Abel Tasman New Zealand (1)
Australian Multi-day Tour

Top End Explorer: Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Nitmiluk & Litchfield

Remote, raw, rugged and refreshingly real - there is nowhere like Australia's Top End! Join Adventurous Women on this ultimate seven-day expedition in the Northern Territory, where the tropics meet the outback.

Closed
Destination Northern Territory, Australia
Duration 7 Days
Price From $3,390
Departs 21 AUG 2026
Group Size 12 Max
Overview

Explore the Top End with AW

Explore the incredible landscapes of the Northern Territory alongside a supportive group of adventurous women, sharing unforgettable experiences both on and off the trail. From the waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient rock art of Kakadu National Park to the remote cultural landscapes of Arnhem Land, this journey combines nature, culture, adventure, and connection in one remarkable trip.

You’ll discover the dramatic sandstone gorges of Nitmiluk National Park and unwind in the crystal-clear waterholes and waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Expect hikes, swims, spectacular scenery, meaningful cultural experiences, and plenty of time to relax, connect, and embrace the adventure together.

Fitness/ Walk Grade

This is an active trip that ventures deep into the outback for a rugged and rewarding experience. While there are no long hikes, the combination of basic accommodation, remote travel, and daily activities can be physically demanding at times. Most walks are suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, but good mobility will help you feel comfortable and enjoy everything the adventure has to offer.

Highlights

Things you'll love about this trip

  • Pack-free hiking - your luggage moves with you
  • Wineglass Bay sunrise lookout walk
  • Freycinet National Park kayak with playful seals
  • Local Tasmanian produce at every meal
  • Comfortable lodge accommodation, not camping
  • Small group of like-minded women, max 14
Day-by-day

Daily itinerary

Day 1 Fri 21 Aug Darwin Arrival

Arrive any time today and check into your hotel from 2:00 pm. Meet your Adventurous Women host and the group at 5:30 pm in the hotel lobby for a short briefing, then we’ll walk to dinner together – a relaxed way to kick off your Top End escape.
Note: Taxis are readily available at Darwin Airport, and if you wish to book extra nights before or after the trip, they can be arranged directly with the hotel or via booking sites.

Meals:  Dinner

Accommodation:  The Cavenagh, Darwin

Day 2 Sat 22 Aug Darwin to Arnhem Land

Depart around 7:00 am by 4×4 coach bound for Kakadu National Park, with a morning-tea stop en route.

After arriving at East Alligator River, we'll enjoy lunch before boarding the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, led by Aboriginal guides who share traditional ways and contemporary life on Country. The cruise finishes around 3:00 pm.

We then drive across the famous Cahill’s Crossing into Arnhem Land. Here we visit a significant rock art site with our local guide, who will share his stories and knowledge with us, before continuing to our private base camp at East Alligator River for two nights in air-conditioned donga-style rooms.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Donga, East Alligator River

Day 3 Sun 23 Aug Kakadu National Park

A leisurely start today as we head to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) for a beautiful hike through old paperbark trees, following the creek to a natural swimming hole, where we can enjoy a swim in one of the most stunning locations of Kakadu.

Later we visit Warradjan Cultural Centre, then on the way back to camp we'll check out the township of Jabiru and, if time permits, view the Ranger uranium mine site. After a short rest, we'll head 5 minutes up the road to Ubirr, where we cap the day with a gorgeous sunset at the world famous Nadab Lookout.

Hiking: appx 30-40 minutes per way; first half is flat sandy track, second half includes some climbing over rocks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Donga, East Alligator River

Day 4 Mon 24 Aug Kakadu National Park

We begin the day exploring the ancient rock art site of Nourlangie on foot and taking in the panoramic views from Nawurlandja Lookout.

Afterwards, we drive to Gunlom Falls, where we’ll cool off with a swim in the bottom pool before taking the short walk up to the iconic infinity pool for a refreshing dip with a view.

After taking some time to relax, admire the scenery and have lunch, we'll set up our bush camp at Gunlom Falls and settle in for a relaxed evening under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Bush Camp

Day 5 Tue 25 Aug Nitmiluck National Park & Katherine

Pack up camp this morning and hit the road towards Katherine, stopping for a BBQ lunch and an afternoon swim at the stunning Edith Falls.

We then continue on, making a quick supplies stop in Katherine en route.

