5 Day Kakadu Camping Tour
- Trip Styles: Budget
Visit Kakadu as well as seeing Litchfield and Katherine
Experience the best of Australia’s Top End with our five-day Kakadu Camping tour, that promises an unforgettable journey through the Northern Territory’s tropical and rugged landscapes. This remote region where the tropics meet the Outback is a haven for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts.
Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by like-minded travelers and experienced guides who will ensure your comfort and safety.
Book your adventure today and experience the best of Australia’s Top End with us. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the world’s last true wilderness areas.
5 Day Kakadu Katherine Litchfield 4WD Adventure - Bush Swag
Itinerary
Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and heading out to the Wetlands Region where the magnificent scenery of the top end puts on a show. Along the way, we have ample opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End birdlife, not to mention some fresh and salty apex predators… crocodiles! We journey on to Kakadu National Park where our home for the next two nights in Jabiru awaits. The Bowali Visitor Centre offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife and we take time to soak it in, before checking into our local accommodation. After some relaxation, we journey northeast to *Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We will visit one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world at Ubirr rock upon sunset. This incredibly significant site showcases many styles of rock art and allows us to climb up high for a sunset that will blow you away looking out over the Nadab Floodplain. After a big day, we head back to our cozy private camp and prepare dinner together, enjoying an evening with our fellow travellers.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3.
We rise and shine early on day 2 and make our way south into Kakadu National Park. Today we’ll spend the day soaking up the spectacular natural beauty of the area, hiking through lush monsoon rainforests, and swimming in pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs. We aim to visit one or more of the available waterfalls depending on the group’s physical ability to complete the hike(s). This can include any of Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls or Moline Rockhole. There are many factors affecting accessibility although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible. Time permitting, we stop at Warradjan Cultural Centre and gallery where we explore the stories of the artifacts that the traditional owners wish to share with visitors. Feel free to discuss the evolving social, cultural and environmental changes to the area over time as we then make our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: Minimum 150km depending on waterfall access. Please note this includes a minimum of 40kms offroad on each journey. Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km – 4km & up to Grade 5/6.
This morning we discovered Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art, Kunwarddewardde Lookout and have the potential to explore the surrounding areas of Nawurlandja Lookout and Anbangbang Billabong. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock features incredible Aboriginal rock art and Dreamtime stories of the Bininj people. Another 4WD track awaits us as we travel south and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall, one of the most picturesque and pristine waterfalls in Kakadu. Please note at least a moderate to high level of fitness and agility is required here with flat pathways combined with rocky crossings leading you to the plunge pool through the monsoon forest. After our 2km walk, swim and lunch, we head south through Kakadu National Park towards our private safari campsite in Katherine where we will be able to relax under the stars and enjoy the evening’s hospitality around the campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Camping: Private Katherine Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km Grade 3.
Today we spend the whole day exploring the magnificent Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), the jewel in the crown, this is a special permit access area that is recognised for its cultural and environmental sensitivity.
It’s an early start today to reach Nitmiluk National Park and board your 2 hour NitNit Katherine Gorge boat cruise – an absolute must-do in the Top End. This cruise guides you down the middle of 70m sheer rock walls with wildlife hiding around every corner. An area rich in creation stories you will marvel at your surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere of the cruise. If you are also interested in doing a scenic helicopter flight after the cruise there are a range of options available to take in the spectacular views of Nitmiluk and Katherine Gorge. It’s now time to continue our journey, making our way to the beautiful Edith Falls for further relaxation in picture-perfect Top End surroundings with a picnic lunch, a huge plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall, and a welcome chance to cool off! After your day of culture, walks and swims we head back to our private campsite for a stunning sunset and evening stargazing.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Camping: Private Katherine Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Options: Scenic helicopter flights. Driving Distance: 470km. Hike Distance and Grading: 2km Grade 2-4 depending on the walk embarked on. The main pool (when open) is a short walk with low grades. Upper pools require a reasonably steep climb and descent, and at least a moderate level of fitness and agility.
Our adventure is not yet complete as we now head into Litchfield National Park on our way back to Darwin for the end of our fifth day. Leaving Katherine we travel north towards the world-class Litchfield National Park, surrounded by thick pockets of tropical rainforest, offering a cool escape from the heat of the Top End.​View the monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds and then have an opportunity to cool in Litchfield’s beautiful natural plunge pools like Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls. Visit a thundering waterfall like Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls and marvel at the sheer beauty carved out among the rocky escarpment. Fully relaxed and rejuvenated after your fifth day of exploration and adventure, relax back in comfort as your guide delivers you back to Darwin for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Driving Distance: 470 km. Walking Distance: 1km – 2km.
- 3L Refillable water bottle
- Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Beach towels & toiletries
- Bathers or swimwear
- Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (closed shoes)
- All-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night)
- 15kg overnight bag & small day pack
- Tropical strength insect repellent
- Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
- Flashlight, headlamp or torch
- Recharge power bank with limited access
- Money for snack and meals
- Camera
- Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, food allergies, and contact phone number.
- While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must advise dietary requirements to their booking agent at the time of booking. As we are venturing to remote areas we are very limited in what we can source once the tour departs, therefore prior notice is required.
- The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a very physical tour and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility.
- A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2km to 4km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 9-11km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel).
- Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walk.
- Limited storage space in our vehicles. Baggage must be kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
- Itineraries may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
- Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day of touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.