Top End Explorer - Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Nitmiluk & Litchfield-1

Australian Multi-day Tour

Top End Active Adventure

Explore Australia’s Top End on this eight-day outback adventure through Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk. Swim beneath waterfalls, camp under star-filled skies, connect with Aboriginal culture and experience the magic of the outback alongside a wonderful group of women.

Destination Northern Territory, Australia

Duration 8 Days

Price From $3,490

Departs 31 May 2027

Group Size 14 Max

Overview

Explore the Top End with AW

Experience the Top End the way it was meant to be explored: immersed in nature, rich in culture and shared with a great group of intrepid women. Over eight unforgettable days, we’ll journey through Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, discovering ancient Aboriginal rock art and cruising crocodile-filled waterways with Traditional Owners. We’ll swim beneath waterfalls, sleep beneath the stars and experience the raw beauty of the Australian outback.

This isn’t a hiking trip, but it is an active adventure, with opportunities to explore on foot and embracing the simple pleasures of life outdoors. Along the way, we’ll visit places few travellers experience, learn about the world’s oldest living culture and gain a deeper appreciation of this remarkable landscape.

Camping is all part of the adventure, and everyone lends a hand with camp tasks such as setting up swags and washing up after meals. If you enjoy getting off the beaten track, don’t mind a few bumpy roads and love sharing authentic experiences with like-minded women, this is the kind of journey you’ll be talking about for years.

Fitness/Walk Grade

This trip is suited to women with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy being active outdoors. Expect short to moderate walks on uneven terrain, opportunities for wild swimming, camping and some long days of travel on unsealed roads. You’ll need to be independently mobile, comfortable carrying your own luggage and willing to lend a hand around camp. More than anything, this trip rewards those who embrace the adventure with a positive, flexible attitude.

Day 1 Mon 31 May Darwin arrival

Arrive any time today and check into your hotel from 2:00 pm. Meet your Adventurous Women Tour Leader and the group at 5:30 pm in the hotel lobby for a short briefing. We’ll then sit down for a welcome dinner, a relaxed way to kick off your Top End adventure.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Darwin

Day 2 Tue 01 Jun Darwin to Kakadu: East Alligator River Cruise & Ubirr sunset

Depart Darwin early this morning by 4x4 and journey into the spectacular landscapes of Kakadu National Park. Along the way, watch the scenery transform from tropical woodlands to vast floodplains teeming with wildlife.

Experience the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, where we'll gain a unique insight into the traditions and stories of the local Aboriginal people. Keep an eye out for crocodiles and birdlife along the way.

As the day draws to a close, we make our way to Ubirr, home to some of Kakadu's most significant Aboriginal rock art galleries. A short walk over uneven ground with an incline up some natural steps leads to one of the park’s most iconic lookouts, where we’ll watch the sun set over the floodplains.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Donga, East Alligator River

Day 3 Wed 02 Jun Kakadu: Mawurndaddja rock art & Warradjan Cultural Centre

Today we continue exploring Kakadu. First up is a visit to Mawurndaddja, where we'll discover some of the park's remarkable Aboriginal rock art and learn more about the stories and traditions of the Bininj people. We then visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre, where interactive displays provide further insight into the culture, history and connection to Country of Kakadu's Traditional Owners.

This afternoon, we travel to Gunlom or Kambolgie (subject to seasonal park openings and road conditions), where we'll settle into camp surrounded by Kakadu's spectacular landscape

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping, Gunlom Camp or Kambolgie

Day 4 Thu 03 Jun Kakadu: Waterfalls and Nature

Today is all about enjoying Kakadu's beautiful waterfalls and natural swimming holes. We begin with a 3km (each way) walk to the secluded Motor Car Falls, where we'll have the chance to cool off in the peaceful plunge pool.

Later, we visit the iconic Gunlom Falls, with time to swim in both the upper natural infinity pools and the larger plunge pool below (subject to opening). Surrounded by rugged escarpments and sweeping views, it's a wonderful way to experience some of Kakadu's most spectacular scenery.

Hiking: appx 6 km return; Track is a bit hilly and over uneven terrain but achievable with a reasonable level of fitness

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping, Gunlom Camp or Kambolgie

Day 5 Fri 04 Jun Kakadu - Pine Creek- Outback Experience – Katherine

After breakfast, we leave Kakadu behind and travel south towards Katherine, stopping in the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek along the way.

Later, we visit the Katherine Outback Experience for the engaging Stockman's Workshop, where we'll gain an insight into life on a working cattle station through horsemanship, working dogs and entertaining storytelling.

This evening, we settle into our accommodation at Manbulloo Homestead (or similar) for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping, Manbulloo Homestead (or similar)

Day 6 Sat 05 Jun Katherine- Litchfield National Park

Today we have a magnificent start to the day with a dawn cruise of the world famous Nitmiluk Gorge. As the sun rises, the gorge lights up in rich natural beauty with the perfect still water reflections and the sounds of birds awakening. After the cruise we will enjoy some morning tea before making our way to Edith Falls.

