Days
8 Days
Tour Type
Walking
$3,740 Twin Share
- Start
-
Darwin
- Finish
-
Darwin
- Physical Rating
- Moderate - challenging due to heat and humidity.
- Tour Distance
- Approx. 50km
- Group size
- Min 4, Max 12
- Code
- KAKANP
Overview
Come on a journey with us as we head deep into the heart of the Top End to the three National Parks this area is famous for, Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield.
We'll explore on foot spectacular gorges, wetlands, and escarpments with plenty of time to relax in secluded swimming holes.
In Kakadu you'll visit remote and restricted rock art galleries, including the sacred Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art sites, and enjoy a full day tour of Arnhemland, the last frontier of indigenous culture with a local guide.
In Nitmiluk, you will walk the last day of the remote Jatbula Trail, with it's series of secluded pools and waterfalls to cool off in on the way. After this its onto the Katherine Gorge area of Nitmiluk. Highlights include Butterfly Gorge (a rainforest haven for butterflies) and cruising up the mighty Katherine River. The tour finishes with a full day spent in Litchfield National Park. Stand in awe as you soak in the beauty of the lush rainforest trails and waterfalls of one of the Northern Territory's most iconic attractions.
Highlights of this walk
Experience the magnificent Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Park on this walking tour. Walk through spectacular gorges, swim in pristine waterholes and take in the beauty of the Australian Outback. Enjoy social and relaxed evenings as your guides will provide nibbles and will take you to local restaurants for a 2-course meal on most evenings.
.
Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu’s most famous wetland, is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The river system, which is the largest in Kakadu, contains extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps…Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is teeming with wildlife, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, and takes in diverse and exotic landscape.
.
Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu’s most famous wetland, is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The river system, which is the largest in Kakadu, contains extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps…Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is teeming with wildlife, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, and takes in diverse and exotic landscape.
Itinerary
There are daily flights into Darwin from most major capital cities. Make your way to your accommodation at the Travelodge Resort Darwin (64 Cavenagh St, Darwin).
Meet in the lobby at 6pm where we will do an extensive briefing about the week to come. Afterwards we head to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious chef prepared a la carte meal and the chance to become familiar with your fellow walkers.
Accommodation: Travelodge Resort, Darwin (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
We depart Darwin early this morning from our centrally located hotel.
Our first destination is Mamukala Wetlands, which is in the World heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Here we will have the opportunity to stretch our legs for a short walk to the bird hide and a chance to spot some wetland birds in this bountiful refuge.
From Mamukala we then drive to Ubirr, one of Kakadu's rock art gems. Here we learn more about the local Aboriginal history and stories as we explore the different rock art galleries.
From Ubirr we then head to Jabiru, where we check in to our comfortable rooms, which we will call home for the next few nights. These rooms do have shared bathroom facilities.
Accommodation: Anbinik, Jabiru (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we embark on a special full day Arnhemland experience operated by Top End Day Tours.
Journey across Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land. Visit the entrance to Mikkinj Valley with its stunning scenery of billabongs, wildlife & towering escarpment. Enjoy either morning tea or lunch beside the Inkiyu Billabong.
Travelling in comfortable 4WD buses, with forward facing seats, you will experience the region's world-famous landscapes consisting of sandstone escarpment outcrops, rock art sites, forests, floodplains and billabongs alive with abundant birdlife.
Accommodation: Anbinik, Jabiru (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we drive out to the Nourlangie rock art site, where we will have the opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking and diverse Aboriginal rock art paintings in the area. After discovering the site we will embark on the Barrk Walk (12km) that takes us around the Nourlangie escarpment. You will have the option to walk only the first 8km of the Barrk walk to the Nanguluwurr rock art site or you may choose to complete the whole circuit.
Later in the day you have the option to take part in a 30 min scenic flight at additional cost. Please let us know in advance if you would like to add this optional activity.
Accommodation: Anbinik, Jabiru (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We pack up this morning and then have a decent and quite adventurous drive to Mataranka thermal pools. But once we arrive you will quickly see why it's such an attraction and special place to visit.
Today is a day off from walking as we make the long drive south. Along the way we'll have brief stops in Pine Creek and Katherine.
Enjoy an hour at the naturally scenic pools and relax the muscles from the previous days walks.
