Five Day Camping Expedition from Darwin to Kakadu National Park and Koolpin Gorge

Departs: Tuesday

DAY 1 – DARWIN – KAKADU

We start our Kakadu tour by heading towards the world heritage listed Kakadu National Park, with a stopover and the iconic Australiana Bark Hut for quick refreshment.

Stop & enjoy the sights of the tidal East Alligator River with the opportunity to spot some crocs and flying foxes!

Then on to the world famous Ubirr in the north of the park. Some of the best examples of northern Australian rock art can be found here. Learn about the art from your guide and the meaning behind these special paintings. A climb to the top is rewarded with staggering 360º views over the Nardab floodplains and into Arnhemland.

Tonight, we camp at our exclusive safari camp at Mardukal Billabong in the heart of Kakadu. Enjoy sitting around an open campfire enjoying a cool beverage or a toasted marshmallow.

Fitness: 3 kms
Meals: Lunch & dinner

DAY 2 – KAKADU

After breakfast we do some 4 Wheel driving to Jim Jim Falls. A 1 km walk through the gorge surrounded by towering 200m high sandstone cliffs leads to the impressive plunge pool for a well-deserved refreshing swim, or simply relax on the beach whilst taking in the breath-taking views.

Visit to the Warradjan cultural centre is a great opportunity to gain some insight into the traditional owners of Kakadu through interactive displays and demonstrations.

This evening we will enjoy 2hr Sunset Cruise on the famous Yellow Waters. Here we will have the opportunity to see spectacular wildlife including abundant birdlife and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

We then return to our safari camp at Mardukal Billabong and relax around the campfire
after some dinner.

Fitness: 5 kms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner 

DAY 3: KAKADU – DARWIN

After some breakfast we then make our way to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). A 1km hike through a paperbark forest with some rock scrambling leads to the plunge pool for a cool swim in a pristine environment, teeming with black bream and barramundi this is a place like no other.

This afternoon is spent exploring Gunlom Falls in the southern end of Kakadu. A hike to the top is rewarded with a swim in the naturally occurring infinity pools whilst taking in the panoramic views of southern Kakadu. The bottom plunge pool and beach are not to be missed, made famous in the Crocodile Dundee movie it’s a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this special place.

Tonight, we camp at our private camp at Goymarr (Mary River Roadhouse)

Please note there is an opportunity to upgrade your accommodation on arrival. Cost additional.

Fitness: 5 kms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 4 – KAKADU

Today we spend the whole day exploring the magnificent Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), the jewel in the crown, this is a special permit access area that is recognised for its cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Territory Expeditions is the only tour operator that is able to offer regular tours to this area, and is grateful to the traditional owners for allowing us to have this opportunity.

The name Jarrangbarnmi comes from the Jawoyn words jarrang meaning flood, or big water flow, and barn meaning rift or gap Jarrangbarnmi was created by the Jawoyn creation ancestors. It is part of Buladjang country. Bula created this landscape and then went to live under the ground. Bolung (Rainbow Serpent) lives in plunge pools in this country. Both powerful creation ancestors can cause earthquakes, storms, floods and disease if disturbed.

The walk up the gorge is a real wilderness walk and requires a good level of fitness with great rewards on arrival to some of the National Parks most spectacular rock pools, waterfalls and rock landscape.

This remote location is restricted to only 40 people per day and is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna.

Tonight, we camp at our private camp at Goymarr (Mary River Roadhouse)

Please note there is an opportunity to upgrade your accommodation on arrival. Cost additional.

Fitness: 5-8 kms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 5 – KAKADU

This morning we visit Old Goodparla Homestead, this was one of the first cattle stations occupied by the early pastoralists of the Kakadu region before being declared a national park. A great opportunity to see how Europeans lived and struggled in the early days with many of the remnants remaining, a glimpse into the past.

Then we visit Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole), a special permit area that is spring fed and flows all year round, this is the last opportunity for a swim in Kakadu before preparing for the drive back to Darwin.

Return to Darwin via the historic town of Pine Creek, arriving back in Darwin at approximately 5pm.

Fitness: 2 kms
Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Itinerary may be done in reverse at Guides discretion.