Explore the Northern Territory Australia: Darwin to Litchfield & Kakadu

  • Image
    900x600-australia-nt-kakadu-barramundi-male-hiker
  • Image
    Get close to the local wallaby population in the Mary River region

    Get close to the local wallaby population in the Mary River region

  • Image
    Swim in waterfalls and spring fed streams in Litchfield National Park

    Swim in waterfalls and spring fed streams in Litchfield National Park

  • Image
    Spot galahs in the trees as you explore the Northern Territory | Travel Nation

    Spot galahs in the trees as you explore the Northern Territory

  • Image
    Take amazing tours through the remote Northern Territory | Travel Nation

    Take amazing tours through the remote Northern Territory

  • Image
    Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin NT | Photo credit Peter Eve and Tourism NT

    Hold a crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove | Photo credit: Peter Eve and Tourism NT

  • Image
    Explore the untouched Mary River Wetlands | Photo credit: Tourism NT & Shaana McNaught

    Explore the untouched Mary River Wetlands | Photo credit: Tourism NT & Shaana McNaught

  • Image
    Explore the Outback surrounding Darwin | Travel Nation

    Explore the Outback surrounding Darwin

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 7

From: Darwin

To: Darwin

From

£915

Exc. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing)

Get a quote

or Call +441273320580

See more ideas for: Australia

    Spend 7 days exploring the 'Top End' region with this Northern Territory Australia itinerary. From Darwin, you'll take a 3-day safari by 4WD, boat and on foot through Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks where you can soak in waterfall plunge pools, spot crocs on the river and camp under the stars in traditional swags. Spot ancient Aboriginal rock art and come away feeling you've learned more about the rich culture of Australia's indigenous people.

    This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements, please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

     

    Highlights

    • Discover Darwin, the gateway city to the Northern Territory's National Parks
    • Soak in waterfall plunge pools in Litchfield National Park
    • Cruise alongside crocodiles, birds and buffalo in the Mary River region
    • Uncover ancient Aboriginal artwork in Ubirr and hear an interpretation from a local
    • Sample some 'bush tucker' and have a go playing the didgeridoo

     

    Itinerary in brief:

    • 2 nights Darwin
    • 2 nights 'Top end' group tour
    • 2 nights Darwin

     

    Day 1: Arrive Darwin

    On arrival in Darwin, you’ll be greeted and taken by private transfer to your hotel in central Darwin where you will check in for a 2-night stay.

    The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city, why not head to Smith Street Mall and check out the shops, there are several Aboriginal art galleries to explore here as well as plenty of pearl stores, pearling takes place off the coast of Darwin and in the nearby regions, so this will be a perfect souvenir of your trip to the 'Top End'.


    Day 2: Darwin

    Today is a free day for you to enjoy Darwin, why not head to the lagoon or wave pool for some relaxation or visit the local crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, if you’re feeling brave you can even enter the ‘Cage of Death’ for an up-close encounter! Scenic flights and boat cruises offer a chance to see more of the remote wilderness surrounding Darwin or why not take a trip to the nearby Tiwi Islands and learn more about Aboriginal culture in an authentic environment.

    On Sundays and Thursdays during dry season be sure to head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market near the Marina, with quirky stalls and tons of street food on offer, watching the sun set on the beach with a beer in hand is a Darwin tradition! 


    Day 3: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

    Your tour leader will collect you from your hotel early this morning to embark on your 3 day ‘Top End’ adventure. Head out to the Wetlands Region for a Crocodile & Wildlife Cruise on the Mary River Wetlands, a great opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End birdlife, not to mention some fresh and salty apex predators… crocodiles!

    We journey on to Kakadu National Park visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre which offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife. After some relaxation at camp, we journey north to *Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We will visit one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world at Ubirr rock upon sunset. This incredibly significant site showcases many styles of Rock Art and allows us to climb up high for a sunset that will blow you away looking out over the Nadab Floodplain. After a big day, we head back to our cozy camp and prepare dinner together, enjoying an evening with our fellow travellers.


    Day 4: Kakadu National Park

    An early start today as you head out to Kakadu National Park in a 4WD ideal for the outback terrain. Today we’ll spend the day soaking up the spectacular natural beauty of the area, hiking through lush monsoon rainforests, swimming in pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs.

    We generally visit Twin Falls or Jim Jim Falls when seasonally accessible, alternatively, we will stop in at Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) or other waterfalls such as Yurmikmik (Motor Car Falls). There are many factors affecting accessibility although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible.

    Time permitting, we stop at Nourlangie Rock, another indigenous rock art site where archaeologists have uncovered works dating back over 20,000 years old. We explore the evolving social, cultural and environmental changes to the area over time before making our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest.


    Day 5: Kakadu National Park to Darwin via Litchfield National Park

    Travelling south through Pine Creek, a small pioneering town in the Katherine region outside of Kakadu National Park, famous for its discovery of gold in the 1970’s. We stop for a quick refreshment break at the Adelaide River before our journey leads us to Litchfield National Park.

    We spend the afternoon immersed in Litchfield’s natural oasis of waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments. We’ll spend time in any combination of Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls or Florence Falls for a refreshing soak in picturesque rock holes and waterfalls.

    Discover the uniquely impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds before making our way back to Darwin, arriving back to your accommodation at approximately 7:00pm.


    Day 6: Darwin

    Spend today at leisure in Darwin.

    Book a scenic flight or boat cruise for a chance to see more of the remote wilderness surrounding Darwin or why not take a trip to the nearby Tiwi Islands and learn more about Aboriginal culture in an authentic environment.

    Head down to the beach and check out the Mindil sunset markets (running on Thursdays and Sundays in the dry season) browse boutique craft stalls, dine on delicious street food and watch the sun go down with a cold beer in hand, a perfect end to your trip to the ‘top end’.


    Day 7: Depart Darwin

    A driver will collect you this morning and take you to the airport by private transfer for your onward travels.


    Why not combine this trip with a visit to Indonesia? Bali is a short 2.5-hour flight from Darwin, so you could add on some beach time with our 8-day Bali trip?

    Missing content item.

     

    What's included
    • 6 nights' accommodation
    • Return private airport transfers
    • 3 Day 4WD Kakadu & Litchfield Tour
    • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary

    October to April is considered the ‘wet season’ so Darwin and Kakadu National Park will experience heavy rains, flash flooding, and many roads will be closed at some point. The included tour may operate a different programme at this time depending on the roads in the national parks. We recommend that you visit during May-September when roads are open and the sun is shining in Kakadu and Darwin, the town is buzzing with visitors during these months so booking ahead is worthwhile.

    Are you looking for more Australia ideas?

    We’re experts in planning tailor-made holidays, so whether you’re looking for a luxury Australia holiday, ideas for a road trip, a Great Barrier Reef holiday or multi-stop flights to Australia with stopovers – let us help you with the planning. Our experts can tailor-make precisely the trip you’re looking for - this itinerary is purely a suggestion, so please contact us with your dates and requests, and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

    Not included
    • International flights
    • Any meals not mentioned
    • Personal expenses
    • Tips & gratuities