Kakadu & Litchfield National Park Adventure

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The Kakadu National Parks Pass allows entry to explore ancient sites such as Ubirr, Jim Jim Falls, Burrunkguy and Maguk. You will be required to keep your Kakadu National Parks accessible when within the National Park and produce to Park Rangers upon request.

Set off from Darwin and head east towards the iconic landscapes of Kakadu National Park. Along the way, make a stop at Humpty Doo, home to the Aboriginal Didgeridoo Hut and Art Gallery. Here, local artists offer an immersive experience where you can learn about traditional bush food and medicine, try your hand at weaving and spear throwing, and even play the didgeridoo. As you near your final destination of Jabiru, take time to explore the Mamukala Wetlands. Nestled in the heart of Kakadu, this bird lover’s paradise features a viewing platform and walking paths that wind through the wetlands, giving you the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat before continuing your journey.

Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is Australia's biggest national park, filled with ancient landscapes. Here you will find stunning waterfalls, lush rainforest, spectacular wetlands and swimming pools, and the oldest Indigenous rock art in the world. Although this remote, untouched outback land is just 3 hour's drive from the city of Darwin, you will feel like you are a world away. This treasured region is filled with adventure opportunities, from learning the cultural significance of Australia's most prominent rock art at Ubirr, cruising along Yellow Water Billabong or the East Alligator River, touring to stunning Koolpin Gorge, or walking through monsoon rainforest to reach crystal-clear plunge pools at Maguk, there is an awe-inspiring experience here for everyone. If you prefer to take it easy, the view from Nourlangie at sunset is nothing short of a spiritual experience and one that can't be missed. If you're looking for a unique experience celebrating cultural diversity and community, check out the annual Mahbilil Festival celebrating Kurrung season (late august to early September).

Take a journey on the East Alligator River on the Guluyambi Cruise with a local Aboriginal guide. This provides you with an insight into their culture & local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants & animals as well as bush survival skills. 'Guluyambi' means paperbark raft, however, don't fret, this vessel will safely travel up and down the East Alligator river, revealing the wonderful pristine wilderness of Kakadu National Park. There is also an opportunity to step off the boat into Arnhem Land and witness spear throwing. At the upstream boat ramp where you will embark on the Guluyambi Cruise, there are sometimes local artists painting using traditional methods. If you wish to purchase any pieces of art at the boat ramp, please bring cash as card is not accepted.

This journey into Arnhem Land takes you to some of the oldest rock art sites in the world and provides an opportunity to understand what life was like early settlement. Cross over the infamous Cahill's Crossing and spend the day exploring one of the most remote regions in Australia, Arnhem Land. Experience the excitement of Cahill's Crossing on a 4wd vehicle, getting up close to crocodiles as they stalk barramundi. Only accessible by permit, Arnhem Land has incredible sandstone escarpments, outcrops, rock art sites, forests, floodplains and billabongs with birdlife. Your experienced guide will explain the importance of this land for the Aboriginal traditional owners, the Bininj people and talk about life in Gunbalunya (Oenpelli). You'll also stop in at Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre in Oenpelli where there will be time to watch Aboriginal people painting and to see the women weaving pandanus baskets.

Leave Jabiru and head south along the Arnhem Highway, passing through the striking landscapes of Kakadu. If time allows, consider a detour to the Mirrai Lookout Trail near Burrungkuy, a steep but rewarding hike that offers sweeping 360-degree views of the park’s escarpments and wetlands. In Cooinda, take time to visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where interactive exhibits provide insight into the traditions of the Bininj & Mungguy people. Another must-do is the Yellow Water Cruise on the South Alligator River, a unique opportunity to spot crocodiles, buffalo, brolgas, jacanas, and majestic sea eagles in their natural habitat. For a refreshing stop, a short detour to Maguk leads to a pristine waterfall and plunge pool nestled at the base of steep gorge walls, ideal for a swim or photography. Continuing along the Stuart Highway, pass through Pine Creek, Margaret River, Adelaide River, and Tortilla Flats, before taking the exit onto Crater Lake Road toward Batchelor and into Litchfield National Park. Along the way, keep an eye out for the park’s iconic termite mounds, monsoon forests, and refreshing waterfalls, including Tolmer, Wangi, and Florence Falls, each offering perfect spots for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty.

Litchfield National Park covers approximately 1,500 square kilometres and is home to an abundance of misty, spring-fed waterfalls, scenic walks, 4WD tracks, lush waterholes for swimming, and plenty of camping accommodation options. During your stay, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of hundreds of species of fauna, such as wallabies, sugar gliders, flying foxes, or dragon-like water monitor lizards, often spotted basking on warm rocks. Take the boardwalk to view the 2-metre-tall magnetic termite mounds and wonder at the impressive feats of insect architecture. Wangi Falls is the most well-known attraction in the park, Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls, and the three-tiered pools of Buley Rockhole are all similarly popular attractions within the park.  

Leaving Litchfield National Park, take the Batchelor Highway north toward Darwin, enjoying the scenic drive through tropical savannahs and eucalyptus woodlands. A stop at Berry Springs Nature Park is highly recommended. Here, you can take a refreshing swim in the clear, natural pools, explore short walking trails through monsoon forests, or enjoy a picnic in shaded areas. Continuing north, you may also spot mangroves and wetlands as you approach the outskirts of Darwin, particularly near the Elizabeth River floodplains. As you approach Darwin, the scenery gradually shifts from rural and bushland to urban landscapes, with views of Darwin Harbour signaling the end of the drive.

Berry Springs is a tropical oasis where the rest of the world seems to melt away and all that's left are the cerulean blue waters of the tranquil lagoons, surrounded by native forest. Popular with locals and visitors alike, this is the ideal place to spend a warm afternoon, throw a shrimp on the BBQ and perhaps have a little siesta beneath the shade of a pandanus tree! Bring your binoculars for a spot of birdwatching, your pool noodle for a relaxing float, and if you've brought your goggles along, you'll even be able to see the native fish and aquatic life in the crystal clear waters. You can also explore the park on foot with the looped walking track that spans through the monsoon forest and woodlands. In World War II, the area was part of a rest and recreation camp set up for the weary armed forces personnel, and the remains of a number of huts and weirs can be spotted around the main pool.

Relax and enjoy the beautiful water views and stunning sunset as you cruise in comfort on Darwin Harbour. Starting with a Welcome to Country, you'll settle in with a gourmet grazing platter or garden option, paired with locally made mango ice cream for a sweet treat. Outdoor seating on the sundeck offers the perfect spot to take in the views. 

Explore more of Darwin before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!