6 Day Kakadu & Beyond Tours Accommodated

DEPART DARWIN – WETLANDS, BOWALI, UBIRR, NARDAB LOOKOUT

As we travel towards Kakadu National Park this morning, our first introduction to the local environments and wildlife is a wetland cruise on the Mary River. Teaming with bird life and displaying an abundance of local flora, we board our skippered craft to admire & photograph this specialist habitat. After our morning cruise, we continue on towards Kakadu, stopping en route for a healthy picnic lunch and soon entering the National Park where we visit the Bowali Centre. We spend some time here having a brief look around, and introducing you to the many and varied aspects of Kakadu National Park. This afternoon we travel north to Kakadu’s most renowned cultural site, Ubirr Rock. While at Ubirr we lead you on an amazing cultural expedition through ancient occupational shelters, and view rock art that documents an Indigenous culture and lifestyles spanning tens of thousands of years. After our cultural journey through time, we climb to the stunning Nardab Lookout to witness a typically inspiring Kakadu panorama over the expansive Nardab floodplains. Soon after, we head to tonight’s accommodation for some well-earned relaxation and a good feed.

We provide fresh healthy lunches, however while staying in hotel style accommodation you are required to purchase your own dinners and breakfasts (unless otherwise stated).

JIM JIM & TWIN FALLS

We start our active day with by tackling the 4WD track to Jim Jim Falls, while the imposing Kakadu stone country begins to close in around us. The last section of the 4WD track to Jim Jim Gorge is a slow, rough and challenging journey. Upon arrival at Jim Jim, we hike our way into the gorge and scramble our way through the gorge to the falls and large plunge pool. While at the plunge pool we have time for a swim while admiring the towering sandstone walls that surround us. After our return hike, we travel a short distance for a lunch in a nice shady forest, before some more 4WD travel to Twin Falls. Upon arrival we take a short hike to the entrance of the gorge, where we board a shuttle boat upstream. As we explore the beautiful remote nature of the Arnhem Land Plateau and cruise the gorge, we have plenty of opportunity for photography. We then disembark the boat and hike to the beach and waterfall to admire this pristine environment. After time on the beach, we return hike through the gorge to journey back along the 4WD track and to our accommodation for the night.

Please note: Twin Falls Gorge is currently inaccessible due to infrastructure upgrades. The Twin Falls escarpment hike will be available for fit groups from late June 2022.

NOURLANGIE ART SITES & LOOKOUT, MAGUK WATERFALL

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we lead you into and around the Nourlangie Rock Region, visiting more remote rock art sites and some shorter hikes around the area. We climb Nawarlandja stone country lookout to witness another stunning Kakadu landscape from a very different, but no less dramatic perspective. After exploring the Nourlangie area, we head further south in Kakadu to negotiate the 4WD track into Maguk. A short hike along Barramundi Creek surrounded by tall paperbarks and monsoon forests eventually brings us to another of Kakadu’s inviting waterfalls and 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 after spending time here, 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 perhaps a swim, it’s time for us to head back to our lodge accommodation.

SOUTHERN KAKADU, GUNLOM / EDITH FALLS

Please note: While Gunlom is closed until further notice, we will visit Edith Falls (Leliyn) in Nitmiluk National Park – this is another Top End gem providing stunning views, hiking and swimming.

After breakfast we travel to the far south of Kakadu and venture into the South Alligator volcanic valley. A short 4WD adventure delivers us to Kakadu’s southern hills and basins, with an opportunity to explore the beautiful Gunlom Falls. Gunlom has two main features, a large plunge pool and sandy beach at its base, and at the top, the insta famous “infinity pool”. We have plenty of time to take it all in and admire another breathtaking Kakadu panorama. After our time at Gunlom and a picnic lunch, we depart Kakadu and make our way towards Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) and tonight’s accommodation in preparation for tomorrow’s canoe expedition. End the day with a swim in the pool or perhaps a cool drink at the pool bar.

KATHERINE GORGE

This morning after a good breakfast, we pack some snacks and embark on our canoeing expedition. After our cruise through the first gorge, we hike around to the second gorge and launch our canoes. We have time to paddle through the beautiful second gorge, the prettiest of the first three gorges, before returning again for our return boat cruise. The gorge complex consists of a total of thirteen gorges in all, however as we only have today and not an overnight expedition, we spend our time exploring the first two gorges only. The gorges, with an average gorge wall height of around 80 meters, makes for a spectacular journey as we cruise and paddle upstream. Each gorge is different in shape and atmosphere, and an overall exhilarating experience. There are clean sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and an abundance of bird life, fish and freshwater crocodiles. Cruises and scenic flights are also available.

After lunch in the park, we head north along the Stuart Highway via the town of Katherine towards the Litchfield area and tonight’s accommodation at Mt Bundy Station. Mt Bundy is one of our favourite overnight stays- an operating NT cattle station with friendly hosts and pool, there are always plenty of farm animals around. Set in a lush green environment, its a great atmosphere as we settle into our last tour night.

LITCHFIELD – WATERFALLS, SWIMMING, HIKING AND TERMITES

Today is a full day of enjoying the aquatic playground for which Litchfield National Park is renowned for. We have a full fun day of hiking and swimming this absolute tropical paradise. We visit and indulge ourselves in all of Litchfield’s big name attractions and features including; Buley Rockholes, Florence Falls, Tolmer falls (viewing only) and Wangi Falls. We also take you away from the busier tourist areas into the more secluded gems of the park such as; Walker Creek and the Cascades. Later this afternoon as we exit Litchfield via the 4wd track, we stop to view some of our more remote and fascinating termite supported ecology, with their striking and unusually designed and built structures. After our full day in Litchfield, we “hit the road” for the last time and head for Darwin where we return you to your accommodation with time to reflect on your Charter North experience.