Intrepid Travel - Top End & Kakadu Adventure Itinerary

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.

Accommodation: Darwin - 1 night

Rising early, head towards Kakadu National Park, covering 20,000 sq km of diverse biodiversity. Stretch your legs with a short walk at Mamukala Wetlands, then enjoy a picnic lunch by the river at Cahill's Crossing.

Next, take a cruise down the East Alligator River (crocodile country), guided by a First Nations guide who’ll share insights on the area’s cultural significance. Afterward, explore the Ubirr rock art site on a 1 km loop, ending at a stunning lookout. Tonight, relax at your accommodation or bond with fellow travellers over cards.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kakadu - 2 nights

Approximate Travel Time:  3 hours 30 mins

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.

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.

Rising early, head towards Kakadu National Park, covering 20,000 sq km of diverse biodiversity. Stretch your legs with a short walk at Mamukala Wetlands, then enjoy a picnic lunch by the river at Cahill's Crossing.

Next, take a cruise down the East Alligator River (crocodile country), guided by a First Nations guide who’ll share insights on the area’s cultural significance. Afterward, explore the Ubirr rock art site on a 1 km loop, ending at a stunning lookout. Tonight, relax at your accommodation or bond with fellow travellers over cards.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Say farewell to Kakadu National Park and head out on a short drive to Katherine. Along the way, stop at the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek, then visit the idyllic Leliyn (Edith Falls). At the falls, take a short hike along the upper pools circuit, swim, and enjoy lunch. Later, continue to Katherine—where the outback meets the tropics. Upon arrival, visit the Arts and Culture Centre for an introduction to the area's rich heritage, before heading to your accommodation for the night.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Katherine - 2 nights

Start the day with a visit to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – a stunning series of sandstone gorges sculpted by the Katherine River. You’ll have free time to choose your own adventure – perhaps take a cruise down the river to admire the dramatic scenery, with local guides providing historical and cultural context of the region’s flora and fauna. Alternatively, explore Nitmiluk on foot with your leader. Later, return to Katherine for lunch and a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Special information

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.

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 visit the Buley Rockhole – a series of shallow rock pools perfect for a quick dip. Next, walk to Florence Falls for a picnic lunch and another swim. The amazing Wangi Falls also offer a picturesque spot for a swim. Finally, drive back to Darwin, where your adventure ends.

 If you’d like to spend more time in Darwin, just speak to us here at First Light Travel and we can arrange your next destination.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Approximate Travel Time:  4 hours 

Start & End Times
The trip starts in Alice Springs with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes on arrival in Darwin at our finish point hotel by 4pm. 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.