Kakadu & Far North Queensland Adventure Itinerary

Darwin

Darwin has evolved from its days as a laid back frontier town and while it still retains its relaxed charm, it has become a sophisticated city. Many visitors are surprised to find that Darwin has accommodation, eateries, clubs, pubs, museums, and other amenities that are equal to what you’ll find in the southern cities.

Darwin is nearer to Singapore than it is to Sydney, which gives you an idea of the sheer size of Australia. This multicultural, fast-developing city has a chilled-out feel and a beautiful climate.

While the architecture is modern and stylish, it's still very much a "frontier town" with a small-town feel.

Visit Crocosaurus Cove

After settling into your hotel it's time to meet the Top End's most unique inhabitants at Crocosaurus Cove. Armed with a VIP Pass, you can hold a baby crocodile, take part in feeding or simply watch some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in Australia as they interact with each other.

Later you can relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, catch the sunset over the Timor Sea, or try street food at the Mindil Beach Markets. You'll feel like a laid-back local in no time.

Accommodation: Darwin - 2 Nights

Depart in the morning from your Darwin accommodation and head for the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. En route, join a morning cruise on the picturesque Corroboree Billabong.

Continue to the historical Bark Hut Inn for a refreshment stop before entering Kakadu. Enjoy a scenic 1km walk along the edge of Barramundi Creek to the base of Barramundi Falls, where you can stop for a swim or snorkel in the large plunge pool below the falls and discover an array of aquatic life.

Depart in the late afternoon for the incredible Nawalandja lookout, and after sunset, make your way to Jabiru and the Lake View Bush Bungalows, your accommodation for tonight.

After breakfast, travel from Jabiru to Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River and enter Arnhem Land. Enjoy a beautiful 15-kilometer drive to the Gunbalanya Aboriginal community, were you will visit the Injalak Arts and Craft Centre and have the opportunity to meet and watch traditional local artists in action before departing with our Aboriginal guide to be shown around the Injalak Hill art sites.

Spend the morning experiencing some of the best Aboriginal rock art in Australia before beginning the 3-4-hour journey back to the Cobourg Peninsula. Upon arrival at Venture North's camp you will be greeted by the resident camp hosts and served nibbles on the cliff top, relaxing as the sun sets over Port Essington before you make your way to the Venture North’s Cobourg Coastal Camp to spend the night.

Accommodation: Cobourg Coastal Camp - 3 Nights

Awake to the sound of birds and enjoy a special ‘Cobourg-style’ cooked breakfast, and then spend the day exploring the Northern Territory’s only Marine Park by boat. Stop in at the Victoria Settlement ruins before beginning a leisurely journey back to camp, stopping along the way to spot marine life and do some fishing.

Return to camp mid-afternoon to explore the nearby beaches and creek systems, try your luck at fishing or simply enjoy the solitude while reading a book from a hammock overlooking the ocean. Dine on some freshly caught seafood for dinner, and spend another night at the Venture North’s Cobourg Coastal Camp.

Spend the day exploring the eastern side of the Park aboard an exciting 4WD. Ride through the RAMSAR wetlands and paperbark swamps of Cobourg, and continue on via the northern beaches, commonly used as turtle nesting areas and covered in a wide range of shells.

After lunch, set off for some mud crab hunting using traditional Aboriginal methods, and then spend the afternoon at the Park’s Cultural and Information Centre before making your way back towards camp for another night at the Venture North’s Cobourg Coastal Camp.

Depart Cobourg early and sit back and enjoy the bush scenery of Arnhem Land as you make your way back to Kakadu National Park. After a few scenic stops along the way, enjoy lunch on the banks of the mighty East Alligator River, and then head out to Ubirr Rock to view some of Kakadu’s best Aboriginal rock art and to enjoy some spectacular views of the surrounding wetlands and stone country.

On your journey back to Darwin, stop in at the Mamukala wetlands, a haven for thousands of Magpie Geese as well as many other species of native birds and reptiles, and arrive back in Darwin at approximately 19:00.

Welcome to Cairns! Close to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after your flight.

Accommodation: Cairns - 1 Night

Our journey begins making our way north to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. First stop at Mossman Gorge for a driver-guided walk in the World Heritage-listed rainforest. Enjoy a 1-hour wildlife cruise on the Daintree River before a delicious BBQ lunch.

Arrive at your overnight accommodation for an afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Accommodation: Daintree Rainforest - 1 Night 

This morning at 9:00am you will be met at your accommodation by Adventure North Australia guide where your journey will continue to Cooktown - the Last Frontier of North Queensland. Enjoy morning tea on Cape Tribulation beach before continuing north. Travel along the famous 4WD - only Bloomfield Track, and stop for lunch at the infamous Lions Den Hotel.

You will arrive in historic Cooktown in the early afternoon where we visit Grassy Hill for panoramic views and a driver-guided tour of the town before arriving at your accommodation for the night.

Accommodation: Cooktown - 1 Night

 Visit the Heritage listed Cooktown Cemetery and James Cook Museum to learn about this fascinating goldrush town.

Explore the Botanic Gardens on a driver/guided walk before a visit to Nature’s Powerhouse. After lunch we depart Cooktown via the Mulligan Highway. Stops are made en-route at Black Mountain, Byerstown lookout and the Palmer River Roadhouse. Marvel at the beauty of the outback savannah country with its vast eucalypt forests and termite mounds.

Our driver will return you to your accommodation in Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas.

Cruise aboard the stylish Passions Catamaran to the incredible Great Barrier Reef.

Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise

Onboard you can relax with morning tea, get to know the crew and learn all about the marine ecosystem beneath you. Arriving at your first amazing outer reef location, you can snorkel, dive, sunbathe, or chill out on the boat to your heart's content.

After a Tropical buffet lunch you'll sail to another beautiful outer reef location, for more swimming, snorkelling, diving or relaxing in the sun. Wind down with a cold beverage on the sail back to Cairns for 5pm whilst enjoying afternoon tea.

Depart Cairns

Say farewell to Cairns today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your Self Drive vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.