Adventure Tours Kakadu Tour with Katherine and Litchfield

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A 4 day small group trip from Darwin through Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield, at a relaxed pace for those who want to see the Top End without strenuous walks.

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Age

8 and over

Group size

Small group, 5 to 16

Start / finish

Darwin / Darwin
Central Darwin accommodation, around 4:00pm on day 4

Return

Central Darwin accommodation, around 4:00pm on day 4

Accommodation

3 nights in powered camps, permanent twin-share tents
Shared facilities

Transport

All-terrain 4WD bus with a guide, Darwin accommodation pick-up

Meals

3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners

Route

Map of Adventure Tours Kakadu Tour with Katherine and Litchfield

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Included experiences

Corroboree Billabong — Mary River wetlands cruise
Cahill's Crossing — crocodile spotting
Ubirr — Aboriginal rock art
Maguk and Moline Rockhole — swimming
Katherine Gorge — two-gorge cruise
Edith Falls — swimming
Litchfield National Park — Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Buley Rockholes

Adventure Tours (ATA) Kakadu Tour with Katherine and Litchfield

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: DARWIN TO THE MARY RIVER AND UBIRR

An early pick-up in Darwin, then east on the Arnhem Highway over the Adelaide River, famous for the crocodiles that leap for meat on its jumping-croc cruises. At Corroboree Billabong on the Mary River wetlands you board an hour-long cruise; the Mary is said to hold one of the densest saltwater crocodile populations on earth, and the lily-covered water is full of egrets, jabirus and whistling ducks. Next stop is Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River, a causeway where big crocodiles wait for fish as the tide pours over. The day ends at Ubirr, where x-ray paintings of fish and turtles cover the rock, then a short climb gives a view across the Nadab Floodplain into Arnhem Land.

Overnight: Jabiru (powered permanent tent)

DAY 2: SOUTHERN KAKADU TO KATHERINE

Today heads into the quieter south of Kakadu National Park, World Heritage-listed since 1981. A walk of about 1 km through monsoon forest leads to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), a deep plunge pool under red cliffs, for a swim. A short woodland walk climbs to Bukbukluk Lookout, looking out over the stony hills of Jawoyn country in the park's south. At Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole), a waterfall-fed pool on the edge of the escarpment, there's another chance to swim. Then you leave Kakadu behind and drive south towards Nitmiluk National Park, arriving in time to watch the sun go down over the Katherine River.

Overnight: Katherine (powered permanent tent)

DAY 3: KATHERINE GORGE AND EDITH FALLS

This morning is a two-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge, really thirteen gorges the Katherine River has cut through sandstone. You change boats at a rock bar between the first two, and the walls rise higher with every bend. The park belongs to the Jawoyn people, who received it back in 1989. Prefer your feet? You can walk the gorge rim instead. After passing through Katherine, it's a swim and picnic at Edith Falls (Leliyn), with an optional climb to the upper pools. Then you head north up the Stuart Highway through Pine Creek, a gold-rush town of the 1870s, to camp on the edge of Litchfield National Park.

Overnight: Litchfield (powered permanent tent)

DAY 4: LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK TO DARWIN

Litchfield's waterholes are croc-free swimming most of the year, and you get several. First your guide shows you the magnetic termite mounds, flat grey slabs all lined up north to south so the sun warms them evenly and never cooks them at noon. Buley Rockhole is a chain of cascading pools you can lie in like bathtubs. At Florence Falls twin waterfalls pour into a deep pool ringed by monsoon forest. Wangi Falls has the biggest pool of all. If a pool is closed for safety, your guide swaps in another. You're back in Darwin around 4pm, in good time for Mindil Beach Sunset Market, where food stalls line the sand on Thursday and Sunday evenings in the dry season.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from selected Darwin accommodation. The default pick-up point is The Cavenagh Hotel, 12 Cavenagh Street. If you are staying elsewhere, confirm your pick-up location at least one week before departure.
Departure time: Day 1 from about 6:30am. From May to September, the tour leaves on Thursdays.
Finishes: Central Darwin accommodation on day 4, at around 4:00pm. Book onward travel from Darwin for the following day.
Minimum age: Not suitable for children aged 7 and under.
Fitness: An average level of fitness (3 out of 5).
Dietary needs: Tell the operator about dietary needs or allergies when booking; food is bought before the tour and requests can't be met once it starts. Meals are basic but plentiful, with no-pork, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Bring your own staples if you need foods not listed; religious requirements can't be guaranteed.
Please note: Strict luggage limit of 10kg in a soft bag or backpack, plus a day pack; no hard suitcases. Extra luggage can be stored in Darwin. Travel insurance is compulsory for international travellers, with proof shown on day 1. The tour goes to remote areas with limited medical facilities, so give details of any medical conditions or medication when booking.

What to bring

2 litre water bottle
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection
Warm layers, and a puffer jacket for winter nights
Comfortable, closed-in hiking shoes
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Torch or headlamp
Power bank and chargers
Toiletries, insect repellent and personal medication
Day pack
Towel
Optional: sleep sheet for warmer summer nights, and ear plugs

What is included

Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
All-terrain vehicle
3 nights in powered camps with shared facilities
Corroboree Billabong cruise
Ubirr rock art
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) and Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole)
Nitmiluk two-gorge cruise
Edith Falls
Litchfield National Park: Buley Rockholes, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls
National park entry fees

Not included

Optional activities

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

“4 day camping trip captures the essence of Kakadu, Katherine…”

As a couple in our sixties we had no trouble with the tent sites or the walks on this four-day Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield camping trip. There's a fair bit of driving, but with regular breaks, clean camps and great enclosed camp kitchens. Rhett made the trip, sharing geology, wildlife and Indigenous knowledge with wit, then cooking dinner and playing guitar. Our only wish was more than an hour at Corroboree Billabong.

PursersFromOz Verified· Travelled 1st September 2026

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