5 Day Top End Tropical Tour

This morning we hit the road for the start of your 5 day adventure! We depart Darwin travelling 1hr30mins south, stopping at the stunning Litchfield National Park. Here we have the opportunity to explore the glorious waterfalls, spring fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of the National Park. Bring your hiking boots and swimwear as we journey along the walking trails to find refreshing swimming holes to cool off in, whilst taking in the incredible scenery along the way.

After lunch in the park, we jump back into our 4WD vehicle and continue our course along the Stuart Highway to our accommodation for this evening, The Knotts Crossing Resort in the town of Katherine.

Freshen up and enjoy dinner and drinks (at your own expense) at the Savannah Bar & restaurant on-site.

Overnight: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine

*Meals included: *Lunch (dinner at own expense)

This morning after breakfast at the resort, we depart for a morning two hour ‘Nit Nit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise’. On the cruise we explore the first two gorges of the extensive gorge network that surrounds Katherine. As we sail along the calm waters, cultural guides will share their knowledge about the flora, fauna, dreamtime stories and culture of the area, as we admire the changing landscapes from abundant vegetation to dramatic exposed rock faces.

After our incredible morning tour we travel South of Katherine, firstly to Katherine Hot Springs for a refreshing swim in the clear pools framed by native vegetation and then to Mataranka Thermal Springs for relaxing walks and serene swimming in the pristine tropical pools this afternoon.

Tonight, we head into town for dinner and some well-earned drinks at your own expense.

Overnight: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch (dinner at own expense)

Say goodbye to Katherine this morning as we journey back North to yet another incredible National Park, the World Heritage listed Kakadu. Our first stop on the way is beautiful Edith Falls, another incredibly scenic section of the Nitmiluk National Park, only a short drive from Katherine. Here we have the chance to stretch our legs for a hike along the walking trails that span the length of the Edith River, taking in the lush flora and fauna, and of course, enjoying some of the territory’s most beautiful swimming holes along the trail.

We have an early lunch in the park before we jump back into the 4WD for our journey into Kakadu. As we enter the World Heritage listed National Park, we’ll stop for another swim at Moline Rockhole and time permitting, a short trek into Boulder Creek.

After a long day of adventure, we arrive at Cooinda Lodge, our accommodation for the next two nights. Dinner and drinks will be at the fantastic Barra Bar & Bistro on-site, at your own expense.

*Overnight: *Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu

*Meals included: *Breakfast and lunch (dinner at own expense)

We have an early breakfast this morning and embark on an unforgettable 60-minute scenic flight from Jabiru over rugged escarpment country and Twin & Jim Jim Falls. Fly over the National Park taking in the vastness of Kakadu as we glide towards the incredible waterfalls for a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscape and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Truly a once in a lifetime experience and scenes you will never forget!

With our feet now firmly on the ground we explore some of Kakadu’s other famous sites within the park. Maguk (Barramundi) Gorge for a swim, more ancient rock art at Nourlangie Rock, as well as the chance to learn more about the culture and heritage of Kakadu at the Bowali Visitor Centre or Warradjan Cultural Centre are some of the sites we have the option to visit.

To end the day on a high, we participate on a sunset cruise of Kakadu’s most famous wetland. Located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, the Yellow Water cruise is a two hour experience of a lifetime, as we drift along the majestic billabong spotting crocodiles, buffalo and the diverse birdlife of the area, while taking in the incredible surroundings as the sun rises over the territory.

After our cruise we head back to our resort in Cooinda for the night.

Overnight: Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch (dinner at own expense)

This morning we check out of Cooinda Resort after breakfast but the adventure’s not over yet as we travel to the culturally significant Aboriginal art site, Ubirr, located within the East Alligator region of the park. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic sunset views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land.

We embark on our journey back to Darwin with a stop at Mamukala Wetlands with beautiful scenery and views of some of the birdlife of the National Park.

As we approach the city along the Arnhem Highway, we’ll have the chance to stop for one last incredible swim with your fellow tour mates at Berry Springs Nature Park. A beautifully kept natural swimming area that has remnants of its WWII history, when more than 100,000 armed forces personnel based themselves in the area.

Say goodbye to your new friends and incredible guides, as we arrive at Darwin for the end of the tour.