3.2km/90 min return walk. Wangi Falls is often closed after heavy rainfall due to the danger of crocodiles, with entry to the pool closed off until rangers are confident it is safe for swimming. The Loop Walk here is Grade 3, 1.6km/45 mins.

Activities:

• Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
• Litchfield National Park - Buley Rockhole
• Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls