Autopia Tours Kakadu Overnight & Yellow Water Cruise - Glamping Comfort Tour

Map View Full Details

A two-day tour from Darwin to Kakadu National Park in the green season, with rock art, wetlands, a Yellow Water sunset cruise and a night at Cooinda Lodge. Choose an air-conditioned glamping retreat tent for 2 with shared bathroom facilities, or a private single ensuite room at the lodge.

Days

2 days, 1 night

Age

8 and over; 18 and over for the single room

Group size

Small group, max 16

Start / finish

Darwin / Darwin

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

1 night at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu: air-conditioned glamping tent sleeping 2 with shared bathrooms, or a private single room with ensuite

Transport

Air-conditioned mini coach with an outback driver-guide, Darwin city pick-up

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Kakadu Overnight & Yellow Water Cruise - Glamping Comfort Tour

View map

Included experiences

Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) — Aboriginal rock art
Yellow Water — 2 hour sunset cruise
Warradjan Cultural Centre — Kakadu history and culture
First Nations walk on Country — plant and wildlife uses
Mamukala Wetlands — walk and picnic
Nawurlandja Lookout — views over Kakadu
Fogg Dam

Autopia Tours Kakadu Overnight & Yellow Water Cruise - Glamping Comfort Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1 MORNING: DARWIN TO THE WETLANDS

This trip runs only in the green season, from November to April, when Kakadu is lush, the waterfalls flow and the floodplains fill. You leave Darwin in the morning with a breakfast stop at Humpty Doo, then pull in at Fogg Dam, built in the 1950s for a rice-growing scheme that failed and now one of the best places in the Top End to see waterbirds. After a break at the Corroboree Tavern and a photo at the park entrance sign, you walk out to Mamukala Wetlands, where a bird hide looks over a floodplain where magpie geese nest in the wet season. Lunch is a picnic here.

DAY 1 AFTERNOON: BOWALI, JABIRU AND THE YELLOW WATER CRUISE

At the Bowali Visitor Centre, designed by architect Glenn Murcutt, you learn how Kakadu National Park, almost 20,000 square kilometres and World Heritage-listed since 1981, is looked after with the Bininj and Mungguy people. After a short stop in Jabiru, a town built in 1982 for the nearby Ranger uranium mine, you check in at Cooinda Lodge. Late in the day you board for a two-hour sunset cruise on Yellow Water, a billabong on the South Alligator River floodplain. Watch for saltwater crocodiles, sea eagles, jabirus and brolgas. Dinner is two courses at Mimi's restaurant (drinks at your own cost).

Overnight: Cooinda Lodge Kakadu (air-conditioned glamping tent with shared bathrooms, or lodge room with ensuite)

DAY 2 MORNING: A WALK ON COUNTRY AND WARRADJAN

After breakfast at the lodge, a First Nations guide takes you on a short walk on country, showing how the local plants and animals are used for food, medicine and tools. Then it's on to the Warradjan Cultural Centre, whose building is shaped like the warradjan, the pig-nosed turtle, seen from above. Inside, the Bininj and Mungguy people tell the story of the seasons, their law and the six-season calendar that guides life in Kakadu. There's a gallery and a shop with locally made art if you want to take something home.

DAY 2 AFTERNOON: BURRUNGKUY ROCK ART AND BACK TO DARWIN

At Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) people have sheltered under the overhangs for around 20,000 years. The famous gallery shows Namarrgon, the Lightning Man, repainted in 1964 by the artist Nayombolmi. Lunch is a picnic by Anbangbang Billabong, below the escarpment, then a short walk up to Nawurlandja Lookout for a view back across the billabong to the cliffs of Burrungkuy. On the drive home there are breaks at the Bark Hut, a quarry with rock carvings and the Humpty Doo Hotel, and you're back in Darwin around 6pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up points. Be ready at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
Minimum age: Children 8 to 17 must be with an adult or guardian at all times; the tour is not suitable for children 7 and under. The single room option is for adults 18 and over.
Fitness: Low to moderate. Daily walks of 1 to 2km, often steep, in direct sun, high humidity and extreme weather, about 3km 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 limited to one 15kg bag and one 5kg day bag; store larger 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 seasonal or cultural reasons. Solo travellers in shared glamping tents are paired with others of the same gender where possible, but this is not guaranteed; families can book a tent together.

What to bring

3L refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimwear (there's a lagoon-style pool at Cooinda), beach towel and toiletries
Comfortable sturdy closed-toe walking shoes
All-weather clothing
7–10kg soft bag and small day pack
Tropical strength insect repellent
Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
Torch or headlamp and travel first aid kit
Power bank — power can be limited
Money for snacks and meals
Camera

What is included

1 night at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, in a glamping retreat tent or a private single ensuite room, depending on the option you choose
1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner (guest participation)
First Nations culture experience
2 hour Yellow Water Billabong cruise
Guided rock art viewing
Kakadu Park Pass entry fee
Guided bush walks (up to 1km, grade 3)
Accredited outback driver-guide
Air-conditioned mini coach with local commentary
Pick-up and drop-off at selected Darwin inner-city points

Not included

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.