Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 8 Day Walk Kakadu National Park. Take a drive along Nature’s Way in the Northern Territory – a round trip that takes in the best of the Top End. You’ll travel through the spectacular landscape of Kakadu National Park, followed by a few days in Katherine and a day at Litchfield National Park, with plenty of spectacular hikes along the way. View some of the world’s most impressive rock art sites, see thundering waterfalls and go swimming in natural waterholes. This eight-day small group trip combines scenic walks, comfortable accommodation and read more a knowledgeable leader with some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery.
Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Darwin
Trip Ends
Darwin
Departures
Jun 2026 to Aug 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
Intrepid
Trip Style
Original
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-99 Years
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Challenging
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
PJXK
Itinerary
Welcome! Your adventure begins in Darwin or Gulumoerrgin, in the language of the Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Darwin is now located. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your leader and the rest of your group. If you arrive early, why not check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or discover Australia’s war history at the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels along the waterfront. After the meeting, you’ll head to a local restaurant to get to know each other and celebrate the start of your adventure.
After breakfast, set off on the drive to Mamukala Wetlands in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, where water pythons, birds, crocodiles, turtles and other wildlife can be spotted. From here, drive to Ubirr – widely regarded as one of the world’s most outstanding rock art sites. Here, you’ll go on a walk to discover the rock art galleries and learn about the incredible history of this area. After you’ve checked out the fascinating paintings, which include depictions of some of the first interactions with non-Aboriginal people, head to Jabiru and check into your accommodation for the next few nights. (B/L/D)
Kakadu National Park has one of the world’s highest concentrated areas of rock art. Today, you’ll drive to the Nanguluwurr art site, where you’ll walk through woodlands leading to a quiet art site with incredible paintings. Next, continue to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) and walk to the famous painting of Namarrgon – the lightning man, who is said to control the wet season lightning storms. You’ll also explore the rest of the site, which has multiple rooms (caves) featuring different styles of art. (B/L)
After breakfast, embark on a journey through Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land with Traditional Custodians. Here, you’ll spend the day with an experienced First Nations guide leading the way and you’ll discover Mikkinj Valley and beyond from 4WD buses. See rock art sites, sandstone gorges, forests, flood plains and an abundance of birdlife, while learning about the Aboriginal culture and heritage of this area. Enjoy some time by the water, then have a bite to eat at Inkiyu Billabong. (B/L/D)
Today, make the long drive south. You’ll stop at Yurmikmik, where you’ll go on the Yurmikmik Lookout Walk, which takes you through woodland to a viewpoint overlooking Jawoyn Country. Make another stop at Gunlom Falls – this 85 m waterfall is fringed by paperbarks and pandanus. At its summit, tranquil plunge pools offer sweeping views of the national park. Next, head to Katherine – your home for the next three nights. (B/L/D)
Drive to the northern section of Nitmiluk National Park to reach Leliyn (Edith Falls). These cascades are the last stop on the Jatbula Trail, which begins 62 km away in Katherine Gorge. Today, walk part of the trail along a sandy path to Sweetwater Pool, where rich red rocks frame the waterhole. Along the way, there will be plenty of smaller natural pools to take a quick dip in. Then, on the walk back, you’ll stop at the Upper Pools of Leliyn for one final dip to cool off before the drive back to Katherine. (B/L)
Drive to the southern section of Nitmiluk National Park today to Katherine Gorge. Depending on the temperature, your local guide will offer a selection of walks of varying difficulty and length, ranging from 6 to 12 km. Take your time to discover Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, which was formed as the Katherine River carved its way through ancient sandstone cliffs more than 20 million years ago. You’ll notice the natural horizontal bands defining the cliffs that were created by layer upon layer of sediment. After a full day of exploring all that Katherine Gorge has to offer, make your way back to Katherine for the evening. (B/L/D)
Have breakfast, then drive to Litchfield National Park, where waterfalls cascade from escarpments into plunge pools surrounded by thick forests. During the wet season, four major waterfalls thunder from the cliffs into rock pools and in the dry season, the waterfalls flow more gently, making the waterholes perfect for swimming. Stop by the Magnetic Termite Mounds, then head out on a walk chosen by your local guide. See stunning waterfalls and billabongs along the way, then drive to Darwin, where your trip comes to an end. No accommodation is provided tonight, but if you’d like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to book additional accommodation. (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore the many wonders of Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Parks on foot as you hike beautiful walking trails with panoramic lookouts.
- Visit remote and restricted rock art sites including Ubirr and Nourlangie with a local guide in Kakadu National Park – one of the world’s highest concentrated areas of rock art.
- Cool off in some of the Northern Territory’s most beautiful waterholes, rivers and natural pools as you go swimming in the national parks.
- Enjoy several included picnic lunches in the best hidden spots, known only to a handful of people including your experienced trip leader.
- Embark on a journey through Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land. With an experienced First Nations guide, you’ll learn about the Aboriginal culture and heritage of this area.
- Hotel (3 night)
- Resort (1 night)
- Basic Resort with shared facilities (3 nights)
- 7 Breakfasts included
- 7 Lunches included
- 4 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Operator
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
Download Brochure
Intrepid Australia (2025-26)
Discover Australia with Intrepid, an Australian-founded company passionate about meaningful, responsible travel. Each journey connects you with local communities and First Nations cultures while uncovering the country’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. With flexible trip styles and expert guides handling the details, you can simply relax, explore, more and experience the real Australia with like-minded travellers.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
GJ Loyalty Discount
Save even more if you're a past client of Global Journeys!
Friday
12 Jun 2026
12 Jun 26
Darwin
Friday
19 Jun 2026
19 Jun 26
Darwin
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,795
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday
21 Jun 2026
21 Jun 26
Darwin
Sunday
28 Jun 2026
28 Jun 26
Darwin
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$5,295
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday
30 Jun 2026
30 Jun 26
Darwin
Tuesday
07 Jul 2026
07 Jul 26
Darwin
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,990
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Similar Tours
