4 Day 4WD Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park Tour

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

Leaving Darwin our adventure begins as we travel out into the impressive scenery of the Top End Wetlands Region. You’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views of the abundant wildlife, native birdlife and of course, saltwater crocodiles along the way.

After paying a visit to the Bowali Visitor Centre, we arrive at Kakadu National Park and settle into our accommodation where we’ll be staying for the next two nights in Jabiru. The centre offers an extraordinary insight into the rich Indigenous art and culture and an introduction into the landscape and wildlife from the Kakadu region and beyond. We then continue north to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land, stopping briefly at the infamous Cahills Crossing in the East Alligator region of the park.

We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of the best preserved Aboriginal rock art in the world at Ubirr whilst our knowledgeable guides interpret the Rock art and share ancient Dreamtime stories of the famous Rainbow Serpent. As the sun begins to set we climb up high to enjoy panoramic sunset views overlooking the Nadab Floodplain. As night falls, we head back to our campsite in Jabiru to prepare our evening meal together and enjoy an evening of stargazing with your travelling companions.

Day 2: Kakadu National Park Waterfalls – Jabiru

This morning we’re off on another 4WD adventure to explore one of the many majestic waterfalls within Kakadu National Park. Depending on seasonal changes and cultural factors we generally visit Jim Jim Falls or Twin Falls.

We’ll spend the day strolling through lush monsoon forests, marvelling at the towering escarpment and cliffs and taking a dip in pristine plunge pools below glorious cascading mists. Be aware that a moderate to a high level of fitness is required to undertake the hike here.

If time permits we also pay a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and delve into the social, cultural and environmental history of the World Heritage Listed National Park before heading back to camp to enjoy a hearty meal and a well-earned rest.

Day 3: Jabiru to Katherine

Early to rise today as we set out towards Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), another sacred Aboriginal rock art site with archaeological findings of the Bininj people dating back over 20,000 years old. We take time to enjoy Kunwarddewardde Lookout, and explore the local surrounding areas of Nawurlandja Lookout and the Anbangbang Billabong. 

We embark on another adventurous 4WD track in the direction of Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall where we stop for a tasty picnic lunch and enjoy a swim at the plunge pool surrounded by lavishly thick monsoon rainforest at one of Kakadu’s most striking and photogenic waterfalls. Once again, you’ll need at least a moderate level of fitness and agility on the 2 km hike as there are several rocky crossings here.

Afterwards the journey continues on towards Nitmiluk National Park stopping off along the way in Katherine where we check into our accommodation for the evening and appreciate the region’s local hospitality.

Day 4: Katherine to Darwin

Another early start today as we journey out to Nitmiluk National Park Katherine Gorge. There are a range of different options available to you here. You’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a 2-hour boat cruise (optional extra, approx $120) or enjoy hiking alongside the steep rocky cliffs (1.4 km to 4.8 km return). You can also choose to do a scenic helicopter flight and check out the sensational views over Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge and the Arnhem Land escarpment from an aerial perspective. 

Following that we make our way over towards the remarkable Edith Falls and take some time out to relax, enjoy a picnic lunch and cool off with a swim in the tranquil surroundings. Arriving back into Darwin city where our adventure concludes, you’ll have plenty of time to wander down to the famous Mindil Markets and enjoy the sunset on the beach after our unforgettable journey.