After an approximately 30 minute walk with some inclines, we arrive at the stunning upper pools of Edith Falls. Expect some uneven ground as we follow a natural path down to the water for a refreshing dip in.

The final part of our day will be the journey back up the highway to Litchfield National Park where we will set up camp at the Banyan Tree ready for the next day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping, Banyan Tree

Day 7 Sun 06 Jun Litchfield National Park - Darwin

On our final day of adventure, we journey through Litchfield National Park, renowned for its stunning waterfalls, lush monsoon forests and impressive termite mounds. We'll visit Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls, with opportunities to swim and enjoy some of the Top End's most picturesque natural swimming spots.

We return to Darwin for a celebratory final evening together at the vibrant Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Dinner is at your own expense, giving us the freedom to choose from the many delicious food stalls before we toast an unforgettable Top End adventure.

Hiking: appx 3.5 km return (30 minutes each way); Track is a bit hilly but achievable with a reasonable level of fitness

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Cavenagh, Darwin

Day 8 Mon 07 Jun Departure day

Today is departure day. There are no services included.

Meals: None

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly.

Weather, road conditions, cultural obligations, vehicle issues or the health of fellow travelers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Adventurous Women Tour Leader
Local, knowledgeable tour guide / driver
Comfortable all-terrain vehicle
All activities as listed on the itinerary
National Park entry & camping fees
NT Commercial Operator's Licence
7 nights accommodation - 2 night in a comfortable hotel, 1 night in air-con donga style rooms, 4 nights camping with full amenities (toilets, showers)
Single occupancy two-person dome tents, swag mattress and camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags and pillow)
Meals as listed in the itinerary

"The trip was fantastic! We had an amazing guide, very knowledgeable, great cook and very funny. The places we visited were stunning, with a good mix between nature, culture and leisure. It was all very well organised. Last but not least, everyone on the tour was friendly, collaborative and kind. I will book again with Adventurous Women!"

Katheryn Top-End

"I have had another amazing adventure with AW, top class guide and host. It was well planned and comfortable pace shared with very respectful women. I am very grateful"

Sheree Top-End

"The Top End Explorer was just that. Fantastic gorges, a wealth of knowledge from our Guide, large areas of land covered in a short period of time"

Carol Top-End

Good to know

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)
75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit
74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments
No refund is available once a tour has commenced

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following is not included in the tour cost:

Flights to/from Darwin
Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
Expenses of a personal nature
Travel insurance (not required but recommended)

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

When on the tour, for the two nights at the hotel and one night in the donga, you’ll share with different women from the group. While camping, you’ll have a tent all to yourself!

Arrival and Departure details

The trip starts and ends in Darwin.

Who will be leading the trip?

All AW trips are accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

You'll also be supported by a local driver-guide based in Darwin. As well as getting us safely around the Top End, they'll help with camp setup, meal preparation and share their local knowledge and insights along the way. We'll also be joined by a number of specialist local guides at key locations, adding even more depth to the experience.

Do you accommodate dietary requests?

We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies on every tour.

Accommodation

We’ll be staying in a hotel for the two nights in Darwin (twin-share rooms) and one night in an air-conditioned donga-style room (3-4 people per room)

The other 4 nights are camping at sites where we’ll have full bush camp amenities (toilets and showers). Each person will have their own 2-man dome tent and a 75mm PVC-lined swag mattress. Sleeping bags and pillows are not provided.

A single room is available for the two nights in Darwin for an additional supplement, subject to availability.

How will we be travelling?

We will travel by private bus/van for the duration of the trip. As we venture off the beaten track, some roads are unsealed and can be quite rough, so expect a bit of bumping and bouncing along the way. (Please note that airport transfers are not included.)

Will I have phone/internet access?

You will not have consistent phone/internet coverage on this tour. Please give your friends and family a heads up so they are not concerned. There is a satellite phone in the vehicle in case of emergencies.

What should I bring?

A detailed packing list will be provided closer to the trip date. Please note that while we do not have fixed luggage limits, we request you pack light and use a duffle or small case that you can easily manage yourself (as you will need to help unpack/pack the trailer) Tents and swags are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow.

Do I need travel insurance?

A trip is an investment and as with any investment, you should take steps to protect it and plan for contingencies.

Travel insurance is not mandatory for domestic tours with Adventurous Women. It is, however, highly recommended, particularly because most policies allow you to add cover for trip cancellation, disruption and curtailment.

In the event of illness or injury, your private health insurance or Medicare will generally cover your medical treatment if you need to visit the hospital.

What your private health insurance may not cover is ambulance costs, which can be significant. Some states offer affordable ambulance membership schemes. Unless you are a Queensland resident (who receives free ambulance cover Australia-wide), you might wish to look at options available to you.

If you are looking for a recommendation, we suggest Go Insurance. Through an affiliation with this insurer, AW receives a financial benefit. As a way of passing value back to our guests, if you purchase a policy for an AW trip through Go Insurance using this link, you will receive a 10% discount on the premium. You can learn more about this offer by clicking here.