4 Day Kakadu Tours

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.

DAY 1- DEPART DARWIN – WETLANDS, BOWALI, UBIRR, NARDAB LOOKOUT

As we head directly towards Kakadu this morning, our first experience is a boat cruise on the Mary or Adelaide River wetlands. Normally teaming with bird life this time of year, we board our skippered craft and head out onto the wetlands to photograph and admire the many bird and wildlife species that inhabit this specialist habitat, including our ferocious estuarine crocodiles! After our wetland experience we continue travelling towards Kakadu, stopping next at the mighty South Alligator River for some lunch and maybe more crocodile spotting. As we enter Kakadu we visit the Bowali Center and spend some time having a brief look around while introducing you to the many and varied aspects of Kakadu National Park. This afternoon we travel to the East Alligator region of Kakadu and visit the most renowned cultural site, Ubirr Rock and Cahills Crossing for some croc spotting. While at Ubirr we lead you on an amazing cultural expedition through ancient occupational shelters while viewing 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 Arnhem Land Plateau. We then head to camp or your air conditioned accommodation for dinner and some relaxation time.

We provide fresh healthy meals, however if choosing to stay in hotel style accommodation, you may be required to dine onsite at your own cost. (Unless otherwise stated)

DAY 2- JIM JIM FALLS, TWIN FALLS EXPEDITION. (YELLOW WATER, BUDJMI LOOKOUT)

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 by tackling the 4WD track to Twin Falls (when accessible), while the imposing Kakadu stone country begins to close in around us. Upon reaching Twin Falls we hike to the top of the falls and traverse the Arnhem Land Plateau. While at the top of Twin Falls we take in stunning views of the falls and surrounding rugged stone country, with a swim in some beautiful secluded fresh water pools. After a return hike we have a picnic lunch under the canopy of monsoon forest, before heading to Jim Jim Falls. We hike into Jim Jim Gorge and scramble our way through the gorge to the falls and a pure white sandy beach and large plunge pool. At the plunge pool we have time for a swim and to admire the towering sandstone escarpments that dominate this striking environment. We then return hike as the sun drops to reveal the striking colours of the Arnhem Land Escarpments.

Please note: The Twin Falls escarpment walk is only suitable for above average fitness groups. If group fitness levels or conditions are unsuitable for this walk, we can include either your optional Yellow Water Cruise or Budjmi Lookout hike.

DAY 3- MAGUK GORGE, GUNLOM FALLS, HIKING & SWIMMING

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” before returning to our camp or accommodation.

DAY 4- NOURLANGIE AREA, WARRADJAN CULTURE, SOUTH ALLIGATOR RIVER & FLOODPLAINS.

This morning we lead you into and around the Nourlangie Rock Region, visiting more remote rock art sites and ancient history, with some shorter hikes around the area taking in a range of classic Kakadu environments. After our time at Nourlangie Rock (Burrunguy) we head to the Warradjan Cultural exhibition for some more interesting insights into the Indigenous culture of the Kakadu and West Arnhem Land groups. This is a fascinating display of past and present cultural practices, customs and lifestyles.

After our morning of culture and Kakadu environments we take on another 4WD journey along the alternative 4WD track through central Kakadu to give you more of the “raw and remote Kakadu”. On this 4WD journey it is not uncommon to encounter several bird species on the vast floodplains, buffalo or other bovine in the tropical savannas, or fish and crocodiles in the rivers and billabongs. Enroute we stop on the banks of Kakadu’s largest river system, the South Alligator River, for a picnic lunch and maybe some more croc spotting, before crossing its depths and traversing its vast floodplains while continuing on to Darwin. We arrive back in Darwin around 5-6pm after our Kakadu expedition and return you to your accommodation for a well earned rest, and time to reflect on your Charter North Kakadu experience.

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 mechanism, 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. Click here for more information about our team.

Our tour vehicles & trailers

Charter North’s tour vehicles and trailers are suited to the sometimes rough and often challenging conditions characteristic of our tour destinations, and are equipped with the latest safety features and emergency communications. Our modern luxury 4WDs are the most comfortable available in 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 you to converse freely. 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 even more camping comfort, we have created our camper trailer product, available for all private tours and unique in the Top End.

For further tour information, please visit our FAQs.