Real bush camping in swags or tents, around the campfire, under the stars. Over 5 incredible days, we explore the vast and spectacular Kakadu National Park, one of Australia’s most iconic wilderness areas.
This is a true outback adventure — filled with waterfalls, hiking, swimming in pristine natural pools, and nights spent under a sky full of stars. Along the way, you’ll experience the raw beauty of Kakadu while spotting wildlife that thrives in this region, including crocodiles, birdlife and more.
We visit some of the park’s most famous and breathtaking locations including Jim Jim Falls, Ubirr Aboriginal Art Sites, and Barramundi Gorge, along with a range of lesser-known spots that make this journey truly unforgettable.
Days
- 5 days, 4 nights
Group size
- Max 16
Start / finish
- Darwin / Darwin
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 4 nights bush camping at a private safari camp, with all camping equipment provided.
Transport
- A Toyota 4WD Troopy with a guide, picking up from your nominated Darwin accommodation between 8 and 8:30am. Recommended for ages 12 to 60.
Meals
- Four breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners, with vegetarians catered for.
Route
Included experiences
- Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) — a permit-access area limited to 40 visitors a day, given by the traditional owners
- Koolpin Gorge — a full day of wilderness walking to some of the park's best rock pools and waterfalls
- The Jawoyn story of Jarrangbarnmi, of Bula and of Bolung the Rainbow Serpent in the plunge pools
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) — a 1km hike through paperbark forest to a pool full of black bream and barramundi
- Gunlom Falls — the hike in the southern end of Kakadu
- Yellow Water Cruise
- Motor Car Falls and the Yurmikmik region — plunge pools and walks in southern Kakadu
- Old Goodparla Homestead — one of the first cattle stations here before Kakadu was declared
- Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole) on the final morning
- East Alligator River — the tidal reach, with a chance of crocodiles
Reviews
4.9
Based on 53 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 53 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the knowledgeable, safe and personable guides, along with the breathtaking scenery, remote swimming holes and waterfalls, and the well-organised camp life and filling meals. Many highlight Koolpin Gorge and the ability to reach exclusive, permit-only locations by 4WD where groups were often the only visitors, as well as the friendly fellow travellers and evenings around the campfire. Several note that the tour is physically demanding, involving rock-scrambling, boulder-hopping, creek crossings and short but challenging hikes in hot weather, and suggest a good level of fitness and balance is needed. The most common caveats concern the vehicle, which some found cramped, loud, tired or uncomfortable, while a few mention basic breakfasts, a wish for more native ingredients, and isolated reports of unexpected changes such as closed sights, broken tents or a camp without running water. Some also felt the physical requirements and itinerary details should be made clearer in advance.
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.
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.
Rhett is a super-chill guide who made our five-day Kakadu tour a blast — open, sharing of himself, and creating a safe environment where we felt looked after without ever being rushed. He also puts on a great show, playing guitar and harmonica around the campfire, and he's very knowledgeable about Aboriginal culture and history, having passed an accreditation at Darwin uni, which paid off especially at Ubirr. The weather meant Jim Jim Falls was off the menu, but Koolpin Gorge was absolutely amazing — remote enough that we had the whole day to ourselves, with epic swims and rock scrambles. Camping by Gunlom Falls was incredible, with lovely little pools to swim in up top, and the sunset cruise on the billabong was a wow. As an adventure experience, this is five out of five. A couple of tips for future travellers: double-check that dietary requirements are properly noted, you can bring hand-luggage-sized bags plus a day pack, and anyone over about 180 cm might want to sort out their own sleeping bag (or try a swag). Rhett's Kakadu adventure is worth every penny.
Rhett was a fun tour guide — informative, patient and a good cook! Thanks for making the five days a great experience. Koolpin was definitely a highlight, and our small group got along well.
“Best way to experience Kakadu.”
Nate was a terrific, thoughtful guide, and Rhett is full of knowledge and clearly loves the social side of the job. Being able to reach the more difficult, restricted and spectacular places really enhanced the experience. I'd recommend this to anyone prepared to rough it a little who wants a deeper feel of Kakadu. Thanks Jeff and Miranda.
