Tour ID: 10059682

A five day trip around the Top End is the perfect way to see this amazing part of Australia. We know and love this land and so will make sure you won't miss a thing! See below for all the highlights.

  • Pudakul Cultural Experience
  • Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
  • Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex
  • Jim Jim Falls Walk
  • Twin Falls Walk
  • Twin Falls Gorge River shuttle
  • Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
  • Edith Falls
  • Buley Rockholes
  • Florence Falls
  • Litchfield National Park
  • Wangi Falls
  • Wildlife boat trip

The highlights of this camping trip include 4WD adventures, learning about Aboriginal culture, visiting ARnhem Land, and the breathtaking Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu National Park. We visit Litchfield National Park as well as the beautiful Katherine Gorge. You’ll have the chance to go croc-spotting on a wildlife boat trip and you’ll sleep under the stars of the top end in either a tent or in a swag (Aussie bedroll). This tour starts and ends in Darwin and runs over five days and four nights.


ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Welcome to Country & Arnhem Land

After meeting your group and leader this morning, leave Darwin and travel into Wulna Country, where you'll receive a Cul Cul ('Welcome to Country') by the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan-Wulna people. Learn about their ancient culture as you enjoy bush tucker talks, didgeridoo demonstrations and basket weaving. Next stop is the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the Guluyumbi cruise. Enjoy your Binninj guide explain to you the importance of the East Alligator River. After the cruise we will enter Arnhem Land and go to an exclusive art site called Mawurndaddja. This site allows you to see first hand the history and culture of this region. See artwork that is many thousands of years old. This site is unique in the Top End and you will have it all to youself. After a cool drink and some nibbles in Arnhem Land we will head to your overnight camp in Kakadu where the group will have dinner.

Note: Total driving time is about six hours (approximately 350kms). Total walking time is approximately one and a half hours (including stops for informative talks).
 
Accommodation: Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities: Pudakul Cultural Experience,Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex.
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 – Kakadu

Early this morning after breakfast, travel by 4WD to the Twin Falls. Experience this spectacular gorge aboard a boat cruise that’s operated by the national park, with a walk along the boardwalk afterwards. Unwind and relax on the sandy banks before heading to explore Jim Jim Falls. After a quick lunch break, take in the views of this natural wonder before taking a challenging walk to the base of the falls. Here you can choose to swim or relax on the beach, enjoying the spectacular scenery, before making the short drive to your overnight bush camp.

Note: Total driving time is about four hours (approximately 120kms). Total walking time is approximately two and a half hours.
 
Accommodation: Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities: Jim Jim Falls Walk, Twin Falls Walk, Twin Falls Gorge River shuttle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 3 – Kakadu to Katherine Gorge

After breakfast, head to either Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) or Gunlom Falls and cool off with a dip in the plunge pools. Stop off at the Lazy Lizard Hotel and shop at Pine Creek before heading further south after lunch. Journey for around three hours in a private vehicle to your campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before relaxing in your tent for the night.


Note: Total driving time is about five and a half hours (approximately 340kms). Total walking time is approximately one and a half hours.
 
Accommodation: Permanent Tented Camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities: Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 –Katherine Gorge

Spend the morning at the magnificent Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Perhaps take a cruise along the gorge or rent a kayak and paddle downstream. These options are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, head off to Edith Falls where you can cool down with a refreshing swim in the huge rock pools. Continue on to the edge of Litchfield National Park. Settle down for the night in a snug camp and enjoy dinner with your group.

Note: Total driving time is about four and a half hours (approximately 350kms). Total walking time is approximately three and a half hours.

Accommodation: Permanent Tented Camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities: Edith Falls
Optional Activities (extra charges): Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise or Canoe.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 5 – Litchfield to Darwin

Once you’ve had breakfast, head into Litchfield National Park. Filled with waterholes, creeks and waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to soak up the tranquillity of the tropics. Visit the gateway of Florence Falls, the popular Wangi Falls and the refreshing waters of the Buley Rockholes. Enjoy a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip in one of Litchfield's swimming holes. In the afternoon, take the two-hour drive back to Darwin where your trip ends.

Note: Total driving time is about three and a half hours (approximately 250kms). Total walking time is approximately one hour.

Included Activities: Buley Rockholes, Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, Wangi Falls.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

 

NOTE: Should any of the attractions of the standard itinerary not be open as a result of National Park decisions surrounding accessibility and safety, activities will be substituted.

More Info

Tour Details

  • Included in price:

    * Experienced tour guide
    * wildlife cruise
    * Pudakul Aboriginal cultural experience
    * national park entrance fees
    * meals as indicated
    * accommodation transfers
    * 4 nights camping fees & equipment

  • Available for purchase/hire:

    $45 Sleeping bag hire can be paid on the day.

  • Duration:

    5 Days

  • Departure:

    6:20 AM Tue, Thu

  • Return:

    6pm on Day 5.

  • Departure points:

    Darwin

  • Pickup/departure instructions:

    Tour operates Tuesdays and some Thursdays from April to October.

    Tours depart from Melaleuca on Mitchell, 52 Mitchell St, Darwin at 6:20am. Hotel pick up times, if available, will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please add your pre-tour accommodation details in the space provided on the booking form.

  • What to bring:

    * Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high)
    * swimming gear
    * hat & sunscreen
    * toiletries
    * towel
    * water bottle (1.5L)
    * torch
    * insect repellent
    * camera
    * pillow
    * sleeping bag (can be purchased for $45).

  • Fitness level required:

    Medium

  • Child policies:

    Children 7 years and under are not permitted on this tour. Children 8-12 years may travel at the child price.

  • Additional Information:

    Our Basix trips are amazing experiences at a great price. Each trip has an expert local leader, and plenty of free time for optional extras. We camp at permanent campsites with swags and sleeping bags and nearby shared bathroom facilities. Tents may be permanently erected twin or quad share, you may need to erect your own pop up tent or roll out a swag (Aussie bedroll) to sleep under the stars. We provide simple camp mattresses and recommend either BYO travel pillow or use rolled up towel or clothing. We travel in a range of private vehicles from 4WD trucks in the Top End, to comfortable overland vehicles through the Red Centre. The perfect option for a ‘no frills’ trip.

    Depending on the tour/campground there will be a sheltered BBQ area for preparing meals and you must be prepared to assist with food preparation, dish washing, collecting firewood etc - plus helping keep the campsite clean and tidy for the next group of travellers. The interactive nature of these tours is a key component to getting more in touch with nature and the Australian culture – the more you put in the more you get out! These tours tend to appeal to active travellers who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

    · Please note during summer the itinerary can change due to high temperatures.
    · Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes, and traditional owner/national park requirements.
    · A STRICT luggage limit of 10kg applies in a soft bag or backpack (please store excess luggage at your Darwin Accommodation)
    · Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all tours and details must be presented to tour guide before departure.

  • Destinations:

    Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park, Mary River Wetlands, Ubirr and Jim Jim Falls

Booking dates