Kakadu’s Ancient Secrets
6 Days Starting and ending in Darwin, Australia
Visiting: Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MNDD25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Australia's Top End with "Kakadu's Ancient Secrets." This immersive tour begins in Darwin and takes you through the stunning landscapes of Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. Marvel at ancient rock art at Nourlangie and Ubirr, and enjoy a scenic Yellow Waters Billabong cruise to spot diverse wildlife. Stay at the unique Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and the luxurious Cicada Lodge in Nitmiluk National Park, where you can unwind with sunset drinks and a gourmet dinner cruise along Katherine Gorge. With small group sizes and premium accommodations, this tour offers an intimate and enriching experience of Australia's natural and cultural heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin - Litchfield - Kakadu
Location: Darwin
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Darwin! This morning meet your Journey Director and board your luxury vehicle to begin your journey of discovery in the Top End. Travel to Litchfield National Park. You'll visit tumbling Florence Falls and you'll also enjoy a swim to cool off at Wangi Falls, surrounded by tropical monsoon rainforest and hear about its importance in Aboriginal custom. (Swimming is seasonal and opening controlled by NT Parks). Get ready for a cross-country journey into the magnificent Kakadu National Park. Keep your eyes open for Crocodiles as you cross the South Alligator River, Brolgas, Magpie Geese and Jabiru as you traverse along the long grasses of the marshes and wetlands. Kakadu really is a diverse UNESCO world heritage site. This afternoon check into the renowned Crocodile Hotel in the town of Jabiru and enjoy the wonderful Aboriginal Art Gallery within the hotel before getting to know your fellow travellers over dinner with wine.
Day 2: Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
This morning there’s a chance to take to the air an optional scenic flight over Kakadu - one of the best ways to experience the enormity of this wonderful National Park as well as the diversity from waterfalls and billabongs to flood plains and wildlife. Join your Journey Director on a walk at Kakadu’s stunning Ubirr rock art site. You'll see ancient rock art and take a walk to discover remarkable views over the surrounding wetlands and escarpments from the fantastic vantage point, Nadab lookout. After lunch, the famous Yellow Waters Billabong boat cruise will be a highlight of your journey. You will see a myriad of different bird species, spot estuarine crocodiles and simply enjoy the stunning billabong and floodplains system. Returning to your hotel you will have the chance to relax and unwind with a refreshing dip in the hotel’s shaded outdoor pool before enjoying a delicious dinner with wine.
Day 3: Kakadu - Nitmiluk National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Cicada Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning you’ll visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) to see its fascinating Aboriginal rock art for yourself. You’ll also hear first-hand from your local local Bininj Aboriginal guide a detailed interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as you explore the various outdoor ‘galleries' with art that dates back some 20,000 years. You will continue driving through the ancient lands of Kakadu National Park through to the town of Katherine and further on to Nitmiluk National Park. Indulge in five-star luxury at Cicada Lodge, a stunning architect designed eco-lodge surrounded by nature, where each room has a private balcony that opens to the glories of Nitmiluk National Park. Cool off from the heat of the day while enjoy a swim in the pool as the sun sets before dinner.
Day 4: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
Location: Nitmiluk National Park
Accommodation Name: Cicada Lodge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Relax, today is all yours to enjoy the sanctuary that is Cicada Lodge. Perhaps have a swim in the resort pool. Lunch is served on the lodge’s deck overlooking the natural surroundings. This evening, indulge in a special sunset dinner cruise along Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. You will marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people, the owners of Nitmiluk National Park. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance during the native flavour three-course dinner prepared onboard your boat.
Day 5: Farewell From Darwin
Location: Darwin
Enjoy a leisurely start to your day or get up early to experience the National Park completely immersed in the mystical morning light. Travel north along the Stuart Highway stopping at Edith Falls along the way for a relaxing dip. Continue to Adelaide River War Cemetery. During WWII, Adelaide River was the headquarters to a large military base and a cemetery was created especially for those who gave their lives in the service and defence of their country. Your Inspiring Journey concludes on arrival in Darwin.
What's Included
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Small Group Experience
Travel with a small group, averaging 16 guests, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.
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Unforgettable Experiences
Enjoy over 11 unforgettable experiences, including visits to ancient rock art galleries, wildlife spotting, and a sunset dinner cruise.
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Included Meals
Savor 12 included meals throughout the tour, featuring local and gourmet cuisine.
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Premium Accommodation
Stay in premium and authentic accommodations for 4 nights, including the eco-friendly Cicada Lodge and the renowned Crocodile Hotel.
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Airport Transfers
Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
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Guided Tours
Benefit from guided tours with a Journey Director and local Aboriginal guides, providing in-depth knowledge and insights.
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National Park Entries
All entry fees to national parks and attractions are included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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Personal Items
Personal items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, swimwear, beach towel, warm layers in cooler months, and camera are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities, such as the scenic flight over Kakadu, are not included and may incur additional costs.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury vehicle with included return airport transfers. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Yellow Waters Billabong and a sunset dinner cruise along Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
Accommodation
Stay in premium accommodations including the renowned Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and the eco-friendly Cicada Lodge, offering luxurious amenities and stunning views of the surrounding natural landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of fitness level is required for this tour?
A moderate level of fitness is required for this tour.
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Are flights included in the trip price?
No, flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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What should I bring with me on this tour?
You should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, swimwear and a beach towel (if swimming), warm layers in cooler months, and a camera. Note that a maximum of one piece of medium-sized luggage per passenger is allowed due to limited stowing capacity on the coach.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in premium and authentic accommodations, including the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and Cicada Lodge, which is an eco-friendly lodge in the heart of Nitmiluk National Park.
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Is there an option for a scenic flight during the tour?
Yes, on Day 2, there is an optional scenic flight over Kakadu National Park, which is one of the best ways to experience the enormity and diversity of the park.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including crocodiles, Brolgas, Magpie Geese, Jabiru, and numerous bird species, especially during the Yellow Waters Billabong boat cruise.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 12 meals, and you will have opportunities to dine at places like the award-winning Cicada Lodge and enjoy a three-course dinner during the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge sunset dinner cruise.
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What activities are available at Cicada Lodge?
At Cicada Lodge, you can enjoy sunset drinks and canapés poolside, have a swim in the resort pool, and indulge in a special sunset dinner cruise along Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
You will visit the Adelaide River War Cemetery, which has a moving history related to WWII, and the ancient rock art galleries at Nourlangie and Ubirr in Kakadu National Park.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.