Tour Overview
Tour code: 5KA
Embark on a thrilling 5-day 4WD Kakadu and Koolpin Safari.
Explore the cultural and natural wonders of Kakadu National Park, including the iconic Ubirr rock art, Jim Jim Falls, and the secluded Koolpin Gorge. Swim in pristine plunge pools at Maguk, Gunlom Falls, and Moline Rockhole, and cruise the Yellow Waters at sunset. Enjoy exclusive access to remote locations, camp under the stars in safari tents, and connect with the region’s rich heritage and wildlife on this immersive outback adventure.
BEST PRICE GUARANTEED
From:
AUD $1,695
(Price includes national park entrance fee)
Departs: Friday (June – August)
Or pay in 4 with
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Operates
June – August
Fitness Level
4 / 5
Recommended Age
8 years+
Group Size
12
Accommodation Style
Safari Tent and Swag
Tour Highlights
- Visit the world-famous Ubirr for views over the Nardab floodplains and into Arnhem Land
- 4 Wheel driving to Jim Jim Falls
- Warradjan Cultural Centre
- 2-Hour Sunset Cruise on the famous Yellow Waters
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) hike through paperbark forests & swim in the pristine plunge pool
- Gunlom Falls
- Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), a special permit restricted area, hike & swim
- Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
Pick up from most central Darwin locations between 8.00-8.30am
End Point
Return to Darwin at approximately 5pm *We recommend not to book a departing Darwin flight earlier than 8.30pm
Inclusions
All Territory Expeditions experiences include:
- Small groups
- Great walks / hikes that avoid huge crowds
- Interpretation of the natural and cultural features of the Northern Territory
- Swimming in idyllic locations
- Ancient rock-art
- Great lookouts for great photo-ops
- Wildlife & crocodile cruise
Exclusions
What to bring
Important: Luggage is strictly restricted to a soft bag of 10kg per person
- Good walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- A wide-brimmed sun hat
- Long sleeve light shirt for sun protection
- 1-litre water bottle for drinking water
- Swimmers/ bathers/ togs
- Light, comfortable clothing for 3 days
- Jacket (for June, July, and August nights)
- Medication and other personal requirements
- Towel
- Torch/flashlight
- Phone charging bank (power is available at some camps)
- Day pack for short hikes
- Sleeping bag (can be hired for $20, please advise when booking)
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin – Kakadu
Pick up at 8.00 – 8.30am from your nominated accommodation in Darwin.
We start our Kakadu tour by heading towards the world heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, with a stopover and the iconic Australiana Bark Hut for quick refreshment.
Stop & enjoy the sights of the tidal East Alligator River with the opportunity to spot some crocs and flying foxes!
Then on to the world famous Ubirr in the North of the park. Some of the best examples of Northern Australian rock art can be found here. Learn about the art from your guide and the meaning behind these special paintings. A climb to the top is rewarded with staggering 360º views over the Nardab Floodplains and into Arnhem Land.
Tonight, we camp at our exclusive safari camp at Mardukal Billabong in the heart of Kakadu. Enjoy sitting around an open campfire enjoying a cool beverage or a toasted marshmallow.
Walking distance: 3 km
Meals: Lunch & dinner
Day 2: Kakadu
After breakfast, we do some 4-wheel driving to Jim Jim Falls. A 1 km walk through the gorge surrounded by towering 200m high sandstone cliffs leads to the impressive plunge pool for a well-deserved refreshing swim or simply relax on the beach whilst taking in the breathtaking views.
Visit to the Warradjan Cultural Centre is a wonderful opportunity to gain some insight into the traditional owners of Kakadu through interactive displays and demonstrations.
This evening, we will enjoy 2-hour Sunset Cruise on the famous Yellow Waters. Here, we will have the opportunity to see spectacular wildlife, including abundant birdlife and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
We then return to our safari camp at Mardukal Billabong and relax around the campfire after some dinner.
Walking distance: 5 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3: Kakadu
After some breakfast we then make our way to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). A 1km hike through a paperbark forest with some rock scrambling leads to the plunge pool for a cool swim in a pristine environment, teeming with black bream and barramundi this is a place like no other.
This afternoon is spent exploring Gunlom Falls in the Southern end of Kakadu. A hike to the top is rewarded with a swim in the naturally occurring infinity pools whilst taking in the panoramic views of Southern Kakadu. The bottom plunge pool and beach are not to be missed, made famous in the Crocodile Dundee movie it’s a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this special place.
Tonight, we camp at Gunlom Falls in tents and swags.
Walking distance: 5 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4: Kakadu
Today, we spend the entire day exploring the magnificent Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), the jewel in the crown, this is a special permit access area that is recognised for its cultural and environmental sensitivity.
Territory Expeditions is the only tour operator that can offer regular tours to this area and is grateful to the traditional owners for allowing us to have this opportunity.
The walk up the gorge is a real wilderness walk and requires a proficient level of fitness with great rewards on arrival to some of the National Parks, most spectacular rock pools, waterfalls, and rock landscapes.
This remote location is restricted to only 40 people per day and is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna.
Tonight, we camp at Gunlom Falls in tents and swags.
Walking distance: 5-8 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5: Kakadu
This morning, we visit Old Goodparla Homestead, this was one of the first cattle stations occupied by the early pastoralists of the Kakadu region before being declared a national park. A fantastic opportunity to see how Europeans lived and struggled in the early days with many of the remnants remaining, a glimpse into the past.
Then we visit Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole), a special permit area that is spring fed and flows all year round, this is the last opportunity for a swim in Kakadu before preparing for the drive back to Darwin.
Return to Darwin via the historic town of Pine Creek, arriving back in Darwin at approximately 5pm.
Walking distance: 2km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Small print and important information
- All tours must be reconfirmed 24 hrs prior to travel.
- We welcome all passengers aged 8 and above who have a high level of fitness, mobility, and a sense of adventure. Before booking, passengers should carefully review the itineraries to ensure they can comfortably complete the distances stated for each day, often in high temperatures.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended to travellers who embark on any tours with Territory Expeditions.
- All itineraries are subject to change without notice due to mechanical failures, seasonal and extreme weather conditions, closures of National Park roads or attractions, and cultural commitments from Traditional owners. For operational reasons or other reasons beyond our control, we may need to operate substitute vehicles or change tour activities. We will give you as much notice as possible of any such changes. Please note, Territory Expeditions will not be held responsible for any of the above that is outside of our control.
- The itinerary may be done in reverse at the guides discretion.
- Click here for full terms & conditions and cancellation information.
- Our tours are focused on adventure. This includes 4WD vehicles on rough and rugged dirt tracks, longer hikes, and swims. You will get dirty and be challenged. This is not a luxury bus tour. Your accommodation is camping in a permanent safari tent with the option to sleep in a swag.
Cancellation Policy
- Minimum 20% non-refundable deposit to confirm bookings of regular departures
- 100% payable for all cancellations within 7 days of departure
- 50% payable for all cancellations between 8-29 days prior to departure
- 20% payable for all cancellations made outside 30 days of departure
- You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance which covers you for cancellation, at the time of booking. If you leave a tour for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be provided. If you have booked through a travel agent, which may also include other travel components, please contact them directly
Travel Conditions
- Please note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.
