Welcome to the Top End! Your adventure begins in Darwin (Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Darwin is now located), capital of the Northern Territory. A welcome meeting at 6 pm will give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers, then you’re free to spend an evening resting before your early start tomorrow. If you arrive early, you might like to take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon, or visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for a taste of the state’s culture, history and art. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Rising bright and early this morning, head towards Kakadu National Park. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is truly bountiful in its biodiversity. After a chance to stretch your legs on a short walk at Mamukala Wetlands or at Fog Dam (depending on water levels), stop for a picnic lunch by the river at Cahill's Crossing. Then, hop aboard a cruise down the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country). You’ll be joined by an Aboriginal guide who’ll provide a unique insight into the cultural significance of the landscape, and the plants and animals that live there. After your cruise, set off on the Ubirr walk with your leader past incredible examples of First Nations rock art to a bird’s eye lookout point over the park. Tonight, you have free time to spend at your accommodation getting to know your fellow travellers. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. Your walking time today will be approximately 1 hour or 1 km on an easy-moderate grade 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 that are located outside the building. Please bring a torch for use after dark.

This morning, drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. There are various short walks available while you’re here, including the easy Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) main gallery and shelter walk. All walks offer a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Your exploration of the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park will continue with an Indigenous-owned cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong. As you glide through the wetlands and tributaries of the South Alligator River, keep an eye out for the area’s wildlife – eagles, jabirus, brolgas and plenty of crocodiles all call the billabong home. When you’re back on dry land, you’ll visit the local cultural centre and, depending on the time of day, you may be able to join a weaving or damper-making class. Your walking time today will be approximately 2 hours or 1.5 km.

Say farewell to Kakadu National Park and head out on a short drive to Katherine. Along the way, you’ll stop at the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek, then travel on to Leliyn (Edith Falls). At the falls, there’ll be a chance to take a short hike along the upper pools circuit, go for a swim and stop for lunch. Later, continue to Katherine – a town where the Outback meets the tropics. When you arrive, you’ll drop into the Arts and Culture Centre for an introduction to the area’s history and culture before making your way to your accommodation for the night.

Start the day with a visit to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – a truly impressive series of sandstone gorges sculpted by the Katherine River. Here, you’ll have some free time to choose your own adventure – maybe take a relaxing cruise down the river to enjoy the scenery, with local guides providing added context about the region’s flora and fauna. Alternatively, you could head out on foot with your leader and explore Nitmiluk up close. Later, head back to Katherine for lunch and a dip in the natural hot springs. Your leader will suggest suitable walks in Nitmiluk National Park based on the weather and group. The Nit Nit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise at 9 am is offered as a pre-booked service through us, which will guarantee you a place (subject to availability). If you would rather wait and book this locally at a better price, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.

To start the final day of your Top End adventure, you’ll head out to Litchfield National Park. Sitting on a giant sandstone plateau, the park is home to waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first two stops will be Litchfield’s Magnetic Termite Mounds and the Buley Rockhole – a series of shallow rock pools perfect for a quick dip. Then, set off on an easy walk to Florence Falls for a picnic lunch and another swim. Those looking for a longer walk can head for nearby Wangi, which also boasts a swimming hole. Then, it’s time for the drive back to Darwin, where you’ll say goodbye to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your walking time today will be approximately 1 hour or 3.2 km. An optional side trip on the Wangi Falls Loop Walk is approximately 45 minutes or 1.6 km. Wangi Falls is often closed after heavy rainfall due to the danger of crocodiles, with entry to the pool closed off until rangers are confident it is safe for swimming.