Walk Kakadu National Park

Welcome! 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). You won’t need to venture far to find plenty of things to keep you entertained before your tour starts. Go shopping for First Nations art, check out the (free) Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or discover Australia’s war history at World War II oil storage tunnels along the waterfront. Your tour begins with a 6pm with a Welcome Meeting, where you will meet your leader and the rest of your group. Afterwards we’ll head to a local restaurant to get to know each other and celebrate the start of your adventure.

After breakfast set off on the drive to Mamukala Wetlands, in World heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, where water pythons, birds, crocodiles, turtles and other wildlife can be spotted. From here, we’ll drive to Ubirr which is widely regarded as one of the world’s most outstanding rock art sites. Here, you’ll embark on a walk to discover the different rock art galleries and learn about the incredible history of this area. After you have checked out the fascinating paintings, which include depictions of some of the first interactions with non-Aboriginal people, we’ll head to Jabiru and check into our comfortable motel for the next few nights.

After breakfast, embark on a spectacular journey through Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land with traditional owners. You’re lucky to spend the day today with experienced First Nations guide leading the way and discover the Australian outback from 4WD buses that transport you to Mikkinj Valley and beyond. Expect to uncover rock art sites, sandstone gorges, forests, flood plains and an abundance of birdlife, whilst learning about the aboriginal culture and heritage of this area. Plus, enjoy some time by the water and a bite to eat at Inkiyu Billabong.

Kakadu National Park has one of the world’s highest concentrated areas of rock art. After breakfast we’ll take a short drive to Nourlangie and walk to the famous painting of Namarrgon, the lightning man, who is said to control the spectacular wet season lightning storms. You’ll also view the rest of the site which is reminiscent of a traditional art gallery with multiple rooms (caves) featuring different styles of art. Afterwards, take on the Barrk Walk, through the sandstone country of Nourlangie. After an initial steep climb to the top of a rocky outcrop you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the World Heritage area. Roughly half-way through, you reach Nanguluwurr art site where you’ll find more breathtaking paintings. From here, you can choose to turn back or complete the entire circuit.

Today is a day off from walking as we make the long drive south. After breakfast, sit back and relax as we embark on our adventurous drive to Mataranka thermal pools. Once arrived you will quickly see why it’s such a special place to visit. Take a quick soak in Mataranka Thermal Pools and relax the muscles from the previous days walks. Along the way we’ll have brief stops in Pine Creek and Katherine. Then head to Katherine to check in at our hotel and make yourself at home for the next 3 nights.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the northern section of Nitmiluk National Park to Leliyn (Edith Falls). We have plenty of time today to explore this picturesque area. Edith Falls is the last stop along the Jatbula trail which begins 62km away in Katherine Gorge. Today’s walk has plenty of natural pools to cool off in. Walk part of the trail along a sandy path to Sweetwater Pool, where rich red rocks frame the perfectly calm (and very inviting) waterhole. Then, on the walk back, you’ll stop at the Upper Pools of Leliyn for one final dip to cool off before the drive to Katherine.

After breakfast this morning, a short drive to the southern section of Nitmiluk will take us to Katherine Gorge. Depending on the temperature on the day, your local guide will offer a selection of walks of varying difficulty and length (6km-12km). Take your time to discover Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge which was created as the Katherine River carved its way through ancient sandstone cliffs more than 20 million years ago. You’ll notice the natural horizontal bands defining the cliffs surrounding the gorge that were created by layer upon layer of sediments. After a full day exploring all that Katherine Gorge has to offer, we’ll make our way back to Katherine for the evening.

After breakfast, drive to Litchfield National Park where waterfalls cascade from escarpments into plunge pools and there are deep prehistoric-looking forests and thousands of six-foot-high termite mounds. During the wet season, four major waterfalls thunder from the cliffs into rock pools. During the dry season, the waterfalls flow more gently, making the waterholes perfect spots for swimming. We’ll stop by the Magnetic Termite Mounds then our first walk will be determined by our local guide. Today’s walks will be dependent on the ability of our group members and seasonal accessibility. Regardless of which walks are chosen, you’re sure to reach stunning waterfalls and billabongs along the way. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Darwin where your tour ends. No accommodation is provided tonight but if you would like to spend more time here, we can book additional accommodation for you (pending availability).