Wildlife Tours Australia Kakadu Litchfield Top End Camping Adventure - Tent

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A 3 day camping trip from Darwin through the heart of the Top End, where Kakadu and Litchfield national parks offer big landscapes, rich culture and wildlife encounters.

Days

3 days, 2 nights

Age

8+; under 18s with an adult

Group size

Max 21

Start / finish

Darwin / Darwin

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

2 nights in safari-style permanent tents at a Kakadu campsite, shared bathrooms

Transport

Air-conditioned 4WD off-road bus with a driver-guide, from a Darwin inner-city pick-up point

Meals

2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners, with guests helping to prepare

Route

Map of Wildlife Tours Australia Kakadu Litchfield Top End Camping Adventure - Tent

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Included experiences

Mary River Wetlands — wildlife cruise
Ubirr — rock art and sunset over the floodplains
Cahills Crossing — crocodile spotting
Jim Jim Falls or Maguk — swimming, seasonal
Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) — rock art walk
Litchfield National Park — Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls
Magnetic termite mounds

Wildlife Tours Australia Kakadu Litchfield Top End Camping Adventure - Tent

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: DARWIN TO KAKADU AND UBIRR

An early pick-up in Darwin, then east into the wetlands for a wildlife cruise on the Mary River system at Corroboree Billabong, an area with one of the highest densities of saltwater crocodiles in the world. In Kakadu National Park, World Heritage-listed since 1981, you stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre, designed by the architect Glenn Murcutt, then settle in at camp. Later you drive north to Cahills Crossing on the East Alligator River, where crocodiles wait at the causeway for fish on the tide (season permitting). At Ubirr your guide walks you past rock paintings of fish, turtles and spirits, then you climb to watch the sun set over the Nadab floodplain. Dinner is cooked together back at camp.

Overnight: Kakadu, near Jabiru (safari tent at a private campsite)

DAY 2: KAKADU'S WATERFALLS AND PLUNGE POOLS

An early start south through the park, with walks through monsoon rainforest to waterfalls and plunge pools. Your guide picks the falls on the day by conditions and the group. Usually it's Jim Jim Falls, which drops about 200 metres off the escarpment and often slows to a trickle late in the dry season, or Twin Falls, reached by a short boat shuttle up the gorge. The other choices are Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), a deep pool below a small waterfall, or Motor Car Falls on the Yurmikmik walks. If there's time you also visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), where people sheltered for some 20,000 years and Namarrgon, the Lightning Man, is painted on the rock. Then it's back to camp for a hot dinner.

Overnight: Kakadu, near Jabiru (safari tent at a private campsite)

DAY 3: PINE CREEK, LITCHFIELD AND BACK TO DARWIN

Today you leave Kakadu to the south through Pine Creek, a little town that grew from the gold found here in 1871 by workers building the Overland Telegraph. There's a break by the Adelaide River, home to the Territory's largest Second World War cemetery, then it's into Litchfield National Park for an afternoon swim at Buley Rockhole, a chain of rock pools on Florence Creek, Wangi Falls, where two falls pour into one big pool, or Florence Falls, twin falls in a monsoon forest gorge. Last come the termite mounds. The magnetic mounds all face north to south to keep cool, and the cathedral mounds stand up to five metres tall. You're back at your Darwin accommodation in the early evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: A selected Darwin inner-city pick-up and drop-off point; make your own way there.
Minimum age: Not suitable for children aged 7 and under. Children 8 to 17 must be with an adult or legal guardian at all times.
Fitness: Moderate to advanced. Expect daily walks of 2 to 4 km, often over steep, rocky ground in sun and high humidity, plus one longer 9.5 km walk; the guide adjusts the pace for safety. Travellers over 75 need a doctor's certificate submitted at least 30 days before departure.
Suits: Not suitable for travellers with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers.
Dietary needs: Tell us about dietary needs, allergies and medical conditions when booking; options are limited once in remote areas, so bring snacks if your diet is special.
Please note: Luggage is limited to one 15 kg bag and one 5 kg day bag; larger luggage stays at your hotel. Guests help with lunch preparation and loading bags. Itineraries can change with the weather, cultural closures or swimming hole access.

What to bring

3 litre refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Quick-dry towel and toiletries
Swimwear and comfortable shoes
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
All-weather clothing, from intense heat to chilly nights
A 10–15 kg overnight bag and a small day pack
Tropical-strength insect repellent
Mosquito or fly net in the summer months
Torch or headlamp
Travel first aid kit
Rechargeable power bank
Money for snacks and meals
Camera

What is included

2 nights in a safari-style tented campsite in Kakadu
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners (guests help out)
Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
Corroboree Billabong wetland cruise
Kakadu pass and national park entry fees
Guided bush walks (up to 3 km, grade 2 to 6)
Accredited outback driver-guide with local commentary
Air-conditioned 4WD off-road bus
Pick-up and drop-off at a selected Darwin inner-city point
Sheets, mattress, pillow and pillowcase in the safari tent

Not included

Sleeping bag — hire one for $40 (includes cleaning) or bring your own
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Hotel transfers before and after the tour
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Spending money for snacks, drinks and souvenirs

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.