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5 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge Litchfield 4WD Adventure Tour (Camping)
Highlights
- Explore Kakadu's ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, connecting with rich cultural stories and breathtaking landscapes.
- Cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, surrounded by sheer rock walls and serene natural beauty.
- Swim in the refreshing plunge pools of Wangi Falls and Buley Rockholes, perfect for cooling off after a hike.
- Camp under the Outback sky, enjoying communal meals and laughter, creating unforgettable memories with fellow adventurers.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure showcasing the best of the Top End! This thrilling 5-day 4WD safari takes you through the iconic Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park, and Litchfield National Park, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
Experience Kakadu’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr to majestic waterfalls like Gunlom Falls and Jim Jim Falls. You’ll explore hidden plunge pools surrounded by rugged cliffs, and hike through lush rainforests, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty. At Nitmiluk National Park, enjoy a serene boat cruise through the stunning Katherine Gorge, where sheer rock walls and rich cultural stories will leave you mesmerized.
As we head to Litchfield, marvel at the Magnetic Termite Mounds and cool off in natural plunge pools like Wangi Falls and Buley Rockholes. Take in breathtaking vistas from scenic lookouts and explore the park’s hidden gems. Throughout the journey, enjoy our private campsites, communal meals, and evenings filled with laughter under the Outback sky.
This immersive adventure offers more than just sightseeing—experience the heart of the Top End, with incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and a deeper connection to the land. Adventure awaits!
Tour code: KC5.
Itinerary highlights
Day 1: Darwin – Kakadu National Park
Start your exciting adventure from Darwin, heading towards the Wetlands Region where the Top End’s stunning scenery unfolds. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot diverse birdlife and the iconic crocodiles, both fresh and salty.
Arriving at Kakadu National Park, we settle in Jabiru for two nights. Our first stop is the Bowali Visitor Centre, offering a captivating introduction to Kakadu’s natural beauty. After some relaxation, we journey northeast to Cahills Crossing, marking the border between Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Here, we explore Ubirr Rock, home to one of the world’s best-preserved collections of Aboriginal rock art. As the sun sets, we’ll climb to a lookout with panoramic views over the Nadab Floodplain, where vibrant colors light up the sky.
After a memorable day, we return to our private campsite in Jabiru, where we’ll prepare a delicious dinner and share stories under the stars with fellow travelers.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 420km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop, Grade 2-3
Day 2: Gunlom Falls, Jim Jim Falls – Plunge Pools – Jabiru Return
We rise early on Day 2 and head south into Kakadu National Park to explore its stunning natural beauty. The day will be filled with hikes through lush monsoon rainforests, visits to spectacular waterfalls, and swims in crystal-clear plunge pools surrounded by towering cliffs. Depending on the group’s ability, we may visit Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom Falls, or Moline Rockhole. Each waterfall offers a unique experience, with varying accessibility, but your guide will ensure you make the most of the day.
If time allows, we’ll visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre, where we’ll delve into the stories and traditions of the region’s traditional owners. Learn about the evolving cultural, social, and environmental changes in this fascinating area.
After a day of adventure, we return to our private campsite in Jabiru for a well-deserved rest, enjoying a hearty dinner and reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: Minimum 150km (including at least 40km off-road)
Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km – 4km, up to Grade 5
Day 3: Kakadu – Katherine
This morning we discover Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art, Kunwarddewardde Lookout and have the potential to explore the surrounding areas of Nawurlandja Lookout and Anbangbang Billabong. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock features incredible Aboriginal rock art and Dreamtime stories of the Bininj people. Another 4WD track awaits us as we travel south and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall, one of the most picturesque and pristine waterfalls in Kakadu. Please note at least a moderate to high level of fitness and agility is required here with flat pathways combined with rocky crossings leading you to the plunge pool through the monsoon forest. After our 2km walk, swim and lunch, we head south through Kakadu National Park towards our private safari campsite in Katherine where we will be able to relax under the stars and enjoy the evening’s hospitality around the campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Katherine Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 420km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km Grade 3
Day 4: Katherine – Nitmiluk National Park
We start early today and head to Nitmiluk National Park, where we embark on a 2-hour NitNit Katherine Gorge boat cruise, a must-do experience in the Top End. Glide between towering 70m rock walls, with wildlife peeking from the bush. This serene cruise offers a chance to connect with the area’s deep cultural significance, steeped in creation stories. For an even more thrilling view, optional helicopter flights are available after the cruise, offering breathtaking aerial views of Nitmiluk and Katherine Gorge.
Next, we travel to the stunning Edith Falls. Relax in this picturesque setting with a picnic lunch and enjoy a refreshing swim in the large plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall. If you’re up for more exploration, you can opt for a hike to the upper pools, but be prepared for a moderate climb.
After a day of culture, adventure, and relaxation, we return to our private campsite to enjoy a stunning sunset and stargazing under the clear skies.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Katherine Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Options: Scenic helicopter flights
Driving Distance: 470km
Hike Distance and Grading: 2km, Grade 2-4 depending on the trail
Day 5: Katherine- Litchfield National Park – Darwin Return
Our adventure is not yet complete as we now head into Litchfield National Park on our way back to Darwin for the end of our fifth day.
Leaving Katherine we travel north towards the world-class Litchfield National Park, surrounded by thick pockets of tropical rainforest, offering a cool escape from the heat of the Top End.
View the monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds and then have an opportunity to cool in Litchfield’s beautiful natural plunge pools like Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls. Visit a thundering waterfall like Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls and marvel at the sheer beauty carved out among the rocky escarpment. Fully relaxed and rejuvenated after your fifth day of exploration and adventure, relax back in comfort as your guide delivers you back to Darwin for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Driving Distance: 470 km
Walking Distance: 1km – 2km
Tour details
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Available from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026
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Available from 1 July 2026 to 31 August 2026
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Available from 1 April 2027 to 31 October 2027
Features
Service facilities
This business does not currently offer accessible facilities.
Operation information
Autopia Tours – Northern Territory (Top End)
Autopia Tours is a trusted leader in small-group adventure tours across the Top End of the Northern Territory. With over 35 years’ experience, we specialise in creating immersive experiences in iconic destinations like Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine, and Arnhem Land.
Their passionate Aussie driver-guides are the heart and soul of Autopia Tours. Knowledgeable, friendly, and full of stories, they share the natural and cultural wonders of the Top End with humour, insight, and a sense of adventure.
Whether you’re spotting saltwater crocodiles in the wild, swimming in pristine waterfalls, hiking to breathtaking lookouts, or learning about Indigenous culture, Autopia Tours takes you to the heart of the Top End. Every tour is designed to provide hands-on, memorable experiences that connect you with nature, history, and the spirit of this remarkable region.
At Autopia Tours, they believe life is about unique adventures—treasured experiences that stay with you long after your journey ends.
Activities
Tags
Accreditations
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Victoria Tourism Industry Council
- Visitor Information Centre
- NT – Tourism Top End