Australia: Kakadu Dreaming

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Australia's Northern Territory with the "Australia: Kakadu Dreaming" tour. This adventure begins in Darwin and takes you deep into the heart of Kakadu National Park, where you'll immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Pudakul and witness breathtaking sunsets from Ubirr lookout. Explore the stunning landscapes of Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, and Litchfield National Park, with opportunities to hike, swim in crystalline plunge pools, and marvel at ancient rock art. Visit the spectacular sandstone landscapes of Katherine Gorge and take a cruise to uncover its hidden wonders. In Litchfield, swim under the cascading Florence Falls and discover the enormous termite mounds. With guided tours, cultural experiences, and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring a memorable exploration of Australia's natural and cultural treasures.

Highlights
  • Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Pudakul in Kakadu National Park.
  • Hike to Ubirr lookout for a stunning sunset over the Nadab floodplain.
  • Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kakadu National Park.
  • Visit Edith Falls and the spectacular sandstone landscapes of Katherine Gorge.
  • Take a cruise to explore Katherine Gorge and spot ancient Aboriginal rock art.
  • Swim in the crystalline plunge pools at Katherine and under Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park.
  • Check out the enormous termite mounds in Litchfield National Park.
Mode of Transport
Travel by coach through the stunning landscapes of Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, and Litchfield National Park, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey between destinations.
Dining Summary
  • 4 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
Active
  • Kakadu National Park: Climb to the top and be rewarded with a sunset to rival the African savannas. You’ll half-expect a lion to walk into the frame!
Culture
  • Darwin: We’ll uncover the very best of this cultural hotspot, with a local guide on hand to answer all our burning questions.
  • Kakadu National Park: See the work of Aboriginal artists and craft-makers and learn more about the indigenous tribes.
  • Kakadu National Park: Some Aboriginal art on Nourlangie Rocks has been around for 20,000 years! It makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
FAQs
  • Sydney: Why does the itinerary use dual-names for locations (ie. Warrane/Sydney)? Contiki acknowledges the Traditional and Torres Strait Island owners of the land, sea and waters of the spectacular Australian continent. Dual-naming reflects that, as we explore this remarkable land, we recognise and respect Indigenous custodianship of a unique, ancient culture and country.
  • Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Nature
  • Katherine: Kick back and take a refreshing dip in the crystalline plunge pools, surrounded by monsoon forest. Pure bliss!
  • Litchfield National Park: One for the bucket list. Take it easy in the relaxing plunge pools, or swim under the cascading Florence Falls.
  • Litchfield National Park: Check out this weird but unmissable highlight at Litchfield National Park.
Included Experience
  • Darwin: We’ll uncover the very best of this cultural hotspot, with a local guide on hand to answer all our burning questions.
  • Kakadu National Park: Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Pudakul. Meet a local family in their home and learn about the significance of the Didgeridoo.
  • Kakadu National Park: Climb to the top and be rewarded with a sunset to rival the African savannas. You’ll half-expect a lion to walk into the frame!
  • Kakadu National Park: See the work of Aboriginal artists and craft-makers and learn more about the indigenous tribes.
  • Kakadu National Park: Some Aboriginal art on Nourlangie Rocks has been around for 20,000 years! It makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
  • Katherine: Kick back and take a refreshing dip in the crystalline plunge pools, surrounded by monsoon forest. Pure bliss!
  • Litchfield National Park: One for the bucket list. Take it easy in the relaxing plunge pools, or swim under the cascading Florence Falls.
  • Litchfield National Park: Check out this weird but unmissable highlight at Litchfield National Park.
Accommodation
Stay at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Contour Hotel Katherine, and Travelodge Resort Darwin or similar accommodations, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey in Australia's stunning national parks.
Scenic Flight
Optional scenic flight over the Northern Territory landscapes is not included.
Sunset Yellow Waters Cruise
Optional Sunset Yellow Waters cruise is not included.
Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Darwin are not included.
Destinations
  • Australasia
  • Australia
Tour Types
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Cultural
  • Sightseeing
  • Boat/Cruise Excursion
  • Wildlife Tours

