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.
- Camping under the stars
- Visit all the Best Highlights
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Vegetarians Catered
- Small groups max 9-14
- Swimming, hiking & exploring
- Jim Jim & Twin Falls
- Yellow Waters Cruise
- Knowledgable & Experienced Guides
- 100% Bush Camping Experience
- All camping equipment
- Recommended age 12-60
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu
Pick up at 8-8:30am from your nominated accommodation in Darwin. We start our Kakadu tour by heading towards the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, with a stopover at the iconic Australiana Bark Hut for a quick refreshment. We stop to enjoy the sights of the tidal East Alligator River, with the chance to spot crocs and flying foxes. Then on to the world-famous Ubirr, home to some of the best examples of northern Australian rock art. Learn about the art from your guide and the meaning behind these special paintings, then climb to the top and be rewarded with panoramic views over the Nardab floodplains and Arnhem Land. Tonight we camp at our exclusive safari camp at Mardukal Billabong in the heart of Kakadu, relaxing around an open campfire with a cool beverage or a toasted marshmallow.
Fitness: 3 kms.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2: Kakadu
After breakfast we do some 4WD driving to Jim Jim Falls. A 1km walk through the gorge, surrounded by towering 200m high sandstone cliffs, leads to the impressive plunge pool for a well-deserved refreshing swim, or simply relax on the beach whilst taking in the breathtaking views. If access is closed, we'll visit another one of Kakadu's natural attractions instead — the Yurmikmik region of Southern Kakadu, home to Motor Car Falls, one of the few areas offering walks to waterfalls, swimming holes and panoramic viewpoints. A visit to the Warradjan Cultural Centre is a great opportunity to gain some insight into the traditional owners of Kakadu through interactive displays and demonstrations. This evening we enjoy a 2hr sunset cruise on the famous Yellow Waters, with the opportunity to see spectacular wildlife including abundant birdlife and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
* Please note that Kakadu National Park has made the decision to close Jim Jim Falls for the 2026 dry season, so departures during this period will visit the Yurmikmik region and Motor Car Falls instead.
Fitness: 5 kms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Kakadu
After breakfast we make our way to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). A 1km hike through a paperbark forest with some rock scrambling leads to the plunge pool for a cool swim in a pristine environment, teeming with black bream and barramundi. This afternoon is spent exploring Gunlom Falls in the southern end of Kakadu – a hike to the top is rewarded with a swim in the naturally occurring infinity pools overlooking southern Kakadu. The bottom plunge pool and beach, made famous in the Crocodile Dundee movie, are not to be missed.
Fitness: 5 kms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Kakadu
Today we spend the whole day exploring the magnificent Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), the jewel in the crown, this is a special permit access area that is recognised for its cultural and environmental sensitivity.
Access is limited to a small number of visitors each year, and we're grateful to the traditional owners for the opportunity to share it with our travellers.
The name Jarrangbarnmi comes from the Jawoyn words jarrang meaning flood, or big water flow, and barn meaning rift or gap. Jarrangbarnmi was created by the Jawoyn creation ancestors. It is part of Buladjang country. Bula created this landscape and then went to live under the ground. Bolung (Rainbow Serpent) lives in plunge pools in this country. Both powerful creation ancestors can cause earthquakes, storms, floods and disease if disturbed.
The walk up the gorge is a real wilderness walk and requires a good level of fitness with great rewards on arrival to some of the National Park's most spectacular rock pools, waterfalls and rock landscape.
This remote location is restricted to only 40 people per day and is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna.
Fitness: 5-8 kms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Kakadu to Darwin
This morning we visit Old Goodparla Homestead, one of the first cattle stations occupied by the early pastoralists of the Kakadu region before being declared a national park – a great opportunity to see how Europeans lived and struggled in the early days, with many of the remnants remaining. Then we visit Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole), a special permit area that is spring-fed and flows all year round, the last opportunity for a swim in Kakadu before preparing for the drive back to Darwin. Return to Darwin via the historic town of Pine Creek, arriving back in Darwin at approximately 5pm.
