Darwin to Katherine Discovery

Darin - Kakadu National Park - Jabiru. Today, you will be picked up from Travelodge Resort in Darwin at 8 AM, and then we will set off for WakWak, a wetlands region about an hour away. This area showcases the Top End’s distinctive landscapes and is home to a variety of birdlife and saltwater crocodiles. It’s a great introduction to the region’s biodiversity before we continue our journey.

From WakWak, we travel east into Kakadu National Park, approximately 300 km from Darwin. On arrival, we check into our accommodation and visit the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn more about the park’s environment and wildlife. This stop offers a helpful overview of what makes Kakadu such a significant natural and cultural site.

In the afternoon, we head to the East Alligator region to join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise along the river that forms the boundary between Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Here, you’ll hear creation stories from local guides, spot native birdlife and watch for crocodiles in their natural habitat. We also visit Ubirr Rock, where we view ancient Aboriginal rock art before climbing to the top for a spectacular sunset. We then return to our accommodation for dinner.

Meeting Point: Travelodge Resort Darwin – 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City @ 08:00 AM.

Please note:The Itineraries may change due to weather or roadworks. Arrive 10 minutes early at your pickup location and wait outside the hotel to avoid delays or missing the tour.

Driving distance: 420 KM
Hiking distance: 1 km loop

Jabiru - Kakadu National Park - Jabiru. This morning, we set out to explore Kakadu National Park’s deep cultural roots with visits to local galleries and cultural centres. These spaces share the stories and traditions of Kakadu and Arnhem Land’s First Nations communities, highlighting both ancient and modern perspectives.

Our day continues with a guided walk through the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) region, where we take in impressive sites including Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, and Nawurlandja. Along the way, we learn about the creation stories depicted in the rock art and the cultural significance of these landscapes to local clans. Those keen to explore further can join an optional walk to the Naguluwurr art site. Or you can opt to join a scenic 30-minute or a 60-minute flight over Kakadu National Park, offering a bird’s-eye view of the vast floodplains, escarpments, and winding rivers that define this spectacular region from 3 PM to 6 PM. (bookable in advance or onsite)

Surrounded by escarpments, woodlands and wetlands, we end the day watching the sun set over this iconic landscape before returning to our accommodation for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Please note: We recommend booking the Scenic flights in advance. On tour, you can book the flight with your driver-guide - payment is made direct to the operator, but seats are not guaranteed.

Driving Distance:Minimum 150 km.
Hike Distance: 1 KM

Jabiru - Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine. After breakfast, we begin our journey southwest towards Katherine, travelling through the striking outback scenery of Northern Australia. Along the way, we take in the ever-changing landscapes and earthy tones of the bush. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos, Agile Wallabies, wild horses and the occasional buffalo.

We pause in the historic town of Pine Creek, once a bustling hub during the gold rush. Here, we stretch our legs and enjoy refreshments – the locally made ice cream is a favourite. You’ll also hear stories of the town’s past, from the days of the Overland Telegraph to the recent revival of its gold mining industry.

On arrival in Katherine, we check in to our accommodation before heading into Nitmiluk National Park. You will have the option of joining a scenic helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge between 2 PM and 3 PM (bookable prior or onsite), offering sweeping views of the gorges, river systems and sandstone escarpments from above. Later in the day, we join the NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise – a two-hour journey through ancient rock formations, where we hear creation stories from the Jawoyn people and may spot wildlife along the riverbanks. After the cruise, we return to Katherine to relax and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Please note:We recommend booking the Scenic helicopter ride in advance. On tour, you can book the flight with your driver-guide - payment is made direct to the operator, but seats are not guaranteed.

Driving Distance: 310km

Katherine - Nitmiluk National Park - Darwin. Today, we begin with a visit to the Katherine Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the naturally warm, crystal-clear waters. From there, we head to the Nitmiluk Cultural Centre for the immersive "Footsteps of our Ancestors" experience – a two-hour interactive tour led by the Jawoyn Cultural Team. You’ll have the chance to try traditional skills such as basket weaving, spear throwing, and didgeridoo playing, with insights into their cultural significance, traditionally shared as part of Men's and Women's Business.

Following this enriching experience, we stop at Top Didj Art Gallery for lunch, where you’ll also have time to browse a collection of local Indigenous artworks. In the afternoon, we make our way to Edith Falls – a tranquil spot in Nitmiluk National Park. Here, we can take a refreshing dip in the natural plunge pool beneath the falls or simply relax and enjoy the surrounding bushland.

Later, we travel back to Darwin. You can choose to be dropped off at the vibrant Mindil Beach Sunset Market to explore the food stalls, crafts, and live entertainment (please note return transport is not provided), or continue on to Travelodge Resort Darwin, marking the end of our Top End adventure.

Drop-off Point: Travelodge Resort Darwin – 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City.

Driving Distance: 350km
Hike Distance:1 KM