Kakadu National Park Walking Tour

A guided walking tour of one of Australia’s great national parks, at the very best time of the year $3,640pp – 8 Days ex Darwin, moderate terrain, approx. 65km

Experience Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk on this active, yet relaxed 8 day tour with Inspiration Outdoors.

Come on a journey with us as we head deep into Kakadu National Park exploring on foot spectacular gorges and lookouts and relaxing in secluded swimming holes. Visit remote and restricted rock art sites with local guides including the sacred Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art sites. Then cruise along Alligator River as you spot crocodiles sun baking on the shore.

In Nitmiluk, you will enjoy a full day of walking some of the Jatbula Trail, waterfalls and lounging around a series of rock pools.

After this its on to the Katherine Gorge area of Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Park. Highlights include Butterfly Gorge (a rainforest haven for butterflies), cruising up the mighty Katherine River and the sweeping vistas of the lowlands of Litchfield National Park. Stand in awe as you soak in the beauty of the Northern Territory’s most iconic attraction.

This tour has a strong focus on walking and activitiy with plenty of time to still swim and relax. You will be accompanied by two Inspiration Outdoors guides and will return each evening to comfortable lodge accommodation and a delicious meal.

Kakadu National Park & Litchfield National Park Tour Guided Walk tour at a Glance;

Small group (max 15)
8 days ex-Darwin rtn
Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk
7 nights in excellent motel style accommodation
no camping or heavy hiking packs
2 professional guides

Click here to Download our Kakadu – Info For Walkers Document

Click here to Download our Kakadu – Tour Itinerary Document

Highlights of this walk

Experience the magnificent Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Park on this walking tour. Walk through spectacular gorges, swim in pristine waterholes and take in the beauty of the Australian Outback. Enjoy social and relaxed evenings as your guides will provide nibbles and cook a 2-course meal on most evenings.

Walking Tour Itinerary

We start our Kakadu walking tour in Darwin and head south east to Kakadu, south to Katherine Gorge and then north west to top it all off with Litchfield. Along the way we explore stunning and remote gorges, pristine waterholes, wetlands full of birds and all at a leisurely pace to take it all in. We have 3 full days to explore all Kakadu has to offer and really soak up this amazing place.

N/B The itinerary may vary depending on river crossings, heat and other conditions, your guides will provide an appropriate alternative.

Day 1: Darwin to Jabiru

3km

We depart Darwin after picking you up at your accommodation early this morning. After a quick visit to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre we make our way to Mamukala Wetlands in the World heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Here we will have the opportunity to stretch our legs for a short (1.5hrs) walk and spot more wetland birds in this refuge. From Mamukala we then drive to Jabiru, where we check in to our comfortable cabins, which we will call home for the next few nights. After you unpack, there is the opportunity go for a swim or a wander around town whilst your guides will prepare a 2-course dinner at our accommodation.

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Ubirr Rock Art Site, Guluyambi Cutural Cruise and Discover the East Alligator River (gateway to Arnhem Land)

1km + 3-4km walk

Today we explore the Ubirr area of Kakadu National Park. In the morning we head to the Ubirr rock art sites and learn more about the local Aboriginal stories and history. In the afternoon we will head out on a special extended Guluyambi cruise. After a short cruise up the East Alligator River we will be dropped off for a walk with an Aboriginal guide, where we will have the opportunity to visit remote and restricted rock art sites around Arnhem land. Reflect on a fantastic day by going for a swim back at the accommodation in Jabiru or relax with a cold beer.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Nourlangie rock art site and Barrk Walk

8km or 12km

Today we drive out to the Nourlangie rock art site, where we will have the opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking and diverse Aboriginal rock art paintings in the area. After discovering the site we will embark on the Barrk Walk (12km) that takes us around the Nourlangie escarpment. You will have the option to walk only the first 6km of the Barrk walk to the Nanguluwurr rock art site or you may choose to complete the whole circuit.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Yurmikmik and Gunlom Falls

5km + 2km walk

Ready for an adventure? We head south and journey deep into Kakadu National Park, where we will have the opportunity to explore the Yurmikmik and Gunlom area.

Our walk in the morning will take us to Yurmikmik lookout through open woodland up a stony ridge, where we will be rewarded with views over the very diverse Jawoyn country.

Leaving Kakadu behind us, we will make our way to Pine Creek where we will stay the night.

*Please note, access to Gunlom may be limited due to river crossings. Alternative program will be provided if affected.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Pine Creek to Katherine via Leliyn (Edith Falls area)

8.6km walk

From Pine Creek we are heading to the northern section of Nitmiluk National Park to Leliyn (Edith Falls).

Here we will have the opportunity to spend a full day exploring this beautiful area. Once up top of the escarpment there is a series of pools to discover on our walk today. Our walk takes us along the last section of the Jatbula trail to Sweetwater Pool. On our way back we will detour to the Upper Pools of Leliyn for another swim, before making our way back to the bus.

Once back at the bottom of Leliyn Falls and the carpark we will head to Katherine, where we will then check in at our apartment style accommodation.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Katherine Gorge and Butterfly Gorge walk in Nitmiluk

12km

A short drive to the southern section of Nitmiluk will take us to Katherine Gorge.

Our walk today will start with a climb up the escarpment where we will be rewarded with the first of many stunning views for the day. The walk will take us as far as Butterfly Gorge, a little haven for the local butterflies in amongst a pocket of rainforest. From Butterfly Gorge we will make our way along the escarpment towards the Southern Rockhole. We end a wonderful day with a short boat ride up the Katherine River.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Katherine to Litchfield NP

4.3km walk

Today we make our way up north to Litchfield National Park.

We will leave the big crowds behind as we make our way to the Cascades. From the carpark we make our way up onto the Tabletop. Along the way we will enjoy several vantage points with sweeping views of the lowlands below. Depending on the wet season, we will be able to do a loop walk via the lower pools or we will return the same way.

After our walk we will make our way back to our accommodation to settle in for our last night.

Meals: B, L, D

*Please note, access to The Cascades may be limited due to river crossings. Alternative program will be provided if affected.

Day 8: Litchfield National Park and return to Darwin

8km approx

Today we have lots of options for various short walks to different waterfalls and billabongs around Litchfield National Park. Before we start our first walk and on our way in to the park we will stop at the Magnetic Termite Mounds.

Some of the waterfalls today will include the famous Florence and Buley Rockhole. In the afternoon our walk at Greenant will take us through monsoon forest along the creek heading upstream. We climb steeply to Tjaetaba Falls and then further on to a usually fairly un-crowded small pool. Here we will have time to enjoy a leisurely dip

Darwin is a (in NT terms) ‘short’ drive from Litchfield National Park where we anticipate dropping you back at your hotel around 6/6:30pm (we can also drop you at the airport along the way if you wish).

Meals: B, L

Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc.

Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc. See the PDF file for printing

Accommodation

Accommodation:

We will be staying at a variety of different accommodations on our Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield walking tour.

In Kakadu we will be staying at Anbinik Kakadu Resort for 3 nights. At Anbinik we will have 6-pack blocks with a central kitchen and communal area for everyone to come together. Anbinik most importantly also boasts a swimming pool where you can go for a swim after a day on the trail.

In Pine creek we will stay at the Pinecreek railway resort. The rooms are simple but perfectly adequate for one night, and each room has ensuite bathrooms. A pool is also available.

Around Nitmiluk we will be staying in 2 bedroom apartments at St Andrews Serviced Apartments, Katherine. We will come together in one of the apartments for our meals and nibbles.

In Litchfield we will stay in Batchelor for 1 night at the Batchelor Tourist Park. Here we will have either 1- or 2-bedroom cabins and will come together in one of the larger cabins for our meals.

Accommodation is allocated on a double or twin share basis. If you are a solo traveller we will room you with another solo traveller of the same sex. Limited single supplements are available at an additional charge. Please ask for details and availability if interested.

What to bring

Luggage:

Due to health and safety requirements, please limit your luggage to one medium sized, soft sided bag per person. Length + width + height should not exceed 140 cm. The maximum weight of the bag shouldn’t exceed 15 kg. If you’re travelling as a couple, please pack two smaller bags rather than one large one. Your day pack is in addition to your main luggage bag.

Suggested items to pack for your Kakadu walking tour:

• Day-pack – one with a waist strap is best to help take some weight off your shoulders;

• Shorts or trousers and shirts for walking – lightweight and quick-dry material are best;

• Casual clothing for evenings and rest days;

• Wind and waterproof jacket;

• Socks – whichever thickness you’re comfortable in (thick explorer socks can get quite hot);

• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots (ankle support and sturdy boots are highly recommended as many surfaces are rocky and uneven);

• Gaiters (not sweaty plastic ones) for keeping grass seeds out of socks and shoes;

• Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (and consider your clothing);

• Bathers and swimming towel (lightweight so you can easily carry them);

• Toiletries, hand sanitiser and personal medication;

• Reliable headlamp with spare batteries (can be quite dark going in between the cabins and useful when sharing a room);

• Any preferred first aid supplies such as blister treatment (Your guides will also carry a first-aid kit);

• Water bottle/s – 4 litre capacity at least;

• Fly net;

• Insect Repellent;

• Robust sandals for wading in and out of waterholes

• Camera and charger/batteries

• Walking pole/s (optional but good for using on some rocky sections if your balance is not good).

• At this time of year (June-August) the days are typically quite clear and warm (average max 32°C) and the nights are mild but can be quite cool (average min 19°C).

Food

Three meals each day plus morning tea and snacks are included in the price of your tour (unless otherwise specified – see tour itinerary for details).

If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know when you book, we are happy to adapt our tasty, nutritious meals to suit a variety of dietary needs.

Transport

Transport:

Transport for the tour is by a comfortable coaster bus. Our vehicles are modern, comfortable and regularly serviced to ensure their safety and reliability. They are also fitted with recovery gear in case of emergency.

In the case of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, the operator reserves the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour.

Seat Allocation: Seats on tour vehicle are not pre allocated. To ensure all participants get to enjoy window seats we encourage a daily seat rotation system.

This walk includes

All meals, including morning tea and snacks

We pride ourselves on providing you with fresh, wholesome food. Enjoy healthy breakfasts, delicious morning teas, fresh picnic and packed lunches, fruit and hearty two-course dinners each day.

Emergency support

Wilderness first aid trained guides carry radios, satellite phones and a full first aid kit so you can walk without worry.

Excellent itinerary and planning

Drawn from 14 years experience.

National Park entrance fees

Two fun and professional Inspiration Outdoors guides

We’ll feed you, tell you stories, help you achieve the walks safely and make sure everything goes to plan so that you don’t have to worry about a thing

Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

What will the weather be like in June/July/August?

June, July and August is the best time in the Top End. River crossings and some trails all depend on the wet season and how much rain the area received. Usually by mid June, most roads and tracks should be open again. The chance of getting rain in this period is very small, but still always come prepared.

The days will generally be around 30-32C, humidity is generally quite low, but there is always a chance it can be humid. Drinking enough water is paramount to feeling well and you will need to ensure you bring enough water bottles with at least 4l capacity. Drinking 3-5l of water a day is absolutely normal in the Top End.

At this time of the year the nights generally cool down and can be anywhere between 18-22C.

Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

Can I buy snacks and alcohol once we leave Darwin?

Yes, there will be shops along the way, however Jabiru and Batchelor are very small towns and may have quite a limited selection. Jabiru is a dry community and hence there will be no opportunity to buy any alcohol while we are there. In Katherine we are in a central location and close to shops with more selection if needed. It is recommended to stock up in Darwin before the trip and planning to re-stock in Katherine.

Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

Do I have to share a room with other people?

No, there are single supplements available at an extra cost and there is a limited amount of single supplements. If you decide to share it is on a twin-share basis and we will team you up with somebody of the same gender. If you are interested in a single supplement give us a call or send us an email for further information.

Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

Do I need to bring walking boots or will sneakers be alright?

Due to the rocky and quite uneven terrain of the walks, we would recommend to wear sturdy boots. There are also some steep sections where sturdy boots will give you more grip and protect your ankles. Sturdy water shoes may be a great addition, for walking in and out of the waterholes.

Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

Do I need hiking poles?

A lot of the walks on this tour are on quite uneven and rocky terrain, where it can be beneficial to walk with walking poles. The poles can help in getting across creeks, walking on uneven surfaces, up steep sections and will also reduce the pressure on the knees on steep downhill sections. If, however you feel like your knees and legs are fit enough, and your balance is pretty good, you do not need to bring hiking poles.

Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

Are there crocs in Kakadu? Can I swim?

While there are swimming opportunities on this tour, crocodiles do reside in Kakadu National Park. All guests swim at their own risk. We mitigate the risk by only conducting tours in the dry season and by only swimming in the park’s crocodile management zones. If you would like to know more about the crocodiles and the crocodile management zones click here.

Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

How hard are the walks on the Kakadu tour?

The walks on the Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield walking tour are not particularly difficult. Most of the walks are quite rocky underfoot however, and the itinerary is built in way so we can take our time and don’t have to rush. Quite a few of the walks include an opportunity to swim in a beautiful water hole.

Most of the longer and more strenuous walks include an option to shorten the walk and you may choose how far you would like to go.

The more training on rocky and uneven surfaces you do the more fun the tour will be.

Posted in: Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

About Walking Tours In General

How hard are the walks?

The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.

When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call on (08) 6219 5164 and we can talk you through it.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?

Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will give you a room with someone of the same sex. Sometimes, depending on the accommodation, it is possible to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have a room to yourself – please ask us if this option is available when you book. We won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen beds with a single supplement due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?

We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.

Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?

About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75. Our youngest guest has been about 35 and our oldest was 82. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?

We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Of course, if you like, you can indulge in some less nutritious treats as well – you’re on holiday after all and the team bake some mean cakes. Breakfast, home-made morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?

Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

Do I have to walk every day on tour?

Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What do I have to carry when I walk?

Very little. A water bladder or bottles, a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What people have said

Another wonderful IO 8-day tour with professional, fun, knowledgable and passionate guides. A great way to explore Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Parks. Swim the waterholes, walk the beautiful gorges, learn about the ancient rock art and indigenous culture and enjoy the wildlife and scenery with delicious meals and comfortable accommodation. Highly recommended!

Judy, Kakadu 2018

This 8 day tour was a wonderful opportunity to experience the best the Northern Territory Top End has to offer. Our walks each day were varied as we experienced the rich indigenous culture, stunning landscape, gorges and waterfalls, interspersed with many swims in beautiful waterholes and plunge pools. Rachelle and Campbell, our very capable and caring guides were wonderful and the whole trip was expertly planned. The food and accommodation was excellent as always with Inspiration Outdoor trips. Thank you once again for enabling me to experience this very special place in Australia.

Jenny, Kakadu 2018

Pricing

AUD $3,640 per person (single supplement $620)

Secure your place with a $350 deposit

Money-Back Guarantee

Our number one priority at Inspiration Outdoors is to ensure our guests have a great experience on EVERY tour.

We can't guarantee the weather, bush fires or events beyond our control, but we do guarantee that:
– your guides are professional, friendly and hard working.
– your itinerary is well organised and thought out.
– the particulars of your tour (accommodation, transport, food etc), are as described on the website and in the tour notes.

We stand behind our guarantees. If you come on a tour with Inspiration Outdoors and we do not fulfil these promises, we will give you your money back.

Other ways to get in touch

+61 8 6219 5164
walk@inspirationoutdoors.com.au

What happens after I book?

After you have paid a deposit and filled in a registration form, we will send you any extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.

Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.

Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.

What are my payment options?

Payment can be made by:

Direct deposit
Cheque
Credit card

Can I cancel my booking?

We hope that you do not need to cancel your booking. However, if you do, our cancellation fee, based on the notice given prior to the departure date, is:

More than 12 weeks: $50 administration fee
6 to 12 weeks: loss of deposit
4 to 6 weeks: 25% of full tour cost
2 to 4 weeks: 50% of full tour cost
less than 2 weeks: 100% of full tour cost, no refund

If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.

Kakadu National Park Walking Tour

Kakadu National Park & Litchfield National Park Tour Guided Walk tour at a Glance;

Highlights of this walk

Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin to Jabiru

3km

Day 2: Ubirr Rock Art Site, Guluyambi Cutural Cruise and Discover the East Alligator River (gateway to Arnhem Land)

1km + 3-4km walk

Day 3: Nourlangie rock art site and Barrk Walk

8km or 12km

Day 4: Yurmikmik and Gunlom Falls

5km + 2km walk

Day 5: Pine Creek to Katherine via Leliyn (Edith Falls area)

8.6km walk

Day 6: Katherine Gorge and Butterfly Gorge walk in Nitmiluk

12km

Day 7: Katherine to Litchfield NP

4.3km walk

Day 8: Litchfield National Park and return to Darwin

8km approx

Accommodation

What to bring

Food

Transport

This walk includes

All meals, including morning tea and snacks

Emergency support

Excellent itinerary and planning

National Park entrance fees

Two fun and professional Inspiration Outdoors guides

Kakadu National Park Tour FAQs

About Walking Tours In General

Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening

What people have said

Pricing

AUD $3,640 per person (single supplement $620)

Secure your place with a $350 deposit

Money-Back Guarantee

Ask about this tour:

Other ways to get in touch

What happens after I book?

What are my payment options?

Can I cancel my booking?

The 15 Bushwalking Essentials You Absolutely Must Know