Australia
Starting From AU$2,195.00
Starting From AU$2,195.00

Top End and Arnhem Land Adventure

Journey to the Northern Territory and uncover the rich history and incredible landscapes of the Top End

The northernmost section of the remote Northern Territory, Australia’s Top End packs an unbelievable punch. This is where the tropics meet the Outback, sandstone escarpments are decorated with ancient First Nations rock art, and the national parks are bursting with plunging waterfalls, monsoon forests and breathtaking waterholes. This five-day adventure spends ample time at Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park and includes exclusive access to Arnhem Land. Spend time with the Traditional Owners of Wulna Country, take a croc-filled cruise along the East Alligator River, check out the spectacular Jim Jim Falls and swim in the breathtaking locations on this unforgettable adventure through the country's far north.

Why we love this trip

  • Explore the highlights of Australia's iconic Top End in rugged style on this five-day overland trip
  • Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, the local knowledge of a passionate guide and the magic of camping under the great southern sky
  • Learn about the ancient culture and traditions of the Limilngan-Wulna people as they invite you into their community with a traditional 'Welcome to Country'
  • The Mary River Wetlands feature a wealth of wildlife, including the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the southern hemisphere. Get up close to the snappy beasts on a billabong cruise
  • Discover the wonders of Kakadu National Park on a boat trip through the spectacular Twin Falls gorge, and hike to the base of Jim Jim Falls
  • Two interactive Indigenous experiences, one in Kakadu and one in Arnhem Land delivered by local Indigenous guides

 

Day 1 : Darwin to Arnhem Land
Welcome to Darwin, the Northern Territory’s tropical capital. There’s no time to waste, so get cracking at 6.50 am and hit the road to Wulna Country, where your Limilngan-Wulna hosts – the land’s Traditional Owners – will greet you with a Cul Cul or ‘Welcome to Country’. Learn about their culture during bush tucker talks and didgeridoo and basket weaving demonstrations. Continue to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land for a Guluyumbi cruise along the East Alligator River with a Bininj guide. Learn about the cultural importance of the East Alligator River to the Bininj people and take in the tranquillity and rugged beauty. Back on land, jump in a private vehicle and drive to Arnhem Land’s Mawurndaddja. This sacred complex (only recently opened to visitors) has a spectacular series of rock art that research indicates is over 50,000 years old. Spend the afternoon exploring this atmospheric site and learning about its history from your guide. Head to Kakadu for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Permanent twin share tent (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time: about 6 hours (approximately 350 km) Total walking time: about 1.5 hours (including stops for informative talks)
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 : Kakadu National Park
After fuelling up with an early breakfast, it's on to Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu's most iconic natural attraction. It’s a challenging walk through monsoon forest and over boulders. Recharge with a cooling dip in the clear waters beneath the falls upon arrival, or simply soak up the spectacular scenery while relaxing on the beach. After lunch head to Anbangbang and discover ancient rock art. Originally Warramal clan land, who have now passed away, Anbangbang is now looked after by neighbouring Mirarr and Djok clans. Consider taking a scenic flight over Kakadu in the afternoon, or visit Bowli Cultural Centre.

Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Total driving time: about 4 hours (approximately 120 km). Total walking time: about 2.5
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 : Kakadu National Park
After breakfast, head to either Gunlom Falls or Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) for a swim in another pristine waterhole. Maguk flows down the steep walls of rugged gorge into a beautiful natural plunge pool, while the steep climb to the Gunlom Falls plunge pool is rewarded with sweeping views of Kakadu and the welcome shade of gum trees. Neither option will disappoint. After a relaxing morning, it’s time to hit the road. Stop in the old gold-mining town of Pine Creek for lunch before continuing for another 3 hours to your private campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before settling in under the stars for the night.

Accommodation: Permanent twin share tent (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time: about 5.5 hours (approximately 340 km). Total walking time: about 1.5 hours
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 : Nitmiluk National Park
Spend the day exploring the deep Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and greater Nitmiluk National Park, a wonderland of colours, ancient rock art, waterfalls and wildlife. While here, you can explore on foot or choose to take a cruise or rental a kayak to get a closer look. Keep in mind that these optional activities are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, travel to Edith Falls, a hidden oasis of clear, cool waters surrounded by bronze boulders. After a quick swim in the huge rock pools, continue to tonight’s camp located at the edge of Litchfield National Park, where dinner awaits.

Accommodation: Permanent twin share tent (shared facilities)
Note: Total driving time: about 4.5 hours (approximately 350 km). Total walking time: about 3.5 hours
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 : Litchfield National Park to Darwin
After breakfast, head to Litchfield National Park. A bit of a local secret, Litchfield is awash with tropical rainforest, gorgeous waterfalls and crystal-clear waterholes. Visit Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Bluey Rockholes, then tuck into a picnic lunch. Enjoy a stroll through the steamy rainforests and refreshing dip in one of the park’s gorgeous swimming holes. In the afternoon, make the 2-hour drive back to Darwin.

Note: Total driving time: about 3.5 hours (approximately 250 km) . Total walking time: about 1 hour
Meals :Lunch

Departure location : Select Darwin accommodation from 6:30am. Default pick up The Cavenagh Hotel (12 Cavenagh St) between 6.30-7.15am.

Select Tuesday departures from April to September

Arrival location : Darwin accommodation early evening day 5.

 

A sleeping bag is required for this tour. You can bring your own or purchase one from Adventure Tours for AUD $50