Tour overview

This 3-day tour from Darwin explores Kakadu National Park, a vast World Heritage Area of wetlands, escarpments and ancient rock art, and ventures into Western Arnhem Land, Aboriginal-owned country that few visitors are permitted to enter. An experienced driver-guide leads the way, with Aboriginal guides in Arnhem Land. You travel by air-conditioned coach and 4WD and stay two nights at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, an Indigenous-owned hotel built in the shape of a crocodile, with a shaded pool and garden courtyard. Lunch is included each day, along with your Kakadu National Park ticket.

Leaving Darwin, you travel along the Arnhem Highway past the major river systems and wetlands of the Top End, home to crocodiles, buffalo and vast flocks of birds. Kakadu, about 257km east of Darwin, covers 20,000 square kilometres, from the rocky escarpment of the Arnhem Land plateau to tidal flats and monsoon forest, and has been home to Aboriginal people for more than 65,000 years.

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On the second day you climb into a 4WD vehicle and cross into Western Arnhem Land and the Mikinj Valley, a landscape of forests, sandstone outcrops, escarpments, floodplains and billabongs. With local guides you visit places inaccessible to most travellers, including ancient rock art sites, and learn about the culture, history and connection to country of the traditional owners.

On your final morning you explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, climbing through rock art galleries believed to be up to 20,000 years old to a lookout over the floodplains. You then join the Guluyambi cultural cruise on the East Alligator River, where Aboriginal guides share stories, bush food and hunting traditions as you watch for crocodiles along the banks, before returning to Darwin.

The physical rating is medium, with short climbs, heat and humidity. This short tour suits travellers who want to experience the landscapes, wildlife and living culture of the Top End with expert guides. Departures run in the dry season, when roads into Arnhem Land are open. Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat and insect repellent. Swimming is not safe in Kakadu's waterways because of crocodiles. Bring binoculars for birdwatching.

Trip highlights

  • Wetlands along the Arnhem Highway (Day 1)
  • A night in the crocodile-shaped hotel (Day 1)
  • 4WD into Western Arnhem Land (Day 2)
  • Ancient rock art in the Mikinj Valley (Day 2)
  • The Ubirr galleries and lookout (Day 3)
  • The Guluyambi cultural cruise (Day 3)

Your route

5 stops from Darwin to Ubirr

3-day route: Darwin – Kakadu – Arnhem Land – Ubirr – Darwin
  1. Darwin Days 1 & 3
  2. Yellow Water Billabong Day 1
  3. Kakadu National Park Days 1–2
  4. Arnhem Land Day 2
  5. Ubirr Day 3

Why choose this tour

Access to Arnhem Land, Aboriginal-owned country few visitors see. Rock art, wildlife and a cultural cruise in three days.

Best suited to

  • Culture and history lovers
  • Wildlife lovers
  • Travellers short on time
  • Families with children aged 5 and over
Magpie geese on a wetland

Day-by-day itinerary

3 days from Darwin, Australia to Darwin, Australia

  1. Day 1 · Arnhem Highway, Kakadu National Park Darwin to Kakadu

    Wetlands and escarpment.

    Hotel
    Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
    Meals
    Lunch
  2. Day 2 · Western Arnhem Land, Mikinj Valley Arnhem Land

    A 4WD day to ancient rock art.

    Hotel
    Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
    Meals
    Lunch
  3. Day 3 · Ubirr, East Alligator River, Darwin Kakadu to Darwin

    Rock art galleries and a cultural cruise.

    Meals
    Lunch
A saltwater crocodile on a riverbank

Where you stay

  • Kakadu National Park (2 nights) Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 2 nights in a hotel in Kakadu
  • Meals 3 lunches
  • Air-conditioned coach and 4WD touring in Arnhem Land
  • Kakadu National Park entry ticket
  • Western Arnhem Land and Mikinj Valley rock art
  • Ubirr rock art galleries
  • Guluyambi cultural cruise
  • Experienced driver-guide

Not included

  • Flights
  • Meals not included 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • Breakfasts and dinners
  • Optional activities
  • Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
Rock formations in the Northern Territory

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You dislike heat and humidity
  • You want a longer stay in Kakadu
  • You want many meals included
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: none included · Lunch: Days 1–3 · Dinner: none included
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Australia
A waterfall in the Top End

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £1,019 per person, twin share, tour only. 152 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Can anyone visit Arnhem Land?

Access is by permit only. Visits on this tour are arranged with the traditional owners.

When does the tour run?

In the dry season, roughly May to September, when roads into Arnhem Land are open.

Is the park ticket included?

Yes, the Kakadu National Park entry ticket is included.

Do I need a visa?

UK visitors need an electronic travel authority for Australia.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 5.

How many people travel together?

Up to 20 travellers in the Arnhem Land 4WD, with a driver-guide.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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