Location: Kakadu National Park

Hello there, Australian explorers! Our trip begins this morning here in Darwin (Garramilla), where we'll get to know one another and then head out on our merry way to Kakadu. Watch out for the blazing scenery as we go! It's time to get to grips with the breathtaking landscapes of Kakadu National Park. We'll kick things off by meeting some local Indigenous people at their business, Pudakul. We'll be taken on an immersive cultural tour where we'll have the chance to learn and understand the local customs and traditions of the Aboriginal people of the region. It's an experience not to be missed. Fully immersed in these timeless lands we'll take a hike up to Ubirr lookout, to catch a stunning sunset over the Nadab floodplain before enjoying a free evening to chill out at our accommodation.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (or similar)

Meals: none

Location: Kakadu National Park

Cameras at the ready! We have all day today to explore the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding National Park. You'll have the option to see the unique terrain of the Northern Territory from the sky, gliding over the strikingly different landscapes on a scenic flight. You can then opt into a Sunset Yellow Waters cruise this evening, while learning why this region is so important to the local Aboriginal people.<br/>

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Katherine Gorge

More natural beauty in store today, as we start with a visit to Edith Falls before we head to the otherworldly Katherine Gorge. Welcome to the spectacular sandstone landscapes of Katherine Gorge. We'll have the opportunity to take a cruise and explore the world famous National Park, spotting waterfalls, ancient aboriginal rock art and of course the incredible gorge itself.<br/>

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Litchfield National Park

Our time in Katherine comes to an end today, but the departure is easier knowing we're headed for another natural wonder... Arriving in Litchfield National Park, we'll check out the enormous termite mounds and famous Florence Falls, two waterfalls pouring over a wide plateau into into deep, picture-perfect water holes. Grab your swimmers to take a heavenly dip in the crystal clear waters. Our final night. Time to make even more memories with your Contiki crew.<br/>

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: The Leea Resort Darwin (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Darwin

And after 24 magical, majestic, mythical days, our trip ends today after breakfast. It's been amazing, we've learnt things about ourselves, about the world and about each other... and something tells us this won't be the last time we see each other...<br/>

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • Meals
    -Daily breakfast is included.
  • Cultural Tour
    -Experience an immersive cultural tour with local Indigenous people at Pudakul.
  • Guided Tours
    -Guided tours of Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, and Litchfield National Park are included.
  • Hiking
    -Hike to Ubirr lookout for a stunning sunset over the Nadab floodplain.
  • Swimming
    -Swim in the crystalline plunge pools at Katherine and under the cascading Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park.
  • Transport
    -Travel by coach through the stunning landscapes of Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, and Litchfield National Park.

Not Included
  • Scenic Flight
    -Optional scenic flight over the Northern Territory landscapes is not included.
  • Sunset Yellow Waters Cruise
    -Optional Sunset Yellow Waters cruise is not included.
  • Personal Expenses
    -Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
  • Travel Insurance
    -Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
  • Flights
    -International and domestic flights to and from Darwin are not included.
Yes, there are optional activities such as a scenic flight over the Northern Territory landscapes and a Sunset Yellow Waters cruise.
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
Yes, you can swim in the crystalline plunge pools at Katherine and under the cascading Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park.
The tour visits several natural attractions including Ubirr lookout, Edith Falls, Katherine Gorge, and Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park.
The tour includes an immersive cultural tour with local Indigenous people at Pudakul in Kakadu National Park, where you will learn about Aboriginal customs and traditions.
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
You will stay at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Contour Hotel Katherine, and Travelodge Resort Darwin or similar accommodations.
The tour includes daily breakfast and one dinner.
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

Dates Price Availability
21-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1067.00
21-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Quad £1067.00
21-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Single £1350.00
21-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £1143.00
19-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1126.00
19-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Quad £1126.00
19-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £1425.00
19-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1207.00
20-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1126.00
20-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Quad £1126.00
20-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £1425.00
20-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1207.00
20-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1126.00
20-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Quad £1126.00
20-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £1425.00
20-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1207.00

{{shortLabel}}

This tour is operated by Contiki

5 days from £1067 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Darwin, Australia
Finish:Darwin, Australia
Suitable for: 18-35
Diets:Vegetarians
Tour operated in: English
Tour Reference: NTDD25
Contact us
1 Email enquiry {{formText}}
Thank you for your enquiry, one of our specialists will be in touch shortly.
2 Call directly 0203 7939446