A 2 Day Kakadu Tour from Darwin gives you the perfect amount of time to explore the Top End’s untamed landscapes, historic cultures, and vibrant wetlands without feeling rushed. You’ll leave the city behind and go to a World Heritage-listed area with huge cliffs, flowing billabongs where saltwater crocodiles live, and some of the oldest rock art sites on Earth. This short trip gives you a real Kakadu experience with expert native guides, cool places to swim in freshwater, and sunsets that will stay with you long after you’ve left. This overnight trip has all you need to know, whether it’s your first time in the NT or you’re going back for more tropical fun.
The pricing for fares is the same for adults and children. The minimum age is 8, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All of the places to stay, including the glamping tents, have air conditioning. Glamping Tents are good for couples and have shared bathrooms. Lodge Rooms have their own bathrooms.
As we leave Darwin and head south toward the beautiful Kakadu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you may start to relax. We stop at the Humpty Doo Roadhouse for breakfast and coffee after a beautiful drive. This is a great time to relax before the day’s events begin. Our first stop is the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, which is important to the Bininj people. There, you can see a wide range of species, especially the native birds that live in the Top End. Next, we stop at the Corroboree Tavern for a little break before going to the famous Kakadu entrance sign for a great photo opportunity.
We are still on our way to the Mamukala Wetlands, which are very important to the Mungguy people. Take a leisurely walk through the marshes, enjoy the wide-open views, and then have a picnic lunch. Next, we visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, where you can relax and learn more about Kakadu’s cultural and ecological history. You can stay in Jabiru for a short while to refuel and visit the little town before going to Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, where you can relax for a while before the evening activities start.
As the afternoon comes to an end, we get on the Yellow Water Sunset Tour, a two-hour cruise that shows off the floodplains’ shifting colours, which are formed by seasonal rains and are full of animals. It’s an amazing sight to see the marshes change colour as the sun sets. After the trip, have a delicious two-course meal at Mimi’s Restaurant. The expert chefs at Cooinda will use fresh Territory ingredients to make it. Later in the evening, we’ll get ready for the next day’s trip by packing lunch and making sure everything is ready to go.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (drinks available at own cost)
Accom: Cooinda Outback Retreat Glamping (shared facilities) or Lodge Room (private ensuite)
Driving Distance: 315 km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1 km loop, Grade 1 (flat walkways and boardwalks)
Before you go on a Cultural Walk on Country, have a big breakfast at your hotel. This educational experience can happen at Cooinda or on one of Kakadu’s beautiful walking trails. It shows how the Bininj and Mungguy people have traditionally used the flora, animals, and natural resources in the area. We go to the Warradjan Cultural Centre after the walk. There, interactive exhibits let us learn more about Kakadu’s Traditional Owners and their long history with the area. You can look around the museum-style exhibitions, gallery, and gift shop whenever you like.
Next, we go to Nourlangie Rock (Burrunguy), home to one of the most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries in the area. The art has been around for thousands of years. From here, we go to Angbangbang Billabong for a quiet picnic lunch next to one of Kakadu’s beautiful wetland systems. We take a short walk after lunch to Nawurlandja Lookout, where the views are great for reflection and photography.
As the afternoon goes on, we start the drive back to Darwin. We stop at the Bark Hut for a break, then head to HB Quarry, where intriguing rock carvings offer further insight into the area’s rich cultural history. The Humpty Doo Hotel is the last destination on our trip. It’s a classic outback pub where you can rest before heading back to Darwin. After you get back to the city, take some time to relax. Or, start planning a trip to Kakadu during the dry season to see more of its spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 315 km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1 km, Grade 3 (steep sections; requires steady footing and general agility)
Change your summer plans and go on a special excursion that will show you the Top End at its most colourful during the famous green season. You may see some of the world’s most important and well-preserved Aboriginal rock art at Kakadu. You can also float through ancient wetlands in search of crocodiles and learn about the region’s history, culture, and customs from its Traditional Owners.
We’ll explore some of the most beautiful parts of the NT, including lush rainforest areas full of native animals. This all-inclusive trip allows you to relax in comfort every night following days full of cultural insights and stunning views. Cooinda Lodge, which is famous in Kakadu, puts you right in the middle of the landscape. You can stay in air-conditioned tents with communal bathrooms, or in lodge rooms with private bathrooms and other luxuries, like a TV.
At 8:00 am, the main gathering will take place at The Leea Darwin, 64 Cavenagh Street, Darwin City. Kindly wait at the Cavenagh Street main gates.
When making a reservation, passengers must supply their date of birth, any dietary restrictions, and a working phone number.
We do our best to accommodate most dietary preferences. When making a reservation, travellers must inform their booking representative of any special needs. Advance warning is necessary because this excursion operates in isolated areas with limited access to food.
When making a reservation, please ensure the tour operator is aware of any pre-existing medical conditions.
It requires a low to moderate level of fitness. Daily treks are between 1 and 2 kilometres long and may include steep sections, direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and extreme heat. This excursion involves a total walking distance of about 3 kilometres. For the safety of the guests, walks are led at the guide’s discretion. Travellers aged 75 or older must present a medical certificate at least 30 days before departure.
A parent or legal guardian must always be present with children ages 8 to 17. This tour is not appropriate for infants or children under 7 due to safety concerns and walking requirements.
These tents, available in twin or triple configurations with ensuite facilities, are suitable for people aged 18 and over. While it is not always practicable, solo travellers may be paired with a guest of the same gender when feasible. Families who reserve an entire tent may find it a private area. Children cannot attend unless a family group reservation is made.
