5 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge Litchfield 4WD Camping Adventure

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. Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite - Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3.

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, Gunlom 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. Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite - Permanent Tents or 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.

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. Camping: Private Katherine Campsite - Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km Grade 3.

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. (at guest's own expense, pre-booking is required)

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. Camping: Private Katherine Campsite - Permanent Tents or 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.

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, after a massive day of adventure returning around 6:30pm. Driving Distance: 470 km. Walking Distance: 1km - 2km.