Fitness: 2 kms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Itinerary may be done in reverse at Guide's discretion.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice due to seasonal and extreme weather conditions, national park road or attraction closures and cultural commitments from Traditional owners. All tours must be reconfirmed 24 hrs prior to travel.
Start & Finish
Tour Starts:
From Darwin CBD
- 8:00am - Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin
- 8:00am - Alatai Holiday Apartments
- 8:00am - Argus Apartments Darwin
- 8:00am - Argus Hotel Darwin
- 8:00am - Chilli's Backpackers
- 8:00am - Cullen Bay Resorts
- 8:00am - Darwin City Hotel
- 8:00am - Darwin City Point Hotel (Poinciana Inn)
- 8:00am - Darwin Hostel
- 8:00am - Double Tree Hilton the Esplanade
- 8:00am - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin
- 8:00am - Frogshollow Backpackers
- 8:00am - Frontier Hotel
- 8:00am - H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel
- 8:00am - H on Smith Hotel
- 8:00am - Hilton Darwin
- 8:00am - Kalidonis Village
- 8:00am - Mantra on the Esplanade Darwin
- 8:00am - Mantra Pandanas Darwin
- 8:00am - Melaleuca on Mitchell Backpacker Accommodation
- 8:00am - Mindil Beach Casino Resort
- 8:00am - MOM Darwin YHA
- 8:00am - Novotel Darwin CBD
- 8:00am - Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel
- 8:00am - Palms City Resort
- 8:00am - Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
- 8:00am - Rydges Darwin Central
- 8:00am - The Cavenagh Hotel (The Cav)
- 8:00am - The Cozy Hostel
- 8:00am - Travelodge Resort Darwin
- 8:00am - Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
- 8:00am - Vitina Studio Motel
- 8:00am - Youth Shack
- 8:00am - Puma Berrimah
- 8:00am - United petrol station in Parap
- 8:00am - The Bottle-O, Pit Lane Liquor
My Hotel Not Listed: Let us know where you will be staying and we will arrange the nearest pick up location for you.
Airport Pickups: Airport Picks are not possible.
Tour Finishes
In Darwin CBD at 6pm
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes ( no flip flops! ). Sandles are OK.
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks. Prepare clothing for humid weather.
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleeping bag are needed and can be hired if you don't have one.
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
What is included
TRANSPORT
- 4WD Toyota Troop Carrier and/or 4WD Canter
SLEEPING
- 4 nights camping
- Outback campfire
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- 4 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 4 dinners
OTHER
- Plenty of drinking water and snacks
- Experienced and knowledgable tour guide
- Accommodation transfers
- Park Entry Fees
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
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 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.
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 will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
How much luggage can I take?
We don't have an exact policy when it comes to luggage though we just ask our customers to be mindful that we have limited space. Generally we recommend people to bring a large backpack/suitcase with all their gear and another smaller backpack to keep on the bus for daily items ( phone, water bottle, towel, sunscreen etc ) and to take on walks. If you have a lot of luggage it's best to leave the things you don't need at your hotel/hostel where they will store it for free until your return. If you are unsure, please contact us.
Where can I store my luggage whilst on tour?
During the tour your main luggage will be stored in our trailer. This trailer is always locked however we cannot guarantee the complete safety of your gear from theft or damage. This is why it is so important to purchase a good travel insurance. If you need to store your luggage whilst away on tour, this can be done through your accommodation. Most hostel and hotels will store your luggage safely free of charge.
Will I be able to do any laundry whilst on tour?
For camping tours there will be no time to do laundry. However, for longer cross country tours involving hostel or hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to wash your clothes.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours require you to have a sleeping bag. If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made 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/walking up to 5km each day.
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.
Can I get online whilst travelling?
For tours incorporating hostel/hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to use wireless internet or use of nearby internet cafe. If you have a mobile plan with internet then that should be ok except for more remote regions. This will vary from tour to tour so please contact us directly for more accurate information.
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.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If your looking for a private tour based of one of our 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.
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.
