Intrepid Best of Top End & Kakadu Adventure tour (Twin Share Room)

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Four days through the Top End's Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks with an Intrepid leader: waterfalls and natural pools, monsoon forest, wetland birds, a cruise on the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide, and First Nations rock art.

★ 4.3 · 242 Google reviews of Intrepid

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Age

15 and over

Group size

Small group, max 12

Start / finish

Darwin / Darwin
Darwin, around 5:30pm on day 4

Return

Darwin, around 5:30pm on day 4

Accommodation

Hotels, 3 nights, twin share
Single supplement available

Transport

Private vehicle with an Intrepid leader

Meals

1 breakfast, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Included experiences

Litchfield National Park — Magnetic Termite Mounds
Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole — swimming
Wangi Falls — loop walk or swim in the natural pool
Mamukala Wetlands — wetland birds
Ubirr — rock art cultural walk
East Alligator River — Guluyambi cultural cruise with an Aboriginal guide
Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) — rock art and short walks

Intrepid Best of Top End & Kakadu Adventure tour (Twin Share Room)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin

Your trip begins in Darwin (Gulumoerrgin in the language of the local Larrakia people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Darwin is now located) with a welcome meeting at 6pm.

If you arrive early, maybe visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon, a protected bay with a net that keeps crocodiles out. After the meeting, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers, before an early start tomorrow.

Day 2: Litchfield National Park and back to Darwin

This morning, travel into Litchfield National Park. Set on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to waterfalls, swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop is Litchfield's Magnetic Termite Mounds, 100-year-old natural sculptures distinctive to the northern parts of Australia.

Then it's off to Florence Falls, hidden among monsoon forest, and Buley Rockhole, where you can go for a swim while your leader prepares a picnic lunch.

After lunch, head to the Tolmer Falls lookout, and then to Wangi Falls, where you can take a short loop walk or plunge into the natural pool. Later, continue back to Darwin, where you stay tonight.

Day 3: Kakadu National Park

This morning drive towards Kakadu National Park, which covers an enormous 20,000 sq km. Along the way, stop at the Mamukala Wetlands to look for wetland birds, before continuing to Ubirr, one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where you learn more about the local First Nations history and hear stories from your leader.

This afternoon, hop aboard the Guluyambi cultural cruise up the East Alligator River (despite the name, there are no alligators; this is crocodile country). As you float along the river, an Aboriginal guide tells of the cultural significance of the landscape and the plants and animals that live here.

Later, travel to your accommodation in Kakadu. Tonight, join your group for dinner to celebrate the last night of your trip.

Day 4: Kakadu National Park to Darwin

Your final morning starts with breakfast, followed by a drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. Set off on one of the short walks, each offering a different view of the wildlife, art and natural features of the area.

Next, visit the local cultural centre and, depending on the time of day, you may be able to join a weaving or damper-making class. You also have the option of an Indigenous-owned cruise on Yellow Water Billabong (at own expense).

After lunch, drive back to Darwin, where the trip finishes at around 5:30pm.

Good to know

Meeting point: Welcome meeting at 6pm on day 1 at the joining point hotel in Darwin.
Finishes: Darwin, at the finish point hotel, on day 4. Accommodation is not included that night but can be booked on request.
Minimum age: 15.
Fitness: Moderate. Some days involve many hours of driving through very remote areas.
Accommodation note: Twin share rooms. A single supplement can be booked if you'd prefer not to share, subject to availability.
Please note: Sunrise and sunset times and weather vary through the year, so the order of activities may change. On occasion the First Nations experiences may not be available if guides have other cultural commitments, in which case alternative activities are included.

What to bring

Sunscreen
Hat
Water bottle
Small backpack
Clothing for very hot days and warm clothing for the evenings

What is included

1 breakfast, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Hotel accommodation, 3 nights
Intrepid leader and private vehicle
Litchfield National Park: Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, Florence Falls and the Termite Mounds
Kakadu National Park: Guluyambi cultural cruise on the East Alligator River
Kakadu National Park: Ubirr rock art cultural walk
Kakadu National Park: Mamukala Wetlands
Kakadu National Park: Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site

Not included

Yellow Water Billabong cruise (optional, at own expense)

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

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.