6
Moderate to Challenging
Activities
  • Day walks
Accommodation
  • 4 nights exclusive semi-permanent campsites, 1 night wilderness camping, 2 nights hotel
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

8 Days$3790AUD

Trip Code: SOG7939

Kakadu Challenger Trip highlights


  • Sunset cruise on the Yellow Water billabong, home to a variety of wildlife
  • Enjoy challenging day walks taking in the gorges, waterfalls and escarpments of the Kakadu National Park
  • Experience the iconic Jim Jim Falls (subject to seasonal access)
  • Stay in exclusive semi-permanent campsites away from the crowds
  • View some of the most beautiful indigenous rock art galleries
  • Learn about the area with your expert guides

Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Area covering some 20,000 square kms. Waterfalls tumble from the red cliffs off the Arnhem Land escarpment into shady pools; tranquil wetlands teem with animal and bird life, while 40,000 years of Aboriginal cultural heritage is on display in the numerous hidden rock art galleries. On this challenging trip we have picked the toughest walks in the National Park. Our walking based itinerary, which includes a cruise on the Yellow Waters (a favourite haunt of saltwater crocodiles), takes in the picturesque waterfalls that Kakadu is renowned for.

Our collection of day walks venture in to remote gorges and sparkling waterfalls, as well as visit ancient rock-art seen by very few visitors. The upgraded semi-permanent campsites encourage travellers to relax in idyllic tropical surrounds. All luggage and camping gear is transported by our professional support crew, freeing you to enjoy the diverse scenery, revel in the camaraderie of like-minded travellers and focus on achieving your goal.

Activities:

Itinerary

On arrival in Darwin you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. This afternoon you are free to explore Darwin at your leisure. Overnight - hotel

Meals:  Nil

Our journey begins with a Darwin accommodation pick-up between 6.30-7:00am and travels south-east to Kakadu National Park. Today we visit a highlight of the Park, the world famous Ubirr Rock and enjoy the stunning walk past numerous breathtaking art sites that lead to the top of Ubirr rock and the awe inspiring view across the flood plains over northern Kakadu and to Arnhem land. In the afternoon we drive along a bumpy old track into in the heart of Kakadu National Park and to our semi-permanent camp near Jim Jim Falls. After choosing your tent and enjoying a shower, we relax around the campfire and enjoy a delicious evening meal. Walking distance: 3km Approx drive time: 6 hours spread over the day. *You will need to arrive in Darwin the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals:  L,D

Wake up to the dawn chorus of the multitude of birds of the Savannah and wetlands. Our day is focussed on stunning walks within the World Heritage listed National Park. NB: Jim Jim Falls is generally only viable after mid-July. If we’re unable to get into the Jim Jim Falls we will complete the Southern Kakadu Wilderness Walk instead to ensure you experience the best Kakadu has to offer. Please keep in mind the thundering torrent usually depicted in the postcards is a phenomenon that only occurs during the wet season and this flow declines gradually through the dry season until it is a gentle, but still magnificent, trickle! Today we visit Kakadu’s most famous waterfall. Our visits to Jim Jim Falls aim for an active experience, walking beyond the reach of regular tourist groups. Today we will enjoy the Jim Jim plunge pool and the challenging Barrk Marlam Walk. This steep and difficult walk is over rocky stone country and only for experienced bushwalkers. Do not let the distance fool you into thinking this will be easy. We allow most of the day to accomplish this 6km walk. We then return to our close by wilderness campsite for a delicious meal and a restful evening. Walking distance: 6-8km