“Magical Kakadu”
Just finished the 5 Day Kakadu & Koolpin 4WD safari and had the most fantastic time. The scenery is spectacular, with lots of waterfalls and refreshing waterholes to beat the heat, amazing gorges and fascinating Aboriginal rock paintings. Our guides Nathan and Rhett were both so knowledgeable and looked after us well, with simple but tasty meals and plenty of snacks. Accommodation was a mix of comfortable safari tents and swags — lovely going to sleep under the stars. Evenings were spent around the campfire with Rhett's guitar and singing, plus a star-viewing session. A truly wonderful, unforgettable five days — can't recommend this company enough.
Thoroughly enjoyed the 5 Day Koolpin trip. The whole experience ran smoothly and our guide Mishka was wonderful — couldn't fault him. It's no walk in the park, though: if you're happy to clamber over boulders, rock-scramble, pitch in and handle some very bumpy 4WDing, you'll be well rewarded.
“Great experience”
I recommend this tour to everyone who wants to discover more of Kakadu! Special thanks to Mishka, our enthusiastic and interesting guide! The drives through the bush and the walks were outstanding.
Did the 5-day 4WD Kakadu and Koolpin tour, and our guide Mishka was great — the perfect mix of energetic, friendly and easy-going with a touch of crazy. If you get him, you won't be disappointed. A great off-the-beaten-track tour with stunning scenery and plenty of rock-hopping hikes, thoroughly enjoyable with a great bunch of people.
“Physically demanding but so worth the effort.”
So glad I did this trip — breathtaking scenery and the chance to swim in a new rock pool every day. Our guide Mishka was knowledgeable, patient and funny, and gave me the confidence to manage hikes I wouldn't have attempted alone. The hikes are challenging and need a good level of fitness and balance. Camps are great, with clean amenities including hot showers and flushing toilets. A fun group made it even better. Highly recommend.
Mishka was just the most amazing guide you could want — keeping us safe through difficult terrain while making it so much fun. He took us on the adventure of a lifetime, had me climbing things I never thought I could, and looked out for everyone the whole way. Wonderful.
Highly recommend the 5-day Kakadu/Koolpin tour, which I finished in the dry season at the end of July. Our guide Mish was a legend — knowledgeable, passionate, respectful, safe and accommodating. The hikes are relatively short but involve scrambling over rocks and steep climbs, all worth it for picturesque views, waterfalls and swim spots; it suits those who are physically fit. The bus was comfortable and air-conditioned, the campsites secluded or quiet with clean facilities and hot showers, and the food well organised, with a shout-out to the quality steaks.
“Koolpin 5 day Tour in Kakadu is a great combination of activity”
This was a great itinerary for exploring Kakadu. Our guide, Mishka, was outstanding in facilitating this adventure with his knowledge of Aboriginal culture, history, geography, flora, fauna, etc. He was easy to approach with questions and requests and provided a good combination of trekking, walking, info sessions, rock scrambling and plunge pools! The Yellow Sea cruise was a highlight. Camp life was comfortable and enhanced by full moon lighting. In all aspects, a great tour.
“10/10!!”
I had the most amazing time on this tour would recommend to anyone! The scenes were unreal and the accommodation and food was also amazing! Nate was such a great tour guide, thankyou!!
“Best trip and tour guide”
This tour was amazing, we all had the best few days. Nate was a fab guide, making sure we all got the most out of this experience and was very helpful. We met some lovely people and had so much fun together. I would really recommend this tour, we have loads of great memories and stories to tell now!
“Unreal time and Nate was the best”
Nate was the best guide, he made sure to look after everyone so well. His knowledge was amazing and it made us feel so comfortable and safe. He went out of our way to help us. Great memories made for life, definitely recommend. The scenery is unreal!
“Unreal”
The tour was amazing! Nate our tour guide was so accommodating, helpful, and overall just really lovely! The camping was so fun and met so many amazing people. I would recommend to everyone - no experience like it. Unreal views.
“A great tour”
My 17 year old daughter and I were on the 5-day Kakadu/Koolpin gorge tour in early July. Dan was an excellent and informed guide, and I have no reservations recommending this tour. Jim Jim falls was not open during our tour and we never got to Gunlom falls. Our tour was:
Day 1: Ubirr
Day 2: Warandjan Cultural Centre, Nawurlundja Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), the Cooinda Lodge, and the Yellow River Cruise
Day 3: Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) and Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole)
Day 4: Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)
Day 5: Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Koolpin Gorge was the highlight of this tour and is sufficient reason to select this tour over others that don’t visit this gorge. The views and swimholes at Koolpin were iconic and spectacular. Our group of 11 were the only people there that day.
Days 1 and 2 were smoking hot, and Dan did a good job explaining the rock art to us, which would not have been nearly as interesting without his commentary. We camped at the Mardukal Campground. This was set-up with a communal kitchen tent, several permanent screened buildings with bunk beds, and several portable tents. The campground had a nice central bathroom/shower facility with hot water and flush toilets. We were lucky and there were few mosquitoes, so we enjoyed the evening around the fire.
On Days 3 and 4 we camped at the Moline Golf Course. This was a bit of a surprise as the Mary River Roadhouse is listed as the camp location on the itinerary, but it’s been closed for quite a while. The Moline Golf Course is outside the park but has its own interesting quirks including the outdoor showers, a resident bull, and has good cooking facilities and flush toilets. We slept on bedrolls in portable tents.
Breakfast supplies were provided and we looked after ourselves in the mornings – except for making coffee which was Dan’s specialty. Breakfast was typically cereal and toast with the option to cook bacon if you felt like cleaning the pan. Lunch was typically sandwiches and vegetables/fruit. Supper changed daily and was stir fry, pasta, and steaks/sausages. The food was good and filling. Dan would typically prepare lunch and supper with help from the guests prepping vegetables and washing up.
The tour was excellent, and my 17 year old daughter who was hesitant to go camping with old dad had a great time. The people on the tour were all pleasant, ranging in age from 17 to ~65. The hikes were challenging, and you should be prepared for multiple short hikes in hot weather on rocky terrain with moderate exposure, creek crossings where you hop from rock to rock, as well as be willing to swim in the wonderous waterholes and sit under waterfalls surrounded by spiders!
“A wonderful adventure”
We did the 3 day Kakadu accommodated tour.
This tour was everything we hoped for with a great mix of lookouts, gorges, swimming and local knowledge all delivered by our guide and driver Adam. Adams local knowledge was very extensive and he certainly made the tour interesting. We had a great group and the accommodations and food were excellent. The only negative would be the bus - although it did the job it needed to do, it was very tired and at times uncomfortable and does need a little TLC. Saying that I would certainly travel with them again.
“Topnotch”
Elliot is a brilliant tour leader. Knowledge and passion about his work shone through as he made sure we were left with unforgetable education and insights. The 4wd vehicle needs updating as its quite loud inside and could be more comfortable - a small price to pay for all we did and saw. Despite some sights being closed we saw and were explained rock paintings from 3 sites. I hope to do Kakadu again one day, I'll pick the same tour and Elliot!
“4 night, 5 day Kakadu tour with Dan”
We had a brilliant time at Kakadu. Dan was incredibly knowledgeable about the local culture and environment. We loved the 4wd, hike & swim formula of the trip, exploring the wild places of Kakadu we wouldn’t have been able to reach without the 4wd and wouldn’t have felt confident swimming and hiking through without Dan. A great group, hilarious adventure and we have a lot of respect for the old tail propulsion crocodiles in Kakadu. The meals were tasty and filling, however it would have been nice to see more use of native ingredients. Would highly recommend this trip. Can recommend the outdoor shower and loo with a view on the final two nights of the tour! Rach & Di
“Kakadu/Koolpin 5 day 4WD Safari with Nate”
Every experience was a highlight on this 5 day camping tour of Kakadu. This tour of 12 was fortunate to have an experienced guide, Nate looking after us. He shared his passion & knowledge of the country, people & culture in a relaxed friendly manner. We visited amazing places only accessible via 4WD & we always felt safe with Nate's driving abilities. At a couple of the water holes, we were the only people there! What a privlege! Thank you to Anthony, who owns & established this tour co, for his continued long standing friendships with Traditional Owners to arrange access to these permit only locations. The accommodation varied from a night in a bed (unexpected but appreciated) to sleeping in dome tents. A few of the group chose to sleep in swags (supplied on request) under the stars. (Tip. Bring an insect net) We loved everything about this tour as everyone helped each other, from scrambling over rocks to collecting firewood & cooking. We came home with so many happy memories, an enriched understanding of Indigenous Culture as well as 11 new friends. Highly recommend you do this 5 day tour if you have the time. We're looking at coming back in the wet season & having toured with other companies in NT, we wouldn't look at anyone else but Territory Expeditions
“Fantastic tour”
5 day Kakadu tour with our guide Nate was fantastic. Went to some fantastic spots and it was amazing we could go to more exclusive spots that the company has special permission to see. It wasn’t too rushed to fit it all in and the camp sites were great. I would highly recommend it
“5 days Kakadu/ Koolpin”
I did the 5 days / 4-night Kakadu - Koolpin tour and I have mixed feelings about it. absolutely - you can't go wrong choosing a holiday in NT - it's an amazing outback place. Our group was easy going bunch of people which helped to overcome some unexpected events.
In my opinion Territory Expedition failed the information about this tour. the poor management left our group in the camp without running water and two broken tents. The tents are not suitable for twin share - I was only a single woman and was in the situation to share this tiny tent with the male member of the group - would say slightly inappropriate. Anyway, the option to sleep in the swag solved the situation.
I rate the tour very good - We had an extraordinary guide and saw breathtaking places.
“Kakadu at its finest.”
We did the 5 day Kakadu/Koolpin tour. Great tour, great company and a fantastic guide. Dan had so much knowledge to impart and made our trip really special. I am not usually one that likes a tent but it was so easy on this tour. The rock art was incredible, the waterfalls and swimming holes, sitting around the campfire, the old homestead and the stars at night - just terrific. Don't expect 5 star accomodation - it is a tent. Do expect walks over boulders, making your own lunch with lovely fresh ingredients each day, good company, fantastic swims in remote places and great conversation around the fire at night after a great but simple dinner. We enjoyed Dan's company so much we invited him to dinner with us all in Darwin at the end of the tour. Highly recommneded - especially if you get Dan as the guide.
“Kakadu&Litchfield 4WD Tour”
We went on the 3 day 2 night tour of Kakadu and Litchfield! A truly superb time with a great group of travelers from all over! A great group that had an exceptional Tour Guide - Nate. Informative, respectful of the traditional custodians and great craic! A real life highlight and would thoroughly recommend for anyone looking to get a good break in!
“A great tour”
My 17 year old daughter and I were on the 5-day Kakadu/Koolpin gorge tour in early July. Dan was an excellent and informed guide, and I have no reservations recommending this tour. Jim Jim falls was not open during our tour and we never got to Gunlom falls. Our tour was:
Day 1: Ubirr
Day 2: Warandjan Cultural Centre, Nawurlundja Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), the Cooinda Lodge, and the Yellow River Cruise
Day 3: Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) and Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole)
Day 4: Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)
Day 5: Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Koolpin Gorge was the highlight of this tour and is sufficient reason to select this tour over others that don’t visit this gorge. The views and swimholes at Koolpin were iconic and spectacular. Our group of 11 were the only people there that day.
“Kakadu/Koolpin 5 day 4WD Safari with Nate”
Every experience was a highlight on this 5 day camping tour of Kakadu. This tour of 12 was fortunate to have an experienced guide, Nate looking after us. He shared his passion & knowledge of the country, people & culture in a relaxed friendly manner. We visited amazing places only accessible via 4WD & we always felt safe with Nate's driving abilities. At a couple of the water holes, we were the only people there! What a privlege! Thank you to Anthony, who owns & established this tour co, for his continued long standing friendships with Traditional Owners to arrange access to these permit only locations. The accommodation varied from a night in a bed (unexpected but appreciated) to sleeping in dome tents. A few of the group chose to sleep in swags (supplied on request) under the stars. (Tip. Bring an insect net) We loved everything about this tour as everyone helped each other, from scrambling over rocks to collecting firewood & cooking. We came home with so many happy memories, an enriched understanding of Indigenous Culture as well as 11 new friends. Highly recommend you do this 5 day tour if you have the time. We're looking at coming back in the wet season & having toured with other companies in NT, we wouldn't look at anyone else but Territory Expeditions.
“Fantastic tour”
5 day Kakadu tour with our guide Nate was fantastic. Went to some fantastic spots and it was amazing we could go to more exclusive spots that the company has special permission to see. It wasn’t too rushed to fit it all in and the camp sites were great. I would highly recommend it
“4 night, 5 day Kakadu tour with Dan”
We had a brilliant time at Kakadu. Dan was incredibly knowledgeable about the local culture and environment. We loved the 4wd, hike & swim formula of the trip, exploring the wild places of Kakadu we wouldn’t have been able to reach without the 4wd and wouldn’t have felt confident swimming and hiking through without Dan. A great group, hilarious adventure and we have a lot of respect for the old tail propulsion crocodiles in Kakadu. The meals were tasty and filling, however it would have been nice to see more use of native ingredients. Would highly recommend this trip. Can recommend the outdoor shower and loo with a view on the final two nights of the tour! Rach & Di
My husband and I just completed the 5 Day Kakadu & Koolpin trip and were very pleased. Our guide Dan was a bit of a larrikin but with a wealth of knowledge. We stayed at two camping grounds well away from other groups, with the option of a tent or an enclosed bunk-bed cabin — you're going into the bush, after all. Expect to get involved in the food preparation and cleaning up; everyone pitches in. The food was varied and plentiful. The tour took us to various waterfalls and gorges — some of the 1–2 km walks are tough over rocky tracks — and the Aboriginal artwork was fascinating. Our highlight was the Yellow Waters billabong cruise, getting very close to crocodiles and birdlife. Very glad we got to travel to these remote locations, with plenty of time to relax.
“Kakadu/Koolpin 5 day 4WD Safari with Nate”
Every experience was a highlight on this 5 day camping tour of Kakadu. This tour of 12 was fortunate to have an experienced guide, Nate looking after us. He shared his passion & knowledge of the country, people & culture in a relaxed friendly manner. We visited amazing places only accessible via 4WD & we always felt safe with Nate's driving abilities. At a couple of the water holes, we were the only people there! What a privlege! Thank you to Anthony, who owns & established this tour co, for his continued long standing friendships with Traditional Owners to arrange access to these permit only locations. The accommodation varied from a night in a bed (unexpected but appreciated) to sleeping in dome tents. A few of the group chose to sleep in swags (supplied on request) under the stars. (Tip. Bring an insect net) We loved everything about this tour as everyone helped each other, from scrambling over rocks to collecting firewood & cooking. We came home with so many happy memories, an enriched understanding of Indigenous Culture as well as 11 new friends. Highly recommend you do this 5 day tour if you have the time. We're looking at coming back in the wet season & having toured with other companies in NT, we wouldn't look at anyone else but Territory Expeditions.
“Fantastic tour”
5 day Kakadu tour with our guide Nate was fantastic. Went to some fantastic spots and it was amazing we could go to more exclusive spots that the company has special permission to see. It wasn’t too rushed to fit it all in and the camp sites were great. I would highly recommend it
“Kakadu at its finest.”
We did the 5 day Kakadu/Koolpin tour. Great tour, great company and a fantastic guide. Dan had so much knowledge to impart and made our trip really special. I am not usually one that likes a tent but it was so easy on this tour. The rock art was incredible, the waterfalls and swimming holes, sitting around the campfire, the old homestead and the stars at night - just terrific. Don't expect 5 star accomodation - it is a tent. Do expect walks over boulders, making your own lunch with lovely fresh ingredients each day, good company, fantastic swims in remote places and great conversation around the fire at night after a great but simple dinner. We enjoyed Dan's company so much we invited him to dinner with us all in Darwin at the end of the tour. Highly recommneded - especially if you get Dan as the guide.
