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4-Day Fully Guided Tour

Welcome to Top End

Bursting with waterfalls, aboriginal history and breathtaking landscapes, the Northern Territory is not to be missed. Spend four days swimming in pristine waterholes, spotting wild crocs and exploring the best National Parks in the Top End.

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Over 4,000 Reviews

📆

4 Days / 3 Nights

Tour Length

📍

Darwin → Darwin

Start & End

🗺️

Fully Guided

Travel Style

👥

Max 16 People

Group Size

🎂

18 - 39

Traveller Age

🍕

Dietary Needs

Included

Your Travel Route

Emily was fantastic

Lottie

|

Aug 2023

Emily was fantastic at welcoming us all to Darwin and made time for us all throughout the entire trip! Her energy set the tone for the trip which would not have been the same without her!

Welcome to Top End Review

Rish

|

Aug 2023

Shout out to Em, the best WTT host I could have asked for my first WTT trip. She made sure that I felt at home, always checked in with me to make this Indian guy comfortable with the Brits and Europeans.

Emily was fantastic

Erin

|

Aug 2023

Emily was such a good host. She welcomed us all to Darwin and made time for every single one of us throughout the trip! This was a part of Australia that I never thought I’d get to see, but Welcome to Travel made it so easy to do!

5.0

Over 4,000 Reviews

Top Experiences

Pinnacles Desert

Walk among thousands of ancient limestone spires rising straight out of golden sand. Best at sunrise or sunset, when the shadows stretch long and the whole desert glows.

Pink Lake, Port Gregory

See a lake that’s actually pink. Algae and high salinity turn Hutt Lagoon a surreal bubblegum colour, especially striking from above or in full sun.

Kalbarri Skywalk & Nature's Window

Stand on a glass-edged platform 100m above the Murchison River gorge, then frame the view through the natural rock arch at Nature’s Window. Two lookouts, one unforgettable stop.

Shell Beach, Western Australia - Welcome-to-Travel
Shell Beach, Shark Bay

A beach made entirely of tiny white shells, piled metres deep and stretching for kilometres. One of only two beaches like it in the world.

Hamelin Pool Stromatolites

Walk the boardwalk over living fossils older than the dinosaurs. These ancient microbial structures are some of the earliest life forms on Earth, still growing today.

Coral Bay & Ningaloo Reef

Snorkel straight off the beach into a reef bursting with colour. Coral Bay puts Ningaloo’s marine life – turtles, rays, reef sharks – just metres from the shore.

Cape Range National Park & Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Rugged gorges meet turquoise water. Explore the canyons of Cape Range, then catch sunset from the lighthouse where red cliffs drop straight into the Indian Ocean.

Karijini National Park

Descend into deep red gorges, swim in hidden waterholes and stand under waterfalls carved through 2-billion-year-old rock. Karijini is the Pilbara at its most dramatic.

Corroboree Billabong Cruise
We’re going croc spotting! Cruise the wetlands of the Mary River, keeping your eyes peeled for salties and wildlife in every direction.
Cahill's Crossing
This is a nail-biting road crossing, with crocs lurking at the water’s edge but one of the best spots to see salties in the wild.
Ubirr Rock Art
Spot ancient aboriginal art at Ubirr, then a short climb rewards you with sweeping panoramic views across Arnhem Land.
Maguk & Moline Rockhole
Get ready to swim in not one but two hidden swimming holes, well worth the short forest walk to these secluded swimming spots.
Katherine Gorge Cruise
Hop aboard a guided cruise through Katherin Gorge, towering cliffs rise on either side to create a spectacular landscape.
Edith Falls
A waterfall with swimming spots at the top and the bottom – the question is where will you swim first?
Litchfield National Park
Explore Litchfield’s magnetic termite mounds, then cool off at not one but three croc-free swimming spots.
Mindil Beach Markets

Finish your adventure with an optional visit to Darwin’s famous Mindil Beach Markets, known for its sunset views. Come hungry.

Wildlife Encounter

Spot Saltwater Crocodiles on the Mary River

Get close to one of the Top End's most iconic predators

The NT is the place to see Saltwater Crocs, so you’ll be cruising the wetlands of the Corroboree Billabong to see them in their natural habitat. 

