One of the Northern Territory’s most captivating World-Heritage-listed sites, Kakadu National Park offers the perfect mix of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. Just a few hours’ drive from Darwin, Kakadu is a must-visit destination for outdoor lovers with a long list of fascinating natural wonders to explore. Whether you’re marvelling at ancient rock art, cruising through wetlands teeming with birdlife, or snapping photos of the cascading waterfalls, Kakadu is a must-see. Read on to discover the best Kakadu tours from Darwin.
Want to know all about planning your trip to Kakadu? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Top 1 Day Kakadu Tours from Darwin
Kakadu Day Tour
📍Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 12 hours
Explore the wonders of Kakadu National Park with this one-day tour, perfect for those seeking a deeper connection to the land and its history. Journey through ancient rock art galleries and experience the beauty of Arnhem Land with a knowledgeable guide.
Highlights:
- Ubirr Rock Art: Walk through galleries featuring some of the world’s oldest Aboriginal rock art.
- Nadab Lookout: Marvel at panoramic views over the Nadab floodplains and Arnhem Land.
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise: Enjoy an informative cruise on the East Alligator River with insights from Traditional Owners.
Kakadu Overnight Retreat 2 Day
📍Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 2 days
Experience the magic of Kakadu National Park with this exclusive two-day tour in the wet season. Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Darwin, stopping at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve before entering the UNESCO World Heritage-Listed park.
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Burrungkuy’s rock art sites and enjoy a hands-on cultural experience at the Warradjan Cultural Centre. Cruise the Yellow Water Billabong at sunset to see the vibrant landscape come alive with wildlife.
With expert guides and a tailored itinerary, this tour offers a unique insight into Kakadu’s natural and cultural wonders.
Kakadu Wilderness Escape + Fogg Dam from Darwin
📍Kakadu National Park & Fogg Dam, NT
⏰ 12 hours (approx.)
This one-day Kakadu tour from Darwin offers an immersive experience, showcasing the best of this World Heritage-listed park with a visit to Fogg Dam.
Highlights:
- Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve: A bird watcher’s haven, stroll along the boardwalks and observation decks, spotting diverse wildlife.
- Bowali Visitor Centre: Dive into Kakadu’s rich cultural heritage and explore local arts and artefacts.
- Cahills Crossing: Witness the thrilling sight of saltwater crocodiles from a safe viewing platform.
- Ubirr Rock Art: Explore some of the world’s oldest Aboriginal rock art sites.
Kakadu Wilderness Escape + Croc Cruise from Darwin
📍Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 12 hours (approx.)
Experience the wonders of Kakadu National Park on this memorable one-day Kakadu tour.
Highlights:
- Jumping Croc Cruise: Get up close and personal with saltwater crocodiles on the Adelaide River.
- Ubirr Rock Art: Discover ancient Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the cultural significance of these sacred sites.
- Cahills Crossing: Witness crocodiles in their natural habitat at one of Kakadu’s most famous spots.
- Bowali Visitor Centre: Deepen your understanding of Kakadu’s rich history and pick up unique arts and crafts.
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Top 2 Day Kakadu Tours from Darwin
Kakadu 2 Day – Colours of Kakadu
📍Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 2 days
Experience the best of the National Park on this two-day Kakadu tour, which is guided by the wisdom of the Traditional Owners.
Highlights:
- Fogg Dam: Enjoy a sunrise wildlife experience in this birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise: Explore the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide.
- Nourlangie Rock Art: Walk among ancient Aboriginal rock art.
- Scenic Flight: Soar above Kakadu for breathtaking views of the Arnhem Land escarpment.
- Anbinik Resort Stay: Relax in comfort at this traditional owner-operated resort.
Top 3 Day Kakadu Tours from Darwin
3 Day Kakadu/Litchfield 4WD Expedition (June to Oct)
📍Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks, NT
⏰ 3 days
From cruising billabongs to discovering ancient Aboriginal rock art, this 3 day Kakadu and Litchfield tour from Darwin is epic.
Highlights:
- Corrobboree Billabong Cruise: Spot crocodiles and diverse birdlife.
- Ubirr Rock Art: Explore ancient rock shelters and learn the stories behind these incredible artworks.
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge): Hike through a lush forest to a plunge pool for a swim.
- Gunlom Falls: Swim in natural infinity pools with panoramic views of southern Kakadu.
- Litchfield National Park: Discover the beauty of Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls, and Wangi Falls.
