Name: 4 Day Kakadu and Katherine Gorge Experience From Darwin
Brand: Autopia Tours
Price: 2260 AUD
Availability: InStock

Accommodation

Check-in Time:

06:30

Check-out Time:

18:30

On the evening of day 1 and day 2, you stay at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (2 nights in Jabiru). On day 3, you stay at Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel (1 night at Katherine). All rooms have ensuite bathroom facilities.

Solo passengers who book the shared accommodation fare option will be paired with another traveller, where possible with the same gender but not guaranteed.

The minimum age of participants is 8 years and must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian in Australia, staying in private double / twin rooms only.

Program

Tour highlights

Visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage site.
Explore Bowali & Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centres
Experience the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, located on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land
Watch for Crocs and Barramundi at Cahills Crossing
Breathtaking Aboriginal rock art and sunset views at Ubirr Rock
Be guided through two exceptional Aboriginal rock art locations, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr Rock (conditions/seasonality permitting)
Visit spectacular waterholes in Kakadu and Edith Falls offering a tranquil setting with a waterfall and plunge pool for relaxation
Immerse in Jawoyn culture in a NitNit Katherine Gorge cruise, optional activity is a scenic helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge and its surrounds
Learn from locals and experience art and culture at Katherine’s Top Didj Art Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park

You depart from Darwin and head towards the wetlands region known as WakWak, an hour outside of Darwin, where the top end's magnificent scenery is on display. You have the chance to spot a vast range of Top End birdlife and apex predators such as crocodiles. The journey continues as you wind your way into Kakadu National Park, where you check into your local accommodation and continue to take in the sights and sounds of nature, 300 km east of Darwin. Take some time to soak in the landscape and wildlife of the park at the Bowali Visitor Centre before heading to the East Alligator region, the most northeastern point of Kakadu, for a cultural tour of a lifetime. The group will join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the creation stories of the area, observe majestic birdlife, and, of course, hope to see crocodiles. In this same area, you'll visit Ubirr Rock, home to one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and climb up high for a sunset that will take your breath away. We head back to our accommodation for dinner.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Driving distance: 420 km
Hike distance and grading: 1 km loop Grade 2-3

Day 2: Kakadu National Park

Today is a day of perusing the art galleries and cultural centers that portray the stories of former and present clan groups of the north and south of Kakadu, as well as into Arnhem Land. You will journey on a guided walk through the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) art site areas, enjoying any combination of places including Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, Nawurlandja, and should the group feel like an extra bit of walking there is also potential for Naguluwurr art site, offering unmatched vistas of escarpments, sweeping stone country, savannah woodlands, lowlands, and endless floodplains and wetlands. Take your time to enjoy the different creation stories and artworks in the various galleries, hear stories about local groups and traditions as well as commentary on the plants and wildlife you see before you. After an amazing sunset on day two of your adventure, you head back to our accommodation for an evening meal and restful sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Driving distance: 150 km
Hike distance and grading: 1 km grade 2

Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine

After a leisurely morning, you get ready to hit the road southwest toward the next amazing destination of Katherine and Nitmiluk. The road south winds its way through vistas showcasing the radiant earthy colours of the typical Northern Australian bush. Keep a lookout for wildlife including the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, Agile Wallabies, wild horses, and buffalo.

Heading through the historical township of Pine Creek, you stop to stretch your legs and enjoy an array of refreshments available to those who are keen, including homemade ice cream - extremely popular with Top End locals. Enjoy stories of the Overland Telegraph construction, leading to the Pine Creek gold rush era of the 1870s. You also have the option of visiting the Pine Creek Museum - a National Trust building and the oldest prefabricated corrugated iron building in Australia.

After checking in to your Katherine accommodation, you head out to the wonderful Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge where you enjoy the 2-hour NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise, a leisurely snapshot into the history and stories behind this beautiful area. This cruise guides you down the middle of 70 m 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.

After your cruise, you head back to Katherine where you can settle in and relax in your comfortable accommodation, enjoying local hospitality in readiness for our fourth and final day of exploring the region.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accom: Katherine either Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel, options include twin, double, and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Driving distance: 310 km
Hike distance and grading: none

Day 4: Katherine - Darwin

This morning, you make the most of the Katherine area, visiting the Hot Springs for a dip and float, followed by a stop afterward at the Top Didj Gallery where you will have the chance to view art created by locals and experience the bush tucker and bush medicine gardens. It’s now time to continue your journey south, making your 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!

This evening upon your return to Darwin fully relaxed and refreshed after your cool swim, the Autopia Tours team will have you back in Darwin in time for you to meander down the famous Mindil Markets or spend a relaxing night at your accommodation reflecting on all the adventures you've had and new friends you've made.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Driving Distance: 350 km
Hike distance and grading: 1 km Grade 1
Meals: N/A
Driving distance: 300 km
Walking distance: less than 1 km

This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal access permitting us to enter 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!

Child policy (age requirements)

All travelers under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under.

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 1 to 2 kilometers each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 4-kilometer walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium / high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days before travel).

Are national park fees included in the tour cost?

Autopia Tours includes Parks Australia fees within the tour price, this covers the guests for a 4-Day Kakadu National Park. Park Passes are not available for purchase by guests not traveling onboard the tours.

What kind of vehicle do we travel in for this Kakadu Outback Adventure tour?

Other extended tours in the Northern Territory will be conducted in either a 24-seater Rosa, 28-seater Yutong, or 17-seater Isuzu 4WD truck and will be determined based on passenger numbers and fleet availability. The maximum number of passengers we carry on these tours is 15-21 people, with a minimum requirement of 8 people to guarantee the departure. In the unlikely event of a breakdown, alternative vehicles may be used.

Location

Travel with Autopia Tours to Kakadu National Park and visit Bowali Visitor Centre, Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, Ubirr Rock, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) art site, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge and much more!

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Food

During the holiday, 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are provided.

Most of the meals are prepared by the tour guides with basic camping-style food options and on occasions, they will be provided by the accommodation providers onsite. Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean-up, and vehicle unpacking / loading as it’s a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travelers.

Please notify the Autopia Tours team of any dietary requirements, food allergies, and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days before tour departure. Limited food options are available on extended tours, but planning is required to ensure they can accommodate but not guaranteed.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

On day 4, guests can opt out of the morning rim walk around Katherine Gorge with the tour group and pre-book an activity. Options are subject to availability on the day of the tour and are not included in the tour itinerary price. Pre-bookings are required.

Katherine Gorge Scenic Helicopter Flight, departing at 8:30 a,m. Prices from 115 AUD per person. You can book this online.

What's included

3 nights accommodation (2 x Kakadu (Jabiru), 1 x Katherine)
Includes: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, East Alligator
Katherine Gorge NitNit cultural cruise
Top Didj gallery experience
Kakadu Park pass entry fees
Guided bush walks (up to ~4 km, grade 1-2)
Accredited outback driver-guide
Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
Comprehensive tour commentary
Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up/drop-off points

What's not included

Any meals not indicated within the itinerary (for those with special dietaries, Autopia Tours recommends that you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback)
Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses
Airfare

How to get there

Recommended Airports

DRW

Darwin International Airport

214 km

Transfer not provided

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Darwin International Airport (DRW). Airport transfer is not provided. From the airport, you'll need to reach one of the pick-up locations.

Pickup locations available for this tour:

6:15 - Darwin Resort - 378 Stuart Hwy Winnellie NT
6:25 - Frontier Hotel Darwin - 3 Buffalo Ct Darwin City
6:30 - Travelodge Resort Darwin - 64 Cavenagh St Darwin City
6:35 - H on Smith Hotel - 81 Smith St Darwin City
6:40 - The Cavenagh Hotel - 12 Cavenagh St Darwin City
6:45 - Tourist Precinct Mini Bus Zone - 69 Mitchell St Darwin City
6:50 - H on Mitchell Hotel Apartment - 105 Mitchell St Darwin City
6:53 - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade - 116 Esplanade Darwin City
6:55 - Mantra on the Esplanade Darwin - 88 Esplanade Darwin City
7:00 - Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront - 7 Kitchener Dr Darwin City
7:20 - Darwin FreeSpirit Resort - 901 Stuart Hwy Deviney Rd Holtze

Please arrive 5-10 mins before your nominated pickup location and time, so as not to delay or miss your tour. Autopia Tours asks that you wait outside the front of the hotel and not inside the foyer.

Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected location may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.

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