Where You'll Stay

Rustic camps, front-row seats to the Top End's wildest landscapes

Forget hotel rooms – this tour beds down in comfortable, permanent tented camps across three of the Top End’s most iconic national parks, each with powered tents and shared facilities. Here’s where you’ll rest your head each night.

Kakadu Exclusive Camp

Spend your first night at an exclusive camp deep in Kakadu National Park, with permanent, powered tents and shared facilities. A comfortable base surrounded by the sounds of the bush after a big day of crocs and rock art.

Camp Katherine

Your second night is spent at Camp Katherine, in permanent, powered tents with shared facilities. A relaxed overnight stop after cruising Katherine Gorge, with plenty of time to unwind before day four.

Camp Litchfield Tourist Park

Your final night is spent at Camp Litchfield Tourist Park, again in permanent, powered tents with shared facilities. A comfortable stay close to waterfalls and swimming holes, ready for your last day of exploring before heading back to Darwin.

Your Top End Itinerary

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Crocs, Rock Art & Arnhem Land Views

Darwin → Kakadu

An early start as we leave Darwin at 6.30am. We head East along the Arnhem Highway and quickly see the expansive floodplains. After crossing the Adelaide River, we head to another water system the Mary River and Corroborree Billabong which has the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world. Your guide on the hour-long cruise we spot all the ‘salties’ in their natural habitat, but also point out and discuss the immense array of birdlife in the region. Join a wildlife tour on the Mary River wetlands, see crocodiles and prolific birdlife in their natural environment.

Shortly afterwards we’ll arrive at Kakadu National Park. We’ll head towards the fringes of East Alligator River to Cahill’s Crossing for a filling lunch, before moving onto Ubirr with some of the best examples of Northern Australian rock art. We’ll also clamber up along the path to the top which has amazing views in all directions, overlooking the Nardab Floodplains, the East Alligator River and across to the escarpment country to Arnhem Land.

We’ll overnight in our exclusive camp in Kakadu’s ‘capital city; Jabiru.

Additional Information

  • The tour starts in Darwin at 6:30am
  • The total driving time today is ~4 hours / ~350km
  • The total walking time today is ~1.5 hours
Corrobboree Billabong Cruise
Crocodiles
Ubirr Rock
exclusive camp
1 Lunch
1 Dinner

Hidden Waterholes of Kakadu

Kakadu → Nitmiluk

We have it all in front of us today! After some breakfast at camp, we pack up and head South through Kakadu National Park to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). You’ll need your walking boots as you trek about 1 km along the (mostly) dry river through a paperbark forest to the gorge and waterhole. The water is super deep but refreshing. Chill out in the clear water, while taking in the surrounding pandanis and rustic cliff walls that have remained unchanged for thousands of years. It’s a special place!

We head back to our 4WD and on to our next stop which includes short walk through the woodlands to Bukbukluk Lookout. We’ve earned another refreshing break this afternoon, so our next visit is to Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole). This is a special permit area at a smaller but equally impressive waterhole. We depart Kakadu National Park, and head towards Nitmiluk National Park, home of the majestic Katherine River. This evening, we enjoy the sunset views over the Katherine River, before settling in at our camp.

Additional Information

  • The total driving time today is ~4 hours / ~360km
  • The total walking time today is ~2 hours
Maguk
Ikoymarrwa
Camp Katherine
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner

Gorges, Cruises & Sunset Camps

Nitmiluk → Litchfield

This morning, enjoy a 2-hour cruise in the stunning Katherine Gorge, or alternatively take in the view of the gorge along one of the many river escarpment walks that Nitmiluk National Park has to offer. We head through the town of Katherine and to our next stop for the day, Edith Falls. A perfect location for a picnic lunch followed by a swim. If you choose, there’s an opportunity to hike to one of the top pools, or just relax in the expansive bottom plunge pool.

We drive North along the Stuart Highway passing through the outback towns of Adelaide River and Pine Creek, before overnighting at our exclusive camp on the fringe of Litchfield National Park.

Additional Information

  • The total driving time today is ~4 hours / ~330km
  • The total walking time today is ~1.5 hours
Nitnit Two-Gorge Cruise
Edith Falls
Camp Litchfield Tourist Park
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner

Waterfalls, Termite Mounds & a Darwin Send-Off

Litchfield → Darwin

Let’s explore Litchfield National Park! There’s lot to do and only one day to do it all. Your guide will show you the majestic cathedral and magnetic termite mounds that are throughout the region. There’s a multitude of swimming opportunities such as Buley Rock holes, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls all very different but beautiful in their own way. It’s a place to enjoy and relax, know the all waterholes are croc-free. Return to Darwin in time for the Mindil beach markets at approximately 4pm.

