6 Day Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Alice Springs Tour

Summary

"Travel from Darwin, (The Top End ) to Alice Springs (The Red Centre ) and experience the dramatic changes in the landscape. Visit national parks, small outback towns and the sacred Devils Marbles rock formation."

Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin to Mary River

A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Travel west into Woolna 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 cooking bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing. To finish the day we head to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren't the only wildlife abundant; keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we'll stay tonight.

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Mary River to Kakadu

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous 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.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Kakadu to Darwin

Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to 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 the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon (overnight dorm included).

Meals: B, L

Day 4: Darwin to Katherine Gorge

Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising (at own expense and seasonal) through the gorge itself. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge.

Meals: L, D

Day 5: Katherine Gorge to Banka Banka

Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory's oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia's first international airport, but you won't get a flight back home from here these days! After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp overnight at Banka Banka station.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Banka Banka to Alice Springs

This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, which balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station – catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication used to be like! We cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, before arriving early evening into Alice Springs.

Meals: B, L

Day 1-3 Tropical Summer Itinerary (DEC-MAY)

Day 1: Darwin to Mary River

• Litchfield National Park
• Cultural Experience
• Crocodile Cruise
• Overnight Camp Point Stuart (L,D)

Day 2: Mary River to Kakadu

• Mamukala Wetlands (seasonal)
• Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock (seasonal)
• Bowali Visitor Centre
• Walk to Gubara Springs
• Overnight camp Kakadu (B,L,D)

Day 3: Kakadu to Darwin

• Cathedral Termite Mounds
• Boulder Creek Falls
• Hike to Motor Car Falls
• Return to Darwin (B,L)

At this time of year, the northern destinations of Darwin, Litchfield, Katherine and Kakadu are refreshed by a predictable daily ritual of sunshine and afternoon showers. The waterfalls flow freely, floodplains rejuvenate, flowers bloom and cracking thunderstorms light up the sky like a pyrotechnic display.

Questions & Answers

Q. Do I need to reconfirm my tour?
A. YES! FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR BOOKING. You must call the tour operator  before 16.00hrs (4.00pm) with your tour confirmation number, date of travel,  accommodation and room number

Q. What to bring
A. Sturdy walking shoes (preferably ankle high), hat and sunscreen, towel and toiletries, swimming gear, warm clothing, water bottle, torch, insect repellant, fly net to cover your head if you are bothered by flies (outback tours particularly), camera, pillow,  sleeping bag (can be hired)  

Q. Do I have to participate?
A. Part of the enjoyment of our tours is bonding with a group of like-minded adventurers so we make them active and hands on.   Passengers are expected to help with the preparation of food, washing of dishes and general assistance to the guide as directed

Q. What do I eat?
A. Emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and meals are nutritious and varied. 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 cereals, toast, tea and coffee are supplied. 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

Q. Itinerary Disclaimer
A. Occasionally  itineraries change as we make improvements based on comments from past travellers and our own research. 

Q. Behaviour
A. The tour operator can refuse to carry a person whose behavior is detrimental to the enjoyment of the group.  By joining a tour  you agree to accept the authority of the guide and accept their decisions. Staff are entitled to a safe working environment and fellow passengers to a great holiday. Any threats to safety being physical or verbal or inappropriate behavior will  result in removal from the trip. If a guide requires a passenger to leave the trip no refund will be given and that passenger will be responsible for their own travel costs from that point.

Q.  Release form
A.  Adventure travel carries a higher than normal risk and a signed release will be required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure on each separate touring module if part of a larger package. 

Further Information

What's Included

Experienced Tour Guide, Meals as Indicated, Accommodation Transfers, Permanent Campsites, Camping Fees and Equipment .

What to Bring

Sturdy Walking Shoes (Ankle High), Swimming Gear, Hat and Sunscreen, Towel and Toiletries, Water Bottle, Torch, Insect Repellent/Net, Camera, Pillow, Sleeping Bag (or $20 hire).