3 Day 4WD Kakadu Adventure
📍Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 3 days
If you’re looking for an epic 3-day Kakadu tour that perfectly blends cultural insights with beautiful landscapes, this is it. You’ll explore ancient rock art, swim in pristine natural pools, and spot wildlife in their natural habitats.
Highlights:
- Burrunguy (Nourlangie Rock): Discover ancient rock art and climb to Gunwhardewharde lookout for panoramic views.
- Yellow Waters Sunset Cruise: Spot crocodiles and abundant birdlife on a serene cruise.
- Gunlom Falls: Swim in natural infinity pools with sweeping views of southern Kakadu.
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge): Hike through a paperbark forest to a refreshing plunge pool.
- Ubirr: Explore rock art galleries and enjoy stunning views over the Nardab floodplains.
Kakadu to Litchfield 4WD Camping 3 Day – Safari Tent from Darwin
📍Darwin & Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 3 days
Explore the natural wonders of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks on this immersive 3-day tour from Darwin.
Highlights:
- Mary River Wetlands: Spot crocs and diverse birdlife on a serene cruise.
- Ubirr Rock Art: Witness some of the world’s most ancient Aboriginal rock art.
- Kakadu Waterfalls: Swim in pristine plunge pools surrounded by lush monsoon forests.
- Litchfield National Park: Relax in the refreshing waters of Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls.
- Magnetic Termite Mounds: Marvel at these unique, towering structures of nature’s engineers.
Top 4 Day Kakadu Tours from Darwin
Kakadu and Katherine Experience (Accommodated) 4 Day
📍Kakadu & Nitmiluk National Parks, NT
⏰ 4 days
Discover the wonders of Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks on this 4-day guided tour. See the stunning landscapes that make this region a must-visit.
Highlights:
- Bowali & Warradjan Cultural Centres: Hear stories and traditions of the local Aboriginal people.
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise: Experience the East Alligator River with insights from an Aboriginal guide.
- Ubirr Rock: Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art and enjoy sunset views.
- Katherine Gorge: Cruise through Nitmiluk National Park’s stunning gorge.
Top 5 Day Kakadu Tours from Darwin
Kakadu Katherine Gorge Litchfield 4WD Camping Adventure 5 Day
📍Kakadu, Litchfield, & Nitmiluk National Parks, NT
⏰ 5 days
Experience the wonders of the Top End with this 5-day adventure tour through Kakadu, Nitmiluk, and Litchfield National Parks.
Highlights:
- Kakadu National Park: Discover World Heritage-listed sites and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
- Mary River Wetlands: Cruise through crocodile territory and spot diverse wildlife.
- Katherine Gorge: Embark on a serene cruise with stunning views of towering cliffs.
- Litchfield National Park: Swim in crystal-clear plunge pools beneath roaring waterfalls.
- Nitmiluk National Park: Marvel at the iconic Katherine Gorge on a 2-hour boat cruise.
Whether you’re planning a Kakadu day trip from Darwin city or a multi-day Kakadu National Park day tour departing Darwin, there’s a perfect way to explore Kakadu National Park for every type of traveler. Experience the unique wildlife on a crocodile cruise, discover the stunning Jim Jim waterfalls in the dry season, and learn from a knowledgeable local guide about the culture of Kakadu and Arnhem Land, even when considering seasonal park closures due to weather. From a 4 day tour to 6 day and extended tours, including a 4-day Kakadu, 5 day 4WD Kakadu, or a fully accommodated tour, Tours Australia options allow you to truly Kakadu and experience the region in depth. Many operators offer camping tours, including a Kakadu camping tour or park camping tour, while others combine highlights like Kakadu and Katherine Gorge on a dedicated Katherine Gorge tour or even a Litchfield National Park tour. With flexible day trips, a dedicated day Kakadu National Park tour, and longer Kakadu National Park tours, visiting Kakadu has never been easier—simply book online your next tour to Kakadu and truly explore Kakadu in all its wild unique wildlife, scenic glory.
From Darwin to Kakadu, Top End tours and flexible multi-day tours make Kakadu trips easy to plan, allowing travelers to journey deep into World Heritage-listed Kakadu with itineraries designed for unforgettable outback experiences.
We highly recommend you Kaka’DO’ during your time in the NT!
We highly recommend you Kaka’DO’ during your time in the NT!
Have you been to Kakadu National Park?. Comment below if you’ve been or if you have any suggestions to our Kakadu 2WD itinerary!
You can always get more inspiration for other National Parks to visit by following @northerhq. or signup for our monthly newsletter here to get travel inspiration and more straight to your inbox.
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
