Kakadu, Litchfield & Katherine 8 Day

Start in Darwin at 7.30am or Darwin Airport at 7.50am. A fabulous introduction to Kakadu’s wetlands begins with our first walk at the Territory Wildlife Park, experiencing the incredible diversity of animals, particularly birdlife, in the Top End. Next, it’s on to Kakadu World Heritage Area, Mamukala, for an afternoon passing termite mounds, swaying palm trees and savannah country.

Walking: Easy / 7 km / 3 hrs

Meals: Lunch and 2-course dinner at the resort/local restaurant

Accommodation: Anbinik Kakadu Resort with ensuite room

Our Kakadu tour continues today with a cruise on the East Alligator River, one of the great northern rivers that form a boundary with Arnhem Land. The tour is 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated; you’ll learn about traditional survival skills and see a lot of wildlife including the famed crocodiles. There’s also an opportunity to get off the boat and spend some time in Arnhem Land.

We then travel to Ubirr to tackle a short 1km circuit showcasing several fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites. There’s also an optional rock scramble to a lookout for expansive views over the Nadab floodplain.

After lunch, we enjoy the Manngaree Rainforest and Bardedjilidji Walk, which begins with a monsoon rainforest circuit and then continues along the banks of the East Alligator River.

Walking: Easy to moderate / 9 km / 4 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch, BBQ dinner under the stars

Accommodation: Anbinik Kakadu Resort with ensuite room

Our final Kakadu walk is in the Nourlangie Rock area, beginning with some stunning Aboriginal art sites. We then continue on the challenging Barrk Walk through a remote sandstone country. This hike offers spectacular views of the Kakadu escarpment, culminating in a visit to the Nanguluwur Gallery art site, far away from the tourist crowds.

Walking: Moderate / 11 km / 6 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch, and dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation:  Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine, with ensuite room

After a short drive north, we’ll spend the day in the Edith Falls section of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). The more challenging walk option will be on a section of the long-distance Jatbula Trail to Sweetwater Pool. This trail follows the route travelled by generations of Jawoyn Aboriginal people to access the escarpment country.

A shorter option to the halfway point of the Long Hole Pool will also be offered. There are a couple of excellent swimming options in the pristine river today. At the end of the walk, a series of large swimming holes with the impressive Edith Falls plummeting into the refreshing waters. Bring your swimming goggles – there’s so much exciting life to explore underwater.

Walking: Moderate / 15 km / 5-6 hrs / shorter 11km option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine with ensuite room

Spend the day in the Katherine Gorge section of Nitmiluk National Park. Our chosen route parallels the mighty river. with the option to drop down to the banks for a refreshing swim. A more challenging walk option includes the Baruwei Walk, Butterfly Gorge and Southern Waterhole (an easier option is available). Depending on your preference, cruise along the river, go kayaking or enjoy a helicopter trip to a remote section of the gorge (at your own expense).

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 20 km / 8 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine, with ensuite room

Head northwards to Litchfield National Park to see massive termite mounds and embark on two walks this afternoon. The first is to a viewing point over Tjaetaba Falls. The second is to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the park, Wangi Falls. There will be time to swim in the delightful waterhole at the falls. The water in the pools at Litchfield has an incredible clarity that makes swimming here a real highlight.

Walking: Moderate / 7 km / 4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the accommodation restaurant

Accommodation: Butterfly Farm or other local accommodation with ensuite room

A choice of walks today. The harder, longer option is a section of the long-distance Tabletop Track or at Tolmer Falls and the Cascades track. This is remote, hard walking with minimal shade, and a dip in the pool below Wangi Falls will be a welcome end to the hike. (16km, moderate.) The easier option will include a visit to the historic Bamboo Creek Tin Mine (1.5km, easy), and a swamp area that houses many water birds. Then there’s a walk from Florence Falls to Buley Rockhole with plenty of time for swimming en route.

Walking: Moderate / 16 km / 5 hrs / Easier shorter 7 km walk available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner at the accommodation restaurant

Accommodation: Butterfly Farm or other local accommodation with ensuite room

For our final day, we’ll leave Litchfield and head for Berry Springs en route to Darwin. This is a crystal clear natural spring with a waterfall and excellent swimming in the warm spring water. There’s a short forest walk here too. We’ll travel back to Darwin, arriving at approximately 1.30 pm.

Walking: Easy / 3 km / 1.5 hrs

Meals: Breakfast