Meals:  B,L,D

After a filling breakfast we drive the short distance to another of Kakadu’s most challenging walks – The Twin Falls Plateau Walk. This walk takes us through rarely walked unspoilt wilderness. Our effort is rewarded with jaw dropping views of this impressive gorge on the edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment. This walk will take us most of the day and we will spend the remainder of our time taking in the twin falls area. We then return to our nearby wilderness camp for another delicious meal and peaceful evening around the campfire. NB: If we’re unable to access Twin Falls due to seasonal closures, we will use this day to walk in the Ubirr region including Cahills Crossing and alter the afternoon of day one to walk to an alternative rock art site. Walking distance: 6-8km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we depart our campsite near Jim Jim Falls and first head towards the south where we will explore some of the other stunning waterfalls and gorges of Kakadu. Maguk (Barramundi) Falls is reached via a stunning walk through the monsoon forest, opening out to a deep plunge pool lined with blonde quartzite cliffs. Keep your eye out for birds such as Rainbow pitas, Emerald doves and Spangled drongos as well as the endemic Anbinik tree – the biggest trees in Stone Country. Tonight, we can relax and enjoy our pre-dinner nibbles and yummy dinner as we can take in our another Kakadu sunset. Walking distance: 4km Approx drive time: 4 hours spread over the day.

Meals:  B,L,D

After an early nourishing breakfast we drive a short distance to Nourlangie massif and begin our walk. We will take on one of Kakadu’s most challenging walks the Barrk Sandstone Walk. Barrk is the indigenous name for the male black wallaroo, a member of the kangaroo family which lives in this area. After a steep climb we are rewarded with stunning views and Kakadu’s unique plants and animals. This walk will take most of the day, we may have time for a quick swim before our return to our campsite. In the late afternoon we take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, home to an astounding variety of wildlife. We may encounter Brumbies, wallabies and goannas drinking from the waterside, salt-water crocodiles and thousands of birds, including Magpie Geese, Brolga, Cormorants, Pelicans and one of Australia’s largest flying birds – the Black-necked stork (Jabiru). The flat-bottomed boat is guided by an expert wildlife guide. Walking distance: 12km

Meals:  B,L,D

After our final night in the semi-permanent camp in northern Kakadu, we pack up and make our way back to Darwin. On our way we enjoy a visit to Warradjan Cultural Centre. Warradjan encapsulates the rich cultural heritage and history of Kakadu. It features an interactive museum, an art exhibit, and a gathering area where visitors can connect with our Traditional Owners on their ancestral land. Afterwards we enjoy our final walk with a steep but short climb to Mirray lookout where we will be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views of the north of the park. We then continue north to Darwin. We expect to arrive back into Darwin and drop you at your accommodation at around 4pm. This evening we will head out for a final celebratory meal. Walking distance: 2km Approx drive time: 5 hours spread over the day.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your trip concludes this morning in Darwin.

Meals:  Nil


Inclusions

  • Meals as indicated
  • 2 professional wilderness guides
  • Wildlife cruise
  • Safari camps including tents, stretcher beds and swags for sleeping
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transport from Darwin
  • All dining and catering equipment
  • Trip escorted by a Diamonds in the Rough coach
  • 2 nights Darwin hotel

  • Airfares
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

About Your Leader

When you join this Diamonds in the Rough Adventures (DITRA) partner trip, you will be accompanied by experienced Diamond coach, and become part of a dedicated team of women, training and hiking together to maximise everybody’s enjoyment and success.

Your Diamond Coach will train and support your team in your preparation. This exclusive DITRA itinerary is tailored to exactly what women want and everything is included.

Knowing who you’re on the trip with ensures that your teammates are perfectly prepared and fit for the adventure (that means you must be, too!). Everyone is expected to commit to Trek Training and the preparation hikes as advised by your coach. A Private Trip WhatsApp group will allow you to connect directly with your team as well as give you direct access to your coach. World Expeditions guides and staff are responsible for delivering your extraordinary experience during your adventure. Please direct all pre, mid and post trip feedback to World Expeditions. Your Coach is not the tour operator, guide, navigator or first aider.


Accommodation


Suitability

Moderate to Challenging

6

This trek involves up to 6-9 hours walking most days over challenging terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trail conditions are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced, dry and involve rock-hopping. Several sections are only recommended for experienced bushwalker due to the rugged and rocky nature of the Arnhem Land Plateau. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a day pack. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots.


Departure dates


Priceper person from

$3790AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Sleeping Bag HireAUD$30
  • Tent & Hotel (limited)AUD$700
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Diamonds in the Rough Kakadu Challenger trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 USB ports in the bus which can be utilised only when the bus being driven.

No. The waters will have been cleared for crocodiles by NT Parks and Wildlife.


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Kakadu Walking Adventure

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.