Explore the 4 Day Kakadu Tour from Darwinand see the floodplains of Ubirr, Kakadu, Edith Falls, and Katherine Gorge. We show you the heart of the Top End through cultural storytelling, ancient rock art, and a wide range of scenery. Every itinerary is tailored to different fitness levels, so travellers can experience the area’s natural beauty safely, no matter the weather.
If a single traveller books a shared room, they will be put with another person. If possible, they will be paired with someone of the same gender, although this is not always practicable.
All prices are for one adult or child. At least 8 years old, and all kids must travel with a parent or legal guardian. You can only stay in private double or twin rooms. All prices are good for trips throughout the 2026 season.
We leave Darwin (Larrakia Country) and head toward the wetlands area known as WakWak, connected to the Larrakia and other Traditional Owner groups. The scenery shifts quickly from the city centre to the lush Top End, where you can see a variety of birds and watch for saltwater crocodiles.
Continuing about 300 km east, we arrive in Kakadu National Park (Gagadju Country) and settle into our accommodation before visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre. “Bowali” means sacred in the Bininj/Mungguy language, and we learn about Kakadu’s ecosystems, history, and conservation.
You may choose an optional scenic flight with Kakadu Air for sweeping views of escarpments, wetlands, and waterways. You can also visit Marrawuddi Arts and Culture, an Aboriginal art centre featuring artists from Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
In the afternoon, we travel to the East Alligator region (Gunjurri) and stop at Cahill’s Crossing, the main route between Kakadu and Arnhem Land, to watch for crocodiles.
Next, we visit Ubirr Rock, home to some of Australia’s best Aboriginal rock art. A short climb leads to a lookout for sunset views over the Nardab Floodplain and into Arnhem Land. We return to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel — twin, double, or single rooms with ensuite
Options: Kakadu Air Scenic Flights (afternoon or sunset)
Driving Distance: 420 km
Hike Distance and Grading: 2 km loop, Grade 2–3
Today focuses on the cultural and natural wealth of Kakadu National Park (Gagadju Country).
We start early with the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River. Led by an Indigenous cultural specialist, this experience shares creation stories, traditional survival practices, and insights into local wildlife. Crocodiles and birds are often spotted along the river. (In April and early May, the Yellow Water Cruise replaces Guluyambi due to weather.)
Next, we explore Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), known for extensive rock art and stone cliffs. Our guided walk visits Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, and Nawurlandja Lookout. For longer walkers, there’s the Naguluwurr Art Site.
Throughout the day, you’ll learn how ancestral being stories continue to guide the Bininj/Mungguy relationship to Country. We finish with another sunset before returning for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel — twin, double, or single rooms with ensuite
Driving Distance: 100 km
Hike Distance and Grading: 3 km, Grade 2
We travel southwest toward Katherine (Gurinji Country) and Nitmiluk National Park, known as Nitmiluk by the Jawoyn people. Look out for Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos, Agile Wallabies, wild horses, and buffalo along the way.
We stop in Pine Creek (Binjari Country) for refreshments and the popular homemade ice cream, then continue to Katherine. After settling into our accommodation, we head into Nitmiluk for the Nitmiluk Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise, a two-hour cultural and scenic cruise between 70-meter-high sandstone walls.
After the cruise, we return to Katherine for a relaxed evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel — twin, double, or single rooms with ensuite
Options: Katherine Gorge Scenic Helicopter Flight; free time from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Driving Distance: 310 km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1 km
We take it easy in the morning and travel back from Katherine to Darwin through changing landscapes, with chances to spot wildlife along the roadside.
We stop again in Pine Creek (Binjari Country) for a short break before continuing north. Along the way, we reflect on the journey, including our time in Nitmiluk National Park and the NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise, and the cultural stories and landscapes experienced across the Top End.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel — twin, double, or single rooms with ensuite
Options: Katherine Gorge Scenic Helicopter Flight; free time from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Driving Distance: 310 km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1 km
Come with us on a four-day trip to Kakadu and Katherine National Parks, focusing on culture and ecology. You will see some of the most important Aboriginal rock art sites in the world and float through ancient wetlands teeming with wildlife, including the Territory’s crocodiles. You can swim in natural plunge pools, walk through monsoon rainforest, and take in escarpment vistas. This fully furnished experience ensures comfortable stays, with action-filled days and relaxing nights.
Travellers can add other activities (not included in the tour fee) to their vacation during the allotted free time in each region. Although reservations should be made in advance to guarantee availability, your guide can help with on-tour reservations if it is feasible.
This tour departs primarily at 8:00 am from the Travelodge Resort Darwin (now known as THE LEEA DARWIN) located at 64 Cavenagh St. in Darwin City. Kindly wait outside Cavenagh Street’s main gates.
Pick-up Schedule:
7:55 – Mindil Beach Casino Resort – Casino Dr, The Gardens
7:55 – Cullen Bay Resort – 26 Marina Boulevard
8:00 – Travelodge Resort Darwin (THE LEEA DARWIN) – 64 Cavenagh St
8:05 – Courtyard by Marriott Darwin – 81 Smith St
8:10 – The Cavenagh Hotel – 12 Cavenagh St
8:15 – Tourist Precinct Mini Bus Zone – 69 Mitchell St
8:20 – H on Mitchell Hotel Apartment – 105 Mitchell St
8:23 – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade – 116 Esplanade
8:25 – Mantra on the Esplanade – 88 Esplanade
8:28 – Ramada Suites Zen Quarter – 6 Carey St
8:30 – Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront – 7 Kitchener Dr
8:40 – Darwin Resort – 383 Stuart Hwy, Winnellie (Bus Stop ID: 183 Stuart Hwy)
8:45 – Mercure Darwin Airport – 1 Sir Norman Brearly Dr
8:50 – Darwin FreeSpirit Resort – 901 Stuart Hwy, Holtze
Please wait at the front entrance of your hotel and be ready 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up.