Can I just do a section of this tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to only do a part of the tour. Passengers generally need to stay with the tour from start to finish.However, drop off locations at the end of the tour made me negotiated.
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.
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 this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture. Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience. The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
Cost and Fees
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.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.
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.
Whilst on tour
What type of tent will I get?
Tents are designed to accommodate a minimum of 2 people and come fully set up with proper bedding. sheets, pillows and blankets. If you have booked a tour in a tent, you do not need a sleeping bag.
What are the sleeping arrangements in Kakadu?
Most of our tours to Kakadu National park involve a camping. However, for those tours heading towards Alice Springs and beyond, there will also be hostel style accommodation.Tents are generally designed to accommodate a minimum of 2 people. This means there is plenty of room to move about and store your luggage. Depending on which Kakadu tour you chose you may be required to set your tent up at the end of the day otherwise our campsites are permanent and are ready to go!Campsites in Kakadu come with basic facilities such as toilets and sometimes showers.
What will the food be like?
Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied on these tours. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking. For breakfast we supply cereals, fruits, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve picnic sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner - This can vary between pastas, bbqs, rices and other hearty food to keep you energized! We always carry water in the vehicle and you will often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice-creams etc at stops. Please refer to each individual tour/package to establish which meals are included.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
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.
What vehicles do we use whilst in Kakadu?
For our Kakadu Tours we toss between a Troop Carrier 4WD Landcruise, 4WD Canter or a custom prepared mini bus. This depends on the size of the group and the amount of days we are out in the park. Each Kakadu tour varies so please refer to your tour info panel on the top right hand side of the page.
Is there any long periods of driving?
The initial drive out to Kakadu can be quite long. In total its almost 300km to the park border. But don't worry! We stop along the way to check out a few attractions and we also visit the Bark Hut Inn where you can stretch and grab some refreshments. All up it takes a couple of hours driving to reach Kakadu but the time will go much quicker than you think! The country side is amazing.
What is the weather like in Kakadu?
For the most up to date weather forecast please check our weather snippet at the trip over section on the top right hand corner.For more extensive information on weather in Kakadu please visit http://www.lostinaustralia.org/kakadu-tours-when-to-go
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review careful as these can vary from tour to tour.
Reviews
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
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.
“Best way to experience Kakadu.”
“Magical Kakadu”
“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.
“Physically demanding but so worth the effort.”
“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!!”
“Best trip and tour guide”
“Unreal time and Nate was the best”
“Unreal”
“A great tour”
“A wonderful adventure”
“Topnotch”
“4 night, 5 day Kakadu tour with Dan”
“Kakadu/Koolpin 5 day 4WD Safari with Nate”
“Fantastic tour”
“5 days Kakadu/ Koolpin”
“Kakadu at its finest.”
“Kakadu&Litchfield 4WD Tour”
“A great tour”
“Kakadu/Koolpin 5 day 4WD Safari with Nate”
“Fantastic tour”
“4 night, 5 day Kakadu tour with Dan”
“Kakadu/Koolpin 5 day 4WD Safari with Nate”
“Fantastic tour”
“Kakadu at its finest.”
“5 days Kakadu/ Koolpin”
“You can expect fabulous views, exciting activities, great…”
“5 Day 4WD kakadu/Koolpin safari”
“Fantastic 5 day camping trip to Kakadu”
“5 Day Kakadu/Koolpin Adventure - Fantastic”
“5 Day 4WD Kakadu/Koolpin Gorge Adventure”
“5 Day Kakadu Expedition”
“Kakadu At it's Best”
“Fabulous 4WD Safari”
“5 days in Kakadu including Koolpin”
“5 day Kakadu / Koolpin 4WD tour with Territory Expeditions”
“Fantastic 5 day Kakadu tour”
“Wow wow. Kakadu, our trip of a lifetime created and enhanced…”
“It was an excellent trip”
“We had a wonderful time on our trip”
“A Great Escape!”
“Territory Expeditions 5 Day Kakadu Tour”
“Excellent Trip”












