Ubirr Rock & Nourlangie Rock
Gunlom Infinity Pool (Seasonal Access)
Ancient Aboriginal Rock Art
Wetlands Boat Cruise
Jim Jim & Twin Falls (Seasonal Access)
Katherine Gorge canoeing or cruise (Optional)
Maguk (Seasonal Access)
Full day in Litchfield National Park
Our Kakadu & Beyond Tours are also available over five days for budget or time stressed travellers. From May to October we offer a choice of camping or accommodation, however from mid September onwards we use air conditioned accommodation as our tropical summer conditions can be a little challenging for camping.
This tour is ideal for
Private groups of fit and active travellers who prefer a small personalised experience rather than a larger mixed group bus style tour. If you love the outdoors, hiking, swimming, stunning landscapes, ancient culture and rock art, along with exploring while learning about the destinations you are experiencing, then this is the right tour for you. Charter North 4WD Safaris offer both remote and comfortable camping, as well as fully accommodated tours for those who prefer their creature comforts. Our private tours are customised around your interests and focus on photography, landscapes, Indigenous culture and ancient rock art, and will be customised to suit your personal fitness levels. Kakadu and the Top End are raw destinations, and many attractions can only be reached via rocky, sometimes undulating hiking trails. While on road, we combine off road adventure with passenger comfort through the use of fully air conditioned, well appointed modern 4WD vehicles.
Please scroll down to view our full tour itinerary.
May – October
For booking please head to our contact page
Charter North 4WD Kakadu Tours & Beyond combine all of the Top End’s major attractions. With twenty six years of touring experience, professional guides, modern air conditioned 4WDs and quality camping equipment, you will enjoy an educational, safe & fun experience. Our active programs include remote hiking, exploring dramatic landscapes, swimming, and wildlife spotting. For families or groups of friends, our active Top End Tours will immerse you completely in the unique destinations we travel through. Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) and Litchfield National Parks are globally acclaimed destinations, with Kakadu particularly recognised as an immensely important world heritage site. Individually, these striking destinations present different aspects and experiences, however when combined into one continuous tour, they provide a spectacular overview of our tropical environments. With such diverse habitats, from rugged sandstone to sweeping savannas abounding with flora and fauna, you will not only be treated to a spectacular visual display, but a complete immersion into what truly is a tropical paradise.
Our camping tours include comfortable custom swags fitted with full linen and pillows, in combination with easy to use dome tents. While in Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks we use a range of different campgrounds, from low impact basic facilities, to full comfort amenities. Remote bush camping can also be included for those wishing to “really get way from it all” Accommodation options on our Kakadu & Beyond tours can range from cabin style or hotel and lodge rooms, and can booked according to your personal preference. At Charter North we pride ourselves on providing healthy tasty tour meals and snacks for the duration of your tour while specializing in campfire dining. We also provide freshly brewed coffee with all of our breakfasts.
Please note: This is a sample dry season itinerary, inclusions can vary depending on seasonal accessibility of attractions. If any of the listed features are unavailable for any reason we will construct a customised itinerary to fit with your personal interests.
As we head directly towards Kakadu this morning, our first adventure is either the Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile cruise, a unique close up crocodile experience, or we travel onto the Mary River wetlands for a more nature based cruise If your choice is the Mary River wetlands, they are normally teaming with birds and wildlife and an absolute photographers dream. As we continue our travel towards Kakadu, we stop for lunch on the banks of the mighty South Alligator River, Kakadu’s largest of its five tropical river systems. After lunch we travel to the north eastern corner of Kakadu, right on the East Alligator River and directly adjacent to Arnhem Land. While in this part of Kakadu we visit Cahills Crossing for a view of the river, Arnhem Land, and possibly sightings of large crocodiles, before heading to the most renowned cultural site in Kakadu, Ubirr Rock. While at Ubirr we lead you on an amazing cultural expedition through ancient occupational shelters, and view extremely striking and vivid rock art that documents an Indigenous culture and lifestyles spanning tens of thousands of years. After our cultural journey we climb to the stunning Nardab Lookout to witness a typically inspiring Kakadu panorama over the expansive Nardab floodplains and stone country. Late in the afternoon we head to camp for our first night under the stars and some camp fire dining.
We provide fresh healthy meals, however if choosing to stay in hotel style accommodation, you are required to purchase your own dinners and breakfasts onsite. (Unless otherwise stated)
Today we delve deeper into Kakadu’s Cultural heartland as we penetrate the more remote and diverse habitats of the park. Rainforests, Stone Country, Woodlands and Waterfalls.
