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Darwin Hiking

Our most recommended Darwin Hiking

From Darwin: Kakadu Wilderness Escape Day Tour

1. From Darwin: Kakadu Wilderness Escape Day Tour

Discover the spectacular Kakadu National Park for its exceptional natural and cultural values. Visit the infamous Cahills Crossing to safely spot saltwater crocodiles, explore the floodplains of Ubirr, go to Fogg Dam Conservation Centre and the Bowali Visitor Centre. Leave tropical Darwin, traveling through the rich floodplains towards Kakadu National Park, a 20,000 square kilometer area, teeming with wildlife, important Aboriginal rock art sites, and diverse landscapes. Make an optional stop at the Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River, or visit the Fogg Dam Conservation Centre. See the traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people (who are active in the reserve's management) to explore the diverse wildlife of the Top End, home to numerous species of birds, turtles, water pythons, and of course, the iconic Saltwater Crocodile. Go to the Bowali Visitor Centre and learn more about this special place's rich indigenous culture and history. Visit the famous Cahills Crossing searching for crocodiles at this eye-opening stretch of water, the only road access point between Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Visit the World Heritage-listed, sacred site Ubirr rock art, home to some of the oldest and best-preserved rock art galleries in the world dating back some 20,000 years, and discover the hidden secrets with a guided walk.

Darwin: Kakadu National Park Cultural Day Tour with Lunch

2. Darwin: Kakadu National Park Cultural Day Tour with Lunch

Travel from Darwin to Kakadu on a day trip exploring the best of Kakadu National Park. See ancient rock art, unique plants, and wildlife, and spectacular bush views as you drive, walk and cruise through Kakadu. After pickup from your Darwin hotel, enter Kakadu National Park, and travel to Ubirr Rock, the site of some of the world’s oldest rock art. Join your guide on an interpretative walk through ancient rock galleries, and hear about the history and culture of the traditional custodians. There are plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, but the pace is slow, with plenty of stops to discuss the rock art and the history of those who painted it. Stop at Nadab Lookout for amazing 360-degree views over the wetlands of the Nadab floodplains, before continuing to East Alligator River. A descendant of the traditional owners will join you for a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River. The River which divides Kakadu and Arnhem Land is home to some of the region’s largest saltwater crocodiles. Feel honored to be invited onto Arnhem Land shores to see a cultural demonstration of how the Bininj people work with the waterways to this day. The Guluyambi cultural cruise is a great opportunity to hear about the area, history, and culture directly from the land's traditional custodians. During your Kakadu day trip there is a stop for a picnic lunch and at the end of the day, get dropped off back at your Darwin hotel.

From Darwin: Kakadu National Park Full Day Tour

3. From Darwin: Kakadu National Park Full Day Tour

Join a group tour perfect for families, groups, and adventure-seekers alike and spend a full day exploring the Kakadu National Park in an air-conditioned minibus to view the park's incredible landscape and ancient Aboriginal rock art.    Enjoy your journey into Kakadu National Park, the largest National Park in Australia, with a professional guide who will lead you to 3-4 of the most amazing sites and overlooks that the 20,000-square-kilometer protected site has to offer. Visit the Fogg Dam Conservation Centre as your first stop. These traditional lands are of the Limilngan-Wulna people, who are active in the reserve's management, and are home to some of the most spectacular places to explore the diverse wildlife of the Top End. Keep an eye out for numerous species of birds, turtles, water pythons, and of course, the iconic saltwater crocodile. Choose the optional Jumping Croc Cruise on the iconic Adelaide River to get a closer look at the gigantic saltwater crocodile. Hear stories and information about the art's formation, history, animals, and ancient inhabitants. After arriving at each site or overlook, you will have plenty of time to explore and capture memories in photographs.

From Darwin: Katherine Gorge Cruise and Edith Falls Tour

4. From Darwin: Katherine Gorge Cruise and Edith Falls Tour

Explore one of Top End's most beautiful natural attractions at Nitmiluk National Park. Relax on a scenic boat cruise through Katherine Gorge, followed by a visit to Edith Falls. Depart Darwin in the early morning and travel south along the Stuart Highway through the townships of Adelaide River and Pine Creek. Take in the views of native flora and fauna, endemic to the Northern Territory region, as your guide provides historical and cultural commentary throughout the trip. Then board the Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) boat cruise, where you will journey along the river surrounded by stunning cliffs measuring up to 70m high, with the sun’s natural lighting providing ever-changing colors throughout the landscape and rock formations.  Hear about the culture and stories of the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people of Katherine, as you are guided through this wonderful area before you disembark. Visit the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre to learn more about the history of the local area. Then, head towards the picturesque Edith Falls (Leliyn) area where you can take a refreshing dip in the huge natural plunge pool or relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings, before your relaxing journey back to Darwin city center.

