Why we Love a Kakadu & Litchfield Classic Safari

A Top End tour departing year round with flexible itineraries in the wet season so you don’t miss out.

Offering a value for money experience with a touch of style and quality while travelling in a purpose built 4WD safari style truck with a maximum of 17 passengers.

All year this Kakadu & Litchfield Classic Safari visits the best of Aboriginal culture, ancient rock art sites and delving into the wet lands of Kakadu in search of wildlife and ofcourse, giant crocs!

Stay in private campsites complete with permanent safari tents with beds and linen or for those wanting creature comforts, upgrade to air-conditioned lodge accommodation.

Your tour will include the following highlights;

• Swim in the pristine waterholes of Litchfield National Park
• Yellow Waters cruise spotting crocodiles and other wildlife
• Kakadu National Park & Remote 4×4 Tracks
• Witness 20,000 year old indigenous art of Nourlangie and Ubirr
• 4WD, hike and boat into the jewels of Kakadu, Twin and Jim Jim Falls (Dry Season Itinerary)

Inclusions

• Professional guide
• Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
• Yellow Waters Wildlife Cruise
• Camping equipment including permanent tent with beds and mattress
• All linen: pillow & pillowcase, fitted sheet, sleeping bag, towel
• Lodge Accommodation: Twin / Single basis with towel
• 2 Breakfast – 3 Lunch – 2 Dinner
• Drinking water (please provide your own bottle)

Itinerary and Sleeping

(Dry Season: 1 May 2019 – 31 October 2019)

This tour offers two styles of accommodation;

1. Camping Accommodation is at private campsites offering shared facilities.
   Campsites include hot water, flushing toilets and permanent safari tents.
   Tents include real beds, all linen, pillow, sleeping bags and towel.
2. Lodge accommodation is located at Cooinda Lodge offering Twin or Single Rooms with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Day 1:

You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation between 6:00-7.00am for the short journey to beautiful Litchfield National Park.

This park offers the chance to explore stunning waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments. Discover intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls before enjoying a picnic lunch.

After lunch we leave the highway behind and hit the dirt travelling along the Marrakai Road before joining the Old Jim Jim Road taking us deep into Kakadu National Park.

Travelling past billabongs and traversing water crossings brings ample opportunity for wildlife spotting. Arrive at your private campsite complete with comfortable permanent tents or choose to stay in air-conditioned lodge accommodation at Cooinda where we spend the night enjoying dinner and some stargazing.

Day 2:

Awake for breakfast this morning before joining an iconic Yellow Waters Cruise. A must do activity within Kakadu National Park, the award winning Yellow Waters cruise is Aboriginal owned and centres around a spectacular billabong system that is home to some remarkable and diverse wildlife. Spotting crocodiles is only one of the many wildlife viewing opportunities on this unique water system.

Departing camp we travel to nearby Nourlangie Rock. Here you can see how local Aboriginal people lived in this area through changing times. Environmental and social changes are reflected in the rock art and in the ground, where archaeologists have uncovered over 20,000 years of Aboriginal occupation.

After lunch visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, a Gun-djeihmi name for the local area and creek on land owned by the Mirarrclan. See the audio-visual presentations and Marrawuddi Gallery showcasing Aboriginal art by artists from within Kakadu and the wider region.

Later this afternoon we arrive at the culturally significant Aboriginal art site of Ubirr, located within the East Alligator region of the Park. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land.

After learning about the area, it’s time to pick out a quiet spot to sit while we watch the sun set over the Kakadu escarpment before making the short journey to our private and permanent campsite for the night where you can choose to spend the night in our comfortable permanent tents or your air-conditioned lodge accommodation.

Day 3:

Today the jewels of Kakadu National Park await and we depart early to travel to famous Twin and Jim Jim Falls*.

Explore Twin Falls Gorge which is accessed by 4-wheel drive track, a boat shuttle service and a rocky walking track and boardwalk. Once there relax on the sandy banks and admire the falls.

