From Darwin: 3 Day Kakadu + Litchfield 4WD Adventure Camping Tour

TOUR CODE: KC3

OPERATES: Tue, Fri (Apr to Jun) / Tue, Fri, Sun (Jul to Oct)

DEPARTS: 06:30am

RETURNS: 19:00pm

TOURING STYLE: Adventure

TOUR DURATION: 3 Days / 2 Nights Camping

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: The Leea Darwin Hotel - 64 Cavenagh St Darwin City @ 6:30am.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
• Explore Kakadu Aboriginal Cultural Centres.
• Take a wildlife cruise on the Mary River Wetlands.
• Watch for Crocs and Barramundi at *Cahills Crossing.
• Breathtaking Aboriginal rock art and sunset views at Ubirr Rock.
• Be guided through world-class Aboriginal rock art sites Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and/or Ubirr walk (conditions/seasonality permitting).
• Adventure to some of Kakadu’s most impressive waterfalls and plunge pools (conditions/seasonality permitting)
• Be impressed by century-old magnetic termite mounds.
• Uncover the wonder of Litchfield National Park’s roaring waterfalls and hidden waterholes.
• Take a dip in the pools of Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, or Wangi Falls.

*This itinerary may change due to seasonal access, limiting entry to certain areas before and after the dry season. The falls typically don’t open until late June. The highlights are guidelines, as Kakadu’s diverse landscape and weather require flexibility, and group fitness levels will affect where we visit.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Join us on an exclusive 4WD safari for the adventure of a lifetime, showcasing the very best of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Discover some of the world’s oldest and best-preserved Aboriginal rock paintings, and keep an eye out for our prehistoric residents—crocodiles—while cruising the ancient wetlands by boat.

Venture off the beaten path as we hike through monsoon rainforests to spectacular waterfalls, where you can cool off in breathtaking natural plunge pools. Explore stunning landscapes and culturally rich areas.

Each evening, unwind in comfort after a day of adventure. Our private campsites feature fully-equipped, enclosed camp kitchens and spacious safari tents or traditional bush swags. After thrilling days of exploration, culture, and spectacular views, relax under the stars in a serene bushland setting, enjoying your comfortable twin safari tent or canvas-covered swag experience.

This tour is more than just a trip—it’s an immersive experience. You’ll join your guide and fellow travellers to prepare meals, learning the traditional art of bush cooking. It’s a fantastic opportunity for team-building, surrounded by the stunning outback, with unforgettable sunsets, stargazing, crackling campfires, and plenty of laughter along the way. Prepare for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park

Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and heading out to the Mary River Wetlands region onboard the Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise. A great opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End birdlife, not to mention some apex predators… crocodiles!

We journey on to Kakadu National Park visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre which offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife. After some relaxation at camp, we will journey north to *Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We will visit one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal rock art in the world at Ubirr rock upon sunset. This incredibly significant site showcases many styles of rock art and allows us to climb up high for a sunset that will blow you away looking out over the Nadab Floodplain. After a big day, we head back to our cozy private camp and prepare dinner together, enjoying an evening with our fellow travellers.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Jabiru Campground - Permanent Safari Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 420km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 3, featuring flat pathways and a gradual climb up a rock face to the vantage point at the top.

Day 2: Kakadu Waterfalls & Plunge Pools

We rise and shine early on day 2 and make our way south in Kakadu National Park. Today we’ll spend the day soaking up the spectacular natural beauty of the area, hiking through lush monsoon rainforests, and swimming in pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs.

We aim to visit one or more of the available waterfalls depending on the group's physical ability to complete the hike(s). This can include any one of the following: Gunlom Falls, Motor Car Falls, Moline Rockhole, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), or Jim Jim Falls. There are many factors affecting accessibility although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible.

Time permitting, we stop at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), another indigenous rock art site where archaeologists have uncovered works dating back over 20,000 years old. We explore the evolving social, cultural and environmental changes to the area over time before making our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Jabiru Campground - Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 150km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km - 4km Grade 4

Day 3: Kakadu to Litchfield National Park to Darwin

An exciting day awaits as we head out of Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park.

We will spend the afternoon immersed in Litchfield’s natural oasis of waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments. We’ll spend time in any combination of Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls or Florence Falls for a refreshing soak in picturesque rock holes and waterfalls.

Discover the uniquely impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds before making our way back to Darwin, arriving back at your accommodation at approximately 7:00pm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 500km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1 - 2 km Grade 2-3.

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.

INCLUSIONS:

• 2 Nights’ Permanent Eco Style Tented Campsites (2 x Kakadu)
• Includes: 2 x Breakfasts, 3 x Lunches, 2 x Dinners (guest participation)
• Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
• Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
• Kakadu Pass & National Parks entry fees included
• Guided bush walks (up to 3km, grade 2-4)
• Hosted by an accredited outback driver-guide
• Air-conditioned 4WD off-road bus travel
• Comprehensive local tour commentary
• Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
• Australian bush swag - canvas-covered bush bed roll (Bush Swag option)
• Top & fitted sheets, mattress and pillow & case provided (Safari Tent option).

EXCLUSIONS:

• Sleeping bags can be hired from us for $40 AUD. This includes cleaning costs. You are more than welcome to bring your own. Payment is to be made through our reservations department prior to departure.
• Any meals not indicated on the itinerary. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
• Personal travel insurance is highly recommended.
• Spending money for personal items and expenses.

WHAT TO BRING:

2-3L Refillable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towel & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (closed shoes), all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), camera, flashlight, headlamp or torch, tropical strength insect repellent, mosquito or fly net (summer months), 15kg overnight bag & small day pack, bring your own sleeping bag & pillow (optional - if staying in a swag), recharge power bank (limited access to power to charge phone or cameras) and money for snack and meals.

CHILD POLICY:

Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walks.

WEATHER:

The weather in the Top End of the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius with high humidity in the dry season and temperatures can drop dramatically in the evening. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including date of birth, food allergies, and a contact phone number.
• Dietary Requirements: While we strive to accommodate most dietary needs, passengers must inform their booking agent of any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking. As we travel to remote areas, we have limited options once the tour departs, so prior notice is essential.
• Medical Conditions: Please notify the tour operator of any known medical conditions when booking. This tour is physically demanding and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility.
• Fitness Level: A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2 km to 4 km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 9.5 km walk is included in this tour. Walks will be conducted at the guide’s discretion for guest safety. A doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 75 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
• Age Restrictions: Children aged 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. The tour is not suitable for infants or children aged 7 and under due to safety requirements and the physical demands of the walks.
• Mobility Considerations: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.
• Baggage Limitations: Limited storage space is available on our vehicle. Each traveller may bring 1 x 15 kg travel bag and 1 x 5 kg day bag. Large suitcases need to be stored at your hotel while on tour.
• Itinerary Variations: Itineraries may change due to seasonal conditions, and occasionally sites in the parks may close for cultural reasons or restricted swimming hole access. We prioritise safety and plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for our guests.
• Guest Participation: Guests are encouraged to participate in lunch preparation, unpacking, and loading luggage into the vehicles. This collaborative effort promotes a relaxed atmosphere, fostering connections among travellers after a day of touring.
• Reconfirmation of Details: All travellers are asked to reconfirm their tour details within 7 days prior to departure by calling 03 9393 1333.