Guided 7 day Walk the Top End

• Total walking: 7km. Grade moderate. Shorter options available.

SUGGESTED PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION: We suggest the Novotel Darwin CBD next door ideally located on the esplanade overlooking Darwin Harbour.

MEET TIME: 6.45am meet in the foyer of the Novotel Atrium Darwin

TRAIL NOTES: Total walking: 7kms. Grade moderate.

TERRAIN: A combination of formal paved path and natural trail that can be rocky underfoot. Short, steep ascent and descent at Tolmer Falls.

WALK ITINERARY: Our journey begins at the Novotel Atrium Darwin where you will meet your guides. From here we travel to Litchfield National Park for the first of our walking adventures. This beautiful National Park is renowned for its stunning waterfalls which cascade from a sandstone plateau called the Tabletop Range.  Today’s walk takes us from Florence Falls to beautiful Buley Rockhole. Along the track, you will experience plenty of birdlife, including honeyeaters, kingfishers and pigeons. Besides birdlife, you might spot other wildlife as well including northern quolls and black flying foxes. Arriving at Buley Rockhole we stop for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters and watch the streams cascading over the rocks in this beautiful oasis. After lunch, we continue walking to the lookout at Tolmer Falls, where you can view water cascading into a stunning pool below and linger in the rock pools above the falls. Afterwards, we make a brief stop at spectacular Wangi Falls, surrounded by monsoon rainforest where you can enjoy a cool swim in the pool. Afterwards, we head to our accommodation at De Lago Resort, nestled on the shores of Lake Bennett. In the evening we enjoy a hearty dinner served with wine and chat about the day’s adventures.

TRAIL NOTES: Walking: 12 km. Grade: moderate. 6 hours. Easier option available 4kms.

TERRAIN: Today’s walk has no formed path but is a well-trodden foot track. It begins with a steep climb up a rocky valley. The track then flattens out into plateau heathland with sandy soil. It is criss-crossed by dry creek channels. You follow one small creek and climb up a series of rock slabs. The ground is rough in places and there are steep slopes. You may be walking through tall spear grass and there is prickly spinifex along the track.

WALK ITINERARY: After an early breakfast, we head off early to the Nourlangie Region for a dramatic walk in Kakadu’s Stone Country.  Burrunggui or Nourlangie is a large sandstone island standing above the surrounding woodland. This 12km walk starts with a short walk to view spectacular Aboriginal Rock Art Sites dating back to pre-historic times including the Namarrgon lighting man. From here we head through sandstone country experiencing a variety of habitats and magnificent contrasts between lowlands and escarpment. Marvel at the great lookout points across the Arnhem Land Escarpment and look out for the native black wallaroos and chestnut quilled rock pigeon. Pass through heathland, layered sandstone pillars, and open woodland. Lavender-flanked wrens flit around the shrubs while peregrine falcons hunt from the thermals created by hot air rising from the rocks. The next two nights are spent at the beautiful outback resort of Cooinda Lodge beside Yellow Water Billabong. This wonderful lodge features a swimming pool and modern air-conditioned rooms with ensuite. Tonight we enjoy true outdoor Australian alfresco dining experience. Enjoy a wonderful menu featuring wonderful local produce such as barramundi and crocodile.

TRAIL NOTES: Total walking 8.5kms.

TERRAIN: This natural walking trail can be rocky and sandy underfoot. There is a steep climb, which is rocky and uneven.

WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast, we set off to explore the Mary River region in the southern part of Kakadu National Park to walk. Today we enjoy a series of short walks with a refreshing waterhole swim the reward for each walk. The first of our walks take us to Maguk previously known as Barramundi Gorge an awesome gorge with a big plunge pool. The walk follows Barramundi Creek through monsoon forests with lush thick vegetation and interesting plants, birds and lizards to admire. Here we will walk to the head of the falls for magnificent views, the pool at the top of the falls is flanked by tall vertical cliffs then head on down to the plunge pools for a relaxing swim to cool off. Afterwards we head to Motor Car Falls. Surrounded by forest this small waterfall remains one of Kakadu’s hidden gems and is a favourite in the tropical summer when Kakadu’s larger falls tend to be inaccessible. Although it’s a bit of a trek at 7.5 kms return, it’s well worth the effort. Especially if you want to sit under the spray of the waterfall by swimming across the pristine pool. We may even see wallaroos along the way! Afterwards, we head to Katherine. For the next 2 nights, we stay at Nitmiluk Cabins situated a short stroll to Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Tonight enjoy dinner in a local restaurant served with wine.

TRAIL NOTES: 9kms return. Grade Moderate. Easier Option available 2.6kms. Grade Moderate

TERRAIN: Well formed trail, with a good compact surface, some rocky sections and sand.

WALK ITINERARY: On our final day, we enjoy breakfast and head towards the northwestern part of Nitmiluk National Park to explore beautiful Edith Falls (Leilyn)  a series of cascading waterfalls and plunge pools where the Edith River descends the Arnhem Land escarpment. Our walk begins with a climb into escarpment country through bushlands of spinifex and grevillea listening out for the calls of the local birds. Once at the top dramatic views can be seen of the spectacular Upper Pool. This is a wonderful place has a stunning waterfall and swimming hole and is the perfect place to cool off after a walk. We will spend time here sitting under the waterfall and soaking up the dramatic scenery. Afterwards, we return to Darwin the end of a wonderful journey.

FINISH TIME: Arrive into Darwin at approximately 8.30pm

Note: due to warmer weather in the Territory our guides will determine the best walking experiences for the day. Early morning starts will mean we will walk in the cooler part of the day. Some days include several short walks. Most walks include a swim to cool off during the walks. Floating devices are available for our guests to use when cooling off.