Walk Kakadu National Park

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. A visit to the newly opened Larrakia Cultural Centre is highly recommended. It is Australia's first cultural centre of its kind, owned and led by the Larrakia people and built near a sacred site. The harbourfront building's roof is shaped like a bird in flight, evoking an ancestral spirit that watches over Country. After the meeting, perhaps 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 or Fog Dam (depending on water levels) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.