5 Day Kakadu Litchfield & Katherine 4WD Outback Adventure

For tour meeting point and time, please take the tour vouchers as the final confirmation. The meeting point and time in the tour info are only for reference. Enquire through our service: LINE ID: @fittravel or Wechat: FIT_TRAVEL_AU

• Tour commences from Darwin on (Day 1) at 6:30 am and finishes in Darwin on the evening of (Day 5) at 6:30 pm.

Introducing your 5-day best of the Top End

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Northern Territory on an exclusive 5-day 4WD Outback Adventure through Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Journey through time as you witness some of the world's oldest Aboriginal rock art and glide through ancient wetlands, keeping an eye out for iconic crocodiles. Refresh yourself in the pristine waters of spectacular waterfalls and hidden plunge pools. Explore lush rainforest pockets, home to unique flora and fauna, and unwind each night in comfortable accommodations after days filled with cultural discovery and breathtaking vistas.

5-day Kakadu Katherine Litchfield Tour Highlights

• Explore World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
• Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Bowali & Warradjan Cultural Centres.
• Experience a cultural boat cruise on the East Alligator River (Kakadu/Arnhem Land border).
• Witness the famed Cahills Crossing (look out for crocs and barramundi!).
• Marvel at Aboriginal rock art and sunset views at Ubirr Rock.
• Discover world-class rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr (seasonal access).
• Venture to Kakadu's impressive Jim Jim Falls (seasonal access).
• Relax and swim at Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) waterfall and plunge pool.
• Enjoy Jabiru and Katherine hospitality; optional Katherine Gorge cruise or helicopter flight.
• Discover the cascading Edith Falls.
• See the fascinating century-old magnetic termite mounds.
• Uncover Litchfield National Park's stunning waterfalls and hidden waterholes.
• Swim in the refreshing pools of Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, or Wangi Falls.

Please Note: This itinerary may change due to seasonal access, particularly affecting entry to certain areas before and after the dry season (falls typically accessible from late June). Highlights are a guide only; Kakadu's diverse landscape and weather require flexibility. Our expert guides will ensure an amazing adventure regardless of any necessary adjustments.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu

Your Top End adventure begins as we depart from Darwin and journey into the lush Wetlands Region, where the stunning scenery of the Northern Territory truly begins to unfold. Keep your eyes peeled as we travel – this area teems with vibrant Top End birdlife, and we'll have ample opportunities to spot both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, the apex predators of these waterways!

Our journey continues into the renowned Kakadu National Park, where our comfortable accommodation in Jabiru awaits us for the next two nights. We'll start our Kakadu immersion at the Bowali Visitor Centre, a fantastic introduction to the park's diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife. After absorbing this initial insight and settling into our local lodging, we venture north to the iconic Cahills Crossing, situated on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Here, a truly unforgettable cultural experience awaits: a cruise along the East Alligator River. As we glide along this significant waterway bordering Arnhem Land, we'll delve into the Dreamtime stories of the region, marvel at the majestic birdlife, and of course, keep a keen eye out for crocodiles – and perhaps even witness locals and crocs alike trying their luck at catching barramundi! Our day culminates at Ubirr Rock, home to one of the world's finest and best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art. This incredibly significant site showcases a variety of artistic styles, and a climb to the top rewards us with a breathtaking sunset panorama over the vast Nadab Floodplain. Finally, we return to Jabiru for a well-deserved dinner and a comfortable night's rest.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Anbinik Kakadu Resort (Shared 6Packs, Cabins, or Private Anbinik Suites) or similar

Driving Distance: 420km

Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop, Grade 2-3

Day 2: Jim Jim to Jabiru

Today, we venture off the beaten track towards one of Kakadu's most iconic and breathtaking destinations: either the majestic Jim Jim Falls or a similarly stunning location (depending on seasonal access and cultural considerations, as the adventurous 4WD road leading to these wonders is subject to conditions). Please note that reaching these falls is a seasonal privilege, and the experience requires a moderate to high level of fitness and agility for the walk. Our reward is a hike to a vast plunge pool and its sandy beach, where you'll have ample time to refresh yourselves surrounded by lush monsoon forest, all framed by towering, magnificent rock escarpments.

