Kakadu Family Tour

Kakadu and Arnhem Land provide the perfect natural playground for all ages. So, whether you are 5 or 75, there is something to discover in these unique places.

The core of the journey is curiosity, new experiences and wonder.

Many families with young children don't know if a Top End safari suits kids. But, we can tell you from experience, that it absolutely does! We've taken many young families on tour, and our passion and goal are to provide a safe, personal, educational, and fun bush experience.

We can tailor private charters to the family's wants. It can be action-packed, culture-based, and a time to learn new bush skills and traditional hunting techniques. We can provide wildlife encounters or get some fishing rods out for the day. Choose to stay in a hotel or camp under the stars. Or do a blend of all of those. Our tours are not just a fun holiday but a chance for the children to learn about the land, its Indigenous people and their culture. 

Here is an example of a four-day Private Charter tour recently taken by a lovely family of two adults and two kids aged nine and four years.

Day 1

Depart your Darwin accommodation at 7.00 am for the beginning of your 4-day Top End safari. Our destination today is Pine Creek, and we'll visit Litchfield National Park en route. Located just over an hour south of Darwin, Litchfield comprises of a central sandstone plateau that supports rich woodland flora communities. Patches of monsoon rainforest thrive in the deep, narrow gorges and wildlife such as wallabies and birds flourish in the Park.

Two of Litchfield's most famous waterholes are Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls, both of which we will visit today. Here you will have the opportunity to swim and also snorkel in the crystal clear pool below Florence Falls and relax in the cascading pools at Buleys.

After a picnic lunch, we will also visit the Magnetic Termite Mounds. These gigantic termite mounds stand up to 2m tall and are erected in a north-south orientation that acts as a built-in temperature control. These 'tombstone' like structures make the area look eerily like a giant cemetery. Next, we will travel to Tolmer Falls. The caves near Tolmer Falls are home to the rare Orange Horseshoe and Ghost Bats. Finally, continue on mid-afternoon to the old gold mining town of Pine Creek and our accommodation for the night.

Day 2

After breakfast, we will begin to make our way to the world heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Covering almost 20,000 square km of exceptional natural beauty and unique biodiversity, Kakadu is one of the few places World Heritage listed for its cultural and natural values. Kakadu is home to the Bininj and Mungguy Aboriginal people, who have inhabited this area for thousands of years.

Our first stop in Kakadu will be Moline Rockhole, a special permit area in which only a few select operators have permission to access, guaranteeing minimal crowds. The small waterfall and waterhole below the falls is a great place to cool down and relax. Here your guide will give you a pair of snorkels so you can explore the underwater world, home to a variety of species such as fish and turtle.

We will then continue on to the Yurmikmik region of Kakadu, where we'll embark on a short walk to Boulder Creek. Followed by a longer walk into Motor Car Falls. The walk follows the historic vehicle track of Paul Allmich, an old tin miner who was the first to drive through the area. The walk takes us through open woodland to a secluded waterhole surrounded by lush monsoon forest, another great place for a dip. Finally, continue north along the Kakadu Highway to our accommodation in Jabiru.

Day 3

First up this morning we'll travel to Nawurlandja Lookout. A short climb takes us up the sloping sandstone to provide views of the sun setting across Anbangbang Billabong, Nourlangie Rock and the Arnhem Land escarpment.

Continue on to Nourlangie Rock. Nourlangie is an ancient Aboriginal rock art and occupation site. Aboriginal people have inhabited this area for thousands of years, sheltering under Nourlangie Rock and utilising the natural resources around them. The results of this occupation can still clearly be seen and understood today with the various rock paintings of animals, people and spirits.

After morning tea we will travel into Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). Upon arriving at the Maguk carpark we will embark on a 1km walk along the edge of Barramundi Creek before arriving at the base of Barramundi Falls. Here you have the opportunity to swim in the large plunge pool below the falls or hike up above the falls where more swimming holes and seclusion awaits.

Finally today we'll join a 2hr sunset cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. On this picturesque waterway you will have the opportunity to view a large variety of birdlife as well as salt water crocodiles in their natural environment. Learn more about the wildlife on the billabong from your knowledgeable guide who will make the cruise both fascinating and informative.

Day 4 

Today we'll travel to Cahill's Crossing where the East Alligator River separates Kakadu from Arnhem Land. Arnhem Land comprises vast amounts of Aboriginal-owned land (approximately 100,000 square km) where many local people still practise their traditional ways. Access is strictly regulated through a permit system.

Here we will visit the Injalak Arts and Craft' pop-up store' where you will have the opportunity to view or purchase authentic Indigenous art, including paintings on bark & paper, weavings, sculpture as well as hand-screen printed fabric lengths.

After morning tea we will slowly make our way back to Darwin via the Arnhem Highway. Our last stop in Kakadu will be the Mamukala wetlands, which at times is a haven for thousands of Magpie Geese as well as many other species of native birds and reptiles.

Then our final stop will be at the Adelaide River where we will join a Jumping Crocodile Cruise. On this unique 1 hour cruise you will see wild crocodiles feed right beside the boat. You will also be able to get a closer look at some of the NT's birds of prey as they come in to feed. Continue on to Litchfield. Arrive back at your Darwin accommodation at approximately 6pm. 

"We had an amazing time! Adam was a wonderful guide and looked after us so well. He was great with our kids and flexible with our itinerary when we needed! He was super knowledgeable about the area, its history, wildlife and plants. Thanks so much to your team for the activities for the kids - they were a big hit! We loved our time in Kakadu and hope to return to the NT for more adventures. There is so much to see!"  - Alison Parker

We recommend private tours for our young families as it gives us the ability to tailor the tour to individual needs and age range. Although, we do offer a range of shared group tours which are also appropriate for families with children over 5 years of age. Check out our 5 Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula tour. 

If you have any questions about our Private Charters or shared group tours please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

We hope to see you and your family in the Top End Soon!