Kakadu to Litchfield 4WD Camping 3 Day – Safari Tent from Darwin

*This Safari Pop-up Tent fare price is (Per Person) for Adults or Children. For guests wishing to sleep in the outback but remain protected from the elements, we provide portable dome tents with inflatable mattresses, bed linen, and lanterns. Suitable for children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. 

TOUR CODE: KC3-S

OPERATES: Tue, Fri  (May-Oct)

DEPARTS: 06:30am

RETURNS: 18:30pm

TOUR DURATION: 3 Days / 2 Nights

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

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park
• Explore Kakadu Aboriginal Cultural Centre
• 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) or Ubirr walk (conditions/seasonality permitting)
• Adventure to Kakadu’s most impressive waterfalls and plunge pools of Barramundi Gorge (Maguk), or Jim Jim Falls (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 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:

Join us on an exclusive 4wd safari adventure of a lifetime showcasing the very best Kakadu & Litchfield National Park has to offer. Discover some of the oldest and best-preserved Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and keep a lookout for some of our prehistoric friends (crocodiles) as we cruise the ancient wetlands by boat. Visit spectacular waterfalls and cool off in some of the most beautiful natural plunge pools imaginable. We’ll be exploring some truly spectacular countryside, amongst pockets of rainforest packed with endemic species of flora and fauna. This fully accommodated tour has you relaxing indoors in comfort each night after action-packed days of exploration, culture, and unmatched vistas. We provide comfortable twin share or single pop-up safari tents which give you a little more comfort, privacy, and security or you can try out a traditional swag experience (canvas-covered bed roll)

Day 1: Darwin – Kakadu National Park

Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and head out to the Wetlands Region for a Crocodile & Wildlife Cruise on the Mary River Wetlands, a great 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 visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre which offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife. After some relaxation at camp, we journey north to *Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.  Here we embark on a cultural tour of a lifetime – cruising down the East Alligator River on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the Dreamtime stories of the area, majestic birdlife and of course, hope to see crocodiles along where they and the locals aim to catch some barramundi! 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 camp and prepare dinner together,  enjoying an evening with our fellow travellers. Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Camping: Kakadu National Park sleeping in a Safari Style Pop-up Tent. Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3.

Day 2: Kakadu Waterfalls & Plunge Pools

We rise and shine early on day 2 and make our way South to 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 generally visit Twin Falls or Jim Jim Falls when seasonally accessible, alternatively, we will stop in at Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) or other waterfalls such as Yurmikmik (Motor Car Falls). There are many factors affecting accessibility although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible. Time permitting, we stop at 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: Kakadu National Park sleeping in a Safari Style Pop-up Tent. Driving Distance: 150km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km – 4km.

Day 3: Litchfield National Park to Darwin

Travelling south through Pine Creek, a small pioneering town in the Katherine region outside of Kakadu National Park, famous for its discovery of gold in the 1970’s. We stop for a quick refreshment break at the Adelaide River before our journey leads us to Litchfield National Park. We 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 to your accommodation at approximately 7:00pm. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Driving Distance:  500km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1 – 2 km.

*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 Outback bush camping in Safari Style Pop-Up Tent (Kakadu National Park)
• Includes: 2 x breakfast, 3 x lunch, 2 x dinner
• Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
• Wetlands River Cruise
• Kakadu Park pass entry fees
• Guided bush walks (up to 3km, grade 2-4)
• Accredited outback driver-guide
• Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel
• Comprehensive tour commentary
• Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up/drop-off points

EXCLUSIONS:

• Any meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Travel insurance is highly recommended
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary
• Personal 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 Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically. 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.

THINGS TO KNOW:

• Mandatory passenger details required at time of booking: date of birth, dietary and phone number.
• We will try to cater to most dietary needs and/or food allergies – passengers MUST notify the tour operator of any special dietary requirements, or medical conditions at the time of booking.
• A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. 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 9.5km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30-days prior to travel).
• Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage 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 unpack/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.