There’s more 4-wheel driving as we make our way to Jim Jim Falls where a walk through monsoon forest and over boulders takes us to the waterfall and plunge pool which are surrounded by 150 metre cliffs.

Spend the afternoon taking in the sheer beauty of your spectacular surrounds before we make our way back to camp or your lodge for our last night in the wilderness.

Notes: 

• • Twin Falls boat shuttle service is additional $12.50 paid direct on day.

Departs/Returns:

• Departs Darwin:
  1 May 2019 – 31 October 2019
  Daily pick-ups from 6:00am
• Returns Darwin:
  Day 3 approx. 5:30pm
  (this time cannot be guaranteed and may be later)

Inclusions

• Professional guide
• Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
• Yellow Waters Wildlife Cruise
• Camping equipment including permanent tent with beds and mattress
• All linen: pillow & pillowcase, fitted sheet, sleeping bag, towel
• Lodge Accommodation: Twin / Single basis with towel
• 2 Breakfast – 3 Lunch – 2 Dinner
• Drinking water (please provide your own bottle)

Itinerary and Sleeping

(Wet Season: 1 November 2019 – 31 March 2020)

This tour offers two styles of accommodation;

1. Camping Accommodation is at private campsites offering shared facilities.
   Campsites include hot water, flushing toilets and permanent safari tents.
   Tents include real beds, all linen, pillow, sleeping bags and towel.
2. Lodge accommodation is located at Cooinda Lodge offering Twin or Single Rooms with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Day 1:

Departing Darwin around 7am, the first stop on your Kakadu & Litchfield Classic Safari is Ubirr Rock, one of the main cultural sites within the Park.

At Ubirr you can view a wide range of Aboriginal rock art which will be interpreted by your guide. Here you can learn about the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for excellent views over the surrounding floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land.

In the afternoon visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the 40,000 years of aboriginal occupation within the Park.

Tonight enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at our private campsite located at Cooinda.

Day 2:

Up early to enjoy a crocodile cruise on the Yellow Waters billabong, a must do activity within Kakadu National Park.

The award winning Yellow Waters cruise is Aboriginal owned and centres around a spectacular billabong system that is home to some remarkable and diverse wildlife. Spotting crocodiles is only one of the many wildlife viewing opportunities on this unique water system and a firm Kakadu & Litchfield Classic Safari favourite.

Later, enjoy a half day hike and swim at the beautiful Gubara Springs and/or Gunlom Falls, and walk to the top of the Nawurlandja lookout with spectacular views over Kakadu.

Late afternoon we will drive to Mount Bundy, close by Litchfield National Park and spend tonight at our private permanent campsite with your fellow travellers.

Day 3:

Enjoy the short journey from your Kakadu & Litchfield Classic Safari campsite/accommodation to Litchfield National Park.

Explore the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield and discover intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds.

There is plenty time for swimming, hiking and exploring such places like Florence and Wangi Falls* as well as Buley Rockhole.

We return to Darwin in the early evening.

Notes: 

• • Wangi Falls may not be accessible due to water levels. More time will be spent at existing sites or an alternative.

Departs/Returns:

• Departs Darwin:
  1 November 2019 – 31 March 2020
  Daily pick-ups from 6:00am
• Returns Darwin:
  Day 3 approx. 5:30pm
  (this time cannot be guaranteed and may be later)

Inclusions

• Professional guide
• Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
• Yellow Waters Wildlife Cruise
• Camping equipment including permanent tent with beds and mattress
• All linen: pillow & pillowcase, fitted sheet, sleeping bag, towel
• Lodge Accommodation: Twin / Single basis with towel
• 3 Breakfast – 4 Lunch – 3 Dinner
• Drinking water (please provide your own bottle)

Itinerary and Sleeping

This tour offers two styles of accommodation;

1. Camping Accommodation is at private campsites offering shared facilities.
   Campsites include hot water, flushing toilets and permanent safari tents.
   Tents include real beds, all linen, pillow, sleeping bags and towel.
2. Lodge accommodation is located at Cooinda Lodge offering Twin or Single Rooms with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Day 1:

You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation between 6:00-7.00am for the short journey to beautiful Litchfield National Park.

This park offers the chance to explore stunning waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments. Discover intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls before enjoying a picnic lunch.

After lunch we leave the highway behind and hit the dirt travelling along the Marrakai Road before joining the Old Jim Jim Road taking us deep into Kakadu National Park.

Travelling past billabongs and traversing water crossings brings ample opportunity for wildlife spotting. Arrive at your private campsite complete with comfortable permanent tents or choose to stay in air-conditioned lodge accommodation at Cooinda where we spend the night enjoying dinner and some stargazing.

Day 2:

Awake for breakfast this morning before joining an iconic Yellow Waters Cruise. A must do activity within Kakadu National Park, the award winning Yellow Waters cruise is Aboriginal owned and centres around a spectacular billabong system that is home to some remarkable and diverse wildlife. Spotting crocodiles is only one of the many wildlife viewing opportunities on this unique water system.

Departing camp we travel to nearby Nourlangie Rock. Here you can see how local Aboriginal people lived in this area through changing times. Environmental and social changes are reflected in the rock art and in the ground, where archaeologists have uncovered over 20,000 years of Aboriginal occupation.

After lunch visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, a Gun-djeihmi name for the local area and creek on land owned by the Mirarrclan. See the audio-visual presentations and Marrawuddi Gallery showcasing Aboriginal art by artists from within Kakadu and the wider region.

Later this afternoon we arrive at the culturally significant Aboriginal art site of Ubirr, located within the East Alligator region of the Park. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land.

After learning about the area, it’s time to pick out a quiet spot to sit while we watch the sun set over the Kakadu escarpment before making the short journey to our private and permanent campsite for the night where you can choose to spend the night in our comfortable permanent tents or your air-conditioned lodge accommodation.

Day 3:

Today the jewels of Kakadu National Park await and we depart early to travel to famous Twin and Jim Jim Falls*.

Explore Twin Falls Gorge which is accessed by 4-wheel drive track, a boat shuttle service and a rocky walking track and boardwalk. Once there relax on the sandy banks and admire the falls.

There’s more 4-wheel driving as we make our way to Jim Jim Falls where a walk through monsoon forest and over boulders takes us to the waterfall and plunge pool which are surrounded by 150 metre cliffs.

Spend the afternoon taking in the sheer beauty of your spectacular surrounds before we make our way back to camp or your lodge for our last night in the wilderness.

Notes: 

• • Twin Falls boat shuttle service is additional $12.50 paid direct on day

Day 4:

Today, a once in a lifetime experience awaits.

Travelling into remote Western Arnhem Land you will witness Ancient Aboriginal Art brought to life by your indigenous guide at Injalak Hill.

Take in the amazing views across the escarpment before travelling to the Injalak Art Centre where you say goodbye to your Indigenous guide and hello to some amazing art on offer or simply watch the indigenous artists at work.

Travel back into Kakadu National Park before returning to cosmopolitan Darwin and tales of the days adventures whilst reflecting on the profound effect this magical place has on people.

Departs/Returns:

This tour runs seasonally only.

• Departs Darwin:
  1 May 2019 – 31 October 2019
  Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
  Pick-ups from 6:00am
• Returns Darwin:
  Day 4 approx. 7:00pm

What to Bring

• Wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Sustainable Water bottle/container (at least 1.5 litres)
• Walking shoes/boots
• Toiletries, swim wear, towel
• Comfortable and casual clothing
• Head Torch and Camera

Eco-Certification Awards

The following Eco-Accreditation from Eco Tourism Australia had been achieved.

• Eco Certified Advanced Ecotourism

Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.

• Climate Action Business

Businesses have undertaken a set of adaption and emissions reduction actions but are not necessarily measuring their carbon footprint.

• Respect Our Culture (ROC)

The Respecting Our Culture (ROC) program encourages the tourism industry to operate in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the living cultures of Indigenous communities.

ROC certified tourism operators are committed to protecting cultural authenticity and integrity, developing sound business practices, environmental protection and acknowledging Indigenous peoples spiritual connection to the land and water.