When making a reservation, passengers must supply their date of birth, any dietary restrictions, and their current phone number.
Although we make every effort to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements, travellers must disclose any dietary restrictions to their booking agent at the time of reservation. Advance warning is crucial because the tour operates in isolated areas with limited access to supplies once it departs.
Please inform the tour operator of any pre-existing medical issues when making your reservation.
A reasonable level of fitness is required, as the tour includes daily hikes of 1 to 2 kilometres over rocky, uneven terrain, often exposed to heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. One hike is approximately 4 km in length. Guides may modify or restrict walks for safety reasons depending on conditions. Travellers aged 75 or older must provide a medical certificate at least 30 days prior to departure.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany children aged 8 to 17. Due to the physical nature of the activities and safety regulations, this event is not suitable for newborns or children under 7.
Shared Accommodation (KO4-B)
Travellers with limited mobility, including those using wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, or prams, cannot be accommodated on this excursion.
Due to limited vehicle storage, each traveller may bring one 15 kilogram bag and one 5 kg day pack. Larger luggage must be stored at your lodging before departure.
Seasonal variations, cultural closures, or temporary restrictions at bathing areas may require itinerary adjustments. Safety remains our highest priority, and changes will be made to ensure the best possible experience.
Travellers are encouraged to assist with luggage loading and unloading and participate in lunch preparation. This cooperative approach supports the relaxed and sociable atmosphere throughout the tour.
All guests must confirm their reservation information within seven days prior to departure.
Travellers must be at least 8 years old to join this excursion. It is not suitable for newborns or children under 7 due to the activities and terrain. Every child must remain under the constant supervision of an accompanying adult. Because of the multiple hikes included, a moderate to high fitness level is recommended.
While we aim to accommodate most dietary requirements, travellers must notify their booking agent at the time of reservation. As we operate in isolated areas with limited food supplies, requests such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-intolerant diets must be communicated in advance.
The tour includes a combination of meals prepared by the guide and meals provided by lodging partners. Guests are encouraged to assist with dinner preparation, cleanup, and loading and unloading the vehicle to enhance the shared camp experience and build connections with fellow travellers.
A moderate level of fitness is required. Daily walks typically range from 1 to 2 kilometres on rocky, uneven terrain often exposed to sun and humidity. One longer walk of approximately 4 km is included. Guides may adjust or limit walks for safety reasons. Travellers aged 75 or older must present a medical certificate at least 30 days prior to departure.
Accommodation varies based on availability and fare type, and groups may occasionally be divided between properties.
Night 1 & 2: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Night 3: Knotts Crossing Resort, Contour Hotel, or Hotel Contour (Katherine)
A minimum of 8 passengers is required to operate the Four-Day Kakadu Katherine Cultural Tour. If minimum numbers are not met, payments will be transferred to a later departure date.
Due to limited onboard storage, travellers should bring only a compact, soft-sided overnight bag and a day pack. Each person may carry:
Larger suitcases must be stored at your accommodation prior to departure.
Yes, all Parks Australia fees are included, covering your 4-Day Kakadu National Park Pass. Park passes cannot be purchased separately by non-guided visitors.
Depending on passenger numbers and fleet availability, tours may use a 24-seater Rosa, a 28-seater Yutong, or a 17-seater Isuzu 4WD truck. Groups generally range from 15–21 people, with a minimum of 8 required for departure. In rare cases, alternative vehicles may be provided due to mechanical issues.
Travelling in remote Australian regions may involve extreme weather, wildlife encounters, and rocky terrain. Our guides are highly trained, and safety remains our top priority.
Top End policies:
All visitors must wear sunscreen, a hat, and closed-toe shoes at all times.
As this tour visits isolated locations with limited medical facilities, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Please consult your insurance provider or a licensed travel agent for advice.
The Northern Territory experiences extreme temperature variations. During the dry season, daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C and drop significantly at night. Review seasonal weather averages before travelling and pack accordingly. Tours generally proceed in most weather conditions unless otherwise advised.
Routine sanitisation procedures and enhanced hygiene protocols are in place throughout the tour to ensure visitor safety. For more information, please refer to the official details.
Lodge stays in Kakadu (2) and Katherine (1).
Hearty group outback meals provided.
Guided tours of prehistoric Aboriginal sites.
Authentic East Alligator River experience.
Scenic cruise through Katherine Gorge.
All entry and park fees included.
Easy-to-moderate guided wilderness walks.
Expert local outback host.
Cool, comfortable group road travel.
In-depth regional insights shared throughout.
Convenient central meeting points.
Extra dining and snacks not included.
Personal snacks recommended for remote areas.
Fixed central meeting locations.
Individual coverage highly advised.
Personal cash and luxury purchases.
Walking trails and waterfalls are most reliably accessible during the dry season (June to September). High water levels may persist during the early dry season (April–May), potentially affecting swimming access and cruise destinations.
Yes, you are welcome to go alone. Although same-gender pairing is not always guaranteed, you will be paired with another guest if you choose the shared room option.
In warm weather, expect short walks of one to four kilometres on rocky, difficult terrain. It requires a moderate level of fitness. Walks are modified according to group ability, weather, and safety.
Swimming is always reliant on the weather and safety conditions. Because of seasonal access limitations or crocodile management, park officials may close some waterholes.
You might ride in a cozy minicoach, a Rosa bus, a Yutong, or a 4WD truck, depending on the size of your group. Every car has air conditioning and is built for outback travel.
