5 Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine and Litchfield Safari - Limited May Departures
Posted on 04 May, 2024 inVenture North's 5-Day Top End Tour is a small group tour (maximum of 6 passengers) and explores our lush National Parks as the Tropical Summer draws to an end. The vibrant green landscape and flowing waterfalls are still present from the abundant rains of the Top End Wet Season. Billabongs are carpeted with lilies, and morning mists can be seen across the lower plains. The temperature is cooler, and the dry winds and the flowering iconic Woolybutt (Eucalyptus Miniata) mark the start of the annual burnoffs, encouraging new growth. The air is scattered with dragonflies, a sign locals know the Dry Season is approaching.
This tour will have you hiking into waterfalls and swimming in picturesque water holes, exploring ancient rock art sites with an Indigenous guide, a scenic flight over Kakadu, wildlife cruises full of birdlife and crocodiles, and luxurious accommodations. Visiting Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park Some of the highlights include;
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
Corroboree Billabong Cruise
Part of the Mary River Wetlands, the Corroboree Billabong is teeming with a wide variety of birdlife and has the world's largest concentration of Saltwater Crocodiles. On this 90-minute cruise, you will learn more about the wildlife on the billabong from your knowledgeable guide, who will make the cruise both fascinating and informative.
Nawurlandja Lookout
Witness the scale of Kakadu National Park from Nawurlandja. This lookout offers spectacular views across Anbangbang Billabong to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and the Arnhem Land escarpment. A short climb takes us up the sloping sandstone. The top will have you looking out at a green sea of savanna woodland towards the rocky stone country of Arnhem Land.
Kakadu Scenic Flight
Get a bird's-eye view of Kakadu from the air this time of year. Upon boarding, this one-hour scenic flight will take you over many different and spectacular landscapes along the Arnhem Land escarpment, and you will see various river systems, billabongs, and wetlands.
Moline Rockhole (Ikoymarrwa)
Moline Rockholeis a special permit area that only a few select operators can access, guaranteeing minimal crowds. The small waterfall and freshwater swimming hole below the falls are a great place to cool down and relax. Explore a fascinating underwater playground home to a variety of species, such as fish and turtles.
ARNHEM LAND
Injalak Arts & Craft Centre
Visit Gunbalanya, home to the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre, where you can meet and see traditional local artists in action. This art centre has a reputation for producing fine-quality Aboriginal works, and many of them are displayed in galleries around Australia and overseas.
Injalak Hill Tour
Join a local Indigenous guide for a hike around the Injalak Hill rock art sites, one of Australia's most spectacular Aboriginal rock art sites. Explore the many rock shelters covered in Aboriginal X-ray art dating back over 20,000 years. Relax under the shelters as your guide shares and interprets the stories of their ancestors and helps you understand the meaning behind this ancient tradition.
NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK
Katherine Gorge Cruise
This 2hr Gorge Cruise on the spectacular Katherine Gorge will allow you to relax and take in tranquil surroundings, transporting you into a spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history. Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge.
Edith Falls
Further North of the Park is Leliyn (Edith Falls), a huge natural spring-fed pool lined with paper bark trees and pandanus palms. The area is open for swimming throughout most of the dry season and is a great picnic spot. Nearby bushwalks take you through various habitats, where you can see various flora and fauna and small rock art galleries.
LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls.
Two of Litchfield's most visited spring-fed swimming spots are Florence Falls and Buleys. You can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear pool below Florence Falls and relax in the cascading pools at Buleys. These are great places to escape the heat and take in the area by swimming and snorkelling.
Magnetic Termite Mounds
One of Litchfield National Park's most impressive sights is the Magnetic Termite mounds, which stand up to two metres high. These termite mounds, some up to 100 years old, are unique to the northern parts of Australia, including Litchfield National Park. Some stand up to 6 meters tall, and others grow in a north-south orientation, acting as a built-in temperature-controlled microenvironment.
Accommodation
After an action-packed day exploring, you will be welcome in the comforts of retreat accommodation in Kakadu at one of the Top End's most distinctive hotels—The Mercure Crocodile Hotel. Uniquely shaped to represent the Saltwater Crocodile, this stay will be remembered. The en-suite, air-conditioned rooms will provide the oasis you need after a busy day, with facilities such as a swimming pool, excellent restaurant, bar, and local art gallery.
Whilst exploring the natural wonders of Nitmiluk National Park, relax in the luxurious sanctuary of Cicada Lodge. This boutique-style property provides comfortable, Air-Conditioned rooms with ensuites and private balconies overlooking a natural bush setting. Sunset canapes and a meal at their contemporary restaurant, serving delicious modern Australian cuisine, will have you relaxed and enjoying a perfect end to the day.
