6
Moderate to Challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • Day walks
Accommodation
  • 4 nights exclusive semi-permanent campsites, 1 nights wilderness camping
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$3395AUD

Trip Code: KAC

Kakadu Challenger Trip highlights


  • Sunset cruise on the Yellow Water billabong, home to a variety of wildlife
  • Enjoy challenging day walks taking in the gorges, waterfalls and escarpments of the Kakadu National Park
  • Experience the iconic Jim Jim Falls (subject to seasonal access)
  • Stay in exclusive semi-permanent campsites away from the crowds
  • View some of the most beautiful indigenous rock art galleries
  • Learn about the area with your expert guides

Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Area covering some 20,000 square kms. Waterfalls tumble from the red cliffs off the Arnhem Land escarpment into shady pools; tranquil wetlands teem with animal and bird life, while 40,000 years of Aboriginal cultural heritage is on display in the numerous hidden rock art galleries. On this challenging trip we have picked the toughest walks in the National Park. Our walking based itinerary, which includes a cruise on the Yellow Waters (a favourite haunt of saltwater crocodiles), takes in the picturesque waterfalls that Kakadu is renowned for.

Our collection of day walks venture into remote gorges and sparkling waterfalls, as well as visit ancient rock-art seen by very few visitors. The upgraded semi-permanent campsites encourage travellers to relax in idyllic tropical surrounds. All luggage and camping gear is transported by our professional support crew, freeing you to enjoy the diverse scenery, revel in the camaraderie of like-minded travellers and focus on achieving your goal.

Activities:

Itinerary

Our journey begins with a Darwin accommodation pick-up between 6:30-7:00am and travels south-east to Kakadu National Park. With a couple of quick stops on the way for introduction to country and trip briefing from your Guides at the entrance to Kakadu National Park, we head towards the stunning Burrunguy rock art site, where we enjoy a short walk and are introduced to Aboriginal cultural connection to country. We may have time visit Anbangbang Billabong walk and Nawurlandja lookout walk before getting settled into our comfortable semi- permanent camp, located a short drive away at Djarradjin Billabong, in the heart of Kakadu National Park. In the late afternoon we take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, home to an astounding variety of wildlife. We may encounter Brumbies, wallabies and goannas drinking from the waterside, salt-water crocodiles and thousands of birds, including Magpie Geese, Brolga, Cormorants, Pelicans and one of Australia’s largest flying birds – the Black-necked stork (Jabiru). The flat-bottomed boat is guided by an expert wildlife guide. Walking distance: 1.5 km

Meals:  L,D

After an early nourishing breakfast we drive a short distance to Nourlangie massif and begin our walk. We will take on one of Kakadu’s most challenging walks the Barrk Sandstone Walk. Barrk is the indigenous name for the male black wallaroo, a member of the kangaroo family which lives in this area. After a steep climb we are rewarded with stunning views and Kakadu’s unique plants and animals. This walk will take most of the day, we may have time for a quick swim before our return to our campsite. In the late afternoon we return to Dajarradjin Billabong camp to relax around the campfire and enjoy another delicious evening meal. Walking distance: 12km

Meals:  B,L,D

Wake up to the dawn chorus of the multitude of birds of the Savannah and wetlands. Our day is focussed on stunning walks within the World Heritage listed National Park. NB: Jim Jim Falls is generally only viable after mid-July. If we’re unable to get into the Jim Jim Falls we will travel to Ubirr to complete the Rock Art Walk & Bardedjilidji walk plus visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre instead to ensure you experience the best Kakadu has to offer. Please keep in mind the thundering torrent usually depicted in the postcards is a phenomenon that only occurs during the wet season and this flow declines gradually through the dry season until it is a gentle, but still magnificent, trickle! If Jim Jim Falls is open, we drive along a bumpy old track, to Kakadu’s most famous waterfall. Our visits to Jim Jim Falls aim for an active experience, walking beyond the reach of regular tourist groups. Today we will enjoy the Jim Jim plunge pool and the challenging Barrk Marlam Walk. This steep and difficult walk is over rocky stone country and only for experienced bushwalkers. Do not let the distance fool you into thinking this will be easy. We allow most of the day to accomplish this 6km walk. We then return to our close by wilderness campsite for a delicious meal and a restful evening. Walking distance: 6-8km

Meals:  B,L,D

After a filling breakfast we drive the short distance to another of Kakadu’s most challenging walks – The Twin Falls Plateau Walk. This walk takes us through rarely walked unspoilt wilderness. Our effort is rewarded with jaw dropping views of this impressive gorge on the edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment. This walk will take us most of the day and we will spend the remainder of our time taking in the twin falls area. We then return to our nearby wilderness camp for another delicious meal and peaceful evening around the campfire. NB: If we’re unable to access Twin Falls due to seasonal closures, we will travel to Maguk and the “walk to paradise”, which brings us to one of the best waterholes in Kakadu and a great place for lunch. Depending on the weather and the group we will also trek the Mirray lookout walk which is a sort, steep climb with stunning panoramic views over the north of the Park and Bukbukluk lookout walk for views over the Southern hills and ridges. We will camp at our semi-permanent camp in the Yurmikmik region. Walking distance: 6-8km

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning after another yummy breakfast we head to the stunning Yurmikmik walks. Here we take in a walk including the Yurmikmik lookout, Motor Car Falls, and the rock scramble into Kurrundie Falls. It’s a day full of trekking and waterfalls with time to soak in this stunning part of southern Kakadu. We then drive the short distance to our final semi- permanent campsite near Yurmikmik. Walking distance: 7.5-11km

Meals:  B,L,D

After our final night in the semi-permanent camp, we pack up and make our way back to Darwin. On our way we may enjoy a relaxing swim and visit to a nearby waterhole and our last scrumptious lunch before continuing north to Darwin. We expect to arrive back into Darwin and drop you at your accommodation at around 4pm. We hope you've enjoyed your journey into the unique and unforgettable country of the Top End! Walking distance: 2-3 km

Meals:  B,L


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • 2 professional wilderness guides
  • Wildlife cruise
  • Safari camps including tents, stretcher beds and swags for sleeping
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transport from Darwin
  • All dining and catering equipment

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Darwin before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation


Suitability

Moderate to Challenging

6

This trek involves up to 6-8 hours walking most days over challenging terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trail conditions are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced, dry and involve rock-hopping. Several sections are only recommended for experienced bushwalker due to the rugged and rocky nature of the Arnhem Land Plateau. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a day pack. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season supplement applies from 15 June to 15 August, and for any trips that overlap with a public holiday.

Priceper person from

$3395AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement (limited)AUD$400
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Kakadu Challenger trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 USB ports in the bus which can be utilised only when the bus being driven.

No. The waters will have been cleared for crocodiles by NT Parks and Wildlife.


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Kakadu Challenger Videos

Kakadu Walking Adventure

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.