4 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge with Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

Embark on a 4-day 4WD adventure tour of Kakadu National Park from Darwin. Explore ancient rock art, cruise the wetlands, visit waterfalls, and immerse yourself in stunning landscapes.

Duration: 4 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Darwin - Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park - We depart from Darwin and head towards the wetlands region known as WakWak, an hour outside of Darwin, where the top end’s magnificent scenery is on display. We have the chance to spot a vast range of Top End birdlife and apex predators such as crocodiles. Our journey continues as we wind our way into Kakadu National Park, where we check into our local accommodation and continue to take in the sights and sounds of nature, 300 kms east of Darwin.

Bowali Visitors Centre - We take some time to soak in the landscape and wildlife of the park at the Bowali Visitor Centre before heading to the East Alligator region, the most north-eastern point of Kakadu, for a cultural tour of a lifetime.

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise - The group will join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the creation stories of the area, observe majestic birdlife, and, of course, hope to see crocodiles.

Ubirr - In this same area we’ll visit Ubirr Rock, home to one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and climb up high for a sunset that will take your breath away. We head back to our accommodation for dinner.
Driving Distance: 420km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3

Kakadu National Park

Nourlangie Rock - Today is a day of perusing the art galleries and cultural centres that portray the stories of former and present clan groups of the north and south of Kakadu, as well as into Arnhem Land. We will journey on a guided walk through the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) art site areas, enjoying any combination of places including Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, Nawurlandja, and should the group feel like an extra bit of walking there is also potential for Naguluwurr art site.

Jabiru - Kakadu - Katherine

Jabiru - After a leisurely morning, we get ready to hit the road southwest toward our next amazing destination of Katherine and Nitmiluk. The road south winds its way through vistas showcasing the radiant earthy colours of the typical Northern Australian bush. Keep a lookout for wildlife including the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, Agile Wallabies, wild horses and buffalo.

Pine Creek - Heading through the historical township of Pine Creek we stop to stretch our legs and enjoy an array of refreshments available to those who are keen, including homemade ice cream - extremely popular with Top End locals. Enjoy stories of the Overland Telegraph construction, leading to the Pine Creek gold rush era of the 1870s.

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge - After checking in to our Katherine accommodation, we head out to the wonderful Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge where we enjoy the 2-hour NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise, a leisurely snapshot into the history and stories behind this beautiful area. This cruise guides you down the middle of 70m sheer rock walls with wildlife hiding around every corner. An area rich in creation stories, you will marvel at your surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere of the cruise.

Katherine - After your cruise, we head back to Katherine where we can settle in and relax in our comfortable accommodation, enjoying local hospitality in readiness for our fourth and final day of exploring the region.
Driving Distance: 310km
Hike Distance and Grading: none

Katherine - Edith Falls - Darwin

Katherine Hot Springs - This morning we make the most of the Katherine area, visiting the Hot Springs for a dip and float, followed by a stop in afterwards at the Top Didj Gallery where you will have the chance to view art created by locals, and experience the bush tucker and bush medicine gardens.

Edith Falls - It’s now time to continue our journey south, making our way to the beautiful Edith Falls for further relaxation in picture-perfect Top End surroundings with a picnic lunch, a huge plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall, and a welcome chance to cool off!

Darwin - This evening upon your return to Darwin fully relaxed and refreshed after your cool swim, we’ll have you back in Darwin in time for you to meander down the famous Mindil Markets or spend a relaxing night at your accommodation reflecting on all the adventures you’ve had and new friends you’ve made.
Driving Distance: 350km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km Grade 1

What's Included
  • Guided bush walks (up to ~4km, grade 1-2)
  • 3 nights Hotel Accommodation in Kakadu & Katherine
  • Lunch
  • Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Katherine Gorge NitNit Dreaming Cultural Cruise
  • Kakadu Park pass entry fees
  • Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, East Alligator
What's Not Included
  • Any meals not indicated within the itinerary. For those with special dietaries options are limited
  • Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
  • Spending money for personal expenses
Additional Information

Kakadu and Katherine National Park, and the surrounding area can be explored in the comfort of a fully guided tour, showcasing the best of culture and scenery. Discover the oldest and best preserved Aboriginal rock art in the world, spot some prehistoric reptiles (crocodiles) as we cruise the river system by boat, and experience local culture, stories, and traditions. We’ll explore monsoon forests, spectacular escarpment country, and the amazing biodiversity of Kakadu’s landscapes, home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. Enjoy comfortable air-conditioned accommodations in Kakadu and Katherine.

  • A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel).
  • The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a very physical tour and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility.
  • While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must advise dietary requirements to their booking agent at the time of booking. As we are venturing to remote areas we are very limited in what we can source once the tour departs, therefore prior notice is required.
  • ​This itinerary may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally spots in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
  • Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walk.
  • Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.
  • Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day of touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
Location
Travelodge Resort Darwin
Cavenagh Street
Our main meeting point for this tour is outside the gates of the Travelodge Resort Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City 08:00am. If you wish to change your pickup location, please contact our friendly reservations team on +61393931333.
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(59 Ratings)
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Sydhel
Jul 26, 2024
Great small group trip - This 4 day trip was so enjoyable, well paced and organised. Our guide, Becs, was knowledgeable and sensitive to First Nation culture as well as being a good, safety conscious driver and all round fun person. We saw an abundance of wildlife, learnt from local First Nation guides and ate well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Iansg7086rl
Jul 13, 2024
Kakadu with Autopia and Tim - There are so many different Kakadu tours from which to choose. We got it right. It was a small, diverse group on the tour and that was great. We saw the stunning places that we wanted to see and that was great. We saw the wildlife we wanted to see and that was great. We learnt a lot about the culture and the land from people who know it way better than us and that was great. It was 5 star all the way. Then there was Tim, our guide. He is worthy of another 5 stars all by himself. Knowledgeable, kind, understanding, flexible and a play list for the ages. So pick this tour and you won't go wrong. If you are lucky enough to have Tim for your guide you will go even better!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elisha_e
Jun 28, 2024
Great Experience! - A memorable four days! The itinerary is extremely well-rounded and provides a great experience to Kakadu, Katherine, and the NT in general. Our guide, Becs, was top notch with plenty of information about the area and a deep knowledge and understanding of native customs.
Review provided by Viator
Clairest3620wa
Oct 26, 2023
Loved the 4 days in Kakadu ! - Thank you Lee for the exceptional 4 days roadtrip! You were a really fun guide that told us all about the national park. I saw things that would have been hard to reach / spot by myself. Loved the walks and swimming in these landscapes! Claire
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbiepy5487ln
Oct 5, 2023
You must see the Kakadu national park - This was an amazing trip. Dani our driver /guide was ace. Full of knowledge, energy and a nothings-gonna-stop-us attitude. The outdoor bathroom was a bit of a surprise however absolutely fine. The walks, views, wildlife, boot trips & art were first rate. Both the East Alligator - Croc boat trip & the Katherine Gorge boat trip were amazing. We went swimming in several water holes - totally lovely settings & given the temperature very much appreciated. Yes - you really do need to drink as much water as Dani says (she has powerade just in case). Food was good - again when Dani says buy your beers here, buy the beers. Our last night was in Katherine with a slap up dinner. We had a great group who mucked in & were great fun. Highly recommended - I'd do it again with Dani as my driver!!!!!! The best way to see the Kakadu national park!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roybw8227by
Sep 22, 2023
Trip to Kakadu with Autopia and the amazing pocket rocket Jay. - Jay was just an amazingly talented hardworking, knowledgeable person who made everyone feel at home. Really enjoyed the experience, especially her concern for her group. I would recommend people with a reasonable level of fitness to go on this journey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z1907jnjanetl
Sep 21, 2023
The best tour experience in Kakadu - The tour guide Jay is impeccable, caring, responsible and super helpful. My 4 days tour at Kakadu is beyond words. Good accommodation and good food. I would recommend this tour to friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamesp5734
Aug 31, 2023
Kakadu 4 day tour - Been a long time coming for this trip, and it didn't disappoint. Our thanks and gratitude to our amazing tour guide JAY. She really went above and beyond, incredible knowledge and stories, fun, upbeat, safety conscious, good cook, hard-working. We knew our trip would be good, and she really put the icing on the cake for us. Thanks Autopia, and especially JAY.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruzibeks
Feb 23, 2024
I have never been place like that - I could see gorgeous sightseeing and took attractive photos different types of rocks and rivers we have been just i can recomment to others
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melanie
Oct 13, 2023
Guide & group can make it or break it - I went on the 4 day Kakadu / Katherine Tour with autopia. I was the only one who booked a camping site, which was inconvenient for the tour I think, so they gave me a free upgrade. The rooms were very lovely, clean, had airconditioning and towels. One evening, we ate at the hotel restaurant. The other evenings the food was quite simple. I don’t eat meat and got pasta with a scoop of pesto one night. No vegetables at all. For lunch we had a salad once and mostly wraps with the left over vegetables from day 2. The Kakadu park is a lovely park and this tour makes you see a lot of it in a short while. You go to nice gorges and waterfalls and are able to swim at the loveliest places. The pace is quite slow though, I’m used to “beating the heat” from my other tours here. But breakfast took 1,5 hours most days, with breakfast at 7am, we didn’t leave before 900/930. The group consisted of retirees, with one 50 year old man and me; 37 years old. I would like to have known beforehand, because now i didn’t get to see the Jim Jim falls, because the guide decided the rest of the group wasn’t fit enough to go there and made it seem the hike up there was horrible, with nothing to see there anyway this time of year. She did provide me with two other nice walks/hikes though, while the rest rested. Those were nice efforts from the tour guide, Dani. Most of the time, i found her behavior and attitude quite shocking. She set the tone the first morning, when she yelled at a passenger twice in the first few hours. (Once for asking where the animal was Dani was talking about, once for asking if they could have a toilet break while driving.) Dani comes of as agitated and agressive. She seemed very stressed but didn’t allow any help with setting up dinner or cleaning up. When she was away to get the car tire fixed, the group helped (eventually, 90% was afraid to do anything at first) with putting some stuff away. Dani came back, yelled angrily to take everything out, and then proceeded to tell the group to put the stuff back in the exact same boxes they just came from. On the other hand, she seemed to want praise for the basic things guides do, like making meals. Dani told us she would bake something the next morning, I told her there was no need for me. The next morning l, she made burgers anyway, at 9am. Her reaction made it clear that I had to eat the burger, either now or later. Refusing wasn’t an option, because she made it especially for me. This is nót something I expect from a guide, a stranger, or anyone. She also had a go at a couple of strangers, in their own car. She made them stop their car for something petty. She even yelled “get the f*ck out of my water hole”, about a public swimming place. Her driving was quite rough at times, we went 40-50 km/h on a bumpy road, which made the people jump up from their seats, made the car slip and we got a flat tire. Two times she drove in the wrong direction, four travelers noticed but were to affraid to get scolded so didn’t dare to say anything.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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