Darwin: 5-Day 4WD Kakadu Litchfield Tour & Billabong Cruise

5. Darwin: 5-Day 4WD Kakadu Litchfield Tour & Billabong Cruise

Discover the wonders of the Northern Territory Top End and Kakadu National Park as you embark on an adventurous 5-day 4WD expedition. See the best-kept collection of Aboriginal rock art, traverse across wetlands, admire waterfalls, cool off in a natural plunge pool, and uncover magnificent lookout views. Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu Travel to the floodplains of the Mary River. Continue to Kakadu National Park in Jabiru, where you'll be spending the next two nights. Go to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Visit Ubirr Sunset to see the best-preserved collection of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world and be blown away by the lookout views over the Nadab Floodplains. Day 2: Jabiru Return Visit either the Jim Jim or Twin Falls Waterfall (seasonal access permitting) situated at the bottom of an adventurous 4WD road. Partake in an Aboriginal cultural experience. Stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center and explore the culture of Kakadu. Day 3: Jabiru - Pine Creek Start at one of the best sunrise spots in the park, the Nawurlandja Lookout, before breakfast at Anabangbang Billabong. Discover Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock which houses fantastic Aboriginal Rock Art of the Bininj at the Anabangbang Gallery. Head up to Kunwarddewardde Lookout for incredible views of Kakadu’s Escarpment. A 4WD track awaits, as you travel south to the plunge pool of Maguk one of the most pristine waterfalls in Kakadu. After a 2km walk, head towards Pine Creek to relax and enjoy the local hospitality. Day 4: Pine Creek - Darwin Visit either Edith Falls or Butterfly Gorge for exploration and swimming (seasonal access permitting). Stop at Adelaide River on your way back to Darwin. Go to the Heritage-Listed Adelaide River War Cemetery and explore the impact WWII had on the area. Afterward, the vibrant Mindil Markets await, where you can grab some local food and watch the sunset. Day 5: Darwin - Litchfield Return Explore Litchfield National Park and experience thick pockets of tropical rainforest. Hop on the iconic Jumping Crocodile Cruise (optional extra) along the Adelaide River. Alternatively, visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. See the incredible monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds, before cooling off in one of the natural plunge pools such as Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls. Visit the thundering Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls and marvel at the sheer beauty carved out amongst the rocky escarpment.

From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Outback Group Trip with Meals

6. From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Outback Group Trip with Meals

Explore Kakadu National Park with this small group tour from Darwin. See the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world, visit waterfalls, and cruise through wetlands on this unique experience. Day 1: Depart from Darwin and head out to the floodplains of the Mary River to board a Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise. Take in the views as you sail to Kakadu. Get an introduction to the park's landscape at the Bowali Visitor Center. Head to your accommodation to relax for a bit before going out to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem land where you can spot crocodiles in the East Alligator River. See the Ubirr rock art as the sun sets over the Nadab Floodplain. Day 2: Partake in an exclusive aboriginal cultural experience. Hike out to Jim Jim or Twin falls and enjoy the shady monsoon forest. Stop for a hearty picnic lunch. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center learn about the culture and management of Kakadu. Day 3: Begin bright and early to catch the sunrise at one of the best sunrise spots in the park, the Nawurlandja Lookout. Have a delicious breakfast at Anabangbang Billabong. Discover Burrungkuy Rock which houses some of Bininj Aborigional rock art. Drive up to Kunwarddewardde Lookout for incredible views of Kakadu’s Escarpment. Travel south and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of the pristine waterfall Maguk. Travel back to your accommodation in Pine Creek to relax. Day 4: Explore and swim at Edith Falls or Butterfly Gorge, where you can cool off in the clear water. Start the return trip to Darwin with a stop at Adelaide River, a town steeped in history. Learn about the impact of World War II at the Adelaide River War Cemetery.

