The 5-Day Kakadu, Katherine Gorge & Litchfield Tour is the best way to see the Top End’s raw beauty without rushing. Over five full days, you’ll travel through ancient stone landscapes, glide down vast gorges, swim beneath spring-fed waterfalls, and discover wetlands teeming with birds and crocodiles. Along the way, you’ll meet Traditional Owners, hear stories passed down through generations, and watch the scenery shift from monsoon forests to red-edged cliffs in a single afternoon. It’s a true Northern Territory adventure that leaves you sun-kissed, inspired, and already planning your return.
Start your journey by departing Darwin and travelling into the Wetlands Region, where the Top End’s sweeping floodplains come to life. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife and saltwater crocodiles that inhabit these waterways.
Continue towards Kakadu National Park, staying in Jabiru for the first two nights. Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre to explore Kakadu’s ecology, culture, and wildlife. After settling into camp, head to Cahills Crossing, the border crossing to Arnhem Land, before watching sunset at Ubirr, home to some of Australia’s finest Aboriginal rock art. A short climb reveals stunning views over the Nadab Floodplain.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags
Driving Distance: 420 km
Hike Distance: 1 km loop, Grade 2–3
Travel deeper into Kakadu to explore monsoon forests, rocky escarpments, and natural plunge pools. Depending on seasonal conditions, visit waterfalls such as Jim Jim Falls, Motor Car Falls, Gunlom Falls, or Moline Rockhole.
If time permits, visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to gain deeper insight into Traditional Owner heritage. Return to camp for a shared evening meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving Distance: Minimum 150 km including off-road travel
Hike Distance: 1.5–4 km, up to Grade 5
Visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) to admire remarkable Aboriginal rock art and views from Kunwarddewardde Lookout. Continue south to Barramundi Gorge (Maguk), one of Kakadu’s best swimming locations, surrounded by towering rock walls and rainforest.
After lunch and a swim, travel onward to your private campsite in Katherine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving Distance: 420 km
Hike Distance: 1.5 km, Grade 3
Begin the day with a 2-hour NitNit Katherine Gorge cruise in Nitmiluk National Park, gliding beneath 70-metre sandstone cliffs. Optional scenic helicopter flights offer breathtaking aerial views.
Later, relax at Edith Falls, swimming in the main plunge pool or exploring nearby walking trails.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving Distance: 470 km
Hike Distance: 2 km, Grade 2–4
Travel north to Litchfield National Park, visiting the impressive Magnetic Termite Mounds before cooling off at Wangi Falls, Buley Rockholes, or Florence Falls. Return to Darwin in the evening after five days of exploration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 470 km
Walking Distance: 1–2 km
Join an exciting 5-day 4WD camping tour through Kakadu, Katherine, and Litchfield, showcasing the most spectacular natural and cultural attractions of the region. Explore ancient wetlands and some of the world’s most well-preserved Aboriginal rock art sites. Keep an eye out for prehistoric wildlife, including crocodiles.
Experience scenic waterfalls, swim in crystal-clear natural plunge pools, and wander through rainforest pockets rich in unique plant and animal life. This all-inclusive camping adventure is ideal for travellers who prefer to Seek Different when exploring Australia. Expect five days filled with cultural insights, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable memories.
The Travelodge Resort Darwin (now known as THE LEEA DARWIN) at 64 Cavenagh St., Darwin City, is the main departure point for this tour, and it opens at 6:30 am. Kindly wait outside Cavenagh Street‘s main gates.
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time to avoid delays. Wait outside the front entrance, not in the lobby.
Our excursions use special permanent campsites that provide a cosy base for touring Kakadu and Litchfield. These camps feature a private dining area and a kitchen prep area for communal meals and relaxation, and are located near communal hot shower blocks and restrooms.
To ensure everyone is taken care of in remote regions with limited infrastructure, we may occasionally use multiple accommodation providers. Suppliers may change at any time.
