9. Darwin: 5-Day 4WD Kakadu, Litchfield Tour & Billabong Cruise
Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park Begin your adventure in Darwin by heading out to the Wetlands Region, where the stunning scenery of the top end awaits you. On the way, we'll see plenty of Top End birdlife and apex predators... crocodiles! The next two nights will be spent in Kakadu National Park. At Bowali Visitor Centre, we enjoy the landscape and wildlife. Across the border from Arnhem Land to Kakadu, we reach Cahills Crossing. At sunset, we'll visit Ubirr Rock, a rare collection of Aboriginal rock art. Sunset over the Nadab Floodplain will take your breath away. We enjoy an evening at our cozy private camp with our fellow travellers. Drive Distance: 420km. Hike & Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3. Day 2: Jim Jim Falls - Plunge Pools - Jabiru Return On day 2, we head south into Kakadu National Park. We will explore lush monsoon rainforests, hike through pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs today. Depending on the group's physical ability, we will visit one or more waterfalls. Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls or Moline Rockhole can be included. We explore the stories of the artefacts at Warradjan Cultural Centre and Gallery, if time permits. We return to camp for dinner and a well-earned rest. Drive Distance: Minimum 150km depending on waterfall access. Note that each journey includes 40km offroad. Hike & Grading: 1.5km - 4km Grade 5/6. Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine Today, we found Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art, Kunwarddewardde Lookout, and Nawurlandja Lookout. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock has incredible Aboriginal rock art. Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall, another 4WD track, is one of Kakadu's most picturesque and pristine waterfalls. Fitness and agility are required to trek through the monsoon forest to the plunge pool. Following our 2km walk, swim, and lunch, we can relax under the stars at our private safari campsite in Katherine. Drive Distance: 420km. Hike & Grading: 1.5km Grade 3. Day 4: Katherine - Nitmiluk National Park It's an early start to reach Nitmiluk National Park and board the two-hour NitNit Katherine Gorge boat cruise. You will marvel at your surroundings and the relaxed cruise atmosphere in this area rich in creation stories. After the cruise, you can take a scenic helicopter flight (optional) to see Nitmiluk and Katherine Gorge. Take a dip beneath a cascading waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch at Edith Falls! After a day of culture, walks and swimming, our private campsite awaits. Drive Distance: 470km. Hike & Grading: 2km Grade 2-4 depending on the walk embarked on. Day 5: Katherine - Litchfield - Darwin On our fifth day, we travel back to Darwin via Litchfield National Park. Visit Buley Rockholes and Wangi Falls after viewing the monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds in Litchfield. Enjoy Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls among the rocky escarpment. Take a relaxing ride back to Darwin after exploring the Top End. Drive Distance: 470 km. Walking: 1km - 2km.