Day 1

Starts in Darwin at 7.30am or Darwin Airport at 8.00am. A fabulous introduction to Kakadu’s wetlands today. Our first walk is at Fogg Dam wetlands where you’ll get your first look at the wonderful diversity of bird life in the Top End. Next stop is the informative Window on the Wetlands Centre where you can learn about plant, bird and animal life in the wetlands. Today’s afternoon walk is at another wetland in the Kakadu World Heritage Area called Mamukala. We finish the day with a scenic drive to view the Ranger Uranium Mine - no doubt sparking lots of debate! Accommodation: Jabiru (Kakadu)

Day 2

Today begins with a cruise on the East Alligator River, one of the huge northern rivers that forms a boundary with Arnhem Land. The tour is 100% Aboriginal owned and operated and you’ll learn about traditional survival skills and see a lot of wildlife including crocodiles. Next we’ll do a scenic circuit walk through sandstone country that features unusual rock formations. The walk follows the East Alligator River and then a smaller tributary for much of the way. The final walk for the day is at Ubirr where a 1km circuit walk showcases several fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites. There’s also an optional rock scramble to a lookout for expansive views over the Nadab floodplain. Accommodation: Jabiru (Kakadu)

Day 3

Our final Kakadu walk is in the Nourlangie Rock area, beginning with some stunning Aboriginal Art Sites. We then continue on the challenging Barrk Walk through remote sandstone country. This hike offers spectacular views of the Kakadu escarpment, culminating in a visit to the Nanguluwurr Gallery art site, far away from the tourist crowds (easier option available). Next we head south for a scenic boardwalk at Yellow Waters billabong before travelling on to historic Pine Creek for the night. Accommodation: Pine Creek

Day 4

After a one hour drive south we’ll spend the day in the Edith Falls section of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). The harder walk option will be on a section of the long distance Jatbula Trail to Sweetwater Pool. This trail follows the route travelled by generations of Jawoyn Aboriginal people to access the escarpment country. A shorter option to the halfway point of Long Hole Pool will also be offered. There are a couple of excellent swimming options in the pristine river today. And at the end of the walk there’s a series of large swimming holes with the impressive Edith Falls plummeting into the refreshing waters. Accommodation: Katherine

Day 5

Today we head south for a day trip to the Mataranka area for a fabulous walk to Mataranka Falls - one of our all time favourites. Two large rivers meet here and there are waterfalls and picture-perfect pools to swim in. The afternoon walk follows the river upstream to the Mataranka thermal pool. This fabulous day culminates with the amazing Bitter Springs where you can float downstream in a warm, crystal-clear stream. Accommodation: Katherine

Day 6

We’ll spend all of today in the Katherine Gorge section of Nitmiluk National Park. Our chosen route parallels the mighty river, dropping down to the banks for a refreshing swim from time to time. The harder option includes the Baruwei Walk, Butterfly Gorge and Southern waterhole (easier option available). If you prefer, you could do a cruise on the river (which we find a bit touristy) or go kayaking (at own expense). Accommodation: Katherine

Day 7

Today we head northwards to Litchfield National Park. There’s a photo stop to see massive termite mounds as well as two walks this afternoon. The first is to a viewing point over Tolmer Falls. The second is to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the park, Wangi Falls. There will be time for a swim in the delightful waterhole at the falls. Accommodation: Batchelor (the gateway to Litchfield)

Day 8

A choice of walks today. The harder, longer option is a section of the long distance Tabletop Track from Walker Creek to Florence Falls. This is remote, challenging walking and a dip in the pool below Florence Falls will be a welcome end to the hike. The easier option will include a visit to historic Bamboo Creek Tin Mine (1.5km, easy), and a swamp area that has many water birds. Then there’s a walk from Florence Falls to Buley Rockhole with plenty of time for swimming en route. Accommodation: Batchelor

Day 9

There are still plenty of Litchfield highlights today, starting with a walk to Tjaetaba Falls. Next is the fabulous Cascades and what a fitting finale it is! The track passes by a series of secluded water holes with cascading waters tumbling over boulders into crystal clear pools. The circuit walk takes you to the Upper Cascades away from the crowds for your final swim. An easier option of walking to the Lower Cascades is also available as our final national park trek. After lunch, we’ll travel back to Darwin, to arrive at about 5.00pm.