5-Day Kakadu Walk – A Pack Free Guided Walking Tour by Life’s An Adventure
Life’s An Adventure invites you on a 5-day Pack Free guided walking tour through the iconic Kakadu National Park, the largest national park in Australia, covering almost 20,000 square kilometres of breathtaking landscapes. Located in the Northern Territory, Kakadu is a timeless wilderness, renowned for its spectacular stone escarpments, dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and ancient Aboriginal rock art. This tour is designed to offer a complete Kakadu experience, with a focus on comfort, exceptional accommodation, and gourmet dining.
The journey takes you through four unique regions of Kakadu: the East Alligator Region, Nourlangie Region, Jim Jim Falls Region, and Mary River Region. Each area offers a distinctive landscape, from rugged gorges and waterfalls to vast wetlands and cultural sites. Our expert guides will lead you on the best walking trails in each region, ensuring that you experience the diverse beauty and rich history that make Kakadu a truly special place.
Explore the East Alligator Region, where the towering escarpments and ancient rock formations reveal the stories of the Traditional Owners through some of the world’s oldest rock art sites. The Nourlangie Region showcases stunning sandstone galleries, where you can marvel at prehistoric Aboriginal art that has been preserved for thousands of years. Hike to scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas over the rugged landscape, providing a glimpse into the timeless beauty of the park. And iconic Gunlom Infinity pools for stunning views.
In the Jim Jim Falls Region, walk through lush monsoon forests and along crystal-clear streams to discover the dramatic plunge pools and towering cliffs of Kakadu’s famous waterfalls. The Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are spectacular highlights that reveal the power and beauty of this untamed wilderness.
The Mary River Region offers a different experience, with Gunlom’s stunning infinity pool, its floodplains, billabongs, and river systems teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for Kakadu’s diverse birdlife, including iconic species such as the jabiru and magpie goose, as well as crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.
Accommodation throughout the tour is carefully chosen for its comfort and quality, with stays at the best lodges and hotels in the area. Enjoy splendid restaurant meals featuring fresh local produce, complemented by Australian wines, for a true taste of the region’s culinary offerings.
The Pack Free approach ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing you to explore without the burden of carrying a heavy pack or setting up camp. With all logistics taken care of, you can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery, learning about the cultural significance of the region, and relaxing in style.
This tour also includes a visit to Litchfield National Park, providing an extra opportunity to explore the Top End’s beautiful landscapes, including its spectacular waterfalls and natural swimming holes, perfect for cooling off after a day’s walk.
The 5-day Kakadu Walk by Life’s An Adventure is more than just a hike—it’s a journey through one of Australia’s most iconic and culturally significant landscapes. From ancient rock art and dramatic escarpments to serene wetlands and powerful waterfalls, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure with the comfort and luxury that only a Pack Free experience can provide. Join us for an affordable yet enriching multi-day walking experience that captures the essence of Kakadu, with every detail carefully curated for a truly memorable journey.
One of the biggest drawcards of this tour is that our guests won’t be asked to carry their clothes or overnight bags for the entire tour, these will be transported for you each day. With Life’s An Adventure, you will carry as little as your water bottle, camera and lunch each day!
Close to Litchfield National Park
We’ve chosen the best accommodations near each walk to reduce travel time. Situated close to Litchfield National Park, these rooms feature private balconies/patios with pool and garden views, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure. Enjoy ensuite facilities, large LCD TVs, and complimentary Wifi throughout your stay.
Jabiru
We spend one night in the Mercure Crocodile Hotel, the best hotel in the town of Jabiru. Enjoy the night in this idyllic retreat with its spacious rooms with comfy beds and ensuites. Dinners will be enjoyed in the charming Escarpment restaurant offering splendid dishes highlighting the tastes and flavours of Kakadu, all served with Australian wines.
Cooinda Yellow Waters Region
We’ve chosen 2 nights at Cooinda Lodge for its close proximity to the amazing walks of southern Kakadu. This beautiful outback Lodge beside Yellow Water Billabong features a swimming pool to cool off after a day’s walk and modern air-conditioned rooms with ensuite. Dinners at the lodge are a true outdoor Australian alfresco dining experience. With a wonderful menu featuring an array of local produce such as barramundi and crocodile.
Wow-Mazing Inclusion
During your stay at Cooinda enjoy a Wow-mazing experience of an amazing Yellow Water Billabong cruise. This indigenous -operated cruise meanders through the iconic Yellow Waters Billabong and tributaries of the South Alligator River. The birdlife in these wetlands is prolific and is home to over 60 species including a large number of Whistling ducks and magpie geese. You may be lucky enough to see the unique jabiru, jacana or brolga and there’s a good chance of spotting the many crocodile that live in the billabong too.
