4 Day Kakadu Katherine 4WD Adventure Tour (Basic Twin Share) from Darwin

*This Twin Share Accommodation fare price is (Per Person) for Adults or
Children. Children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an
adult or legal guardian at all times. _ _Solo travellers booking separately in
a twin share room will be paired with another passenger where possible with
the same gender but not guaranteed. Children must be accompanied by an adult
at all times.

TOUR CODE: KO4-B

OPERATES: Mondays (May-Oct)

DEPARTS: 06:30am

RETURNS: 18:30pm

TOUR DURATION: 4 Days / 3 Nights

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Travelodge Resort Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St,
Darwin City NT 0800 @06:30am.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage site.
• Explore Bowali & Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centres
• Experience the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, located on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
• Watch for Crocs and Barramundi at *Cahills Crossing
• Breathtaking Aboriginal rock art and sunset views at Ubirr Rock
• Be guided through two exceptional Aboriginal rock art locations, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr Rock (conditions/seasonality permitting)
• Visit spectacular waterholes in Kakadu and Edith Falls offering a tranquil setting with a waterfall and plunge pool for relaxation
• Immerse in Jawoyn culture in a NitNit Katherine Gorge cruise, optional activity is a scenic helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge and its surrounds
• Learn from locals and experience art and culture at Katherine’s Top Didj Art Gallery

*Seasonal access permitting, falls are rarely open before June. Highlights
are a guideline, Kakadu’s diverse landscape and weather conditions mean a high
amount of change and flexibility in the itinerary is expected. Your expert
guides will ensure the most amazing adventure is had by all!

ITINERARY:

Kakadu and Katherine National Park, and the surrounding area can be explored
in the comfort of a fully guided tour, showcasing the best of culture and
scenery. Discover the oldest and best preserved Aboriginal rock art in the
world, spot some prehistoric reptiles (crocodiles) as we cruise the river
system by boat, and experience local culture, stories, and traditions. We'll
explore monsoon forests, spectacular escarpment country, and the amazing
biodiversity of Kakadu's landscapes, home to many endemic species of flora and
fauna. Enjoy comfortable air-conditioned accommodations in Kakadu and
Katherine.

Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park

We depart from Darwin and head towards the wetlands region known as WakWak, an
hour outside of Darwin, where the top end's magnificent scenery is on display.
We have the chance to spot a vast range of Top End birdlife and apex predators
such as crocodiles. Our journey continues as we wind our way into Kakadu
National Park, where we check into our local accommodation and continue to
take in the sights and sounds of nature, 300 kms east of Darwin. We take some
time to soak in the landscape and wildlife of the park at the Bowali Visitor
Centre before heading to the East Alligator region, the most north-eastern
point of Kakadu, for a cultural tour of a lifetime. The group will join the
Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River on the border of
Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience the creation stories of the area, observe
majestic birdlife, and, of course, hope to see crocodiles. In this same area
we'll visit Ubirr Rock, home to one of the best-preserved collections of
Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and climb up high for a sunset that will
take your breath away. We head back to our accommodation for dinner. Meals:
Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin,
double, single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Driving Distance: 420km. Hike
Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3.

Day 2: Kakadu National Park

Today is a day of perusing the art galleries and cultural centres that portray
the stories of former and present clan groups of the north and south of
Kakadu, as well as into Arnhem Land. We will journey on a guided walk through
the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) art site areas, enjoying any combination of places
including Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, Nawurlandja, and
should the group feel like an extra bit of walking there is also potential for
Naguluwurr art site. Offering unmatched vistas of escarpments, sweeping stone
country, savannah woodlands, lowlands and endless floodplains and wetlands,
take your time to enjoy the different creation stories and artworks in the
various galleries, hear stories about local groups and traditions as well as
commentary on the plant and wildlife you see before you. After an amazing
sunset on day two of your adventure, we head back to our accommodation for our
evening meal and restful sleep. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accom:
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, options include twin, double, single rooms
with ensuite bathrooms. Driving Distance: 150km. Hike Distance and Grading:
1km grade 2.

Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine

After a leisurely morning, we get ready to hit the road southwest toward our
next amazing destination of Katherine and Nitmiluk. The road south winds its
way through vistas showcasing the radiant earthy colours of the typical
Northern Australian bush. Keep a lookout for wildlife including the Red Tailed
Black Cockatoo, Agile Wallabies, wild horses and buffalo.

