Overview & Itinerary
Essential Trip Information
Overview & Itinerary
- Start
- Darwin, Australia
- Finish
- Darwin, Australia
- Destinations
- Kakadu & Top End
- Style
- Powered camps / swag camping
- Theme
- Code
- 5KA
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 5, Max 12
Physical rating
Itinerary
Pick up from 8.00am at select locations in Darwin. After a short stop at Bark Hut, we continue along the Arnhem Highway to the World Heritage listed National Park of Kakadu. The park is about half the size of Switzerland, so there’s a lot to see over the next five days! We’ll stop near East Alligator River for the chance to spot more of those prehistorical predators (crocodiles, not alligators) and maybe some flying foxes too.
Later in the afternoon we take a short walk up to Ubirr, viewing some of the amazing First Nations rock-art, then continue to the top of the escarpment to view the unlimited panoramic views across to Arnhem Land and the Nardob Floodplains. We then drive to our exclusive camp for the night at our Mardukul camp, which is located inside Kakadu National Park, and very close to the big attractions that will be featured over the coming days.
Accommodation
- Unpowered Permanent-tented Camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River
- Ubirr Rock
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total walking time: about 1.5 hours (including stops for informative talks). Total driving time: about 4 hours (approximately 380 km).
It’s a slow but epic drive along the dirt track to Jim Jim Falls, one of the most revered and photographed features in the park. It’s one of the key reasons we operate short wheel-based 4WD’s in this part of the world – to get access to remote locations such as the end of Jim Jim Falls Road. From here, you’ll leave the truck and need some nimble footwork to clammer over boulders on your way to a stunning waterhole, which is surrounded by sheer cliffs. The water cascades in slow motion from 200 metres above, providing spectacular views of Jim Jim Falls. It’s the best place imaginable to either have a swim, marvel at the views, or get some sun by basking on the falls’ very own beach.
We visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the living culture of the Binnij and Muyguyy Peoples, followed by the Yellow Waters Sunset Cruise. On the cruise see a variety of wildlife including birdlife and crocodiles before the suns drops down behind the iconic floodplains. He’ll then head back to our exclusive camp in Northern Kakadu for our evening dinner.
Accommodation
Unpowered Permanent-tented Camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Jim Jim Falls
- Warradjan Cultural Centre
- Yellow Waters Sunset Cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total walking time: about 4 hours (including stops for informative talks). Total driving time: 4 hours (approximately 350km)
A big day ahead of us with our first stop at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). After a 40-minute walk along a creek bed, you’ll be rewarded with a swim in a stunning plunge pool surrounded by steep rocky cliffs. We then let our 4WD truck do all the work as we drive to the Southern end of the park to Gunlom Falls – a large emerald-coloured waterhole, hidden by the surrounding eucalypt and melaleuca trees.
We then make our way to our private camp in Jawoyn Country located in the Southern End of Kakadu.
Accommodation
Swag camping with tents (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
- Gunlom Falls
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total walking time: about 4 hours (including stops for informative talks). Total driving time: 4 hours (approximately 350km)
The full day will be spent exploring the Southern region of Kakadu at a place called ‘Jarrangbarnmi’ or Koolpin Gorge. With a variety are plants and wildlife species, Jarrangbarnmi requires very special permits, and therefore can only be accessed and explored on a regular basis by Territory Expeditions.
Take your lunch and join the guide for a 2km trek up the gorge to explore rugged cliffs, picturesque waterfalls, and the series of swimmable plunge pools along the way. Keep an eye out for the elusive ‘Gouldian Finch’ and the ‘Barrk’, a species of wallaby, which are also found in the region. For many passengers that have been fortunate to join this tour, the day spent at Jarrangbarnmi is the least well-known, but by far the most favourite day on the feedback forms.
Special Note
Territory Expeditions have maintained a great relationship with the Traditional Owners of Kakadu National Park. The team remains incredibly grateful that passengers can continue to explore and enjoy such a beautiful place.
Accommodation
Swag camping with tents (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today is the opportunity to visit some other hidden features of the Southern End of Kakadu National Park. One of the features will undoubtably be Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole). This secluded waterhole also requires a special permit which Territory Expeditions has for its passengers to enjoy. Ikoymarrwa is a spring-fed waterhole which means that the water will remain clear and fresh for a swim through-out the Dry Season. He set our sights for Darwin, stopping at the historic town of Pine Creek along the way. Estimated time of arrival is 5pm.
Included Activities
Various walks and swims as listed
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Total walking time: about 1.5 hours (including stops for informative talks). Total driving time: about 4 hours (approximately 350km)
Booking Instructions
Medical Conditions
Please note this tour operates in remote regions and as such medical facilities may be difficult to access. If you have any medical conditions or take any form of medication please provide full details & nature of condition. Please provide details of medication taken.
Luggage restrictions
Please keep luggage to a minimum 15kg in soft bag or backpack. No hard suitcases please.
Itinerary disclaimer
Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ comments and our own research. It’s very important that you print and review a final copy of your Essential Trip Information a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all international travellers and should be taken out at the time of booking. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it. If you obtain travel insurance through us you acknowledge that you are satisfied with the level of insurance we have arranged.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers.
https://bookings.adventuretours.com.au/bookings/en_AU/feedback/
Joining point
Select Darwin accommodation between 6.30-7am. Please contact us with your preferred pick up point at least a week prior to departure.
Finishing point
Central Darwin accommodation
Emergency contact information
ALL general enquiry must be directed to our Reservations team on +61(0)3 9125 3630. In the case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY please contact our Operations Manager in Darwin on +61 (0)8 7918 1840
Luggage Limit
10kg in soft bag plus carry on day pack.
Age Restriction
Not suitable for travellers 7 years and under.