Professional, fun and caring
Our guides are truly exceptional at what they do. It’s their job to ensure your tour exceeds your expectations. Our guide’s caring attitude and wonderful outgoing nature ensure your tour is relaxing, fun and informative.
Included on your tour
Mealtime is a special time on tour. Not only does it provide the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers in a relaxed environment, but it also allows you to sample regional specialities. On tour we have many highlight dinners including a special outdoor campfire dinner at Hawk Dreaming Lodge and at Cooinda lodge enjoy outdoor dining under the stars with the choice of regional delicacies such as crocodile and emu.
and personalised service
Our group sizes are small and intimate with a maximum of 12 people, we find this delivers more personalised service, a great social environment and has less impact on the environment.
We provide a genuinely all-inclusive experience. When you travel with us you won’t need to keep putting your hand in your pocket to pay for additional items not included in your tour, such as meals, wine, activities, cruises.
This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden extras:
PACK-FREE WALKING
WOW-MAZING EXPERIENCES INCLUDED:
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN EACH AREA:
SPECIAL WALKING EXPERIENCE:
SUPERB MEALS & WINE:
GUIDES & TRANSFERS:
SUGGESTED PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION: We suggest the Novotel Atrium Darwin 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 Litchfield Outback Resort. In the evening we enjoy a hearty dinner served with wine and chat about the day’s adventures.
TRAIL NOTES: Total walking: 3kms. Medium walk includes 250m climb
TERRAIN: A combination of formal paved path and natural trail that can be rocky underfoot. There is a short climb, over uneven rock, at Ubirr.
WALKING ITINERARY: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we farewell Litchfield National Park. Our aim today, is to get you straight to Kakadu National Park so you can maximise your time in this special region with its spectacular sandstone escarpments and dramatic scenery. Kakadu National Park is made up of several regions including the East Alligator Region, Nourlangie Region, Jim Jim and Twin Falls region and Mary River region. Our journey will ensure you experience the best walks in each of these special and unique areas. Upon arrival in Kakadu, we will visit the Border Store which is run by Injalak Arts that have beautiful painting on bark, handprinted fabrics and weavings before enjoying lunch at Cahills Crossing with viewing platforms over the river. From here we make our way to Ubirr to see the fascinating rock art. Our walk takes us through a series of natural rock galleries with paintings documenting ancient human interaction with the environment. A few galleries have an extra element of intrigue with some of the first interactions with non-Aboriginal people recorded, once we reach the top of the escarpment enjoy stunning views over Kakadu. Afterwards we return to Jabiru to our accommodation for the evening at the Mercure Crocodile Hotel, the best hotel in Jabiru. Tonight enjoy a dinner served with wine in the charming Escaprment restaurant featuring local Kakadu flavours.
TRAIL NOTES: Walk 1: 4.2km, 1.5 hours of walking. Easy grade.
Walk 2: 1.5km, 2 hours of walking. Moderate Grade
TERRAIN: The first walk of the day begins with an easy, flat trail along the billabong’s edge, followed by a ladder climb and a brief scramble over rocky terrain to reach the lookout point. The second walk begins with a wide, paved track before encountering steep and rugged sections, involving scrambling over broken slabs of rock.
WALK ITINERARY: After an early breakfast, we head off early to the Nourlangie Region for a dramatic walk in Kakadu’s Stone Country. Begin your adventure with the Anbangbang Billabong and Nawurlandja Lookout track, circling the picturesque billabong where birdlife thrives and wallabies seek refuge under paperbarks. Marvel at the views of Nourlangie Rock as you navigate through shaded areas and scramble to the Nawurlandja Lookout for breathtaking vistas. Spot jabirus along the shore before concluding your journey. Then, embark on the Nourlangie Art Site track, traversing steep and rugged terrain to discover ancient Aboriginal artwork at Anbangbang Rock Shelter. Delve into stories of Nabulwinjbulwinj and Namarrgon depicted in the captivating art. Continue to Gunnwarrdehwarrdde Lookout for panoramic views before descending stone steps and concluding your exploration.
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 3 kms. Medium grade. Easier option available.
TERRAIN: This natural walking trail can be rocky and sandy underfoot. There is some scrambling over large boulders.
