3-Day Kakadu & Litchfield 4WD Tour: Waterfalls & Rock Art

Kakadu and Litchfield tour: rock art, swimming waterfalls, and outback camping adventure

A 3-day guided 4WD camping tour from Darwin through Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park, with an accredited outback guide, park entry included, and a choice of twin-share safari tents or bush swag bedrolls at permanent campsites. The itinerary moves between ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, waterfall plunge pools, and remote wetlands where you spot crocodiles and birdlife from a boat. You hike through monsoon rainforest (up to 3km per day, moderate to advanced fitness required), swim in natural pools, and help prepare meals at camp each evening. Children from age 8 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Options for this experience

2 options

From AU$ 1,145 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Single bush swag: guests sleep on the ground under the stars in a self-contained, canvas-covered bush bed roll that comes with a camp mattress (one person per swag). Camping style: a genuine outback camping experience, with shared communal showers and toilets at the campground and an unpowered site. Duration: 3 days, with 2 nights of outback camping. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners, prepared by the guide, with guests asked to help with meal preparation. Touring route: departs Darwin around 6:30 am and returns to Darwin around 7:00 pm. Vehicle: an all-terrain 4x4 mini-coach with comfortable seating, built for off-road travel to explore more of Central Australia's outback. Optional extra: sleeping bags can be hired from the operator onboard for $40 AUD, cleaning included; guests may also bring their own. Available from 2 Apr 2027 Guide in English Single bush swag: guests sleep on the ground under the stars in a self-contained, canvas-covered bush bed roll that comes with a camp mattress (one person per swag). Camping style: a genuine outback camping experience, with shared communal showers and toilets at the campground and an unpowered site. Duration: 3 days, with 2 nights of outback camping. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners, prepared by the guide, with guests asked to help with meal preparation. Touring route: departs Darwin around 6:30 am and returns to Darwin around 7:00 pm. Vehicle: an all-terrain 4x4 mini-coach with comfortable seating, built for off-road travel to explore more of Central Australia's outback. Optional extra: sleeping bags can be hired from the operator onboard for $40 AUD, cleaning included; guests may also bring their own.

Twin-share eco tent: guests sleep in a permanent tented campsite on twin beds with mattresses and bed linen provided, protected from the elements (two people per tent). Camping style: a genuine outback camping experience, with shared communal showers and toilets at the campground and an unpowered site. Duration: 3 days, with 2 nights of outback camping. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners, prepared by the guide, with guests asked to help with meal preparation. Touring route: departs Darwin around 6:30 am and returns to Darwin around 7:00 pm. Vehicle: an all-terrain 4x4 mini-coach with comfortable seating, built for off-road travel to explore more of Central Australia's outback. Available from 2 Apr 2027 Guide in English Twin-share eco tent: guests sleep in a permanent tented campsite on twin beds with mattresses and bed linen provided, protected from the elements (two people per tent). Camping style: a genuine outback camping experience, with shared communal showers and toilets at the campground and an unpowered site. Duration: 3 days, with 2 nights of outback camping. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners, prepared by the guide, with guests asked to help with meal preparation. Touring route: departs Darwin around 6:30 am and returns to Darwin around 7:00 pm. Vehicle: an all-terrain 4x4 mini-coach with comfortable seating, built for off-road travel to explore more of Central Australia's outback. Solo travellers booking separately for an eco tent twin share are paired with another solo traveller, where possible of the same gender.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

• Depart Darwin for Mary River Wetlands
• Take Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
• Visit Bowali Visitor Centre
• Relax at camp
• Travel to Cahills Crossing
• Visit Ubirr rock for sunset
• Return to camp and prepare dinner

Day 2: Kakadu Waterfalls and Plunge Pools

• Wake early and travel south in Kakadu
• Hike and swim at waterfalls and plunge pools
• Visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) rock art site
• Return to camp for dinner and rest

Day 3: Litchfield National Park to Darwin

• Depart Kakadu for Litchfield National Park
• Visit Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls, or Florence Falls
• See Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds
• Return to Darwin accommodation by evening

What’s included

• Kakadu National Parks pass.
• billabong wetlands river cruise.
• accredited outback driver guide.
• three nights camping at Aurora Campground with choice of twin-share safari tent or bush single swag.
• guided bush walks through monsoon rainforest.
• waterfall and plunge pool access.
• on-board drinking water (bring your own bottle).
• shared meal preparation and camp duties.

Times

Next departure: 2 Apr 2027

Information

3-day guided 4WD tour from Darwin through Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks with camping, rock art sites, and waterfall swims. Includes park entry.

Group Up to 21 1 similar private tour ›

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 2 similar tours with pickup › See the exact address

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (13 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start. Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund. After that, no refund. It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

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The experience

The tour departs Darwin heading to the Mary River Wetlands for a billabong cruise where you watch for crocodiles and Top End birdlife from the water. You then enter Kakadu National Park, stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre for an introduction to the landscape, and drive north to Cahills Crossing on the border of Arnhem Land. At sunset you climb to Ubirr rock, one of the world's best-preserved collections of Aboriginal rock art, and look out over the Nadab Floodplain from high ground. Dinner is prepared together at Aurora Campground near Jabiru, where you sleep in either a twin-share safari tent or a traditional bush swag (canvas-covered bedroll).

Day two focuses on Kakadu's waterfalls and plunge pools. You rise early and head south through the park, hiking through monsoon rainforest and swimming in pristine natural pools surrounded by steep escarpments. The guide chooses from Motor Car Falls, Moline Rockhole, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), or Jim Jim Falls depending on the group's fitness level and conditions on the day. Time permitting, you visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), another rock art site with works dating back over 20,000 years, before returning to camp for dinner and rest.

On the final day you leave Kakadu and travel to Litchfield National Park, spending the afternoon in its waterfalls and spring-fed streams. You soak in rock holes and waterfalls at Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls, or Florence Falls, then see the uniquely impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds before driving back to Darwin, arriving at your accommodation around 7:00pm. Throughout the tour you carry your own water bottle and participate in meal prep and camp duties each evening: a way to connect with fellow travellers after long days outdoors.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What's the fitness level needed for this 3-day tour?

A moderate to advanced level of fitness is required. Bush walks range up to 3km per day with grades 2–4, and you'll be hiking through rainforest and swimming in natural pools. Guests over 70 need a doctor's certificate provided 30 days before travel.

What are the sleeping arrangements at the campsites?

Aurora Campground near Jabiru offers two options: twin-share safari tents or bush single swags (canvas-covered bedrolls). You choose which one when booking.

Does the tour include entry to Kakadu National Park?

Yes, Kakadu National Parks pass is included. The billabong wetlands river cruise ticket is also included, along with an accredited outback guide for all three days.

What happens if I have dietary requirements or allergies?

You must advise dietary needs to your booking agent at the time of booking. Since the tour operates in remote areas with limited sourcing once it departs, prior notice is essential so the guide can plan accordingly.

What's included in the price and what do I need to bring?

Included are the park pass, wetlands cruise, guide, camping accommodation, and on-board drinking water. You provide your own water bottle, pack clothing for the season's temperatures, and can hire a sleeping bag if needed. Meals are prepared together at camp. Personal snacks, beverages, and hotel transfers before or after the tour are not included.

Operated by Autopia Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago