Autopia Tours: Kakadu + Litchfield 4WD (Camping) 3 Day - Basic Swag from Darwin

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Travelodge Resort Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin City NT 0800 @06:30am.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park
• Explore Kakadu Aboriginal Cultural Centres
• Take a wildlife cruise on the Mary River Wetlands
• Watch for Crocs and Barramundi at *Cahills Crossing
• Breathtaking Aboriginal rock art and sunset views at Ubirr Rock
• Be guided through world-class Aboriginal rock art sites Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and/or Ubirr walk (conditions/seasonality permitting)
• Adventure to some of Kakadu’s most impressive waterfalls and plunge pools (conditions/seasonality permitting)
• Be impressed by century-old magnetic termite mounds
• Uncover the wonder of Litchfield National Park’s roaring waterfalls and hidden waterholes
• Take a dip in the pools of Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, or Wangi Falls

*This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal access permitting us from entering certain areas pre and post the dry season. Please note the falls are rarely open before late June. Highlights are a guideline only, Kakadu’s diverse landscape and weather conditions mean a high amount of change and flexibility in the itinerary is expected. Your expert guides will ensure the most amazing adventure is had by all!

ITINERARY:

Join us on an exclusive 4WD safari adventure of a lifetime showcasing the very best Kakadu & Litchfield National Park has to offer. Discover some of the oldest and best-preserved Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and keep a lookout for some of our prehistoric friends (crocodiles) as we cruise the ancient wetlands by boat. We venture off the road and hike through monsoon rainforest to spectacular waterfalls and cool off in some of the most beautiful natural plunge pools imaginable. We’ll be exploring some truly spectacular countryside, among pockets of rainforest packed with endemic species of flora and fauna. This adventure tour will have you relaxing in comfort each evening after being on the move all day. Our private campsites are complete with a wonderfully equipped, enclosed camp kitchen, spacious safari tents or bush swags. After action-packed days of exploration, culture, and unmatched vistas you will love relaxing in a brilliant bushland setting under the stars, enjoying your comfortable twin permanent safari tent or your traditional swag experience (canvas-covered bedroll).

Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park

Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and heading out to the Mary River Wetlands region onboard the Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise. A great opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End birdlife, not to mention some apex predators… crocodiles!  We journey on to Kakadu National Park visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre which offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife. After some relaxation at camp, we will journey north to *Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We will visit one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal rock art in the world at Ubirr rock upon sunset. This incredibly significant site showcases many styles of rock art and allows us to climb up high for a sunset that will blow you away looking out over the Nadab Floodplain. After a big day, we head back to our cozy private camp and prepare dinner together, enjoying an evening with our fellow travellers. Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Jabiru Campground -  Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 3, flat pathways and a gradual climb up a rock face to the vantage point on top. Requires minimum to moderate fitness and mobility.

Day 2: Kakadu Waterfalls & Plunge Pools

We rise and shine early on day 2 and make our way south in Kakadu National Park. Today we’ll spend the day soaking up the spectacular natural beauty of the area, hiking through lush monsoon rainforests, and swimming in pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs. We aim to visit one or more of the available waterfalls depending on the group's physical ability to complete the hike(s). This can include any of the following: Motor Car Falls, Moline Rockhole, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), or Jim Jim Falls. There are many factors affecting accessibility although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible. Time permitting, we stop at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), another indigenous rock art site where archaeologists have uncovered works dating back over 20,000 years old. We explore the evolving social, cultural and environmental changes to the area over time before making our way back to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Jabiru Campground -  Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities). Driving Distance: 150km. Hike Distance and Grading:  1.5km - 4km Grade 6.

Day 3: Kakadu to Litchfield National Park to Darwin

An exciting day awaits as we head out of Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park. We will spend the afternoon immersed in Litchfield’s natural oasis of waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments. We’ll spend time in any combination of Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls or Florence Falls for a refreshing soak in picturesque rock holes and waterfalls. Discover the uniquely impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds before making our way back to Darwin, arriving back at your accommodation at approximately 7:00pm. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Driving Distance:  500km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1 - 2 km Grade 2-3.

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.

INCLUSIONS:

• 2 Nights’ Permanent Campsites Bush Swag (2 x Kakadu)
• Includes: 2 x breakfasts, 3 x lunches, 2 x dinners
• Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
• Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
• Kakadu Park passes entry fees
• Guided bush walks (up to 3km, grade 2-6)
• Hosted by an accredited outback driver-guide
• Air-conditioned 4WD off-road bus travel
• Comprehensive local tour commentary
• Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up/drop-off points

EXCLUSIONS:

• Bush Swag Option - Sleeping bags can be hired from us onboard for $40 AUD. This includes cleaning costs. You are more than welcome to bring your own. Payment is made directly to the tour operator.
• Any meals not indicated on the itinerary. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
• Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
• Personal expenses

WHAT TO BRING:

2-3L Refillable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towel & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (closed shoes), all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), camera, flashlight, headlamp or torch, tropical strength insect repellent, mosquito or fly net (summer months), 15kg overnight bag & small day pack, bring your own sleeping bag & pillow (optional - if staying in a swag), recharge power bank (limited access to power to charge phone or cameras) and money for snack and meals.

CHILD POLICY:

Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walks.

WEATHER:

The weather in the Top End of the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius with high humidity in the dry season and temperatures can drop dramatically in the evening. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, food allergies and contact phone number.
• 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.
• 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.
• A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2km to 4km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 9.5km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure safety of guests. 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).
• 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 walks.
• Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
• Itineraries may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally sites 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. 
• 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.
• Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333.