7-Day Kakadu National Park Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Kakadu National Park itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaKakadu National Park travel expert at TourRadar

• Jatbula Trail

  The magnificent Kakadu region reveals itself over 6 days, covering 60.5km from Katherine Gorge to Leliyn Falls. Remarkable sites include Northern Rockhole, Crystal Falls, and the Amphitheatre, with nights spent camping throughout Nitmiluk National Park.

  

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  • Darwin Australia

    158 mi

  • Nitmiluk Australia

    22 mi

  • Katherine Australia

    25 mi

  • 17 Mile Falls Australia

    153 mi

  • Darwin Australia

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• 6 Day Australia's Top End Itinerary, incl. Darwin and Kakadu

  The ancient landscapes of Kakadu unfold over 6 enriching days, from millennia-old rock art at Burrungkuy to tranquil wildlife cruises on Yellow Water Billabong. Wander through Mamukala Wetlands, join First Nations guides at Ubirr, and participate in traditional craft workshops at the cultural centre. All park entries and activities included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Darwin

    Begin your Top End adventure in Darwin, the Northern Territory's tropical capital. If you arrive early, take a refreshing dip at the Darwin City Lagoon to beat the humid climate. Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory to get a good understanding of the region. Pack light clothes that dry quickly since you'll face intense heat and regular water activities.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Kakadu National Park

    The drive to Kakadu takes about 3 hours from Darwin. Start at Mamukala Wetlands before taking the East Alligator River cruise. Don't let the name fool you - you'll see crocodiles, not alligators. A First Nations guide will share cultural insights along the way. Take a hat and water since the boat offers minimal shade. The 1km Ubirr walk shows off incredible Aboriginal rock art. Plan this for late afternoon when it's cooler. The next morning, visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) before it gets too hot. Book a Yellow Water Billabong cruise at sunrise or sunset for the best wildlife spotting. Keep in mind that wet season flooding between October and April might limit access to some areas.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park

    It's a 3-hour drive from Kakadu to Katherine. Take a break at Leliyn (Edith Falls) for a swim. The upper pool walk is challenging but offers great views. Once in Katherine, unwind in the hot springs after your hike. You can explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge by boat or on foot. If you're hiking, get started at sunrise to avoid peak heat. Bring lots of water and sun protection - the gorge tends to trap heat. A recent visitor shared: "The early morning gorge walk gives you amazing light for photos, but wear proper walking shoes as the path gets quite rocky and uneven."

    
  • Day 6

    Litchfield National Park to Darwin

    Spend your final day seeing Litchfield's best spots before heading back to Darwin. Check out the Magnetic Termite Mounds first, then cool off at Buley Rockhole. Get there early - locals fill up the spot by midday. You can also swim at Florence Falls and Wangi Falls. Always check for crocodile warning signs, especially in wet season.

    

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• 5 Days in Australia's Top End, incl. Darwin and Kakadu

  Two full days reveal Kakadu's wonders, including the 50,000-year-old Mawurndaddja rock art complex and Jim Jim Falls. Guided walks wind through monsoon forests, natural pools offer refreshing swims, and visitors choose between Gunlom Falls or Maguk Gorge.

  

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  • Day 1

    Darwin to Arnhem Land

    Leave Darwin at 6:50 AM to avoid the worst of the tropical heat. The 6-hour drive to Arnhem Land includes key cultural stops. Your first stop is a traditional Welcome to Country in Wulna territory. A past visitor shared: "Our guide shared extensive knowledge of aboriginal culture, flora, and fauna - she didn't whitewash Australia's history, which made it particularly meaningful."

    
  • Day 2

    Kakadu National Park

    Start with Jim Jim Falls. You'll need good walking shoes for the boulder scramble through monsoon forest. The swim in the crystal-clear pools under the falls makes the trek worthwhile. Spend your afternoon at Anbangbang exploring ancient rock art. Note that during wet season (November-April), some falls might be closed, so have alternative plans ready.

    
  • Day 3

    Kakadu to Katherine

    Start your morning at either Gunlom Falls or Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) for a swim. The walk to Gunlom's infinity pool is steep and takes about 30 minutes. Pack at least 2 liters of water per person. After lunch in Pine Creek, drive 3 hours to your campsite near Nitmiluk National Park. One traveler noted: "The campsites were well-equipped with proper showers and flushing toilets, much better than expected for remote locations."

    
  • Day 4

    Nitmiluk and Litchfield

    Visit Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in the cool morning hours. You can choose between kayaking ($82) or scenic cruises ($95). Book these ahead if visiting during peak season (June-August). Cool off at Edith Falls' natural pools before driving to Litchfield, about 4.5 hours total.

    
  • Day 5

    Litchfield and Return to Darwin

    Get to Florence Falls early to beat the crowds. The plunge pool is worth the 160-step descent, but take it slow in the heat. Move on to Wangi Falls and Buley Rockholes for more swimming spots. Bring reef shoes for slippery rocks. The 2-hour drive back to Darwin gets you there by late afternoon.

    

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