Then head back to Katherine to check in at our hotel and make ourselves at home for the next 3 nights.
Accommodation: Knotts Crossing or Contour Hotel, Katherine (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Katherine we head to the northern section of Nitmiluk National Park to Leliyn (Edith Falls).
Here we will have the opportunity to spend a full day exploring this beautiful area. Once up top of the escarpment there is a series of pools to discover on our walk today. Our walk takes us along the last section of the Jatbula trail to Sweetwater Pool (9km return). On our way back we will detour to the Upper Pools of Leliyn for another swim, before making our way back to the bus.
Once back at the bottom of Leliyn Falls and the carpark we will head back to Katherine for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Knotts Crossing or Contour Hotel, Katherine (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short drive to the southern section of Nitmiluk will take us to Katherine Gorge this morning.
Depending on the temperature on the day and the ability of the group the guides will be able to offer a selection of walks varying in difficulty and length (6-12kms).
After a full day of exploring what Katherine Gorge has to offer we will make our way back to Katherine for another very comfortable night.
Accommodation: Knotts Crossing or Contour Hotel, Katherine (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we make our way up north to Litchfield National Park. Before we start our first walk and on our way into the park we will stop at the Magnetic Termite Mounds.
Depending on the groups ability there are lots of options for various walks to different stunning waterfalls and billabongs within the park. Options depend on seasonal accessibility and quieter spots for busy periods. Your guides will expertly provide the best possible itinerary for the day.
Darwin is a short drive from Litchfield National Park where we drop you off at a central location around 6-6.30pm.
*Please Note: we can also drop you off at the airport along the way if you are flying out this night. We don't recommend you book any flights before 8pm.
Accommodation: n/a
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
Meals
-
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
-
All transport in an air-conditioned tour coach to and from Darwin.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation:
We will be staying at a variety of different accommodations on our Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield walking tour.
The first night of the tour is in downtown Darwin at the Travelodge. The rooms are standard double/twin share rooms with ensuites.
In Kakadu we will be staying at Anbinik Kakadu Resort for 3 nights. At Anbinik we spread across the 6-pack blocks which have a central kitchen and communal area for everyone to come together. Bathrooms are shared between multiple rooms. Anbinik has a lovely swimming pool and poolside cafe where you can go for a swim after a day on the trail.
In Pine creek we will stay at the Pinecreek railway resort. The rooms are quite compact but perfectly adequate for one night and each room has an ensuite bathroom. There is also a pool where you can cool off and a lovely poolside area to relax in.
The last 2 nights we will stay in Katherine at Knotts Crossing. The rooms are motel double/twin share rooms with ensuites.
Accommodation is allocated on a double or twin share basis. If you are a solo traveller we will room you with another solo traveller of the same sex. Limited single supplements are available at an additional charge. Please ask for details and availability if interested.
Included activities
-
Ferry tickets, Arnhemland experience ad National Park Entrance Fees
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Emergency support: guides carry satellite phones and a full first aid kit
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Kakadu National Park – Ubirr walk
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Kakadu National Park - Mamukala Wetlands
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Arnhem Land - Arnhemlander Cultural & Heritage 4WD tour
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Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site
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Kakadu National Park - Barrk sandstone walk
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Kakadu National Park - Yurmikmik lookout walk
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Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk & Swim
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Nitmiluk National Park - Jatbula Trail (Leliyn to Sweetwater Pool)
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Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge walks
-
Nitmiluk National Park - Southern Rockhole Ferry (Dec-Mar only)
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Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds
-
Litchfield National Park - Day walks
Dates & Availability
$3,740 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $790 (subject to availability).
7 spots available
$3,740 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $790 (subject to availability).
7 spots available
$3,740 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $790 (subject to availability).
5 spots available
$3,740 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $790 (subject to availability).
8 spots available
$3,740 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $790 (subject to availability).
5 spots available
$3,740 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $790 (subject to availability).
8 spots available
Important Notes
- The itinerary may vary depending on river crossings, heat and other conditions, your guides will provide an appropriate alternative.
- Start & End Times: The trip begins in Darwin with a group meeting at 6pm, and finishes upon arrival back into Darwin on the last day in the late afternoon.
FAQs
Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs
How hard are the walks on the Kakadu tour?
