5 Day Ultimate Top End
Using a Toyota 4WD, tents & sleeping bags we will be exploring the regions of Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine & Arnhem Land; enjoying the starry skies, fresh air, aboriginal culture and the plants and animals.
Waterfalls, hiking, sleeping under the stars, and getting a glimpse of much of the wildlife that thrives out here including crocodiles. We'll visit Jim Jim & Twin falls, Ubirr art site, Corroboree Billabong, Wangi falls, Buley Rock holes and many other amazing destinations.
- Camping under the stars
- Kakadu, Arnhem Land & Litchfield
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Vegetarians catered for
- Jim Jim & Twin Falls
- Travel in 4WD comfort
- Small groups max 15
- Aboriginal Culture & Art
- Swimming, hiking & exploring
- Knowledgable & experienced tour guide
- 100% Bush Camping Experience
- All camping equipment
- Trip length:
- 5 Day
- Group size:
- 15
- Start:
- Darwin
- End:
- Darwin
- Vehicle:
- 4WD Bus
- Sleep:
- Private Safari Camp
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day 1 – Darwin to Kakadu
Welcome to tropical Darwin, where your adventure begins. As this trip spends very little time in the Northern Territory's capital, consider arriving a few days early to explore the city. After meeting your group and leader this morning, leave Darwin and travel into Wulna Country, where you'll receive a Cul Cul ('Welcome to Country') by the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan-Wulna people. Learn about their ancient culture as you enjoy bush tucker talks, didgeridoo demonstrations and basket weaving. Next stop is the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the Guluyumbi cruise. Enjoy your Binninj guide explain to you the importance of the East Alligator River. After the cruise we will enter Arnhem Land and go to an exclusive art site called Mawurndaddja. This site allows you to see first hand the history and culture of this region. See artwork that is many thousands of years old. This site is unique in the Top End and you will have it all to youself. After a cool drink and some nibbles in Arnhem Land we will head to your overnight camp in Kakadu where the group will have dinner.
Included Activities
- Pudakul Cultural Experience
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
- Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2 – Kakadu
Early this morning after breakfast, travel by 4WD to the Twin Falls. Experience this spectacular gorge aboard a boat cruise that’s operated by the national park, with a walk along the boardwalk afterwards. Unwind and relax on the sandy banks before heading to explore Jim Jim Falls. After a quick lunch break, take in the views of this natural wonder before taking a challenging walk to the base of the falls. Here you can choose to swim or relax on the beach, enjoying the spectacular scenery, before making the short drive to your overnight bush camp.
Included Activities
- Jim Jim Falls Walk
- Twin Falls Walk
- Twin Falls Gorge River shuttle
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3 – Kakadu to Katherine Gorge
After breakfast, head to either Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) or Gunlom Falls and cool off with a dip in the plunge pools. Stop off at the Lazy Lizard Hotel and shop at Pine Creek before heading further south after lunch. Journey for around three hours in a private vehicle to your campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before relaxing in your tent for the night.
Included Activities
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4 –Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls
Spend the morning at the magnificent Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Perhaps take a cruise along the gorge or rent a kayak and paddle downstream. These options are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, head off to Edith Falls where you can cool down with a refreshing swim in the huge rock pools. Continue on to the edge of Litchfield National Park. Settle down for the night in a snug camp and enjoy dinner with your group.
Included Activities
- Edith Falls
Optional Activities
- Katherine Gorge Scenic Cruise - AUD94
- Katherine Gorge Canoe from - AUD45
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5 – Litchfield to Darwin
Once you’ve had breakfast, head into Litchfield National Park. Filled with waterholes, creeks and waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to soak up the tranquillity of the tropics. Visit the gateway of Florence Falls, the popular Wangi Falls and the refreshing waters of the Buley Rockholes. Enjoy a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip in one of Litchfield's swimming holes. In the afternoon, take the two-hour drive back to Darwin where your trip ends. Enjoy an optional night out with the group if you decide to stay in Darwin for the night.
Included Activities
- Buley Rockholes
- Florence Falls
- Litchfield National Park
- Wangi Falls
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
All tour itineraries are subject to change without notice
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes ( no flip flops! ). Sandles are OK.
- Warm jacket and long pants. Night times temperatures can drop down 5 degrees celcius during the Dry Season ( March to September )
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleeping bag are needed and can be hired if you don't have one.
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
- Binoculars
What is included
TRANSPORT
- 4WD Toyota Troop Carrier and/or 4WD Canter
SLEEPING
- 4 nights camping
- Outback campfire
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- 4 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 4 dinners
OTHER
- Plenty of drinking water and snacks
- Experienced and knowledgable tour guide
- Park entry fees
- Accommodation transfers
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have. To contact us please visit our contact page here.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
Definitely! Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour.
If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Our team can help you decide on destinations best suits your needs and give you additional information on the best time to visit, cultural expectations, weather conditions and so fourth.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking a tour for more than 1 person, or if you are a single person booking multiple tours then we are happy to offer a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.
Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 45, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture.
Our tours are for those wanting to really explore Australia and its many facets. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast - although there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings.
As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Cost and Fees
What does "Paid Locally" mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
What type of tent will I get?
Tents are generally designed to accommodate a minimum of 2 people. This means there is plenty of room to move about and store your luggage. However, most Uluru tours we try and encourage the use of swags and mattress rather than tents. This is the ideal way to camp in the centre of Australia; Around a campfire, under the stars!
What are the sleeping arrangements in Kakadu?
Most of our tours to Kakadu National park involve a camping. However, for those tours heading towards Alice Springs and beyond, there will also be hostel style accommodation.
Tents are generally designed to accommodate a minimum of 2 people. This means there is plenty of room to move about and store your luggage. Depending on which Kakadu tour you chose you may be required to set your tent up at the end of the day otherwise our campsites are permanent and are ready to go!
Campsites in Kakadu come with basic facilities such as toilets and sometimes showers.
What will the food be like?
Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied on these Uluru tours. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking. For breakfast we supply cereals, fruits, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner. We always carry water in the vehicle and you will often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice-creams etc at stops. Please refer to each individual tour/package to establish which meals are included.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
Definitely - We know Australia inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Additionally some tours have recommended accommodation and specials under the "Optional Extras" tab on the top right corner.
What vehicles do we use whilst in Kakadu?
For our Kakadu Tours we toss between a Troop Carrier 4WD Landcruise, 4WD Canter or a custom prepared mini bus. This depends on the size of the group and the amount of days we are out in the park. Each Kakadu tour varies so please refer to your tour info panel on the top right hand side of the page.
Is there any long periods of driving?
The initial drive out to Kakadu can be quite long. In total its almost 300km to the park border. But don't worry! We stop along the way to check out a few attractions and we also visit the Bark Hut Inn where you can stretch and grab some refreshments. All up it takes a couple of hours driving to reach Kakadu but the time will go much quicker than you think! The country side is amazing.
What is the weather like in Kakadu?
For the most up to date weather forecast please check our weather snippet at the trip over section on the top right hand corner.
For more extensive information on weather in Kakadu please visit http://www.lostinaustralia.org/kakadu-tours-when-to-go
Where do I meet the tour?
Our tour guide picks up from all major hotels and hostels. For pick locations in suburban or rural areas please contact us to arrange a meeting point and time.