Northern Territory Top End National Parks

The adventure

<p>Discover the wonders of the Top End on this 6-day tour with a Small Group of up to 24 travellers accompanied by an expert Driver Guide. You'll travel through Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks, cruise the wetlands of Corroboree Billabong and the towering cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge, uncover ancient Aboriginal rock art and connect with the stories that shape this remarkable region. Along the way, enjoy guided experiences, premium accommodation and the chance to swim beneath Nitmiluk’s waterfalls. With expert guidance and immersive experiences throughout, you’ll journey through one of Australia’s most extraordinary landscapes.</p> <p>This trip is operated by our Australia and New Zealand Specialists at AAT Kings.</p>

At a glance

Day by day

Your journey through

Australia

Day 1Welcome to DarwinArrive in Darwin and begin your journey in the Top End with an outback-inspired gourmet food and art experience. On a guided walk, uncover cultural sites, historic landmarks and some of the city’s colourful street art before settling into a premier restaurant for six signature tasting plates that celebrate the region’s freshest local produce.

Welcome to Darwin

Arrive in Darwin and begin your journey in the Top End with an outback-inspired gourmet food and art experience. On a guided walk, uncover cultural sites, historic landmarks and some of the city’s colourful street art before settling into a premier restaurant for six signature tasting plates that celebrate the region’s freshest local produce.

Day 2Darwin onto KakaduLeave Darwin behind and begin the day on a Corroboree Billabong wetland cruise, gliding through pristine waterways as crocodiles and colourful birdlife appear among the reeds. Next, you’ll continue to Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where wetlands, waterfalls, rainforest and ancient rock art reveal the extraordinary scale and significance of this landscape. Later, visit Murrawaddi Art Gallery to discover Indigenous stories expressed through artworks rich in tradition and spirituality.

Darwin onto Kakadu

Leave Darwin behind and begin the day on a Corroboree Billabong wetland cruise, gliding through pristine waterways as crocodiles and colourful birdlife appear among the reeds. Next, you’ll continue to Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where wetlands, waterfalls, rainforest and ancient rock art reveal the extraordinary scale and significance of this landscape. Later, visit Murrawaddi Art Gallery to discover Indigenous stories expressed through artworks rich in tradition and spirituality.

Day 3Discover Kakadu National ParkWake to another day in the heart of Kakadu. For a different perspective on this vast wilderness, you may choose an optional scenic flight at sunrise, soaring above ancient escarpments and winding waterways. Later, join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise along the East Alligator River, where local Aboriginal guides share stories, customs and traditions as you watch for wildlife along the water’s edge. Later today, spend some time at leisure before heading to Ubirr to experience ancient rock art and spectacular panoramic views.

Wake to another day in the heart of Kakadu. For a different perspective on this vast wilderness, you may choose an optional scenic flight at sunrise, soaring above ancient escarpments and winding waterways. Later, join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise along the East Alligator River, where local Aboriginal guides share stories, customs and traditions as you watch for wildlife along the water’s edge. Later today, spend some time at leisure before heading to Ubirr to experience ancient rock art and spectacular panoramic views.

Day 4Journey to Nitmiluk National ParkDelve deeper into Kakadu’s living history at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), where ancient rock art reveals stories of Country and culture. Then journey towards Katherine, stopping in Pine Creek, a former gold rush town where heritage buildings and mining relics offer a glimpse into the past. By evening, arrive at Cicada Lodge in Nitmiluk National Park, where comfort and bush surrounds come together in spectacular style.

Nitmiluk National Park

Delve deeper into Kakadu’s living history at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), where ancient rock art reveals stories of Country and culture. Then journey towards Katherine, stopping in Pine Creek, a former gold rush town where heritage buildings and mining relics offer a glimpse into the past. By evening, arrive at Cicada Lodge in Nitmiluk National Park, where comfort and bush surrounds come together in spectacular style.

Day 5Cruise Nitmiluk GorgeEnjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before visiting Katherine Hot Springs, where warm thermal waters and leafy surrounds invite you to unwind. After free time for lunch in Katherine, return to Nitmiluk for a memorable sunset dinner cruise through majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. As towering cliffs catch the changing light, take in the beauty and stillness of this remarkable setting before returning to Cicada Lodge for the evening.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before visiting Katherine Hot Springs, where warm thermal waters and leafy surrounds invite you to unwind. After free time for lunch in Katherine, return to Nitmiluk for a memorable sunset dinner cruise through majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. As towering cliffs catch the changing light, take in the beauty and stillness of this remarkable setting before returning to Cicada Lodge for the evening.

Day 6Farewell DarwinBefore your journey comes to an end, head to Leliyn (Edith) Falls, another beautiful corner of Nitmiluk National Park. Here, you may have the chance for a refreshing swim beneath cascading falls, depending on the season. Later, travel north along the Stuart Highway to Darwin, where your Top End adventure draws to a close.

Farewell Darwin

Before your journey comes to an end, head to Leliyn (Edith) Falls, another beautiful corner of Nitmiluk National Park. Here, you may have the chance for a refreshing swim beneath cascading falls, depending on the season. Later, travel north along the Stuart Highway to Darwin, where your Top End adventure draws to a close.

Where you'll stay & how you'll travel

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