This 5 day 4WD tour has special access to Kakadu National Park and Koolpin Gorge and will appeal to hikers, campers and nature lovers. The tour takes in a number of natural attractions, swimming holes, cultural sites and national parks that only a handful of visitors are lucky to see.
In small groups, knowledgeable guides will take you on a 4WD adventure off the beaten track hiking to various swimming holes in idyllic locations.
Expert guides will explain the ancestral history of Indigenous Australia and the stories of the dreamtime. Rock art can also be seen at one of the stops at Nourlangie Rock as well as stunning views of Arnhemland.
Some of the hikes to remote swimming holes include Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Gunlom Falls, Maguk and the Koolpin Gorge. Koolpin Gorge is the highlight of the tour. The location is restricted to 40 people per day and is home to many flora and fauna species. A medium level of fitness is required to take the walk in wilderness to see spectacular rock pools, waterfalls and rugged landscape.
Tours are seasonal and depart from Darwin several times a week. The package includes camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag) and meals throughout the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your sense of adventure as you camp in swags under the stars and enjoy BBQ camp dinners with new friends. Learn about history of Indigenous Australians as you view beautiful and culturally significant sights in Northern Territory.
Inclusions
- Explore the top end of Australia by 4WD on a 5 day adventure of Kakadu and Koolpin, explore the best of the Kakadu National Park
- Visit all the main attractions
- Small group adventure tour
- Hotels transfers
- Camping in tents and swags
- Camping fees and equipment
- Wildlife and crocodile cruise
- Travel by 4WD vehicle
- Knowledgeable guide
- All meals as indicated below
Highlights
- Your guide will have excellent knowledge of the area and of the Aboriginal history specialising in Kakadu, Arnhemland and Litchfield. These areas are both environmentally and culturally sensitive and are restricted to special access permit holders only, of which is included in this tour package
Day One: Darwin & Kakadu
- Pick up is from your nominated accommodation at approximately 6.30am. Begin your journey to Kakadu, travel along old Jim Jim Road stopping off at White Lily Billabong for morning tea
- Travel to Gunlom Falls, venture on a nature hike to the top of the waterfall where you will witness stunning outback views and enjoy a swim in the cool refreshing pools. Explore the sandy bay at the base of the falls, which leads to a large plunge pool
- Camp by the Gunlom waterfall, away from the crowds. Stargaze the night sky far from city lights, a truly memorable outback night sky
- Showers and toilets are available at the campground
- Lunch and dinner will be included in the package
- Approximately 2kms of walking today
Day Two: Kakadu
- Spend the day exploring the magnificent Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), a special permit access area which is recognised for its cultural and environmental sensitivity
- Learn the strong ancestral history, the Dreamtime stories and history of the land
- Visit Koolpin Gorge in the southern corner of Kakadu National Park, not far from Gunlom Falls. The walk up the gorge is a real wilderness walk and requires a medium level of fitness. Be rewarded for your efforts with the National Parks most spectacular rock pools, waterfalls and rock landscape
- This remote location is restricted to only 40 people per day and is home to a number of endemic species of fauna
- Return to camp at Gunlom and tonight enjoy a dinner cooked on the campfire
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Approximately 8kms of walking today
Day Three: Kakadu
- This morning drive north to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) spend the entire day hiking, exploring and swimming in beautiful swimming holes, avoiding the crowds in the remote location
- A 4-wheel drive adventure takes us to the destination. Upon arrival take a 1km walk through paperbark and monsoon forest, along a sandy and rocky creek to a small waterfall and that lead us to a beautiful clear plunge pool
- There are small interconnected pools among the rocks that flow into a small lake. The guide will share a few secret swimming holes including a little secret passage underwater connecting two pools
- Here you will also have a picnic lunch, after a bit more exploring be guided further north to Jim Jim Falls
- Camp at the exclusive safari camp at Garnamarr, at the base of the escarpment
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Approximately 3kms of walking today
Day Four: Kakadu
- After breakfast venture to Twin Falls on a four wheel driving. From here take the escarpment walk to the top of the falls for a swim in the crystal clear pools away from the crowds
- Enjoy lunch in a shady spot by Jim Jim Creek for lunch. Make a short climb up to Budjimi Lookout where you will be reward with spectacular views of the ancient Arnhemland escarpment
- After lunch, take a 1km walk through monsoonal vine forest to the base of Jim Jim Falls for a relaxing afternoon swim in the plunge pool and rest on the outback "beach", a sandy bay
- Tonight camp at the Mardugal, showers and toilets available. Indulge in a Great Aussie BBQ including a tasting plate of Crocodile, Buffalo and Kangaroo
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Approximately 5kms of walking today
Day Five: Kakadu
- This morning visit Nourlangie Rock, an ancient aboriginal occupational and art site, here explore the sites before walking up to Gunwhardewharde lookout for an exceptional view of the region including Arnhemland
- Stop off to visit Bowali information centre
- Enroute back to Darwin call into the Mamakala wetlands to see the incredible bird life. Finish the Kakadu tour with a wildlife cruise on the spectacular Corroboree Billabong. This is a great opportunity to for fantastic photos of the local scenery and wildlife
- Returning back to Darwin at approximately 5.30pm
- Breakfast and lunch will be included
- Approximately 3kms of walking today
Time
- Tour operates on Fridays
- Depart Darwin at approximately 7am
- Return to Darwin at approximately 5.30pm
Duration
Location
- Pick up from your Darwin accommodation
What To Bring
- Good walking shoes or boots
- Sun protection including sunscreen, sunglasses and brimmed sun hat
- Long sleeve light shirt for sun protection
- Insect repellent
- 1 litre water bottle for drinking water
- Swimmers
- Light comfortable clothing
- A jacket (mainly for June, July and August nights)
- Medication and other personal requirements
- Towel for bathing and swimming
- Torch and flashlight
- Sleeping bag
Additional Information
- Luggage is strictly restricted to a soft bag of 10kg per person
- Sleeping bags can be hired for $10
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- Offers and inclusions are subject to change without notice
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 48 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- The operator reserves the right to update their rates without notice