Experience Kakadu National Park on a 2-day retreat. Explore Aboriginal rock art sites, enjoy a Yellow Water Cruise, and relax in a luxury tent or lodge room. See ancient rock art, cruise the wetlands, and immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture.Â
Summary Description
Highlights
- Visit the World Heritage-Listed Kakadu National Park
- See the best of Kakadu's wildlife on the Yellow Water Cruise
- Discover Aboriginal rock art at Burrungkuy and Ubirr
- A unique dinner menu featuring Territory tastes in Kakadu
- A luxury air-conditioned bush retreat and lodge in Kakadu
Description
Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Set off on a relaxing journey from Darwin to UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park. In the midst of our lush and tropical summer, we’ll stop at a few places along the way, including Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, home to an array of bird and wildlife species endemic to Australia's Top End. On the way to Kakadu National Park, we'll also photograph the welcome sign - an unmissable opportunity.
Later in the morning, we'll wind our way through Kakadu to Jabiru, a township to the north of the park. We will enjoy a picnic lunch at Marruwuddi gallery before heading south to Cooinda where we will check in to our accommodation and relax. Yellow Water Cruise's famous 2-hour sunset cruise takes place this evening. There is no better way to see the billabong than during the wet summer season when the rain causes it to stretch much farther than during the dry winter months. During sunset, wildlife abounds and the sky puts on a show. Cooinda's chef and team will prepare an amazing 3-course hospitality offering to highlight the tastes of the Territory exclusively for you.Â
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (beverages at own expense).
Accom: Cooinda Outback Retreat Glamping (shared bathroom) or Lodge Room (private ensuite).
Driving Distance: 315km.
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 1, flat pathways and/or boardwalks.
Day 2: Kakadu National Park to Darwin
You have the potential to rise and shine early on day two and make your way to view the magic of sunrise at Burrungkuy’s Nawurlandja lookout. After admiring the ever-changing colours of this majestic area at this time of day, we will enjoy breakfast close by and then head into Burrungkuy’s main rock art viewing galleries to enjoy some of the best and most notable rock art in Australia.
Around mid-morning, we will check out of our accommodation in Cooinda, and enjoy a cultural art experience in the grounds of the Warradjan Cultural Centre. Participants will learn how to create art through hands-on activities led by local community members. Explore the cultural centre, which features a large gallery and gift shop, and enjoy a picnic lunch in tropical surroundings. After lunch, it's time to begin the journey back to Darwin. Passing through Kakadu's amazing biodiverse environment, the region is UNESCO World Heritage listed for its natural and cultural qualities. You'll return to Darwin by 6pm, so spend the rest of the evening reflecting on the new friends you've met.Â
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Driving Distance: 315 kms.
Hike Distance and Grading:Â 1km Grade 3 with steep areas. Good general agility and sturdy footwork required.
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional owner ceremonies.
Included / Excluded
- 1 Nights’ Accommodation (Kakadu) with 1 breakfast, 2 lunch, 1 dinner
- Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing, park fees included
- 2 hour Yellow Water Billabong Cruise entry
- Hosted by an accredited outback driver-guide
- Air-conditioned mini coach travel with comprehensive tour commentary
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary.
- Special dietary requirements are limited in the areas we visit
- Transfers to locations not listed on our pick-up/drop-off itinerary
- Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
- Spending money for personal expenses
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Mantra on the Esplanade Darwin, 88 Esplanade, Darwin City NT, Australia
Start Location Notes: Pick-up time 8:55am.
Accessibility
- Service animals allowed
- Travellers easily arrive and depart on public transport
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- A minimum of moderate to low level of fitness is required to complete the walks.
- Typically, walks are 1km or less a day, often over steep rocky sections in direct sunlight.
- For people over 70 years old, a doctor's certificate (30 days prior to travel) is required.
- A legal guardian or adult must accompany children between 8 and 17 years old.
- Sites in the parks may close for cultural reasons or to adapt to seasonal changes.
- Booking requires passenger information such as date of birth, food allergies, and phone number.
- Most dietary needs can be accommodated; however, passengers must inform tour operator in advance.
- Baggage on our vehicle limited to 1 x 7kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag.
- Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are not suitable.
- Meal preparation, clean up, and vehicle loading/unloading are welcome.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 14 days
Cancellation Notes: Up to 14 days before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 14 days before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Options and Pricing
Glamping under the trees with shared bathroom amenities - Sleeps 2 or 4 people (1 queen, 1 bunk), towel & bed linen supplied, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, outdoor deck to relax, resort pool.
| Outback Retreat Tent [KR2-B] | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 - 80 years) | $895.00 |
| Child (8 - 12 years) | $895.00 |
Points of interest
- Marrawuddi Arts & Culture, Gregory Place, Jabiru NT, Australia
- Nawurlandja Lookout, Kakadu NT, Australia
- Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Anzac Parade, Middle Point NT, Australia
- Kakadu National Park, Kakadu Hwy, Jabiru NT, Australia
- Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Kakadu Highway, Kakadu NT, Australia
- Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT, Australia
- Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT, Australia
Additional Information
The weather in the Top End of the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius with high humidity in the dry season and temperatures can drop dramatically in the evening. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.Â
FAQ
What is a suitable age for this tour?
The child policy for this tour is 8 years old and over, due to the nature of this tour, it’s not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Do you cater to special dietary requirements?
Yes, please notify us if you have any dietary requirements or medical conditions at the time of booking, or at least a few days prior to departure, that way we can make any necessary arrangements.
What type of food do we eat on tour?
Most of the meals are prepared by our tour guides with basic camping-style food options and on occasions, they will be provided by our accommodation providers onsite. Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean-up, and vehicle unpacking/loading as it’s a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
A minimum level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 1km to 2km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests.
Where do we stay on tour?
Guests will stay at the famous Cooinda Lodge Kakadu located Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT 0822. We offer two different accommodation styles, the Lodge Room fares (codes KR2-S, KR2-P): and Outback Retreat Glamping Tent fares (code KR2-B).
What is the minimum number of passengers required in order to operate?
A minimum of eight people is required to operate our 2-Day Kakadu Tours. We will transfer all monies paid on a future departure date if your departure is cancelled due to insufficient passenger numbers.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
We ask that guests travelling on short break/extended tours bring small soft overnight bags and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Large suitcases and oversized luggage can be left at your hotel whilst you are on tour.
Are National Park fees included in the tour cost?
Autopia Tours includes Parks Australia fees within the tour price, this covers our guests for a 2-Day access to Kakadu National Parks. Park Passes are not available for purchase by guests not traveling onboard our tours.
Is it safe to travel in Australia’s outback? (Acceptance of Risk)
Australia is home to many dangerous creatures, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority, and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard Autopia Tours. In the Top End, children must be at least 6 years old for day trips and 8 years old for overnight tours. Children under the age of 18 must always be accompanied by an adult, legal guardian, or caregiver. Despite all care being taken, the responsibility for children on tour lies entirely with their parents or caregivers. Passengers, including children, must wear shoes, sunscreen, and hats at all times.
Do I require travel insurance for the Top End?
It is highly recommended that all passengers have personal travel insurance, given we’re exploring remote parts of the Northern Territory with limited access to health professionals in the event of sickness or injury. Autopia Tours is not authorised to provide information on the type of plan or policy options available. This can be provided by an accredited local travel agent or from your preferred insurance company.
What is the temperature like in the Northern Territory?
The weather in the Top End of the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius with high humidity in the dry season and temperatures can drop dramatically in the evening. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
