Inspiring Journeys
Kakadu's Ancient Secrets
5 Days | Darwin/Gulumerrdgen Return
Travel Period
Explore Kakadu, an ancient landscape of billabongs, gorges and hidden canyons teeming with spectacular wildlife. Admire rock art and hear stories of the Dreamtime. Embark on a journey to the haunt of the Lightning Man, Aboriginal clans and the crocodiles that roam Kakadu’s floodplains.
Prices From Code: MNDD
$3615
$4600
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Kakadu's Ancient Secrets
5 Days
Darwin/Gulumerrdgen Return
Explore Kakadu, an ancient landscape of billabongs, gorges and hidden canyons teeming with spectacular wildlife. Admire rock art and hear stories of the Dreamtime. Embark on a journey to the haunt of the Lightning Man, Aboriginal clans and the crocodiles that roam Kakadu’s floodplains.
Highlights

Immerse
Visit the Adelaide River War Cemetery and learn of its moving history, and discover the ancient rock art gallery of Ubirr.

Indulge
Unwind on an indulgent Katherine Gorge dinner cruise, and dine at the award-winning Cicada Lodge, where the Chef's menu is crafted daily.

Explore
Climb Ubirr for spectacular views over Kakadu, spot crocodiles and other wildlife on Yellow Water Billabong.

Relax
Stay in the heart of Nitmiluk National Park at the eco-friendly Cicada Lodge, where you can enjoy sunset drinks and canapés poolside looking out to the native bushland.
Itinerary

Welcome to Darwin! This morning meet your Journey Director and board your luxury vehicle to begin your journey of discovery in the Top End. Travel across the Finniss River to Litchfield National Park. You'll visit tumbling Florence Falls and you'll also enjoy a swim to cool off at Wangi Falls, surrounded by tropical monsoon rainforest and hear about its importance in Aboriginal custom before stopping for lunch. After lunch you will travel back to Darwin where you will enjoy a waterfront welcome dinner with wine.
Hotel: Hilton Darwin
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Get ready for a cross-country journey into the magnificent Kakadu National Park. Keep your eyes open for Crocodiles as you cross the South Alligator River, Brolgas, Magpie Geese and Jabiru as you traverse along the long grasses of the marshes and wetlands. Kakadu really is a diverse UNESCO world heritage site. After lunch the famous Yellow Waters Billabong boat cruise will be a highlight of your journey. You will see a myriad of different bird species, spot estuarine crocodiles and simply enjoy the stunning billabong and floodplains system. This afternoon check into the renowned Crocodile Hotel in the town of Jabiru and enjoy the wonderful Aboriginal Art Gallery within the hotel before getting to know your fellow travellers over dinner with wine.
Hotel: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
This morning there’s a chance to take to the air an optional scenic flight over Kakadu. One of the best ways to experience the enormity of this wonderful National Park as well as the diversity from waterfalls and billabongs to flood plains and wildlife. Then you’ll visit Nourlangie to see its fascinating Aboriginal rock art for yourself. You’ll also hear first-hand from your Journey Director a detailed interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as you explore the various outdoor ‘galleries' with art that dates back some 20,000 years. You will continue driving through the ancient lands of Kakadu National Park through to the town of Katherine and further on to Nitmiluk National Park. Indulge in five-star luxury at Cicada Lodge, a stunning architect designed eco-lodge surrounded by nature, where each room has a private balcony that opens to the glories of Nitmiluk National Park. Cool off from the heat of the day while enjoy a swim in the pool as the sunsets before a beautiful dinner.
Hotel: Cicada Lodge, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Today immerse yourself as you meet Manual Pamkal who will welcome you with a traditional welcoming tune on the didgeridoo. Manual was born and raised immersed in his rich traditional culture. He’ll share with you stories of growing up in the bush and teach you the fine art of rarrk painting using a special brush from a reed called Julk. Call up the inner artist within you and paint your own masterpiece to take home! You will enjoy lunch back on the deck of Cicada Lodge overlooking this natural surrounding before having a free afternoon to relax. This evening indulge on a special sunset dinner cruise along Katherine River. You’ll marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance during the candle-lit three course dinner cook on board your boat.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Local Dining Experience
Enjoy a lay in or get up early to enjoy the National Park completely immersed in the mystical morning light. Travel north along the Stuart Highway stopping at the gorgeous Edith Falls the way for a relaxing dip and some lunch. Continue to Adelaide River War Cemetery. During WWII, Adelaide River was the headquarters to a large military base and a large cemetery was created especially for those who gave their lives in the service and defence of their country. Your Inspiring Journey concludes on arrival in Darwin.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:


Hilton Darwin is in downtown Darwin, overlooking the harbour. Bicentennial Park, Darwin Convention Centre, and the beach at Darwin Waterfront Precinct are within three kilometers. Hilton Darwin has an outdoor pool on a high floor and a fitness center. Enjoy our signature restaurant and drinks at the bar and lounge.


The indigenous owned luxury accommodation is uniquely shaped to represent Kakadu's most famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile. Relax in the recently refurbished rooms, unwind in your private courtyard, by the shaded outdoor pool or take in the landscaped interior garden view from the balcony.
- Bathtub and shower
- Satellite/cable colour TV
- Broadband Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Refrigerator
- Ensuite
Features


Cicada Lodge opened in 2013 and delivers the highest standards of non-intrusive, world-class service in a modern architect-designed lodge.
The Lodge is elegantly furnished in a contemporary, sophisticated style fusing international, modern Australian and Indigenous design elements.
- Room service
- Free wireless internet access
- Air-conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Bathrobe
- Satellite TV
- Private balcony
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist highly experienced Driver Guide with specialist accreditation Kakadu National Parks
- • Local Specialists (Guides)
- • Mixture of boutique & unique hotels
What to Bring
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
- • Low level of fitness required
Dining
- • 4 Full Breakfasts
- • 3 Lunches
- • 3 Dinners with Wine
- • 1 Local Dining Experience
Flight Information
- • Day prior – flights to arrive anytime into Darwin Airport
- • Day 5 – flights to depart after 8.00pm from Darwin Airport