Kakadu Explorer

To Kakadu National Park via Wulna Country

Our journey begins with a Darwin accommodation pick-up between 7-7:30am and travels south-east to Kakadu National Park. On the way we meet with Wulna Aboriginal elders for a traditional welcome to country, followed by morning tea, damper and a chance to discuss culture, or take a walk by the billabong. We then get off the sealed roads and transfer by 4WD along the old Jim Jim Road, passing some of the area's great wetlands such as Red Lily Billabong. In the late afternoon we take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, home to an astounding variety of wildlife. We may encounter Brumbies, wallabies and goannas drinking from the waterside, salt-water crocodile and thousands of birds including Magpie Geese, Brolga, Cormorants, Pelicans and one of Australia's largest flying birds – the Black-necked stork (Jabiru). The flat-bottomed boat is guided by an expert wildlife guide. We spend the evening at our comfortable semi-permanent camp, located at Djarradjin Billabong, in the heart of Kakadu National Park.

Jim Jim Falls or Ubirr, Cahills Crossing & Bardeljildiji sandstone walk

Wake up to the dawn chorus of the multitude of birds of the Savannah and wetlands. Our day is focussed on stunning walks within the World Heritage listed National Park. We have a choice of two options today, depending on the weather and access within the park. We drive to Jim Jim Falls along a bumpy old track, to Kakadu’s most famous waterfalls. Our visits to Jim Jim Falls aim for an active experience, walking beyond the reach of regular tourist groups. Our other option for the day is to visit Ubirr, Cahills Crossing and the Bardeljildiji sandstone walk. The walk at Ubir is short but passes several breathtaking Aboriginal art sites. The Bardeljildiji sandstone walk will take us through towering sandstone pillars and small pockets of monsoonal rainforest. NB: Jim Jim Falls is usually available after mid-July. Keep in mind the thundering torrent usually depicted in the postcards is a phenomenon that only occurs during the wet season and this flow declines gradually through the dry season until it is a gentle, but still magnificent, trickle! We return to our semi-permanent camp near Djarradjin Billabong.Walking distance: 7km or 4-5km

Nourlangie Massif and the Barrk Walk

After a scrumptious, nourishing breakfast we drive a short distance to Nourlangie massif and begin our walk. We will take in one of the stunning lookouts of the Barrk and Nourlangie Circuit. Barrk is the indigenous name for the male black wallaroo, a member of the kangaroo family which lives in this area. From here it's a short drive to Angbangbang where we'll have lunch. After lunch we'll head out on the Angbangbang Billabong Walk. This is a beautiful billabong teeming with bird life. In the late afternoon we return to Dajarradjin Billabong camp to relax around the campfire and enjoy another delicious evening meal.Walking distance: 5-6km

Barramundi (Maguk) Falls and Gunlom Plunge Pool

Heading south we will explore some of the other stunning waterfalls and gorges of Kakadu. Maguk (Barramundi) Falls is reached via a stunning walk through the monsoon forest, opening out to a deep plunge pool lined with blonde quartzite cliffs. Keep your eye out for birds such as Rainbow pitas, Emerald doves and Spangled drongos as well as the endemic Anbinik tree – the biggest trees in Stone Country.In the far south of the National Park we arrive at our semi-permanent camp near Gunlom. Gunlom is a magnificent waterfall and plunge pool ringed by sandy beaches and pandanus palms, the perfect spot to relax. The sunset views from the swimming pool on top of the Gunlom Waterfall are some of the most iconic images of the Northern Territory – and it's all just a short stroll from our comfortable camp!Walking distance: 4km

Southern Kakadu Wilderness Walk

Over the day we will undertake our expedition by foot, deep in to Southern Kakadu Buladjang Country. We aim to visit Motor Car Creek Falls areas and undertake a decent walk (up to 11 km), taking most of the day. The highlight is arriving at an unspoilt, stunning crystal clear waterhole and some outstanding views of the surrounding hills and woodland. We have the freedom to set the pace of the walk depending on the group and weather of the day. Our walk takes us through open woodland past some remarkable Salmon Gums, glowing pink in the morning sun, before entering an area of pristine monsoon rainforest. Tonight we can take in our last Kakadu sunset while enjoying pre-dinner nibbles from the top of Gunlom Falls.Walking distance: up to 11km

Relaxing morning, stop at a nearby waterhole en route return to Darwin

After our final night in the semi-permanent camp at Gunlom, we pack up and make our way back to Darwin. On our way we may enjoy a relaxing swim and visit to a nearby waterhole, and our last scrumptious picnic lunch at at one of the many waterfalls and gorges, before continuing north to Darwin. We expect to arrive back into Darwin and drop you at your accommodation at around 5pm. We hope you've enjoyed your journey into the unique and unforgettable country of the Top End!Walking distance: approx 1km