Autopia Tours: Kakadu & Katherine Gorge Tour (Accommodated) 4 Day - Private Single from Darwin

This Private Single Ensuite Room fare price is (Per Person) for Adults 18+ and over. For guests looking for a bit more privacy, includes ensuite bathroom facilities for all the accommodations nights involved.

TOUR CODE: KO4-P

OPERATES: Mondays (May-Oct)

DEPARTS: 06:30am

RETURNS: 18:30pm

TOUR DURATION: 4 Days / 3 Nights

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

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage site.
• Explore Bowali & Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centres
• Experience the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, located on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
• Watch for Crocs and Barramundi at *Cahills Crossing
• Breathtaking Aboriginal rock art and sunset views at Ubirr Rock
• Be guided through two exceptional Aboriginal rock art locations, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr Rock (conditions/seasonality permitting)
• Visit spectacular waterholes in Kakadu and Edith Falls offering a tranquil setting with a waterfall and plunge pool for relaxation
• Immerse in Jawoyn culture in a NitNit Katherine Gorge cruise, optional activity is a scenic helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge and its surrounds
• Learn from locals and experience art and culture at Katherine’s Top Didj Art Gallery

*Seasonal access permitting, falls are rarely open before June. Highlights are a guideline, 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:

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.

Day 1: Darwin - 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. 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. 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. 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. Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3.

Day 2: Kakadu National Park

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. Offering unmatched vistas of escarpments, sweeping stone country, savannah woodlands, lowlands and endless floodplains and wetlands, take your time to enjoy the different creation stories and artworks in the various galleries, hear stories about local groups and traditions as well as commentary on the plant and wildlife you see before you. After an amazing sunset on day two of your adventure, we head back to our accommodation for our evening meal and restful sleep. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Driving Distance: 150km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km grade 2.

Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine

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. 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. We also have the option of visiting the Pine Creek Museum - a National Trust building and the oldest prefabricated corrugated iron building in Australia. 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. 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Katherine either Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel, options include twin, double, single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Driving Distance:  310km. Hike Distance and Grading: none.

Day 4: Katherine - Darwin

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. 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! 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. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Driving Distance: 350km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km Grade 1.

*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:

• 3 Nights’ Accommodation (2 x Kakadu (Jabiru), 1 x Katherine)
• Includes: 3 x Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 3 x Dinner
• Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
• Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, East Alligator
• Katherine Gorge NitNit cultural cruise
• Top Didj gallery experience
• Kakadu Park pass entry fees
• Guided bush walks (up to ~4km, grade 1-2)
• Accredited outback driver-guide
• Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
• Comprehensive tour commentary
• Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up/drop-off points

EXCLUSIONS:

• Any meals not indicated within 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.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended
• Personal expenses

• A) Katherine Gorge Scenic Helicopter Flight - departing at 8:30am. Book direct at https://www.helispirit.com.au/scenic-flights-and-tours/katherine-gorge-helicopter-tours/.

WHAT TO BRING:

3L Refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towel & toiletries, bathers or swimwear, comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (closed shoes), all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), 15kg overnight bag & small day pack, tropical strength insect repellent, mosquito or fly net (summer months), flashlight, headlamp, or torch, recharge power bank limited access, money for snack and meals, camera.

CHILD POLICY:

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 to level of fitness and mobility.
• A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Length of walks will be between 1km to 2km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 4km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the 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.