Flights not included
Now from
$1190
Was from
$1590
Days
11
KAKADU, KATHERINE, LITCHFIELD

Wetlands, Rock Art and Waterfalls

This 6-day Northern Territory adventure starts and ends in Darwin, looping through the Top End's wetlands, rock art country, gorges and swimming holes. The route brings together Kakadu National Park, the East Alligator River, Ubirr, Burrungkuy, Yellow Water Billabong, Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park.

It is a full, outdoorsy trip with early starts, long drives and plenty of reward along the way: crocodile country, Indigenous-owned cruises, ancient First Nations rock art, tropical waterfalls, hot springs and sandstone landscapes. The Top End feels completely different from Australia's desert center, with water, wildlife and green heat shaping the whole journey.

Why You'll Love This Trip

Why you'll love this trip
  • Yellow Water Wildlife
    Cruise Kakadu wetlands looking for crocodiles, eagles, jabirus and brolgas.
  • Ubirr Rock Art
    Walk past ancient First Nations rock art to one of Kakadu's great lookout views.
  • East Alligator Stories
    Travel the river with an Aboriginal guide and hear cultural meaning in the landscape.
  • Nitmiluk Gorge Choice
    Explore Katherine Gorge on foot, or choose a river cruise through sandstone walls.
  • Litchfield Swimming Holes
    Cool off at Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls and, when open, Wangi Falls.
  • Shared Top End Nights
    Stay close to Kakadu country in simple rooms connected to Traditional Custodian ownership.
This is the Top End with water in its bones: wetlands, crocs, rock art, gorge country and waterfall swims. It is active, hot and full, but the landscapes keep paying you back.
Itinerary
Darwin
Kakadu National Park
East Alligator River
Ubirr
Burrungkuy
Yellow Water Billabong
Katherine
Nitmiluk National Park
Litchfield National Park
Darwin
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Tour program
  • Welcome to the Top End. Your trip begins in Darwin, or Gulumerrdgen in the language of the Larrakia people, the Traditional Custodians of the land where the city now stands. Meet your leader and group at the 6 pm welcome meeting, then keep the evening easy before tomorrow's early start. If you arrive ahead of time, you might swim at Darwin City Lagoon or visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for local history, culture and art.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel - 1 night
  • Meals
    None included
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: None listed
  • Special information
    Please attend the welcome meeting, as insurance and emergency contact details are collected then. If you will be late, let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or check the lobby notice for the meeting location.
  • Start early for Kakadu National Park, a vast 20,000 sq km landscape known for biodiversity, wetlands and deep cultural significance. Stretch your legs on a short walk at Mamukala Wetlands, then stop for a picnic lunch near Cahill's Crossing, a well-known crocodile viewing area. Later, board the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River. Despite the name, this is crocodile country, not alligator country. An Aboriginal guide will share insight into the river, the animals, the plants and the cultural meaning of the land. After the cruise, walk with your leader through the Ubirr rock art site and continue to a lookout with wide views across Kakadu.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel with shared facilities - 1 night
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Kakadu National Park - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River; Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk; Kakadu National Park - Cahills Crossing Crocodile Spotting
    Optional: None listed
  • Special information
    Travel time is approximately 3.5 hours. Walking time is approximately 1 hour or 1 km on an easy to moderate trail, with an elevation gain of 250 m to the lookout. The Kakadu accommodation is owned and operated by the Djabulukgu Association, representing the Traditional Custodians of northern Kakadu and Western Arnhem Land. There are two bathrooms per block of six air-conditioned twin rooms, and the bathrooms are outside the building. Bring a torch for after dark.
  • Visit Burrungkuy, also known as Nourlangie, a World Heritage-listed rock art area created by the Bininj people. Several short walks are possible here, including the easy main gallery and shelter walk, and each route shows a different side of the area's art, wildlife and natural features. Later, continue your Kakadu exploration on an Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruise along wetlands and tributaries of the South Alligator River. Watch for eagles, jabirus, brolgas and crocodiles as the boat moves through the billabong. Back on land, visit the local cultural center and, depending on timing, there may be a chance to join a weaving or damper-making class.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel with shared facilities - 1 night
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Kakadu National Park - Yellow Water Cruise on the South Alligator River; Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk
    Optional: None listed
  • Special information
    Walking time is approximately 2 hours or 1.5 km.
  • Leave Kakadu and travel toward Katherine. Along the way, stop in Pine Creek, a historic gold mining town, then continue to Leliyn, also known as Edith Falls. Here, take a short hike on the upper pools circuit, swim if conditions allow and pause for lunch. Later, continue to Katherine, where Outback landscapes meet the tropical flow of the Katherine River. On arrival, visit the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre for an introduction to the region's history and culture before settling into your hotel.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel - 1 night
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Included activities
    Katherine - Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre; Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk and Swim
  • Optional activities
    None listed
  • Special information
    No special information listed for this day.
  • Spend the morning at Nitmiluk, also known as Katherine Gorge, where the Katherine River has carved a dramatic series of sandstone gorges. You will have free time to choose how you want to experience it. You might join the NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise for river views and local context, or explore on foot with your leader if that better suits the day. Later, return to Katherine for lunch and time in the natural hot springs.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel - 1 night
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Nitmiluk National Park - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk; Katherine - Hot Springs
    Optional: Nitmiluk National Park - NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise - AUD155
  • Special information
    Your leader will suggest suitable Nitmiluk walks based on the weather and the group. The 9 am NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise can be pre-booked, which helps secure a place subject to availability. You may also try to book locally for a better price, but this is a popular activity and spaces are limited.
  • Head for Litchfield National Park, a landscape of waterfalls, swimming holes, sandstone plateau and unusual rock formations. Visit the Magnetic Termite Mounds, then cool off at Buley Rockhole, a chain of shallow rock pools. Continue on an easy walk to Florence Falls for a picnic lunch and another swim. If you want a longer walk, nearby Wangi Falls has a swimming hole and optional loop walk when conditions allow. Later, drive back to Darwin, where the trip ends around 6 pm.
  • Accommodation
    Not included
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds; Litchfield National Park - Buley Rockhole; Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls; Litchfield National Park - Florence Falls
    Optional: Darwin - Mindil Beach Markets Visit - Free
  • Special information
    Travel time is approximately 4 hours. Walking time is approximately 1 hour or 3.2 km. The optional Wangi Falls Loop Walk is approximately 45 minutes or 1.6 km. Wangi Falls is often closed after heavy rainfall because of crocodile danger, and entry to the pool remains closed until rangers are confident it is safe for swimming.
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The Top End does not fade quietly: it leaves you with wetland light, rock art lines, warm water, crocodile warnings and the sound of falls in the heat.
Inclusions and activities
  • Destination
    Australia
    Region: Northern Territory - Top End
  • Meals
    5 breakfasts, 3 lunches
  • Transport
    Private vehicle
  • Accommodation
    Hotel - 3 nights; Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities - 2 nights
  • Included activities
    Kakadu National Park - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River; Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Site Walk; Kakadu National Park - Cahills Crossing Crocodile Spotting; Kakadu National Park - Yellow Water Cruise on the South Alligator River; Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk; Katherine - Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre; Nitmiluk National Park - Leliyn (Edith Falls) Upper Circuit Walk and Swim; Nitmiluk National Park - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge walk; Katherine - Hot Springs; Litchfield National Park - Magnetic Termite Mounds; Litchfield National Park - Buley Rockhole; Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls; Litchfield National Park - Florence Falls
  • Optional activities
    Nitmiluk National Park - NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise - AUD155; Darwin - Mindil Beach Markets Visit - Free
  • Start / End
    Start: Darwin, Australia
    End: Darwin, Australia
    Duration: 6 days
Planning a group trip? Contact our manager at info@eurotourclub.com — we’ll help you organize every detail for a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Trip moments from our travelers
Before you book you should know
Is this trip right for you?
Several days include long drives through remote parts of northern Australia. The distances are part of the Top End experience, and the scenery is something you would miss by flying, but expect full days and early starts.