Additional Information

  • The total driving time today is ~3 hours / ~200km
  • The total walking time today is ~1 hour
  • The tour finishes in Darwin at ~4pm
Buley Rockholes
Florence Falls
Wangi Falls
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch

Tour Inclusions

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  • Corrobboree Billabong Cruise
  • Ubirr Rock Art
  • Maguk (Barramundi Falls)
  • Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole)
  • Nitnit Two-Gorge Cruise
  • Edith Falls
  • Buley Rockholes
  • Florence Falls
  • Wangi Falls
  • 1 night @ Kakadu Exclusive Camp - permanent, powered tents with shared facilities
  • 1 night @ Camp Katherine - permanent, powered tents with shared facilities
  • 1 night @ Camp Litchfield Tourist Park - permanent, powered tents with shared facilities
  • Stay and travel as one group, start to finish
  • Professional Driver and Tour Guide
  • Kakadu National Park Pass
  • Nitmiluk National Park Pass
  • Litchfield National Park Pass
  • All-terrain vehicle
  • Corrobboree Billabong Cruise
  • Nitnit Two-Gorge Cruise
  • 3 Breakfasts
  • 4 Lunches
  • 3 Dinners

Dietary Requirements

  • Suitable for vegetarians & vegans
  • Gluten free options available

As seen on tour

Tried, Tested & Loved By Our Community

Get set for real adventure and to connect with nature at Litchfield National Park. At just over an hour from Darwin, it's every local's favourite day trip with its waterfalls and water holes, bush walks, four-wheel drive tracks, birds and wildlife.
Ubirr
Visitors sitting in the rock pool at Buley Rockhole.Get set for real adventure and to connect with nature at Litchfield National Park. At just over an hour from Darwin, it's every local's favourite day trip with its waterfalls and water holes, bush walks, four-wheel drive tracks, birds and wildlife.
atantmaryriver 2
Previously known as Barramundi Gorge, Maguk is a gorgeous swimming hole of crystal clear water that is fed by a waterfall. ..To get here you will need to take your four-wheel drive offroad, and then take a short hike before you will get to the gorge. It is a 14 km drive from Cooinda, 12km of which is offroad, and a 2km return hike.
Visitors walking to Florence Falls.Get set for real adventure and to connect with nature at Litchfield National Park. At just over an hour from Darwin, it's every local's favourite day trip with its waterfalls and water holes, bush walks, four-wheel drive tracks, birds and wildlife.
Ubirr is one of Kakadu National Park
Located in Litchfield National Park, the spectacular Florence Falls cascade into a plunge pool, set in a pocket of monsoon forest.
Be drawn to the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with spectacular cliffs that glow in the changing light.Nitmiluk National Park, just 30km north-east of Katherine, covers a vast area, including 13 impressive gorges carved from the ancient sandstone country which stretch for as far as the eye can see.
Ubirr 2
Maguk Barramundi Gorge Kakadu National Park 2
kakadu-national-park-group-photo-Welcome-to-travel
Group Young Travellers Kakadu Sign Welcome to Northern Territory - Welcome to Travel
kakadu-national-park-waterfall-cliff-jumping-Welcome-to-travel

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Officially for all ages, but specifically catered towards anyone aged 18-39 who wants to see Australia properly. Whether you’re on a Working Holiday Visa, travelling as a tourist or just looking for the adventure of a lifetime, this tour is built for people who want to explore more of Australia then just the East Coast.

Yes! Your guide will also be your driver for your time on tour. They’ll be there to bring the vibes, share their expert knowledge on the area and make sure you know what you’re doing. This is a fully guided group tour.

This tour runs a little bit differently and is run by our local trusted partner in the area. Group dynamics change for every departure, so while there’s a good chance you’ll be traveling alongside other Welcome to Travellers, it isn’t guaranteed. Not to worry though, we’ve done a strong vibe test, so if you’ve loved our tours, you’ll love this tour too!

Absolutely! This tour is designed for solo travellers so you’ll meet other backpackers wanting to explore more of Australia just like you. Your guide is there to help bring the group together and make sure everyone on the tour is having a great time!

