Autopia Tours Kakadu, Katherine Gorge & Litchfield - 4WD Swag Adventure Tour

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Five days by 4WD through the Top End's Kakadu, Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) and Litchfield National Parks. Sleep in a bush single swag under the stars, a canvas-covered bedroll with a camp mattress, or in a permanent eco tent, depending on the option you choose.

Days

5 days, 4 nights

Age

8 and over

Group size

Small group, max 21

Start / finish

Darwin / Darwin

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

4 nights in a bush swag or a permanent eco tent at private campsites (2 in Kakadu, 2 in Katherine), shared bathrooms

Transport

Air-conditioned 4WD bus with an outback driver-guide, Darwin city pick-up

Meals

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners, cooked together at camp

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Kakadu, Katherine Gorge & Litchfield - 4WD Swag Adventure Tour

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Included experiences

Kakadu — Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr rock art
Mary River wetlands — wildlife cruise
Cahills Crossing — crocodile spotting
Nitmiluk — 2 hour Katherine Gorge cruise
Litchfield — Florence Falls, Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls
Litchfield — magnetic termite mounds

Autopia Tours Kakadu, Katherine Gorge & Litchfield - 4WD Swag Adventure Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: DARWIN TO KAKADU AND UBIRR

You leave Darwin in the morning and head east across the wetlands of the Top End, where your guide watches the floodplains for jabiru, magpie geese and crocodiles. Inside Kakadu National Park, nearly 20,000 square kilometres and World Heritage-listed since 1981, the first stop is the Bowali Visitor Centre, a long, low building designed by Glenn Murcutt with Troppo Architects. After settling into camp near Jabiru, you drive north-east to Cahills Crossing on the East Alligator River, a tidal causeway into Arnhem Land where crocodiles wait for fish on the rising tide. The day ends at Ubirr, climbing to the lookout for rock art and sunset over the Nadab Floodplain. Your included billabong wetlands cruise fits into the trip where seasons and water levels allow.

Overnight: Private campsite near Jabiru (safari tent or bush swag)

DAY 2: KAKADU'S WATERFALLS AND PLUNGE POOLS

An early start takes you south through Kakadu, with at least 40 km of 4WD track each way. Which waterfall you reach depends on the season, the roads and the group's fitness: Jim Jim Falls, which drops more than 200 metres off the escarpment in the wet, Gunlom Falls with its natural infinity pool on the cliff top, Motor Car Falls or Moline Rockhole. Walks run 1.5 to 4 km over rock and through monsoon forest, and the reward is a swim in a plunge pool under the falls. Time permitting, you call at the Warradjan Cultural Centre, built in the shape of the pig-nosed turtle it is named after. Prefer to see it from the air? A scenic flight can be booked at extra cost.

Overnight: Private campsite near Jabiru (safari tent or bush swag)

DAY 3: BURRUNGKUY, MAGUK AND ON TO KATHERINE

This morning is for the rock art of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), where the painting of Namarrgon, the Lightning Man, crackles with the storms he brings each wet season. People have sheltered under these overhangs for around 20,000 years. From the Kunwarddewardde Lookout you see the escarpment stretching away, and when time allows the guide adds Nawurlandja Lookout and Anbangbang Billabong. Lunch is a picnic at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), then a 2 km walk over boulders to a deep, clear pool under the falls for a swim. In the afternoon you leave Kakadu on 4WD tracks and run south to Katherine. Feeling flush? A helicopter flight over Katherine Gorge can fill the free evening.

Overnight: Private campsite at Katherine (safari tent or bush swag)

DAY 4: NITMILUK AND EDITH FALLS

Up early for Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), owned by the Jawoyn people since 1989 and run jointly with the parks service. The gorge is really 13 gorges in a chain, cut by the Katherine River through sandstone 1,650 million years old. Your 2 hour cruise slides between red walls that rise about 70 metres from the water, with freshwater crocodiles sunning on the banks. From there you drive north to Leliyn (Edith Falls) for a picnic lunch and a swim in the big plunge pool at the base. Want more? A steep track climbs to the upper pools, quieter and well worth the effort. Back at camp it's sunset, dinner and a sky full of stars.

Overnight: Private campsite at Katherine (safari tent or bush swag)

DAY 5: LITCHFIELD AND BACK TO DARWIN

The last day heads north into Litchfield National Park. First stop is the field of magnetic termite mounds, flat grey slabs up to 2 metres tall, all built facing north and south so the midday sun hits only the narrow edges. Then it's swimming: Buley Rockholes, a staircase of small pools linked by little cascades, or Wangi Falls, twin falls pouring into a wide pool ringed by monsoon forest. You also call at Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls, whose caves shelter rare ghost bats and orange horseshoe bats. After a last lunch in the park, you drive back to Darwin in the late afternoon.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up points. Be ready at least 10 minutes before pick-up.
Minimum age: Not suitable for children 7 and under. Children 8 to 17 must be with an adult or guardian at all times.
Fitness: Moderate to advanced. Walks are 2 to 4km a day, often over steep rocky ground in direct sun and high humidity, about 9 to 11km in total. Over 75s need a doctor's certificate at least 30 days before travel. Not suitable for travellers using wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers.
Dietary needs: Give any dietary needs when booking — options are limited once the tour leaves. Those with special diets should bring snacks.
Please note: Luggage is one 15kg bag and one 5kg day bag; store large suitcases at your hotel. Guests help with lunch preparation and loading luggage. The tour goes ahead in rain unless the operator contacts you, and sites can close for cultural reasons.

What to bring

3L refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Beach and shower towel, toiletries
Swimwear and thongs
Comfortable sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
All-weather clothing
15kg overnight bag and small day pack
Tropical strength insect repellent
Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
Personal first aid kit and medicine
Torch or headlamp
Your own sleeping bag and pillow (optional)
Power bank — power is limited
Money for snacks and meals
Camera

What is included

4 nights at permanent eco-style tented campsites (2 in Kakadu, 2 in Katherine), sleeping in a bush swag or an eco tent, depending on the option you choose
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners (guest participation)
Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
Billabong wetlands river cruise
Kakadu Pass and national park entry fees
Guided bush walks (up to 3km a day, grade 2 to 4)
Accredited outback driver-guide with local commentary
Air-conditioned 4WD off-road bus
Pick-up and drop-off at selected Darwin inner-city points
With the swag option: Australian bush swag, a canvas-covered bedroll
With the eco tent option: top and fitted sheets, mattress, pillow and case

Not included

Sleeping bag hire, $40 including cleaning — or bring your own
Meals not shown on the itinerary
Hotel transfers to the nominated pick-up point
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal spending money

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

4.3

Based on 3 reviews

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.

(4/5)

Beautiful scenery, fascinating Aboriginal culture and a great group. Our guide Jay was terrific, kind and enthusiastic. The food could have been better, and heading back to Darwin at the end of day four added a lot of driving.

Philippe Verified· Travelled 13th September 2022

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(4/5)

Our guide Jay was excellent and the vehicle comfortable, but some accommodation was poor, with only two toilet and shower rooms for ten people. The last night's hotel in Darwin was very nice.

elliot Verified· Travelled 3rd August 2022

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(5/5)

Very well organised, and we loved Kakadu. The information on places, rock art and culture was excellent, and everyone was well looked after on this memorable trip through Kakadu and Litchfield.

Kayelene Verified· Travelled 14th June 2022

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