Accommodation is comfortable, with hotel stays for three nights and resort-style twin or double rooms with shared facilities for two nights in Kakadu.

Top End temperatures can be extreme. Daytime heat can be intense, and the Australian sun is strong. Pack light protective clothing, use sun protection, drink plenty of water and check the forecast. Evenings can feel cooler, so bring layers that match the season.

Sunrise, sunset and weather conditions change throughout the year, so activity order may shift to give the group the best experience possible. First Nations experiences may also be unavailable if guides have cultural commitments, and alternative activities will be included if needed.

Travelers looking for a shorter camping-based Top End route may prefer a separate Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield camping-style option. Travelers wanting more comfort can choose a higher-comfort Top End and Kakadu route.

Visa information tools may help, but they may not include every full entry requirement or service fee. Travelers are responsible for checking the rules for their passport before travel.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is a mix of hotels and twin or double rooms with shared facilities. The accommodation style shown in the daily itinerary is a guide and may change if preferred properties are unavailable. If a change is needed, a similar standard will be used whenever possible.

Hotels are asked to prepare rooms before the group arrives, especially when arrival is earlier than normal check-in. Immediate check-in is not always possible, so luggage may be stored while the group explores or waits for rooms.
Joining point
Joining point: Argus Hotel Darwin, 13 Shepherd Street, Darwin, Australia. Phone: +61 889418300.

The trip begins with a 6 pm welcome meeting at the joining point hotel. From Darwin International Airport, airport code DRW, the easiest option is a taxi or Uber directly to the hotel. The drive usually takes about 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Dates and prices
Lock in your trip with a 50% flexible deposit
  • Starting
    Wednesday 8 Oct 2025
  • Ending
    Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
  • Prices from
    $1500 $1800
  • Sunday 12 Oct 2025
  • Sunday 19 Oct 2025
  • $1800
  • Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
  • Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
  • $1800
  • Sunday 19 Oct 2025
  • Sunday 26 Oct 2025
  • $1500 $1800
  • Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
  • Wednesday 29 Oct 2025
  • $1500 $1800
Starting Wednesday 8 Oct 2025
Ending Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Sunday 12 Oct 2025
Ending Sunday 19 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
Ending Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Sunday 19 Oct 2025
Ending Sunday 26 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800

Important notes

The trip starts in Darwin with a 6 pm welcome meeting on Day 1 at the joining point hotel.

The trip finishes back in Darwin on Day 6 at the finishing point hotel around 6 pm. Accommodation is not included on the final night, but extra accommodation can be requested.

A single supplement may be available if you prefer your own room, subject to availability.

This trip includes early starts, long driving days, heat and outdoor walks. Plan for sun, water, practical footwear and quick changes in weather or access conditions.

Swimming at waterfalls and waterholes is always subject to local safety advice. Some areas, including Wangi Falls, can close after heavy rain or crocodile risk.
Reviews
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