“5 days Kakadu/ Koolpin”
I did the 5 days / 4-night Kakadu - Koolpin tour and I have mixed feelings about it. absolutely - you can't go wrong choosing a holiday in NT - it's an amazing outback place. Our group was easy going bunch of people which helped to overcome some unexpected events.
In my opinion Territory Expedition failed the information about this tour. the poor management left our group in the camp without running water and two broken tents. The tents are not suitable for twin share - I was only a single woman and was in the situation to share this tiny tent with the male member of the group - would say slightly inappropriate. Anyway, the option to sleep in the swag solved the situation.
I rate the tour very good - We had an extraordinary guide and saw breathtaking places.
“You can expect fabulous views, exciting activities, great…”
Just back from the 5-day tour with Adam as our guide, and the whole experience was amazing. We were a small, friendly group of eight who looked after each other through the hiking, swimming and activities. Adam is one of the most knowledgeable, competent guides I've met, sharing Aboriginal history and fun facts about the wildlife with real passion, and he's a wonderful cook too — Chinese stir-fry, Aussie BBQ, Mexican tacos and Italian pasta over the trip. We enjoyed river cruising, hiking, rock climbing and swimming every day, and Adam took us to spots with no other tourists so we had the tracks and pools to ourselves. Plenty of wildlife too — crocodiles, buffalo and more. Fabulous views, exciting activities and a great guide. Highly recommended!
“Fantastic 5 day camping trip to Kakadu”
I was fortunate to join the 5-day camping tour of Kakadu. Our guide Russell worked tirelessly to suit the trip to our small group, was very knowledgeable about the plants and wildlife, and took us to fantastic spots that weren't overpopulated but still high on the list. I loved the scenery, the hiking and the small-group camaraderie, and felt it was great value.
“5 Day 4WD kakadu/Koolpin safari”
We had an awesome five days in Kakadu. To our surprise we travelled in a luxurious seven-seat Land Cruiser with a camp trailer, in a small group of six plus our guide Russel, who was an exceptional driver and left us feeling safe on the rough roads. We spent five days hiking and swimming in the most beautiful gorges; my husband and I are in our mid-50s and had no problem climbing over the rocks, always rewarded with a cool swim. Russel was very knowledgeable about Kakadu's birds, plants, crocs and Aboriginal art, and there was plenty of good food, including a roast dinner. Camp facilities were good with a hot shower every night. Definitely bring good hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect spray, a head-torch and a camp pillow. Well worth the money — we wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
Our family of four just returned from the 5 Day Kakadu and Koolpin Gorge trip and all I can say is wow — it exceeded expectations. Our guide Adam was amazing; everything was so well organised, and his knowledge, humour and passion for nature made the trip even more memorable. The food was great and the waterfalls and swimming holes sublime. We're not campers, but if you join expecting to be constantly dirty, with mozzies and maybe not the best night's sleep, you won't be disappointed. Thanks Adam and Territory Expeditions!
“5 Day Kakadu/Koolpin Adventure - Fantastic”
Just back from the 5 Day Kakadu & Koolpin trip with my 21-year-old nephew — what an amazing time. There was a great mix of walking (sometimes strenuous, clambering over boulders) and relaxing in the beautiful waterholes, with spectacular scenery everywhere. Our fabulous guide Russell was a walking encyclopaedia on Kakadu and also cooked the most amazing roast lamb over the campfire. One of the best trips I've been on — I'd recommend it to anyone with a moderate level of fitness and a sense of adventure.
“5 Day 4WD Kakadu/Koolpin Gorge Adventure”
Recently completed the 5 Day Kakadu & Koolpin Gorge 4WD tour with my 21-year-old son — an incredible experience into the heart of very special Kakadu. Brilliantly led by Russell, our small group of new friends had five glorious days of walking, scrambling, swimming and wildlife encounters in the most spectacular scenery. Russell's knowledge and passion were tremendous, and his patience in making sure everyone had the best experience was exemplary (his cooking wasn't bad either!). Moderate-to-good fitness is recommended, but you'll be well looked after. The exclusive entry into Koolpin Gorge was a lifetime highlight. I can't recommend this tour highly enough.