Bush Swag (Traditional Australian): A budget-friendly option for solo travellers. A canvas bed roll with an integrated mattress for sleeping under the stars. Guests must bring their own sleeping bag or rent one for $40 (cleaning included).
Twin Share Eco Tent (Australian Outback Safari): Permanent, unpowered tents designed for airflow. Includes two single beds with mattresses and pillows, plus linen (top sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcase). Towels are not provided. Please note: these are basic outback tents, not luxury glamping.
Maude Creek Coach Camp (Buffalo Hill Bush Camp) or Aurora Kakadu Lodge & Caravan Park provide men’s and women’s shower and restroom facilities. The campsite is a short walk from the amenities (including hot showers). A torch is recommended for night access.
Connectivity is limited across Kakadu, Katherine, and Litchfield. Guides usually carry a satellite phone for emergencies.
Travellers aged 8 and above are advised to participate. Infants and children under 7 years are not suitable due to the physical nature of the tour. All children must be supervised by an adult at all times. A moderate to high level of fitness is required, as the itinerary includes multiple walks.
We do our best to accommodate most dietary preferences, but all requirements must be disclosed at the time of booking. As we travel through remote areas with limited access to specialised supplies, advance notice is essential. Common requests such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free can typically be accommodated with prior arrangement.
Meals are generally simple, hearty camping-style dishes, often prepared by your guide, with occasional catering from accommodation partners. Guests are encouraged to assist with cooking, cleaning, and organising equipment, helping create a relaxed and social group atmosphere.
A moderate to intermediate fitness level is expected. Daily hikes range from 2–4 km over rocky and sometimes steep terrain, often in hot and humid conditions. The total walking distance across the tour is approximately 9–11 km. Walk participation is at the guide’s discretion for safety reasons. Travellers aged 70+ must provide a medical certificate at least 30 days prior to departure.
You’ll stay at permanent outback campsites in the Katherine region (2 nights) and the Kakadu region (2 nights). Accommodation includes designated dining areas and shared bathroom facilities. Sleeping options include safari-style eco tents or traditional bush swags.
Basic Single Swag: A self-contained canvas bedroll with a mattress, offering an authentic sleep-under-the-stars experience. Suitable for one adult or child.
Twin Share Safari Tent: Two single beds with mattresses and pillows. Linen is included (fitted sheet, top sheet, pillowcase). Towels are not provided. Solo travellers may be paired with another traveller (generally of the same gender, where possible). Children must remain under adult supervision regardless of accommodation type.
All camps have access to shared facilities. As power may be limited or solar-only, guests should bring rechargeable power banks for devices.
A minimum of 8 passengers is required for the 5-Day Top End 4WD Camping Adventure to operate. If minimum numbers are not met, payments can be transferred to a future departure date.
Due to limited storage space, each guest may bring one 15 kg soft travel bag and one 5 kg daypack. Larger suitcases must be stored at your accommodation for the duration of the tour.
Yes. The tour price includes Parks Australia entry fees and admission to Kakadu National Park for five days.
Travel is in a purpose-built 4×4 eco-tour vehicle, such as an Isuzu N Series NPS300 (15-, 17-, or 21-seater), depending on availability. Group sizes range from 8–21 travellers. Alternative vehicles may be used if required.
Outback travel involves inherent risks due to extreme weather, rugged terrain, and wildlife. Safety is our top priority, and guides are trained to manage these conditions. Minimum age guidance: 6 years for day trips and 8 years for overnight tours.
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the remote nature of the destinations and limited access to medical facilities.
The Top End climate can be extreme and unpredictable. Daytime temperatures may exceed 40°C during the dry season, while evenings can be cool. Please pack accordingly and check seasonal averages before travelling. Tours operate in most weather conditions unless advised otherwise.
Vaccination is not currently required under government regulations. Travellers are responsible for complying with any applicable Federal, State, or Territory health requirements at the time of travel.
Regular cleaning procedures and enhanced hygiene protocols are maintained throughout the tour to ensure guest well-being.