The walks on the Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield walking tour are not particularly difficult, it can just get really hot and exposed in the middle of the day and afternoon. A 12km hike in Kakadu feels very different to a 12km walk on a coastal track.
Most of the walks are also quite rocky underfoot but the itinerary is built in way so we can take our time and don’t have to rush. Quite a few of the walks include an opportunity to swim in a beautiful water hole.
On the longer and more strenuous walks include an option to shorten the walk and you may choose how far you would like to go.
The more training on rocky and uneven surfaces you do the more fun the tour will be.
Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs
What will the weather be like in June/July/August?
June, July and August is the best time in the Top End. River crossings and some trails all depend on the wet season and how much rain the area received. Usually by mid June, most roads and tracks should be open again. The chance of getting rain in this period is very small, but still always come prepared.
The days will generally be around 30-32C, humidity is generally quite low, but there is always a chance it can be humid. Drinking enough water is paramount to feeling well and you will need to ensure you bring enough water bottles with at least 4l capacity. Drinking 3-5l of water a day is absolutely normal in the Top End.
On some of the longer walking days and when we walk in peak heat in the afternoon as well as up on the plateaus in the stone country, temperatures of around 36-38 is to be expected. Come well prepared for hot weather.
At this time of the year the nights generally cool down and can be anywhere between 18-22C.
Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs
Can I buy snacks and alcohol once we leave Darwin?
There will be shops along the way to purchase alcohol and supplies, however most of the towns are very small and may have quite a limited selection.
In terms of alcohol, Jabiru is a dry community and hence there will be no opportunity to buy any alcohol while we are there. We will be going out for dinner on two of the nights in Jabiru where the restaurant is fully licensed.
At Pine Creek we are eating out at a licensed restaurant.
In Katherine we can plan to stop at the shops if needed, but the restaurant at Knotts Crossing is also fully licensed.
Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs
Do I have to share a room with other people?
No, there are single supplements available at an extra cost and there is a limited amount of single supplements. If you decide to share it is on a twin-share basis and we will team you up with somebody of the same gender. If you are interested in a single supplement give us a call or send us an email for further information.
Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs
Do I need to bring walking boots or will sneakers be alright?
Due to the rocky and quite uneven terrain of the walks, we would recommend to wear sturdy boots. There are also some steep sections where sturdy boots will give you more grip and protect your ankles. Sturdy water shoes may be a great addition, for walking in and out of the waterholes.
Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs
Do I need hiking poles?
A lot of the walks on this tour are on quite uneven and rocky terrain, where it can be beneficial to walk with walking poles. The poles can help in getting across creeks, walking on uneven surfaces, up steep sections and will also reduce the pressure on the knees on steep downhill sections. If, however you feel like your knees and legs are fit enough, and your balance is pretty good, you do not need to bring hiking poles.
Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs
Are there crocs in Kakadu? Can I swim?
While there are swimming opportunities on this tour, crocodiles do reside in Kakadu National Park. All guests swim at their own risk. We mitigate the risk by only conducting tours in the dry season and by only swimming in the park’s crocodile management zones.
Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs
About Walking Tours In General
How hard are the walks?
The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.
When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call or send us an email and we can talk you through it.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?
Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?
We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.
Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?
About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75, but we welcome all adults on our tours. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?
We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour prepared by our guides, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Sometimes we also eat out at restaurants. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?
Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
Do I have to walk every day on tour?
Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What do I have to carry when I walk?
Very little. A water bladder or bottles, lunch/snacks/fruit for the day. a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Not sure if this is the right tour for you?
At Inspiration Outdoors, we understand that choosing the right tour can be a difficult decision. That’s why we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. If you still have questions, give us a call or drop us a line. Whether it’s a question about the tour itinerary or your fitness level, our customer care team is ready to answer it. We have product specialists for every tour who are eager to share their knowledge and help you plan your next adventure.
What our customers say
Our Booking Process
What happens after I book?
After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.
Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.
Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.
What are my payment options?
Payment can be made by:
- Direct deposit
- Cheque
- Credit card
Can I cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel your tour;
(a) 84 days or more prior to departure, we will refund your deposit minus $50 administration fee;(b) 30 and 84 days prior to departure, loss of deposit
(c) between 24 and 29 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 25% of the total booking cost;
(d) between 15 and 23 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost;
(e) 14 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.
If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.
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