From Darwin: Kakadu Park 3-Day Cultural Rock Art Tour

7. From Darwin: Kakadu Park 3-Day Cultural Rock Art Tour

Day 1 Journey through Ancient Rock Art Galleries Starting the day being picked up from your accommodation in Darwin, we will first visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. A beautiful spot with a variety of monsoon and floodplain habitats to view. From here we will stop off for lunch before heading to our next destination, Ubirr. This unique rock art gallery is one of Kakadu's most famous spots. Ubirr rock art is considered some of the best in the world, featuring x-ray painting and Important food animals. The top of Ubirr features 360 degree views across floodplains. Finishing the day with the Guluyambi cultural cruise. Disembark on the Arnhem Land side of the river and be treated to a display of traditional hunting and gathering implements before heading back down stream. We will then stop off at the Injalak Art Border Store where you are able view and purchase traditional art. Arriving at your accommodation your guide will check you into your rooms where you will be on your own time for dinner. Day 2 Hike and Explore Kakadu! Begin the day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on our first activity of the morning, a beautiful hike through the bush (3.4 km return) taking us to Nanguluwurr rock art site. This hidden gem is a magical place where you can see powerful depictions of ancestral spirits, animals, and the fascinating early depiction of contact between Aboriginal people and Europeans in the form of a two-masted sailing ship with anchor chain. Followed by a hot lunch at Anbangbang billabong before we head to our next location for the day, Burrungkuy. This rock art gallery is a must visit spot within Kakadu. From its rich history painted on the sandstone walls to the shaded rock shelters that give us a peek into what the life of the Bininj people might have been like. Our final stop of today is a short hike to Nawurlandja lookout which offers world-class views across Anbangbang Billabong to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) and the Arnhem Land escarpment. Arriving back at your accommodation you are once again on your own time for dinner. Day 3 Culture and Wildlife Experience Embark on the famous Yellow Water Billabong boat cruise. This 2 hour cruise is the perfect opportunity to view some of the Northern Territories wild and unique wildlife. This tour is fully guided and it is recommended you bring along a camera. Our next stop Warrajan Cultural Centre. Developed by the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu. The displays include artefacts that illustrate the stories that the traditional owners wish to share with visitors. The Centre mixes contemporary techniques – such as videos – to cover various subjects, ranging from personal histories to bush tucker. We will then sit down to a hot lunch before beginning our journey back to Darwin city with a quick stop at the Marrawuddi Arts and Culture centre where you will be able to view and purchase traditional art created by the Bininj people.

Frequently asked questions about Darwin

What are the best day trips and excursions from Darwin?

The best day trips and excursions from Darwin are:

Kakadu National Park

Other Sightseeing Options in Darwin

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What people are saying about Darwin

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 5 reviews

Our family of four had an amazing time today with Lee who was our incredibly informed and experienced guide for our 1 day tour of Kakadu. Lee shared a plethora of local knowledge gathered over years and his commentary, care for nature and ability to answer any question in depth was a highlight of the day. Ion the trip we made plenty of comfort stops and could buy from local roadhouses and water and a shared esky was provided. It was a long trip for one day and is really better experienced over three or more days. This was certainly a great introduction to the top end and Lee made it a highly educational and interactive experience, for example mid trip he stopped the bus, pointed out a grilled next lizard, caught it and brought it on the bud to show us! Highly recommend any tour with Lee as the guide! My questions were also answered quickly by emailing the company. We are now inspired to see much of the NT. Thanks Lee.

This is a great tour to see the rock art at Kakadu if you only have one day. Andrea was our guide and he was fantastic! He was extremely knowledgeable and explained what we were seeing for the whole trip, not just at the park. You learn a ton of information about the Northern Territory just on the drive to the park:) The rock art was amazing and the short hike was an easy walk. There is water to refill your bottle and a cooler for any food you have on the bus. Highly recommend 10/10

I think it was a really nice and interesting day filled with things to do and see. It was cool to see the landscapes, different types of trees, animals and rock formations. Dani was so lovely and really passionate about the area and what she was showing us. I’m really great full to have had the chance to go with her yesterday and to be told and have her explain the meaning behind the paintings, the ceremonies and some other fun fact about the different areas we were in.

Great trip. Very long day but great to see so much wildlife and learn about the area and see so much Indigenous art.

Dani was amazing! She was Informative, engaging, easy going, caring and a great bus driver! We all enjoyed it!