3-Day Kakadu and Litchfield 4WD & Camping Tour from Darwin | Northern Territory

About this tour

Explore the floodplains of Ubirr, Barramundi Gorge or Jim Jim Waterfall, & Litchfield National Park.

• Visit the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park
• Uncover the wonders of Litchfield National Park’s roaring waterfalls and hidden waterholes
• Take a Wildlife Cruise on the Mary River Wetlands and watch for crocs and barramundi at Cahills Crossing
• See the breathtaking Aboriginal rock art and sunset views at Ubirr Rock
• Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Australian wilderness

— What You Can Expect —

Join us on an exclusive 4WD safari adventure of a lifetime showcasing the very best Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks have to offer. Discover some of the oldest and best-preserved Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and keep a lookout for some of our prehistoric friends (crocodiles) as we cruise the ancient wetlands by boat. Visit spectacular waterfalls and cool off in some of the most beautiful natural plunge pools imaginable. Explore some truly spectacular countryside amongst pockets of rainforest packed with endemic species of flora and fauna. This fully accommodated tour has you relaxing indoors in comfort each night after action-packed days of exploration, culture, and unmatched vistas. We provide comfortable twin share or single pop-up safari tents which give you a little more comfort, privacy, and security or you can try out a traditional swag experience (canvas-covered bed roll).

— Itinerary —

• Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Camping: Kakadu National Park sleeping in Basic Single Swags under the stars

Driving Distance: 420 km

Hike Distance and Grading: 1 km loop Grade 2–3

Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and head out to the Wetlands Region for a Crocodile & Wildlife Cruise on the Mary River Wetlands, a great opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End birdlife, not to mention some fresh and salty apex predators… crocodiles! Journey on to Kakadu National Park visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre, which offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife. After some relaxation at camp, journey north to *Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Here, embark on a cultural tour of a lifetime — cruising down the East Alligator River on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the Dreamtime stories of the area, majestic birdlife, and of course, hope to see crocodiles along where they and the locals aim to catch some barramundi! 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 you to climb up high for a sunset that will blow you away looking out over the Nadab Floodplain. After a big day, head back to your cosy camp and prepare dinner together with fellow travellers. 

• Day 2: Kakadu Waterfalls and Plunge Pools

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Camping: Kakadu National Park sleeping in Basic Single Swags under the stars

Driving Distance: 150 km

Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5 km–4 km

Wake up early and make your way south to Kakadu National Park. Today, 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. If seasonally accessible, visit Twin Falls or Jim Jim Falls; alternatively, stop at Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) or other waterfalls such as Yurmikmik (Motor Car Falls). There are many factors affecting accessibility, although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible. Time permitting, stop at Nourlangie Rock, another indigenous rock art site where archaeologists have uncovered works dating back over 20,000 years old. Explore the evolving social, cultural, and environmental changes in the area over time before making your way back to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest. 

• Day 3: Litchfield National Park to Darwin

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Driving Distance: 500 km

Hike Distance and Grading: 1–2 km

Travel south through Pine Creek, a small pioneering town in the Katherine region outside of Kakadu National Park, famous for its discovery of gold in the 1970s. Stop for a quick refreshment break at the Adelaide River before going to Litchfield National Park. Spend the afternoon immersed in Litchfield’s natural oasis of waterfalls, spring-fed streams, and rugged sandstone escarpments. Spend time in any combination of Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls, or Florence Falls for a refreshing soak in picturesque rock holes and waterfalls. Discover the uniquely impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds before making your way back to Darwin, arriving back to your accommodation at approximately 7:00 pm. 

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies