Tourism Wellington

Kakadu tours

Experience a unique four-day Kakadu tour from Darwin. Explore Katherine and Kakadu National Park on a fully guided tour. See the oldest and best-preserved Aboriginal rock art in the world. Spot crocodiles as we cruise the river system. Immerse yourself in local culture and traditions. Discover monsoon forests and breathtaking escarpment country. Witness the incredible biodiversity of Kakadu’s landscapes. Stay in comfortable air-conditioned accommodations in Kakadu and Katherine.

DAYS 4
DEPARTS 06:30
RETURNS 18:30
COST $1950 AUD

 Highlights

  • Please consider visiting Kakadu National Park, recognized as a World Heritage site.
  • ExploreBowali&Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centres
  • The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River can be enjoyed at the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
  • Watch forCrocsandBarramundiatCahills Crossing
  • Ubirr Rock offers stunning Aboriginal rock art and beautiful sunset views.
  • Visitors can explore two remarkable Aboriginal rock art locations, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr Rock, subject to conditions and season.
  • Kakadu and Edith Falls are popular tourist destinations known for their stunning waterholes, providing a peaceful atmosphere with waterfalls and plunge pools for visitors to relax.
  • Experience the Jawoyn culture through a NitNit Katherine Gorge cruise, and consider taking a scenic helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge and its surroundings as an optional activity. Additionally, you can learn from locals and explore art and culture at Katherine’s Top Didj Art Gallery.

This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions. Waterfalls are rarely open before late June. Kakadu National Park’s diverse landscape and extreme weather conditions require flexibility and adaptability. Use the itinerary highlights as a rough guideline only.

Itinerary 

We leave Darwin and go to WakWak, a wetlands region an hour away, to see the beautiful scenery of the top end. There, we can see a variety of birdlife and crocodiles. Then, we continued our journey to Kakadut, 300 km east of Darwin. We checked into our accommodation and explored the park at the Bowali Visitor Centre. After that, we move on to the East Alligator region for a cultural tour.

We join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River to learn about the creation stories of the area and hopefully see crocodiles. We also visited Ubirr Rock, a tremendous Aboriginal art collection and watched the sunset. Finally, we head back to our accommodation for dinner.

  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
  • Accom: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
  • Driving Distance: 420km
  • Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3

Today, we will visit cultural centres and art sites that showcase the stories of clan groups in Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Our guided walk will take us to Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, and Nawurlandja. We can also visit the Naguluwurr art site if the group wants to. These areas offer stunning views and a chance to learn about creation stories and local traditions. We will also hear commentary about the plants and wildlife. After watching a beautiful sunset, we will return to our accommodation for dinner and rest.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
  • Driving Distance: 150km
  • Hike Distance and Grading: 1km grade 2

As the day begins, we prepare for our journey towards Katherine and Nitmiluk. The southern route presents picturesque scenes of the Australian wilderness. Watch for creatures such as the red-tailed black cockatoo and nimble wallabies. In Pine Creek, we pause for a respite and delve into its historical background. A visit to the Pine Creek Museum is also on the agenda. Upon settling into our lodgings in Katherine, we venture to Nitmiluk National Park for a tranquil boat tour through Katherine Gorge. This excursion highlights the region’s historical and natural aspects. Post-cruise, we head back to Katherine for some downtime and to gear up for another day of discovery.

Available meal options are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lodging choices encompass Katherine, Knotts Crossing Resort, and Contour Hotel. Room variations include twin, double, and single with private bathrooms. The travel distance by car totals 310km, with no walking trail distance or difficulty rating applicable.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Katherine, either Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel; options include twin, double, and single rooms
    with ensuite bathrooms.
  • Driving Distance: 310km
  • Hike Distance and Grading: none 

This morning, our exploration of the Katherine vicinity commences with a refreshing visit to the Hot Springs, ideal for a soothing swim. Next, we visit the Top Didj Gallery, a showcase of indigenous art complemented by gardens exhibiting bush tucker and medicinal flora. Subsequently, we proceed southward to Edith Falls, a picturesque locale perfect for a picnic lunch, a swim in the magnificent plunge pool under a cascade, and a chance to refresh.

Following your swim, ample time is allocated to peruse the Mindil Markets or unwind at your Darwin accommodation. It’s a moment to ponder the experiences and the bonds formed during the journey.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Driving Distance: 350km 
  • Hike Distance and Grading: 1km Grade 1

Details 

Fare TypeRetailAllocationRelease
*Twin Share Room – Adult 18+ (shared bathroom)$1,950ppFS30 Days
Double/Twin Room – Adult / Child (private ensuite)$2,150ppFS30 Days
Single Private Room – Adult 18+ (private ensuite)$2,550ppFS30 Days
  • 3 Nights Resort Accommodation (Kakadu Jabiru x2, Katherine x1)
  • Includes: 3 x Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 3 x Dinner
  • Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
  • Cultural Boat Cruise on East Alligator River
  • Kakadu Park permit pass fees
  • Guided bush walking tours (~8.5km, grade 2-6)
  • Accredited outback driver-guide
  • Travel in air-conditioned off-road 4WD mini-coach
  • Comprehensive commentary on the tour
  • Pickup/ drop-off from selected inner-city Darwin points 
  • 3L Refillable water bottle
  • Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • All weather clothing
  • Insect repellent
  • Money for food & beverages
  • Camera
  • Towel & toiletries
  • Flashlight or torch
  • Swimwear or bathers

2023 (Shoulder Season)

These departures may operate off a slightly different itinerary due to seasonal waterfall closures, which usually don’t open until late June.
Departure 1 – Mon 1st May 2023
Departure 2 – Thurs 4th May 2023
Departure 3 – Mon 8th May 2023
Departure 4 – Thurs 11th May 2023
Departure 5 – Mon 15th May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 6 – Thurs 18th May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 7 – Mon 22nd May 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 8 – Thurs 25th May 2023
Departure 9 – Mon 29th May 2023
Departure 10 – Thurs 1st Jun 2023
Departure 11 – Mon 5th Jun 2023
Departure 12 – Thurs 8th Jun 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 13 – Mon 12th Jun 2023
Departure 14 – Thurs 15h Jun 2023
Departure 15 – Mon 19th Jun 2023
Departure 16 – Thurs 22nd Jun 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 17 – Mon 26th Jun 2023
Departure 18 – Thurs 29th Jun 2023

2023 (Dry Season)

These departures operate on the standard itinerary.

Departure 19 – Mon 3rd Jul 2023
Departure 20 – Thurs 6th Jul 2023
Departure 21 – Mon 10th Jul 2023
Departure 22 – Thurs 13th Jul 2023
Departure 23 – Mon 17th Jul 2023
Departure 24 – Thurs 20th Jul 2023
Departure 25 – Mon 24h Jul 2023
Departure 26 – Thurs 27th Jul 2023
Departure 27 – Mon 31st Jul 2023
Departure 28 – Thurs 3rd Aug 2023
Departure 29 – Mon 7th Aug 2023
Departure 30 – Thurs 10th Aug 2023 (NO Ensuites Anbinik)
Departure 31 – Mon 14th Aug 2023
Departure 32 – Thurs 17th Aug 2023
Departure 33 – Mon 21st Aug 2023
Departure 34 – Thurs 24th Aug 2023
Departure 35 – Mon 28th Aug 2023
Departure 36 – Thurs 31st Aug 2023
Departure 37 – Mon 4th Sep 2023
Departure 38 – Thurs 7th Sep 2023
Departure 39 – Mon 11th Sep 2023
Departure 40 – Thurs 14th Sep 2023
Departure 41 – Mon 18th Sep 2023
Departure 42 – Thurs 21st Sep 2023
Departure 43 – Mon 25th Sep 2023
Departure 44 – Thurs 28th Sep 2023
Departure 45 – Mon 2nd Oct 2023
Departure 46 – Thurs 5th Oct 2023
Departure 47 – Mon 9th Oct 2023
Departure 48 – Thurs 12th Oct 2023
Departure 49 – Mon 16th Oct 2023
Departure 50 – Thurs 19th Oct 2023
Departure 51 – Mon 23rd Oct 2023
Departure 52 – Thurs 26th Oct 2023
Departure 53 – Mon 30th Oct 2023 

BOOK TOUR