5 Days • 4 Nights
Top End: Kakadu, Litchfield & Darwin
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll swim beneath the falls and pass towering magnetic termite mounds in Litchfield, cruise the Yellow Water wetlands of Kakadu alive with birds and crocodiles, and stand before the ancient galleries of Ubirr and Nourlangie, among the oldest art on earth. Darwin itself, with its markets and harbour sunsets, bookends the adventure.
With comfortable lodges, expert guides and the seasonal timing handled, it is an unforgettable plunge into Aboriginal culture and raw tropical nature.
Trip Highlights
- The waterfalls and swimming holes of Litchfield National Park
- A Yellow Water wetland cruise in Kakadu, teeming with birds and crocodiles
- The ancient rock-art galleries of Ubirr and Nourlangie
- Towering magnetic termite mounds
- Darwin's Mindil Beach sunset markets and harbour
- World Heritage Kakadu, the largest national park in Australia
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and Kakadu meals
- Private airport transfers and expert guides
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Arrive in Darwin, Australia's tropical northern capital. Settle in and gather for a welcome dinner, perhaps at the famous Mindil Beach sunset market if it is a market night.
A full day in Litchfield, swimming in the clear plunge pools beneath Florence and Wangi Falls, walking through monsoon forest and marvelling at the two-metre magnetic termite mounds. Lunch included.
Travel east into World Heritage Kakadu, the largest national park in the country. Explore the ancient rock-art galleries of Nourlangie and hear the Dreamtime stories they tell, overnighting inside the park.
A dawn cruise on the Yellow Water billabong, alive with jabirus, sea eagles and basking crocodiles, then the Ubirr rock-art site and its sweeping escarpment sunset views, before returning to Darwin.
A final tropical breakfast before your transfer to Darwin Airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers at Darwin
- 4 nights of accommodation (Darwin and inside Kakadu)
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a Litchfield lunch, a Kakadu dinner and a Yellow Water lunch
- A full-day Litchfield National Park tour with waterfall swims
- A Kakadu tour with the Nourlangie and Ubirr rock-art sites
- A Yellow Water wetland cruise
- National park entry fees and an expert guide throughout
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Australia
- Australian visa or ETA fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities, experiences and upgrades
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa arranged online before travelling, and a passport valid for at least six months. We can point you to the right application
- Southern seasons: Australia's seasons are reversed — summer is December to February and winter June to August. The tropical north runs on a wet (Nov-Apr) and dry (May-Oct) season instead
- Sun protection: The Australian sun is fierce. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and reapply often — slip, slop, slap, as the locals say
- Distances: Australia is vast, so some legs use short internal flights or scenic drives. We build these into the pace so you are never rushed
- Marine stingers: In the tropical north, jellyfish season runs roughly November to May — swim in the stinger suits provided and always follow your guide
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the Australian Dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere and tipping is appreciated but never expected
- Wildlife: Respect wildlife and never feed animals unless guided. In the outback and tropics, always heed crocodile and swimming warnings
- Water & health: Tap water is safe to drink and pharmacies are everywhere. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for every visitor
- Outback readiness: In the Red Centre and Top End, carry water, wear sturdy shoes and start walks early to beat the midday heat
- Power & connectivity: Power is 230V with type I plugs, so bring an adapter. Mobile coverage can drop out in remote areas — part of the escape
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary (such as a reef cruise lunch or an outback barbecue). Other meals are left free so you can explore Australia's superb food scene.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — your sightseeing, transfers and day tours are arranged for you with local guides, so there is no logistics to worry about.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa, applied for online before you travel. It is quick and inexpensive, and we can guide you to the right one.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on the region: the tropical north is best in the dry season (May-October), the Red Centre in the cooler months (April-September), and the southern cities and Tasmania shine in spring to autumn (September-April).
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and activities can all be tailored, and we can extend your stay or combine regions. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Are internal flights included?
Where the route hops between distant hubs, the relevant domestic flights are included as stated in the inclusions. Any additional sectors can be arranged on request.
When can this trip run?
The Top End is best in the dry season, roughly May to October, when roads and waterfalls are accessible and the weather is warm and sunny. The wet season brings dramatic storms but limits access.
Is it safe to swim with crocodiles around?
You only ever swim in designated, guide-approved spots such as Litchfield's plunge pools, which are checked and safe. Your guide will always advise where swimming is and is not permitted.
More Adventure Journeys
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
El Salvador