Conditions
Please provide following details to ATA Reservations staff at time of booking;
Passengers full name as per passport/ id and passport details, date of birth, home post code, preferred pick up location, dietary requirements and contact mobile number or email address. Our team will also ask for travel insurance and emergency contact details.
It’s your responsibility to ensure your customers are prepared for their trip – please ensure you direct your customers to read the Essential Trip Information found at the URL listed on their voucher or by visiting the trip page on our website.
Provider Details
AAG – Adventure Tours Australia Group Pty Ltd (2023 Verified) Phone: +61(0)3 9125 3630
Pickups
Departure location : Select Darwin accommodation between 7.30-8am.
July to September: Select Fridays
Arrival location : Darwin accommodation early evening day 5
Extras
National park fees
Sleeping bag hire ($20 cash on departure)
Essential Trip Information
Important notes
- Tour commences in Darwin on Day 1 from 6.30 am and finishes in Darwin Day 3 at approx 5pm. Onward travel from Darwin must be booked for the following day.
- Strict luggage limit of 10 kg applies in Kakadu. Excess luggage can be stored at Darwin accommodation.
- This trip requires a sleeping bag. BYO or arrange to hire one ($20 pay on board)
Travel insurance
We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. It is your personal responsibility to purchase your own travel insurance.
Dietary requirements
Passengers with special meal requirements or food allergies MUST ensure they or their travel agent inform ATA of this when booking. Food for the trip is purchased before commencement and special requirements cannot be catered for after departing. If you have not notified us prior to departure, you may be asked to pay for any additional food yourself. Due to the nature of our trips food is basic but plentiful. We provide the substitutes below; please bring your staples if you require specific foods not listed below:
- No Pork (Alternative to Ham provided)
- No Dairy (soy milk provided)
- Vegetarian (additional veg and vegie burgers provided)
- Vegan (supply of additional fruit and veg provided)
- Gluten Free (cereal, bread, wraps, pasta, snack bars, sweet and savoury biscuits provided)
*Religious dietary requirements and specifically prepared/sourced produce cannot be catered for.
Feedback
ISSUES ON YOUR TRIP
While we always endeavour to provide you with the best possible holiday experience, sometimes things can and do go wrong due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your tour guide straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your tour guide cannot resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask the guide to speak to their direct manager or contact our reservations staff.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide practical help after the trip is complete.
FEEDBACK
After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could do better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. Please visit this page to leave feedback: www.adventuretours.com.au/submit-tour-feedback
Medical conditions
Please note this tour operates in remote regions, and as such, medical facilities may be difficult to access. If you have any medical conditions or take any form of medication, please provide full details & nature of the condition. Please provide details of the medication taken.
Transport
All Terrain vehicle
DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA
Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australia has a total land area of 7,706,168 sq km, and the coastline spans a massive 15,049km.
Here in Australia we’re used to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Take for example, our 10 day Perth to Broome trip will see you travelling about the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and our 10 day Perth to Adelaide trip is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. Yep, it’s a big country! However, that’s why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Whilst you may spend some days in the vehicle a little longer than others getting to the next destination, we think it’s worth it!
Accommodation
Swag Camping (with basic facilities)
Accommodation on this trip consists of swags (Aussie bed roll) that can be used to sleep outdoors or placed underneath a shelter. Sleeping bag hire is included. Please also provide your own pillow if you wish.
A couple of rules
Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our guides, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a guide and a customer are strictly forbidden.
Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption.
By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of Australia, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines.
The decision of the guide is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a guide, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the guide may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked.
If you feel someone behaves inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in this Essential Trip Information’s Emergency Contact section.
Packing
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.
LUGGAGE LIMIT:
Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Due to limited space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, Adventure Tours travellers can carry a maximum of 15 kg. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack is essential. We recommend against bringing hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers’ belongings. If your trip is beginning and ending at the same location, excess luggage can usually be stored at your arrival/departure hotel and can be collected after your trip. If your trip does not return to the same starting point we suggest you look at freighting your excess luggage. One option is with greyhound: http://www.greyhoundfreight.com.au/
WATER BOTTLE:
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
ESSENTIALS:
- Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry.
- During the winter months of June / July / August temperatures in the Red Centre can drop to 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) overnight so it’s important to also have some warm layers
- Comfortable closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings.
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
RECOMMENDED:
- Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your guide, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, Band-Aids and insect repellent.
- Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity.
- A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night.
- Powerbank to recharge your phone
OPTIONAL:
- Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather.
- Ear plugs
- A good book, a journal and music player
VALUABLES:
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy or digital copies makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
BATTERIES/POWER:
Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt “cigarette lighter” socket which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. Hotels and many campsites have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking out the following day.
Participatory camping
On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your guide will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour but you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer.
Phone and internet access
Wireless (wi-fi) is common across accommodation in urban areas of Australia. Some properties may charge a fee for usage. Cafe’s and pubs across the Northen Territory may have wi-fi for a fee, with those in tourist area’s offering it for free. Shopping centre’s, airports and other public spaces offer limited free wi-fi access.
Even travelling a small distance from populated areas will see internet access stop. Many of our camps have little to no internet access (any access at all is expensive) being as remote as they are. Please be prepared for up to 3-4 days at a time without internet or cell service. Turn your phone off and enjoy the beauty of this part of the world.
Australia’s main telecommunication companies all operate in towns in the NT. Different networks will work in outback or regional area’s. Pay phones (most are prepaid card only) are rarer than hen’s teeth but can be found in most campsites we use.
If you are spending longer in Australia, it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card for data and your mobile device. If you need to purchase a phone locally. look for Telstra’s ‘blue tick’ phones with better coverage in rural areas.
Guides are equipped with satellite phones for emergencies only.