We start our active day with a drive along the 4wd track to Twin Falls, while the imposing Kakadu stone country begins to close in around us. Upon arrival we hike the escarpment trail to the top of Twin Falls for some stunning views of the Arnhem Land plateau and a refreshing swim in some secluded pools. After Twin Falls we have a picnic lunch before hiking into Jim Jim Gorge. As we rock hop our way through the gorge we arrive at a beautiful white sandy beach for our first swim in the gorge. From the beach we then take the short swim and final rock scramble to the base of Jim Jim falls and the large plunge pool below. At the plunge pool we have more time for swimming while admiring the towering sandstone escarpments that surround us. After enjoying these two iconic Kakadu features for the entire day, we head back to our camp just in time to enjoy the “Big Sky” as we prepare another feast for you over the camp fire.
Please note: The Twin Falls escarpment walk is only suitable for above average fitness groups. If group fitness levels are unsuitable for this walk, we can include either Nourlangie Rock, your chosen Yellow Water Cruise or Budjmi Lookout.
Today we explore more of the Arnhem Land Plateau and escarpments, while experiencing the dominant geological forces and aquatic environments of Kakadu. Another day of 4WD adventure, swimming and hiking awaits us as we head further south to explore some of Kakadu’s most favoured aquatic environments.
After breakfast we negotiate the 4WD track into Maguk to arrive at a lush tropical setting. A short hike along Barramundi Creek amongst the tall paperbarks and monsoon forests eventually brings us to another of Kakadu’s inviting waterfalls and a large plunge pool. Surrounded by tropical vegetation nestled amongst the contrasting stone country, the waters of Maguk are not only a visual and photographic delight, but also incredibly enticing. It’s not hard to understand why this oasis is still today one of the favourite hunting, fishing and recreation areas for our local indigenous groups. After absorbing this tropical paradise, some spectacular photography opportunities and a swim, it’s time to travel further south into Kakadu towards Gunlom Falls. The drive to Gunlom takes us through the South Alligator Valley which is dominated by sandstone peaks and escarpments, then across the South Alligator River to the iconic Gunlom Waterfall. While at Gunlom we have time to swim and enjoy the entire area with its huge plunge pool, beach, and now famous “top infinity pool” After our time at Gunlom we return to our camp for some more star gazing and campfire dining.
Please note: If Gunlom is not available we travel further, departing Kakadu and camping closer to Edith Falls for the night. This will allow us more time to explore the top and bottom of Edith Falls, perhaps even an extended hike to a more secluded pool for a swim!
This morning we depart Kakadu National Park and make our way to Edith Falls (Nitmiluk National Park) for some more hiking and swimming. Edith Falls is one of our most popular visitor areas in the “Top End” for all the right reasons! Edith Falls has a huge bottom plunge pool and waterfall with easy entry, ideal for a relaxing swim. For the more adventurous and fit, who are keen to escape to a more secluded area (and if we have camped nearer to Edith Falls the previous night) there are a number of impressive waterfalls, beaches and more secluded swimming areas to be found at the top and behind the main waterfall. If we have enough time here we can enjoy the area as you prefer. After some good exploring and swimming, with another picnic lunch, we travel through the township of Katherine to pick up any needed supplies before heading onto Katherine Gorge for tonight’s camp.
This morning, immediately after breakfast, we head directly into Katherine Gorge. While in the gorge, we can either launch our canoes for an easy paddle up the gorge, or board our boat for a cruise through this complex gorge system. (Both the canoe and cruise are optional extras) If not canoeing or taking a boat cruise, we can lead you on a plateau walk for some views of the gorge and surrounding environments. Katherine Gorge comprises of thirteen gorges in total, our time here allows us to explore up to the first three gorges. The gorges, with an average height of around 180 meters, make for a spectacular paddle or cruise upstream. Each gorge is different in shape and atmosphere and overall is an exhilarating and tranquil experience. There are clean sandy beaches, crystal clear water with an abundance of bird life, fish and freshwater crocodiles. If canoeing, upon reaching the furthest point in the gorge, you have time to find a suitable spot for a break and snack with a swim, before returning to your starting point. Scenic helicopter flights to see more of the gorge complex from the air are also an option here. After our gorge expedition and some much appreciated lunch, we travel north along the Stuart Highway to tonight’s camp or accommodation in preparation for tomorrow’s full day in Litchfield National Park.