We’ve partnered with our expert local partners to bring you the best group experience to explore further afield in Australia. The guys here are total experts, they know these places like the back of their hands, so you’ll be with the best people to explore this stunning part of Australia.

All your accommodations, heaps of amazing activities and some meals are included in the tour. Please check the itinerary above for more details.

Group trips work best when everyone chips in and helps along the way. Your guide will be in charge of all the important stuff, but when you’re cooking meals as a group, you’ll likely be asked to help with the cooking and washing up as you go. And other small tasks to help keep everything running smoothly – it’s a great way to bond with the group and make memories along the way.

These are active tours so a basic level of fitness will make it much more enjoyable! You don’t need to be an athlete but happy to walk/hike comfortably for 5-10km on a range of terrain and weather. Please check the itinerary above for more details of the tour and expected walking distances.

Please get in touch by emailing [email protected] to discuss any accessibility requirements, and we can chat through accessibility specifics for you and your tour choice and adapt as required where possible. We’d love to help you explore more of Australia.

You’ll meet in Darwin’s city centre bright and early on your first morning. As it’s such an early start, we highly recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the city of Darwin and be ready for your early morning pick up.

We’re spending four days exploring the best National Parks of the NT, so while this tour begins and ends in Darwin we don’t have much time exploring the city on tour. On our final day, you’ll have time to visit the famous Mindil Markets in Darwin but if you’d like more time for the city, plan an extra day or two.
You’ll be in the best place to see Saltwater Crocs in Australia plus lots of birdlife and wildlife along the way. You can even spot wild buffalo in the Northern Territory, so keep your eyes peeled you never know what you might see.
Absolutely not! All your swimming spots are away from the Saltwater Crocodiles – we really don’t want you swimming with the crocs! Your guide will make sure every swim spot is safe before you enter the water.
The terrain is more varied in the National Parks and to some of the more secluded swimming spots, so come with a good pair of trainers and a sense of adventure and you’ll be fine! But the rewards are so worth it, beautiful spots that feel like true hidden gems.

Absolutely! We’re happy to help get you some extra nights organised. Get in touch with the community team by emailing [email protected] and we’d be happy to help book extra nights before and after your tour.

We can! We cater for vegetarians, vegan and gluten free – if you have more specific dietary requirements please let us know.

Nope! These are included in your tour price, so there’ll be no hidden extras along the way.

Payments plans are on request and depend on a few factors including how soon your trip is. If you’d like to set up a payment plan to book your tour, please reach out at [email protected] to see what options are available.

You’ll need to organise your own transport to arrive on time for your tour as unfortunately flights are pretty much the only thing we can’t book! We always suggest checking budget airline Jetstar or Virgin Airlines for the cheapest flights.

As you’ll be travelling to some remote parts of Australia, phone coverage can be patchy – we recommend letting friends and family know of your adventure, and then send them all the photos at the end of your travels. Your guide will have a satellite phone for emergencies.

You’ll be exploring more remote parts of the country on this tour, and much more remote than the East Coast. Medical care can be limited, therefore if you have any medical conditions or specific medication that needs additional requirements (e.g. needs to be kept cool) please let us know.

This is glamping in the outback! You’ll stay in a permanently set up tent complete with twin beds, mattress and sleeping bag. These are shared with someone else in the group, but you’ll always be paired with someone of the same gender.

This is all to do with the seasons, the tropical northern part of Australia has a wet season and a dry season, and in the Northern Territory, the wet season is very wet! For your enjoyment (and to make sure the roads are accessible) our Top End tour only operates in the dry season.

From May to October every year, expect sunny days and humid weather perfect for exploring the Northern Territory’s best waterfalls, lush landscapes and aboriginal history. 

From November to April each year. Expect rainy days, tropical storms and impassable roads – so for everyone’s safety and comfort our Top End tour runs during the dry season only.

Absolutely! This is your chance to tick off another Australian state with a great group of likeminded backpackers and a guide who’ll be with you the whole way. A well-planned itinerary, a great group, and genuinely good value – it doesn’t get much better than that.

With all your accommodation included, transport in a private mini-bus and an expert guide every step of the way, this tour is great value for money. When travelling to more remote parts of Australia a group tour always offers the best value.

Your accommodation, transport and most meals are already included so you may want some spending money for souvenirs and snacks and drinks along the way. You can see all the included meals above.

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