4 Day Top End Tour

Day 1

Your private guide collects you from your Darwin accommodation at 7:00am, ready for four days exploring the Top End.

Start with a wildlife cruise on Corroboree Billabong, spotting saltwater crocodiles and abundant birdlife among the wetlands. Your guide shares insights into the wildlife and waterways before you continue into Kakadu National Park.

Travel along the historic old Jim Jim Road, stopping to take in the peaceful surroundings of White Lily Billabong.

At Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), a scenic 1 km walk follows Barramundi Creek to a beautiful plunge pool. Cool off with a refreshing swim or grab a snorkel to explore beneath the surface.

In the late afternoon, climb Nawurlandja Lookout for sweeping views across Anbangbang Billabong towards Nourlangie Rock and the Arnhem Land escarpment.

As twilight settles, head to Jabiru and check into the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, your base for the next two nights.

Day 2

After breakfast, travel north from Jabiru to Cahills Crossing on the East Alligator River, your gateway into Arnhem Land. Cross into a landscape of sandstone escarpments, lily-covered floodplains and abundant birdlife on the drive to Gunbalanya.

Visit Injalak Arts Centre to meet local artists and see traditional painting, weaving and carving techniques firsthand. Then explore Injalak Hill with an Aboriginal guide, discovering ancient rock art galleries and hearing the stories that connect these paintings to Country.

Return to Kakadu in the mid-afternoon and visit Ubirr. Explore its remarkable rock art before walking to the lookout for sweeping views across the Nadab floodplain and into Arnhem Land.

Finish the day with a one-hour scenic flight from Jabiru. Winding rivers, sprawling wetlands and the dramatic Arnhem Land escarpment reveal Kakadu on a completely different scale.

Return to the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel for dinner and your second night in Jabiru.

Day 3

After breakfast, head south through Kakadu for a day of waterfalls and swimming spots.

First stop is Moline Rockhole, a secluded spot accessed under a special permit available to select operators. Its small waterfall and shaded plunge pool are a beautiful place to cool off. Grab a snorkel and look for freshwater fish and turtles beneath the surface.

Continue to Gunlom Falls, where a short, steep walk leads to the upper rock pools. Swim in the natural infinity pool with sweeping views across southern Kakadu, or simply settle on the rocks and enjoy the outlook.

In the afternoon, travel south to Katherine and stop at Katherine Hot Springs. These palm-fringed thermal pools offer another lovely spot for a swim before the final stretch of the day.

Continue into Nitmiluk National Park and check into Cicada Lodge for the night. After a day exploring Kakadu’s waterfalls, settle into your lodge room and enjoy dinner in this beautiful bush setting.

Day 4

Enjoy a relaxed morning at Cicada Lodge before joining a two-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge. Glide between towering sandstone cliffs and hear the stories of the Jawoyn people, whose connection to this landscape stretches back generations.

After the cruise, visit Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre in Katherine to explore the region’s Aboriginal art and culture.

In the afternoon, visit Edith Falls (Leliyn) in Nitmiluk National Park. Follow the 2.7 km loop walk to the upper pools for a refreshing swim, with views across the falls and surrounding bushland.

Then settle in for the drive back to Darwin, arriving at your accommodation at approximately 7:00pm. Your four-day Top End adventure finishes here.