At Australia Tours, we are committed to protecting the unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the Darwin Top End. We aim to minimise our environmental impact while maintaining deep respect for Traditional Owners and their cultural heritage.
We promote low-impact travel practices, wildlife protection, and environmental stewardship to help preserve these extraordinary landscapes for future generations.
Learn more about ecotourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/Traditional Owners
We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri people and all Traditional Custodians of the lands we visit. We encourage travellers to approach their journey with cultural awareness and respect for the spiritual connections First Nations communities have to Country.
Wildlife should be observed quietly and respectfully. Do not touch, feed, or attempt to handle animals, including birds. Sudden movements or loud noises may distress wildlife. Only certified wildlife handlers may interact with animals.
If you observe injured or distressed wildlife, notify your guide, National Park Ranger, or Visitor Centre staff immediately.
Please follow your guide’s instructions, remain within safety barriers, and stay on designated walking trails. Removing natural items such as flowers, leaves, wood, or stones is prohibited, as each plays an important role in the ecosystem.
All tour vehicles are equipped with rubbish bins. Even organic waste should not be discarded in nature, as it can harm wildlife. We strongly encourage the use of a reusable water bottle to minimise plastic waste and maintain hydration in the Top End climate.
All guides hold a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please inform your guide immediately of any illness or injury. Guests with pre-existing medical conditions must notify their guide at the beginning of the tour and carry necessary medication.
When making your reservation, you can choose from the following accommodation upgrades:
Choose the traditional Australian Bush Swag if you want a true outback experience. Sleep beneath the stars in a classic canvas bedroll with an integrated mattress and embrace the spirit of the Top End. Sleeping bags are available to hire for an additional fee if required.
Our Twin Share Eco Tents are ideal for travellers who prefer added comfort while staying connected to nature. These permanent safari-style tents include two single beds with mattresses, pillows, and full linen provided. Solo travellers will be paired with another single guest of the same gender where possible.
Katherine and Kakadu camp stays.
Hearty group outback meals.
Guided rock art and cultural visits.
Scenic river wildlife cruise.
All entry and park fees included.
Daily guided treks (up to 3km).
Expert local outback host.
Rugged off-road group travel.
In-depth local insights shared.
Convenient central meeting points.
Traditional canvas bedroll provided.
Full mattress and linens.
Optional bag hire extra.
Extra dining and snacks not included.
Individual coverage highly advised.
Individual spending not included.
Specific central meeting points only.
Tours travel through Kakadu, Nitmiluk, and Litchfield in specially made 4×4 eco-tour vehicles engineered to withstand challenging off-road conditions. You can travel in a 15-, 17-, or 21-seat Isuzu N Series NPS300, depending on the size of your group. Every car has air conditioning for comfort. Rarely, mechanical problems could necessitate the use of an appropriate substitute vehicle.
There is very little connectivity in the top end. The best coverage is provided by Telstra, although reception is intermittent in Katherine, minimal in Litchfield, and erratic in Kakadu. A portable power bank is necessary because tents lack power outlets and campsites lack Wi-Fi. In case of an emergency, guides carry satellite phones.
Swimming depends on safety and the season. Access to waterfalls like Jim Jim, Maguk, Gunlom, or Motor Car Falls varies depending on Parks Australia assessments, water levels, road conditions, and crocodile control. On any given day, your guide will only pick areas that are open, secure, and appropriate for the group.
Seasonal closures, restrictions on cultural sites, and quickly shifting weather patterns are commonplace in Kakadu and Litchfield. Your guide will arrange an alternative walk, viewpoint, or swimming spot that still aligns with the tour’s active and cultural theme if a site becomes inaccessible. When travelling in rural areas of the NT, flexibility is crucial.
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly advised; it is not required. The itinerary includes water-based activities, steep bushwalks, and isolated areas with limited medical facilities. Personal belongings, medical needs, and cancellations should all be covered by insurance. Guests should speak with a licensed travel agent or insurer for policy guidance.