This evening, we'll enjoy the Katherine Outback Experience before setting up camp for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Bush Camp

Day 6 Wed 26 Aug Katherine Gorge Cruise & Litchfield National Park

Begin with a magnificent dawn cruise through Katherine Gorge as the sandstone walls glow and the birdlife stirs. After the cruise we'll enjoy morning tea before driving to Litchfield National Park, making a couple of short stops along the way before arriving in time for lunch.

This afternoon we visit the huge termite mounds and enjoy a swim at Florence Falls. In the evening, we'll set up camp at the Banyan Tree before enjoying dinner at the bar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Bush Camp

Day 7 Thu 27 Aug Litchfield National Park & Darwin

An early start lets us make the most of our time in Litchfield National Park. Enjoy a relaxing dip at Buley Rockholes before breakfast, then take an adventurous 4WD track further into the park, from where we will hike to Tjanera (Sandy Creek) Falls and enjoy a refreshing swim. After hiking back to the car park we'll have lunch and get changed into dry clothes.

Then we make our way back to Darwin, stopping at another popular site in the park along the way.

We aim to reach Darwin by 5:00 pm, saying our farewells before heading off on our separate ways. If you plan to fly out tonight, you can safely book flights for 8:00 pm or later. If you are staying on, the Thursday Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are on - a brilliant way to end your Top End adventure.

Hiking: appx 3.5 km return (30 minutes each way); Track is a bit hilly but achievable with a reasonable level of fitness

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues, or the health of fellow travellers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Included

What's Included

  • Adventurous Women tour leader
  • Local, knowledgeable tour guide / driver
  • Comfortable all-terrain vehicle
  • All activities as listed on the itinerary
  • National Park entry & camping fees
  • NT Commercial Operator's Licence
  • 6 nights accommodation - 1 night in a comfortable hotel, 2 nights in air-con donga style rooms, 3 nights camping
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
Where you'll go

Route at a glance

"The trip was fantastic! We had an amazing guide, very knowledgeable, great cook and very funny. The places we visited were stunning, with a good mix between nature, culture and leisure. It was all very well organised. Last but not least, everyone on the tour was friendly, collaborative and kind. I will book again with Adventurous Women!"

2-3
Free download

Take the full itinerary with you

Drop your email and we'll send you the day-by-day itinerary as a PDF - perfect for sharing with a travel buddy or printing for the plane.

Good to know

Additional Details

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

  • 90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)

  • 75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit

  • 74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments

  • No refund is available once a tour has commenced

     

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following is not included in the tour cost:

  • Flights to/from Darwin

  • Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary

  • Travel insurance (not required but recommended)

  • Expenses of a personal nature

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

We’ll pair you with a room buddy for the hotel and a few roomies in the donga-style accommodations. Or, if you’d prefer your own room at one hotel night, this option is available for an additional supplement- just let us know.

Arrival and Departure details

The tour begins and ends in Darwin.  We’ll meet on 21 August at 5.30pm at the designated hotel and we’ll be back to central Darwin around 5.00pm on 27 August.  If you plan to fly out on 27th, please book a flight for 8.00pm or later.

Who will be leading the trip?

All AW trips are accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

You’ll also be supported by a driver/guide in the Northern Territory and specialists guides for certain activities.

Do you accommodate dietary requests?

We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies on every tour.

As we will be spending several nights in remote areas.  It’s important that any requirements are communicated accurately at the time of booking.  If you request a specific diet (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free) but then choose not to follow it during the trip, it can lead to unnecessary waste and may also mean that other guests have less food available to them. We appreciate your help in planning responsibly so we can cater fairly and effectively for everyone.

Accommodation

We have a mix of accommodations on this adventure:

1  Night - Comfortable 3* hotel accommodation - Darwin (Twin Share)

2 Nights - Air conditioned basic Donga style rooms - East Alligator River (Triple or Quad Share)

3 Nights - Camping in good sized tent & king deluxe swag (Single - 1 per person per tent)

**Campgrounds & bush camps utilised for camping all have flushing toilets, hot showers and communal kitchen facilities.

How will we be travelling?

We will travel by private bus/van for the duration of the trip. (note: Airport transfers are not included) 

Will I have phone/internet access?

You will not have consistent phone/internet coverage on this tour. Please give your friends and family a heads up so they are not concerned. There is a satellite phone in the vehicle in case of emergencies.

What should I bring?

A detailed packing list will be provided.  Please note that while we do not have fixed luggage limits, we request you pack light and use a duffle or small case that you can easily manage yourself (as you will need to help unpack/pack the trailer)

A comfortable pair of shoes/boots for bushwalking are recommended. And while you will not need full camping gear, a fly net, headtorch and other items are recommended on the packing list.

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