I had an amazing experience on the 5-day Kakadu tour with our guide Adam — a genuine, knowledgeable person who shared his insight into the environment and Aboriginal culture. He took us to special permit areas other groups can't access, and even further into the bush to art sites very few know about. We had a small, friendly group, and the tour offered different levels of physical activity, so some relaxed by the waterfall while others hiked further. I loved camping without a fly over the tent so I could stargaze, and the food was plentiful — my favourite was the roast cooked in a cast-iron pot over the fire. Highly recommend — I can't wait to come back to the Top End for more adventures!
“5 Day Kakadu Expedition”
The 5 Day Kakadu expedition is, without doubt, the best adventure I've ever been on — spectacular scenery, amazing waterholes and waterfall pools to swim in, and camping under the stars. It suited all age groups; I'm 21 and did it with my auntie, and we both managed the days. We even had a full roast lamb on the fire one night, so don't worry about the food. And our guide Russel was brilliant and knowledgeable about everything — and pretty funny too. Can't wait to come back and do another tour.
“Fantastic 5 day Kakadu tour”
Just returned from a 5-day private tour of Kakadu with Heath as our guide — a family trip to celebrate my 60th birthday that exceeded all expectations. Kakadu is magical, and our efforts were rewarded with stunning views, crystal-clear rock pools and plunging waterfalls. Heath is a special guide: some of our party had very specific dietary needs, and he and Anthony (who organised the tour and did the shopping) went above and beyond to accommodate them. His enthusiasm, humour and encouragement made every moment memorable, and his knowledge of wildlife, history, Indigenous culture and bushcraft is extraordinary. You need a reasonable level of fitness, so do it while you can — I have no hesitation in recommending Kakadu and Territory Expeditions.
“Kakadu At it's Best”
What an incredible five days in Kakadu. I own a 4WD and have visited Kakadu several times independently, so I took time to choose a trip that wouldn't duplicate what I'd done and would show me new areas — Territory Expeditions was the answer. Our guide Adam was easily the best guide I've had on any tour in Australia. Kakadu is vast, and to the untrained eye you can cover big distances without seeing much, but instead we'd stop to look at plants like the kapok and spot animals like the red-tailed black cockatoo. Familiar sites were enhanced — at the Ubirr rock art galleries Adam pointed out contact art I'd previously walked right past, and at Maguk he led us up the escarpment to secret pools above the waterfall. And there were new spots too: the beautiful spring-fed Moline Rockhole, and the highlight, Koolpin Gorge, a special-permit area with very limited numbers, where we hiked through amazing swimming holes without seeing another person all day. Both camps had proper toilets and hot showers, and we slept in swags under the stars inside mosquito-proof tents. The food exceeded expectations, right up to a lamb roast on the coals. If you're adventurous and want to learn about the land in both a modern and traditional sense, I doubt there's a better way to do it.
“Fabulous 4WD Safari”
Territory Expeditions' 5 Day 4WD Kakadu & Koolpin Safari is not to be missed. We had a truly extraordinary adventure through wonderful landscapes with incredible views, waterfalls and crystal-clear rock pools. Our guide Adam was the perfect host, sharing stories of Aboriginal culture and his knowledge of the land and wildlife, as well as cooking up hearty meals.
“5 days in Kakadu including Koolpin”
Five days of stunning hiking, some easy and some difficult but all worth every scrape and bruise. The food was great, the company awesome, and our guide Heath was legendary for his organisation and knowledge of the area.
“5 day Kakadu / Koolpin 4WD tour with Territory Expeditions”
Wow — such a professional operation. The initial email exchanges were prompt and informative, and once I booked I had all the information I needed. Adam was a remarkable guide with real respect for the environment and the cultures we learned about. The itinerary covered everything you'd want in Kakadu and more, with the day trip to Koolpin the absolute highlight. As a non-camping type, I found the accommodation (mozzie domes) fabulous, and both camps had ablution blocks with flushing toilets and showers — very comfortable. The food was hearty and tasty. If you want to see more than the usual highlights in Kakadu, definitely book with Territory Expeditions.