Heading through the historical township of Pine Creek we stop to stretch our
legs and enjoy an array of refreshments available to those who are keen,
including homemade ice cream - extremely popular with Top End locals. Enjoy
stories of the Overland Telegraph construction, leading to the Pine Creek gold
rush era of the 1870s. We also have the option of visiting the Pine Creek
Museum - a National Trust building and the oldest prefabricated corrugated
iron building in Australia.

After checking in to our Katherine accommodation, we head out to the wonderful
Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge where we enjoy the 2-hour NitNit
Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise, a leisurely snapshot into the history and stories
behind this beautiful area. This cruise guides you down the middle of 70m
sheer rock walls with wildlife hiding around every corner. An area rich in
creation stories, you will marvel at your surroundings and the relaxed
atmosphere of the cruise.

After your cruise, we head back to Katherine where we can settle in and relax
in our comfortable accommodation, enjoying local hospitality in readiness for
our fourth and final day of exploring the region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Katherine either Knotts Crossing
Resort or Contour Hotel, options include twin, double, single rooms with
ensuite bathrooms. Driving Distance: 310km. Hike Distance and Grading: none.

Day 4: Katherine - Darwin

This morning we make the most of the Katherine area, visiting the Hot Springs
for a dip and float, followed by a stop in afterwards at the Top Didj Gallery
where you will have the chance to view art created by locals, and experience
the bush tucker and bush medicine gardens. It’s now time to continue our
journey south, making our way to the beautiful Edith Falls for further
relaxation in picture-perfect Top End surroundings with a picnic lunch, a huge
plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall, and a welcome chance to cool off!

This evening upon your return to Darwin fully relaxed and refreshed after your
cool swim, we'll have you back in Darwin in time for you to meander down the
famous Mindil Markets or spend a relaxing night at your accommodation
reflecting on all the adventures you've had and new friends you've made.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Driving Distance: 350km. Hike Distance and Grading:
1km Grade 1.

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule
during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to
traditional landowner ceremonies.

INCLUSIONS:

• 3 Nights’ Accommodation (2 x Kakadu (Jabiru), 1 x Katherine)
• Includes: 3 x Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 3 x Dinner
• Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing
• Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, East Alligator
• Katherine Gorge NitNit cultural cruise
• Top Didj gallery experience
• Kakadu Park pass entry fees
• Guided bush walks (up to ~4km, grade 1-2)
• Accredited outback driver-guide
• Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
• Comprehensive tour commentary
• Selected Darwin inner-city pick-up/drop-off points

EXCLUSIONS:

• Any meals not indicated within the itinerary. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended
• Personal expenses

OPTIONALS:

On Day 4, guests can opt out of the morning itinerary with the tour group and
pre-book an activity. Optional activities are subject to availability on the
day of the tour and are not included in the tour itinerary price. Pre-bookings
are required.

• A) Katherine Gorge Scenic Helicopter Flight - departing at 8:30am. Book direct at https://www.helispirit.com.au/scenic-flights-and-tours/katherine-gorge-helicopter-tours/.

WHAT TO BRING:

3L Refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towel &
toiletries, bathers or swimwear, comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (closed
shoes), all-weather clothing (extreme conditions day/night), 15kg overnight
bag & small day pack, tropical strength insect repellent, mosquito or fly net
(summer months), flashlight, headlamp, or torch, recharge power bank limited
access, money for snack and meals, camera.

CHILD POLICY:

Children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or
legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and
under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to
complete the walks.

WEATHER:

The weather in the Top End of the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be
extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees
Celsius with high humidity in the dry season and temperatures can drop
dramatically in the evening. Please ensure you have checked the average
temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate
clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will
still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: date of birth, food allergies and contact phone number.
• While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must advise dietary requirements to their booking agent at the time of booking. As we are venturing to remote areas we are very limited in what we can source once the tour departs, therefore prior notice is required.
• The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a very physical tour and requires a moderate to level of fitness and mobility.
• A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Length of walks will be between 1km to 2km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 4km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days prior to travel).
• Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walks.
• Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
• Itineraries may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally sites in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
• Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up, and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day of touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
• Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333.