Today is a full day of enjoying the aquatic playground for which Litchfield National Park is renowned for. After last night’s stay close to the “Litchfield Gateway” we have the added advantage of an early entry, giving us a genuine full fun day of hiking and swimming this absolute tropical paradise. We visit and indulge ourselves in some of Litchfield’s big name waterfall attractions such as; Wangi Falls, Buley Rockholes and Florence Falls. We also explore the very unusual and fascinating termite ecology, with their striking and uniquely designed and built structures.
Late in the afternoon we “hit the road” for the last time and head for Darwin via the back road. Only two hours drive from Litchfield, we arrive back in town around 5-6pm and return you to your accommodation with time to reflect on your Charter North experience.
Under the stars or your chosen accommodation
All meals & snacks while on tour
At Charter North 4WD Safaris, we know how important a healthy, balanced diet is for your well-being, and just because our tours are remote that does not mean that you will have to compromise your diet for the duration of your trip. Many of our tour guests still attribute camping to sausages and bread, but thankfully these days are over. At Charter North, we provide freshly prepared meals incorporating all food groups at breakfast, lunch & dinner. In between meals, there will be plenty of healthy snacks to top up energy levels during our activity packed tour days. Ample cool storage space in our tour trailers allows us to carry lots of fresh vegetables & fruits along with all other ingredients for our wholesome meals. All of our guides are great camp fire cooks and you will be surprised at the variety of meals they prepare for you. We cater for a range of diets (vegetarian, gluten free etc.). Read more about our meals here.
What our tour guests say about our food:
“The day was always started with a fresh cup of percolated coffee and a spread of cereals, breads, fresh fruit and when time permitted damper, eggs and bacon, often with an open fire. We were all surprised at the quality and variety of food prepared; Fresh, organic, delicious and plenty thereof, always thinking of the environment in our use of the camping area, roads and bush.”
“We fully expected 3 nights of BBQ sausage in rolls so it was fantastic to get a really delicious home-cooked meal every evening, from stir fries to homemade pasta sauces. Plenty of snacks and a hearty breakfast (and espresso coffee… no international roast here!) set us up for the day.”
“I was expecting 8 nights of BBQ’ed sausages, but we ended up with everything from stir fries to tacos to pasta, all cooked on an open fire. So the dinners were great, and it would be remiss of me not to mention Alina’s muesli and GT’s coffee, which got the mornings off to a great start.”
“The food was great & all meals other than lunch were cooked over the fire. We enjoyed freshly brewed coffee and cooked breakfasts (eggs and bacon; jaffles); bread cooked in the camp oven (including damper; multigrain and a banana bread); Bbqs, curries, pasta and stir fries for dinner and plenty of chocolate and marshmallows for toasting over the fire while star gazing.”
(Quotes from Charter North’s 2017/18 TripAdvisor reviews)
At Charter North 4WD Safaris, our guests’ safety, comfort and well-being always comes first. Through a number of mechanisms, we ensure that you are well looked after, well informed and getting the most out of your valuable holiday at all times. After all, a holiday should be relaxing and enjoyable, and you are in the right hands with Charter North.
Our Tour Guides
All of our tour guides have many years of experience and comprehensive knowledge of our tour destinations. They are personable, responsible and approachable and will ensure that you truly experience and learn about your chosen destination, not just see it. Our guides are accredited, trained in remote first aid and most importantly passionate about their work, people and the environment.
Our tour vehicles & trailers
Charter North’s tour vehicles and trailers are purpose prepared for the sometimes rough and often challenging conditions characteristic of our tour destinations. They are equipped with the latest safety features and emergency communications to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Our modern luxury 4wds are the most comfortable available on the market, and fitted with upgraded suspension to “smoothen out the ride” even further. They are fitted with air-conditioning and curtain airbags throughout, and designed for quiet acoustics allowing us to converse freely as we travel. All vehicles and trailers are serviced and maintained to the highest standards and beyond recommended service intervals to minimise any risk of mechanical issues on tour.
Our camping equipment
Charter North’s camping equipment is chosen with care to provide the most suitable and comfortable options available. We test and approve any equipment we use, with an emphasis on products that are easy to manage, fast to set up, light weight and of course comfortable. On our camping programs, we use dome tents that are easy to set up and cool through warmer nights. Our swags are fitted with high density foam mattresses, sheets and pillows.
For further tour information, please visit our FAQs.