Autopia Tours: Kakadu Katherine Litchfield 4WD Adventure (Camping) 5 Day - Bush Swag from Darwin

Autopia Tours: Kakadu Katherine Litchfield 4WD Adventure (Camping) 5 Day - Bush Swag from Darwin
From AUD $1,750.00
  • Duration: 5 Days (approx.)
  • Location: Darwin, Norther Territory
  • Product code: KC5-B

With this Traditional Bush Single Swag fare option, guests' sleep in a self-contained canvas-covered bush bed roll with mattress (known as a swag), on the ground outdoors under the stars. Campsite shared bathroom facilities. Children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times.

TOUR CODE: KC5-B

OPERATES: Wed & Sat (Apr-Oct)

DEPARTS: 06:30am

RETURNS: 18:30pm

TOUR DURATION: 5 Days / 4 Nights

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Travelodge Resort Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City NT 0800 @06:30am.

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 Kakadu’s most impressive waterfalls and plunge pools (conditions/seasonality permitting)
  • Hike through Kakadu’s biodiverse environments including rocky river beds and monsoon forests 
  • Enjoy rewarding swims in pristine plunge pools under cascading waterfalls
  • 2 Hour Katherine Gorge Cruise in Nitmiluk NP
  • 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 Rockholes, or Wangi Falls

*This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal access permitting us from entering certain areas pre and post the dry season. Please note the falls are rarely open before late June. Highlights are a guideline only. Kakadu’s diverse landscape and weather conditions mean a high amount of change and flexibility in the itinerary is expected. Your expert guides will ensure the most amazing adventure is had by all!

ITINERARY:

Showcasing the best of the Top End, this 5 Day Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield 4WD Adventure Tour will tick every box for the explorer and adventurer!

Join us on an exclusive 4WD safari adventure of a lifetime showcasing the very best Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Parks have to offer. Discover some of the oldest and best-preserved Aboriginal rock art in the world, keep a lookout for some of our prehistoric friends (crocodiles), and visit spectacular waterfalls to cool off in some of the most beautiful natural plunge pools imaginable. We’ll be exploring some truly spectacular countryside, among pockets of rainforest packed with endemic species of flora and fauna. This adventure tour will have you relaxing in comfort each evening after being on the move all day. Our private campsites are complete with a wonderfully equipped, enclosed camp kitchen, spacious safari tents or swags. After action-packed days of exploration, culture, and unmatched vistas you will love relaxing in a brilliant bushland setting under the stars, enjoying your comfortable twin permanent safari tent or your traditional swag experience (canvas-covered bedroll).

Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park

Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and heading out to the Wetlands Region where the magnificent scenery of the top end puts on a show. Along the way, we have ample opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End birdlife, not to mention some fresh and salty apex predators… crocodiles! 

We journey on to Kakadu National Park where our home for the next two nights in Jabiru awaits. The Bowali Visitor Centre offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife and we take time to soak it in, before checking into our local accommodation. After some relaxation, we journey northeast 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: Private Jabiru Campsite -  Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3.

Day 2: Jim Jim Falls - Plunge Pools - Jabiru Return

We rise and shine early on day 2 and make our way south into 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 of Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls or Moline Rockhole. There are many factors affecting accessibility although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible. 

Time permitting, we stop at Warradjan Cultural Centre and gallery where we explore the stories of the artefacts that the traditional owners wish to share with visitors. Feel free to discuss the evolving social, cultural and environmental changes to the area over time as we then make our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite - Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: Minimum 150km depending on waterfall access. Please note this includes a minimum of 40kms offroad on each journey. Hike Distance and Grading:  1.5km - 4km & up to Grade 5/6.

Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine

This morning we discover Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art, Kunwarddewardde Lookout and have the potential to explore the surrounding areas of Nawurlandja Lookout and Anbangbang Billabong. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock features incredible Aboriginal rock art and Dreamtime stories of the Bininj people. Another 4WD track awaits us as we travel south and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall, one of the most picturesque and pristine waterfalls in Kakadu. Please note at least a moderate to high level of fitness and agility is required here with flat pathways combined with rocky crossings leading you to the plunge pool through the monsoon forest. After our 2km walk, swim and lunch, we head south through Kakadu National Park towards our private safari campsite in Katherine where we will be able to relax under the stars and enjoy the evening’s hospitality around the campfire. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Camping: Private Katherine Campsite - Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance:  420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km Grade 3.

Day 4: Katherine - Nitmiluk National Park

It’s an early start today to reach Nitmiluk National Park and board your 2 hour NitNit Katherine Gorge boat cruise - an absolute must-do in the Top End. This cruise guides you down the middle of 70m sheer rock walls with wildlife hiding around every corner. An area rich in creation stories you will marvel at your surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere of the cruise. If you are also interested in doing a scenic helicopter flight after the cruise there are a range of options available to take in the spectacular views of Nitmiluk and Katherine Gorge. It’s now time to continue our journey, making our way to the beautiful Edith Falls for further relaxation in picture-perfect Top End surroundings with a picnic lunch, a huge plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall, and a welcome chance to cool off! 

After your day of culture, walks and swims we head back to our private campsite for a stunning sunset and evening stargazing.

 Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Camping: Private Katherine Campsite -  Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Options: Scenic helicopter flights. Driving Distance: 470km. Hike Distance and Grading: 2km Grade 2-4 depending on the walk embarked on. The main pool (when open) is a short walk with low grades. Upper pools require a reasonably steep climb and descent, and at least a moderate level of fitness and agility.

Day 5: Katherine - Litchfield - Darwin

​Our adventure is not yet complete as we now head into Litchfield National Park on our way back to Darwin for the end of our fifth day.

Leaving Katherine we travel north towards the world-class Litchfield National Park, surrounded by thick pockets of tropical rainforest, offering a cool escape from the heat of the Top End.​ 

View the monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds and then have an opportunity to cool in Litchfield’s beautiful natural plunge pools like Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls. Visit a thundering waterfall like Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls and marvel at the sheer beauty carved out among the rocky escarpment. Fully relaxed and rejuvenated after your fifth day of exploration and adventure, relax back in comfort as your guide delivers you back to Darwin for a well-earned rest. . Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Driving Distance: 470 km. Walking Distance: 1km - 2km.

*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:

  • 4 Nights’ Bush Swags (2 x Kakadu, 2 x Katherine)
  • Includes: 4 x Breakfasts, 5 x Lunches, 4 x Dinners
  • Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
  • Billabong Wetlands River Cruise
  • Kakadu Park passes entry fees
  • Guided bush walks (up to 3km each day, grade 2-6)
  • 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).

EXCLUSIONS:

  • Sleeping bags can be hired from us onboard for $40 AUD. This includes cleaning costs. You are more than welcome to bring your own. Payment is made directly to the tour operator.
  • 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.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended
  • Personal expenses

WHAT TO BRING:

3L Refillable water bottle, wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach and shower towel & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (closed-toe shoes), all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), camera, flashlight, headlamp or torch, tropical strength insect repellent, mosquito or fly net (summer months), recharge power bank with limited access,15kg overnight bag & small day pack, 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. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walk.

WEATHER:

The weather in the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically.  Please ensure you have checked the average temperature 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 NOTES:

  • Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, food allergies and contact phone number.
  • While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must advise dietary requirements to their booking agent at the time of booking. As we are venturing to remote areas we are very limited in what we can source once the tour departs, therefore prior notice is required.
  • The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a very physical tour and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility.
  • A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2km to 4km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 9-11km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor's certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel).
  • Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walk.
  • Limited storage space in our vehicles. Baggage must be kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
  • Itineraries may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour. 
  • Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day of touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
  • Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333.