4 day adventurous tropical journey

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Visit NTVisit NT2 years ago
4 day adventurous tropical journey

The Top End of Australia is ideal for thrill-seeking explorers such as yourself. There are so many ways to challenge yourself and try new things, and the added aspect of distant and rough nature amplifies the thrill.

This is what a Top End adventure looks like

This action-packed trip covers some of the Northern Territory's most memorable experiences. You'll travel deep into Kakadu, encountering crocodiles up close, climbing through gorges, kayaking through canyons, flying through the sky, and more. And it's all set against one of the world's most old and respected locations. Bring along some good walking shoes, a camera, outdoor gear, and a positive mindset. From the moment you step off the plane in Darwin, you'll be immersed in the best of the Top End - so brace yourself for an unforgettable trip.

Day 1

Pick up your 4WD

Picking up the keys to your rented 4WD says "adventure vacation" like nothing else. When you arrive at Darwin airport, your car will be waiting for you, so you can drive directly out of town and into the outback.

Get up close and personal with jumping crocs

The Adelaide River is your first stop, around an hour from Darwin. You've arrived for the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up up and personal with these spectacular prehistoric creatures. Watch the crocs leap out of the water with remarkable strength and precision, and take some amazing photos to share with your friends back home.

The Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises
Adelaide River Bridge, 3220A Arnhem Hwy, Wak Wak NT 0822, Australia

Drive in to Kakadu

Return to the Arnhem Highway to complete your journey to Kakadu National Park after your hour-long cruise. You're about to enter one of the world's most spectacular and revered locations. Tonight, you'll be staying in the Mercure Crocodile Hotel Jabiru, which is conveniently positioned near Kakadu's north-east corner. Before heading out for an afternoon and evening to remember, take a brief dip in the refreshing pool.

Kakadu National Park
Kakadu Hwy, Jabiru NT 0886, Australia

Watch the sun set at Ubirr

One of Kakadu's most famous locations is Ubirr, located approximately an hour north of Jabiru. It has a remarkable collection of rock art depicting fish, turtles, goannas, and other natural animals, including a depiction of a thylacine (or Tasmanian tiger). Allow an hour to examine the rock art before hiking to the rocky overlook for 360-degree views of Arnhem Land and the Nadab floodplain. It's an ideal spot for watching the sun set on your first day in the Northern Territory.

Ubirr
Ubirr, Kakadu NT 0822, Australia

Day 2

Let the season dictate your day

The way you experience Kakadu is greatly determined by the season you visit. During the rainy season, which lasts from November to March, several roads become impassable due to the massive amounts of water that flood the region. Take a spectacular ride over Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls right now to view the roaring waterfalls below you. If you visit during the dry season (April to October), take the difficult 4WD track to Jim Jim Falls and explore the area on foot. Get the most up-to-date access information from Parks Australia before you go. To take a swim in the crystal clear water of the plunge pool, it's worth the 900-meter hike across the rocks.

Jim Jim Falls
Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu NT 0822, Australia

Experience the magic of Maguk

One of Kakadu's best-kept secrets is Barramundi Gorge (Maguk). The 1km walk to the wonderful waterhole, which takes you through beautiful rainforest and leads to a wide and inviting pool, is well worth the effort. Swim the length of it to the gently tumbling waterfall and enjoy nature at its finest.

Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall
Kakadu NT 0822, Australia

Take a cruise on a billabong

It's time to check in at Cooinda Lodge after a day spent exploring Kakadu's stunning gorges. This lodging is conveniently located adjacent to the world-famous Yellow Water Billabong, which is home to spectacular landscape and wildlife. A sunset sail is the ideal way to appreciate the natural splendor of these marshes.

Cooinda Lodge Kakadu
Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT 0822, Australia

Day 3

Hike up and around Edith Falls

Early in the morning, depart from Cooinda Lodge and travel south out of Kakadu. Today, you'll go to Katherine and the stunning Nitmiluk National Park. When you get to Leliyn/Edith Falls, take a detour off the main route and spend the morning discovering this hidden beauty. If you have the time and stamina, take a trek along the Jatbula Trail to Sweetwater Pool (9km return). The 2.6-kilometer Leliyn Trail, on the other hand, is a tough but enjoyable trek through a steep, rocky loop, with the opportunity of a refreshing swim in the higher pools that will not disappoint.

Edith Falls
Edith Falls, Nitmiluk NT 0852, Australia

Go canoeing in Nitmiluk Gorge

Spend the afternoon canoeing along Nitmiluk Gorge's streams. A cruise along the Katherine River, surrounded by the gorge's towering walls, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because it may get really hot out here, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sun-protective apparel.

Sleep tight at Knotts Crossing Resort

You'll sleep like a baby at Knotts Crossing Resort, which is located in the heart of Katherine, after such an action-packed day. Rest up for the final day of your spectacular Top End excursion, which promises even more action.

Savannah Bar & Restaurant (Knotts Crossing Resort)
10 Cameron St, Katherine NT 0850, Australia

Day 4

Drive back to Darwin

You're returning to Darwin this morning via the Stuart Highway. You'll appreciate having a few of hours in the car to ponder and prepare for two final, heart-stopping adventures before boarding the jet home after cramming so many wonderful adventures into your days.

Darwin
Darwin NT, Australia

Hop aboard a thrilling harbour ride

When you return to Darwin, head directly to the harbor for a Matt Wright Airboat Ride. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure on a custom-built V8 airboat will get your blood pounding with a quick lap of the port, followed by a more relaxed ride through the picturesque mangroves and their teeming bird life.

Matt Wright Explore the Wild
Shop 1/2 58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Face off against a crocodile

You started this wonderful journey with crocs, so it's only natural that you end it in Darwin by jumping into the Crocosaurus Cove's Cage of Death. For a unique 15-minute face-to-face encounter, you'll be lowered into the same enclosure as some of the world's largest saltwater crocodiles. You will undoubtedly feel more alive than you have in a long time as a result of this.

Crocosaurus Cove
58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

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