Available for joint travel by adults and children. The rooms must be reserved for two people sharing, have an ensuite, and be either a double or twin layout.
Only adults who are at least 18 years old. There are just a few of these ensuite rooms, and availability is determined at the time of booking.
Travellers with mobility impairments, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, or prams, are not eligible for this tour.
The vehicle has limited storage. Each passenger is allowed to bring one 15 kg journey bag and one 5 kg day bag. Before going on the excursion, you should stow larger suitcases at your lodging.
Weather factors, seasonal accessibility, cultural concerns, or temporary park and bathing area closures may all influence tour itineraries. We always prioritise your safety, and we will make other arrangements if needed.
Passengers are asked to help with basic duties, including packing their bags, loading their equipment into the car, and making lunch. This cooperative strategy promotes group cohesion and keeps the experience laid back.
Within seven days before departure, all passengers must confirm their tour information.
On request, private group tours can be arranged. You can send inquiries to charters@gltg.com.au.
We at Australia Tours are committed to protecting the distinctive flora, fauna, and ecosystems found throughout our Darwin Top End Tours. We strive to have as little impact as possible on this amazing habitat, which is a World Heritage Site, and the creatures that depend on it. Every journey we take must include demonstrating cultural respect and recognising the strong bond that Traditional Owners have with their land.
We also take satisfaction in educating visitors on low-impact travel strategies, the value of protecting animals, and how considerate behaviour contributes to the long-term sustainability of the locations we visit.
Visit https://www.ecotourism.org.au/ to learn more about ecotourism
Australia Tours specifically acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the territories we traverse. We ask all visitors to keep in mind the country’s long-standing spiritual linkages to First Nations communities, holy sites, and cultural sensitivity.
It is important to observe wild animals politely and calmly, without interfering with their natural behaviour. Attempts to contact wildlife, loud noises, or abrupt movements can upset the animal and endanger both people and the animal. It is strictly forbidden to feed or handle wildlife unless a licensed and qualified handler is present. Animals fed non-natural diets may become ill, change their behaviour, or have negative interactions with humans.
Notify your guide or tour leader, a National Park Ranger, or a member of the Visitor Centre staff right once if you see an animal that seems hurt, upset, or in danger.
Always stay within barriers, on designated routes, and do as your guide or tour leader says. Leaving designated tracks can destroy local vegetation, upset shelters, and damage delicate ecosystems. Off-track roaming is especially dangerous due to natural hazards like cliffs, loose rocks, falling branches, and slick surfaces.
Since every component of the natural environment contributes to the ecosystem and its removal could upset it, nothing should be taken away, not even leaves, flowers, dead wood, or stones.
There are rubbish bins in every one of our cars, and food waste should never be dumped on the ground. Even biodegradable waste, such as bread or fruit peels, can spread illness, attract pests, or endanger local species if eaten.
To help reduce plastic waste, we strongly advise visitors on our Grampians Tour to bring a reusable water bottle. Our cars have water refill stations, so you can stay hydrated during the tour and reduce your environmental impact.
Every guide is currently certified in Level 2 First Aid. Please notify your tour guide right away of any illness, accident, or injury. Before the tour starts, travellers with pre-existing medical conditions should inform their guide and bring their prescriptions.
Please refrain from smoking close to other passengers and only utilise the approved smoking places. Smoking is prohibited in all lodgings, including permanent campgrounds, and inside automobiles. Regular comfort stops are offered, but they can’t always be scheduled to coincide with smoking breaks. To save the environment, please dispose of cigarette butts properly.
Overnight lodge accommodation included.
Hearty group outback meals.
Authentic Indigenous cultural experience.
Two-hour scenic wildlife cruise.
Guided ancient painting site tours.
National Park entry fees paid.
Guided scenic nature strolls.
Expert local driver and guide.
Cool, comfortable group travel.
In-depth local insights shared.
Convenient central meeting points.
Extra dining not included.
Personal snacks highly recommended.
Pre/post-tour transfers excluded.
Individual coverage highly advised.
Personal spending not included.
Because the journey involves multiple short treks (1–2 km each) on rocky or uneven paths, as well as exposure to heat and humidity, you will need a basic to moderate degree of fitness. Stable footing and overall agility are crucial because the longest hike, class 3, has steep sections. For safety, your guide may adjust the walks based on the situation and the group’s capacity.
A two-hour guided boat trip through one of Kakadu’s most abundant wetland ecosystems is offered by the Yellow Water Cruise. As the sun sets over the floodplains, you can anticipate seeing saltwater crocodiles, magpie geese, jabirus, and shifting wet-season colours. This is the perfect time of day for photography, and your tour cost includes the cruise.
If requested at the time of booking or at least a few days prior to departure, the majority of dietary requirements can be accommodated. It might not be feasible to fulfil last-minute dietary needs due to Kakadu’s isolated location and limited supply. Dietary travellers should bring appropriate snacks to complement meals.
Lodge rooms with private en-suites or shared glamping tents (adults only unless a family group is reserved) are your options. Air conditioning, access to facilities, and use of the lagoon-style pool are all included in the options. There are only a limited number of single lodge rooms available, and they are inte
The tour is open to children ages 8 to 17, but they must always travel with a parent or legal guardian. The tour is not appropriate for newborns or small children due to walking, heat, humidity, and early starts. Families should also be informed that, unless they are reserved as a full-family tent, some glamping tents are for adults only.