“Wow wow. Kakadu, our trip of a lifetime created and enhanced…”
I'd never slept in a swag and dreaded being stinky and using long-drop toilets — I needn't have worried. Sleeping in a swag inside a mosquito-proof dome under the beautiful Australian sky was a dream come true, and our remote campsites had hot showers and flushing toilets. Despite my age and hip issues, with hiking poles and Adam's able guidance I reached the pink pool at Koolpin Gorge and completed this five-boot (the hardest on the list) Kakadu safari. Adam personally knows many of the region's elders, giving us an understanding we couldn't have got from information boards, and his humour and dedication jelled our group. The 5 Day Kakadu & Koolpin Safari included a Corroboree Billabong cruise, Jim Jim Falls, Ubirr rock art and views over Arnhem Land, Nourlangie, Maguk, Koolpin Gorge and Gunlom Falls with its amazing infinity pool. I'd recommend this safari to anyone with good mobility and fitness — well worth the challenge. Thanks for the delicious meals, Adam!
“It was an excellent trip”
It was an excellent trip. Great scenery, interesting travel companions and an excellent tour leader. I would score it at 4.5
Cheers
“We had a wonderful time on our trip”
Thank you we had a wonderful time on our trip. Our guide Gordon did a great job with a nice balance of information and fun.
My feedback is that it was pretty squashy in the landcruiser with 8 people, it was lucky that no one was obese or quite seriously we wouldn’t have fitted in.
I also would have liked a better breakfast eg museli or weetbix. Cereal like rice bubbles and cornflakes don’t fill us up, at home my son eats 6 weetbix for breakfast so it was lucky I had brought along some extra food for him. I know there was toast but we also had sandwiches for lunch so found it a bit too much bread.
We were very happy to have some reasonable physical activity eg quite a hike at Koolpin Gorge but weren’t really expecting it. Perhaps your website could alert people to a certain physical ability being needed?
These are fairly minor things but I think if I was advising someone else who was considering a trip to check on the seating in the vehicle.
Thanks for your email and we did have a great trip!
“A Great Escape!”
We've just completed the 5-day Kakadu trip with Gordon as our guide and had a fantastic holiday. We camped under the stars in the swags provided, and Gordon took us off the beaten track as much as he could and entertained us with survival and bushcraft lessons. The roads can be a bit rough and it's pretty hot, so keep your sense of humour — it's definitely worth doing with this operator!
“Territory Expeditions 5 Day Kakadu Tour”
We went on the 5 day Kakadu tour with Territory Expeditions and had a wonderful experience. We were in a group of 8 travellers with our tour guide Heath. We were in a Toyota Troup Carrier and the tour can take 9 passengers. We were taken to some amazing places which we would not have been able to see as we do not have a 4wd. We spent 2 nights camped at Sandy Billabong and 2 nights at Gunlom Creek which we used as bases to then go off and see the many fantastic sights including a wetland cruise on the Mary River, Ubirr Aboriginal Art site, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Fallls, Yellow Waters, Maguk Gorge, Infinity Pool and Koolpin Gorge. Heath our guide was fantastic and looked after us tirelessly for the trip. Some days were quite strenuous and we did about 13k one day. The trip is advertised from 18 to 45 year olds but we are in early 60's with good fitness levels and it was fine for us. The group got on very well.
“Excellent Trip”
Trip was excellent. Brett the guide was outstanding - 4.5 stars. Cheers,
“Fantastic tour of Kakadu national park”
We had a great five days exploring Kakadu with our guide Russell. The main benefits over the 3-day are the smaller group (six of us versus 12–17) and the extra stops. With a small group the itinerary was flexible — Russell always offered options and was open to suggestions. At each site we ventured further, to a beautiful secluded lake at Jim Jim Falls and up the escarpment at Koolpin, where admission is limited so you have the place to yourself. Russell had extensive knowledge of the park's wildlife, history and Aboriginal culture, including important stories and rock art. One of the highlights of my time in Australia — highly recommend for anyone who likes scrambling and swimming in rock pools with amazing views. Bring a hat, sunscreen, good boots and mosquito repellent.