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy an early breakfast then we head out by 4WD to experience the remote and spectacular Jim Jim Falls, the crown of Kakadu National Park. Our walk is to the spectacular Jim Jim Falls gorge and plunge pools. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the river where you will see views of the Jim Jim Falls gorge, you can relax here taking in the amazing views down the gorge or continue on. For those that wish to swim in the plunge pools at the base of the falls, the second half of the walk requires scrambling and rock hopping and requires a good amount of agility. The closer you get to the end of the gorge the more impressive it becomes and worth the effort to get there. Sit down and relax on the sandy white beach, take in your amazing surroundings and the pretty plunge pool surrounded by enormous vertical cliffs and after all that rock scrambling definitely go for a swim. We also have the option to walk to the top of the escarpment overlooking Jim Jim Falls for magnificent views. Afterwards, enjoy the drive back to Cooinda taking in spectacular vistas of the Arnhemland Escarpment. In the afternoon we enjoy a billabong cruise on Yellow Waters to see the amazing array of birdlife. Tonight enjoy a relaxing outdoor dinner in the lodge restaurant.
Please note: Today’s touring is subject to the opening of Jim Jim Falls. If for any reason these areas aren’t open alternative locations will be substituted.
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 venture into the scenic Mary River region in the southern part of Kakadu National Park, where a series of short walks each reward us with a cooling swim in pristine natural pools. Our day begins at Maguk (formerly Barramundi Gorge), a hidden gem fed by a crystal-clear creek that winds through lush monsoon forest. As we follow the creek upstream, keep an eye out for native birdlife and lizards before reaching the top of the falls—where dramatic vertical cliffs frame a stunning lookout. A refreshing plunge in the pool below is the perfect way to unwind.
Next, we travel to one of Kakadu’s most iconic locations Gunlom Falls. Here, you can choose to take an easy walk to the base or opt for the more adventurous climb to the top. At the summit, you’re rewarded with one of Australia’s most breathtaking sights: a series of natural infinity pools spilling over the escarpment’s edge. Framed by red rock and set against sweeping views of southern Kakadu, it’s an unforgettable place for a swim—so magical you may never want to leave. Following our final swim, we relax on the return journey to Darwin.
FINISH TIME: Transfer back to Darwin arriving 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. 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
Prices in AUD (Australian Dollars)
PRIVATE GROUPS:
Departure date of your choice is subjective to availability. A minimum group size of 10 required. Prices are equal to Past Travellers’ discounted rates. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
________________________________________
SOLO TRAVELLERS & EXTRAS:
SOLO TRAVELLERS WILLING TO SHARE
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room, we will attempt to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we can’t find you a match of the same gender by around 8 weeks prior to the tour, you will be charged the single supplement cost. Subject to availability at time of booking.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
WANTING THEIR OWN ROOM
For those wanting to guarantee their own room, a single supplement cost will be charged at the time of booking. Subject to availability.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $765
________________________________________
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
SALE TICKET CONDITIONS:
* Super Earlybird, Earlybird and Spot Special Sale Tickets: Must be paid in full at time of booking. Refunds or cancellations are not permitted for Sale Tickets however, transfers to another date are permitted 8 weeks or more prior to departure. We advise taking out travel insurance in case unexpected circumstances prior to the trip, prevent you from joining this tour. Early bird or Spot Special discounts cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. We have partnered with Cover-More to provide travel insurance to our guests. To get a quote or purchase travel insurance directly with them Click here. To receive these special discounts, full payment must be made at the time of initial booking. Flexiwalk Add-On option not available on these tickets.
* Those who have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously, receive a past passenger discount of $100. This discount will automatically be deducted from future bookings when you book online using the same email address used for past bookings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
* Prices are per person in Australian dollars and include GST.
* A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your booking. (unless taking advantage of Earlybird or Spot Specials in which full payment is required at time of booking).
* Note: If you are booking within 90 days of your departure date – we will require full payment at the time of booking
* Prices are based on twin share of rooms. If you are travelling solo you may be required to share with someone of the same gender. If this is not suitable you can request to pay a single supplement, however, limited single rooms are available per trip so are on a request basis.
* Credit Card fees apply or contact us for bank transfer payment options. The following fees apply. Australian Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 1% +$0.20 per transaction, International Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 3.4% + $0.30 per transaction (payments in AUD).
* Payments must be made online via our NAB (National Australia Bank) secure payment page via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or over the phone.
* We advise taking our Travel Insurance to cover items such as cancellation of tour due to minimum numbers not met, or adverse weather conditions, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. Click here
* Credit for cancelled activities. If a tour activity has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances a credit for this missed activity can be applied to any future tour with us. Click here.
* FlexiWalk Option – Cancel for any Reason Click here for full conditions on our FlexiWalk Option.