On our return journey, we'll have the enriching opportunity to stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Here, you can immerse yourselves in the rich culture of Kakadu, gaining a deeper understanding of the stories, unique flora, and fascinating fauna of this World Heritage-listed National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving Distance: 250km

Hike Distance and Grading: 4 km, Grade 6

Day 3: Jabiru to Katherine

This morning, we delve into the wonders of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock, a site rich in ancient Aboriginal Rock Art and the captivating Dreamtime stories of the Bininj people. We'll also take in the panoramic views from Kunwarddewardde Lookout and, time permitting, explore the surrounding scenic areas of Nawurlandja Lookout and the tranquil Anbangbang Billabong.

Another exciting 4WD adventure awaits as we journey south to the breathtaking Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall, often described as one of Kakadu's most picturesque and pristine natural treasures. Here, we'll enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the plunge pool. Please be aware that reaching this idyllic spot involves a 2km walk requiring at least a moderate level of fitness and agility, with flat pathways transitioning to rocky crossings as we meander through the cool monsoon forest. After our walk and a refreshing swim in the pristine waters, we begin our journey towards Nitmiluk National Park, eventually arriving at our comfortable accommodation in Katherine, where you can unwind and experience the local hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving Distance: 420km

Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km, Grade 3

Day 4: Katherine to Darwin

Rise and shine early as we head to the majestic Nitmiluk National Park, home to the stunning Katherine Gorge. Here, you have a choice of invigorating hikes along the sheer rock walls, with options ranging from a 1.4km to a 4.8km return journey, each offering breathtaking panoramic views over the gorge. Alternatively, you might choose to embark on a relaxing 2-hour Katherine Gorge Cruise (optional extra, subject to availability and payable directly).

For a truly unforgettable perspective, consider taking a scenic flight with Helispirit (various options available at your own expense) to witness the spectacular expanse of Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge, the dramatic Arnhem Land escarpment, and the region's diverse wildlife from above.

Following our time at Nitmiluk, we'll journey towards the picturesque Edith Falls. Prepare to unwind in this Top End paradise, complete with crystal-clear waters and inviting natural pools – the perfect setting for a refreshing swim and a delightful picnic lunch. Finally, we'll make our way back to Darwin, ensuring you arrive with ample time to explore the vibrant Mindil Beach Sunset Market (seasonal) or simply relax at your accommodation, reminiscing about the incredible adventures and newfound friendships forged during your tour.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Optional Activities (at guest's own expense, subject to availability): Scenic helicopter flights, 2-hour Katherine Gorge Cruise

Driving Distance: 470km

Hike Distance and Grading: 2km (Grade 2-4, depending on chosen walk). Access to the main pool (when open) is a short, easy walk. Reaching the upper pools involves a reasonably steep climb and descent, requiring at least a moderate level of fitness and agility.

Day 5: Darwin to Litchfield Return

Get ready for a refreshing change of scenery as we embark on a captivating day trip to the renowned Litchfield National Park. Leaving Darwin, our journey takes us south towards this natural wonderland, where pockets of lush tropical rainforest offer a welcome escape from the Top End heat.

Before we delve into Litchfield's beauty, we'll take a short detour to the Adelaide River and the fascinating Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve wetlands. These traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people, who actively participate in the reserve's management, provide a spectacular opportunity to witness the Top End's diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for numerous bird species, turtles, water pythons, and, of course, the iconic Saltwater Crocodile. Alternatively, you'll have the option to join an exciting 1-hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River (optional extra, subject to availability and payable directly).

From the Adelaide River, we continue south to marvel at the incredible monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds, a truly unique natural phenomenon. Soon after, the refreshing waters of Litchfield National Park await! We'll have opportunities to cool off in some of its stunning natural plunge pools, such as the cascading Buley Rockholes or the picturesque Wangi Falls. You'll also be awestruck by the thundering Florence Falls or the dramatic Tolmer Falls, marvelling at the sheer beauty sculpted into the rocky escarpment. Fully relaxed and rejuvenated after a day immersed in this breathtaking tropical national park, we'll make our way back to Darwin.

Meals: n/a (opportunity to purchase lunch on tour in Batchelor or BYO – we will have a cooler onboard).

Driving Distance: 317 km

Walking Distance: 1km / 2km