Kakadu and Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

Day 1

Darwin – Kakadu

Flights may arrive at any time into Darwin Airport

Embark on a cruise along the Adelaide River, home to over 1,600 crocodiles, on the thrilling Jumping Crocodile cruise. Get a close-up view of these ancient creatures as your guide offers fascinating insights into their prehistoric origins. Following the cruise, continue your journey into Kakadu National Park. Stretching across more than 20,000 square kilometres, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is a remarkable blend of mangrove-lined coasts, expansive floodplains, lowland hills, and open woodlands. Kakadu boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, supporting a wide range of wildlife, including hundreds of bird species, countless insects, and a variety of plant life. Enjoy lunch within the park before stopping at the Marrawuddi Art Gallery. Then, head to Ubirr, where you’ll explore ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, thought to be around 20,000 years old, and hike up to the lookout for a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding wetlands.

Overnight: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Lunch

Day 2

Kakadu - Katherine

This morning, you have the option to take a scenic flight (at your own expense). As you explore the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art site, you’ll be captivated by its beauty. This site has provided shelter to Indigenous people for thousands of years, and within its rock formations, you’ll discover a canvas that showcases the deep spiritual culture of the traditional owners. Accompanied by your Driver Guide, you’ll have the chance to view various forms of Aboriginal rock art. The Bininj people are the traditional custodians of Kakadu, and you’ll learn more about their way of life at the Warradjan Cultural Centre. Later, enjoy a guided cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu's most renowned wetland. The stunning yellow waters are home to thousands of saltwater crocodiles and up to 60 species of vibrant birdlife. In the afternoon, we continue on to Katherine, the third-largest town in the Northern Territory.

Overnight: Contour Hotel Katherine (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3

Katherine - Darwin

Begin your day with a special breakfast cruise on Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. A major highlight in Australia’s Top End, the gorge is a spectacular network of thirteen gorges carved from ancient sandstone, home to numerous rapids and waterfalls fed by the Katherine River. As you cruise along, you’ll have the chance to spot freshwater crocodiles, a variety of birdlife, and some of the most striking landscapes in the Northern Territory.

Following the cruise, explore the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. If you wish to take home a souvenir, the centre offers a range of unique items and artefacts crafted by the Jawoyn people. Next, visit the natural pool at Leliyn (Edith Falls), surrounded by paperbark trees and pandanus palms. If conditions allow, take a refreshing swim in the pool at the base of the falls. Afterward, make a brief stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, which honours those who lost their lives during the World War II air raids on Darwin, before returning to Darwin.

Meals included: Breakfast

Flights must depart late evening / following day