5 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Explorer Including Kakadu

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Alice Springs and Devils Marbles

DEFAULT PICK UP LOCATION: Haven Backpacker Resort, 11:00am

Leaving Alice Springs, we pass by the Tropic of Capricorn and make our way to Karlu Karlu, otherwise known as the Devils Marbles. Take some time to explore and photograph the well known marble shaped granite boulders, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Our adventure continues with a stop at Tennant Creek to purchase some dinner and stretch your legs before we make the overnight journey to Katherine. 

Day 2 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin

After a short early morning stop in Katherine we arrive at Nitmiluk National Park home to Katherine Gorge. There is the opportunity to take an optional 2 hour breakfast cruise through the first 2 gorges (own expense and seasonal Apr-Nov). The scenery is spectacular and early morning is the perfect time to experience and photograph the gorge in all its glory. If the cruise is not for you our guide will lead a short return walk to Baruwei lookout. Grab some photos of the pristine gorge and learn about this stunning area and its significance to the local Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Once we finish exploring the gorge we make the drive into Darwin arriving around 1:00pm leaving the afternoon free for you to explore the Northern Territory’s capital city. Overnight dorm accommodation in Darwin.

Day 3 – Darwin to Litchfield National Park

PICK UP DAY 3: Adventure Tours Australia Shop, 52 Mitchell St Darwin, 06:50am

We start the day by checking out the cascading waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Have some lunch before we travel into Wulna Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique ‘Welcome to Country’ by the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan – Wulna people. Experience the local Aboriginal culture including bush tucker talks, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing (cultural experience only available in the dry season). We finish the day in the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where the exotic birds are not the only wildlife to see. Keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on an afternoon river cruise! Climb into your sleeping bag for a well earned rest at our secluded Mary River camping spot. (LD)

Day 4 – Mary River to Kakadu

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning in World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for spectacular views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it’s on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu National Park. (BLD)

Day 5 – Kakadu to Darwin

We pass through some of the park’s ever changing terrain in our purpose built 4WD, as we make our way to iconic Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we’ll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from a Kakadu National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. In the afternoon we drop into the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about local Indigenous culture. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL)