Kakadu National Park Walk

SUGGESTED PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION: We suggest the Mantra on Esplanade Darwin or the Novotel Darwin CBD next door. Both hotels are ideally located on the esplanade overlooking Darwin Harbour.

MEET TIME: 6.30am meet in the foyer of the Mantra on Esplanade 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 Mantra on the Esplanade hotel in 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 Ringer Cabins, Litchfield Park set amongst the trees. 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 4kms.

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 Gunlom, a short walk will take you to the base of the falls, however, we follow a steep track which takes us on a short walk to the top of the falls. The views from the top over southern Kakadu are simply spectacular. When you reach the top you will be in need of a refreshing dip and what a spot for a swim. Natural infinity pools are found at the top of the falls providing the perfect place to relax – in fact you may never want to leave this amazing oasis. Afterwards we transfer back to Darwin.

FINISH TIME: Transfers on our last day back to Darwin will vary depending on if we have any guests doing our 7-day tour (they spend 2 additional days in Katherine). If no guests are doing the 7-day tour the whole group will return via road to Darwin arriving at approximately 7.30pm.
When we do have clients doing the 7-day tour, our 5-day guests will be dropped at Katherine Airport for a short flight back to Darwin (no additional cost). Upon arrival at Darwin Airport approximately 5.00pm, those guests not flying out that night, will need to make their own way back to the CBD via taxi. (13kms or 15 minutes). Feel free to inquire about this with our Reservation Staff when booking.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP:
For those who want to extend their walking holiday for 2 nights, continue on and spend 2 additional nights in Katherine exploring the spectacular walking trails and gorge around this region. Click here to see the itinerary.

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.  All walks outlined above are subject to them being open. Note we start our walks in June to try and avoid this, however due to weather some walks may not be opened until later in the season. When walks are not opened alternative walks or activities will be substituted