Cairns to Darwin

Day 1

The tour will pick you up from the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns at 7:30am.  Our first stop is a swim in the cool waters of Josephine Falls, before making our way up the mountains and into the tropical rainforest to Millaa Millaa Falls.  We’ll then make our way west to Kalkani Crater where you’ll have great views of the surrounding volcanic regions.  Tonight, we’ll Camp at Undara. (Breakfast not included on this day)

Day 2

This morning we’ll explore the Undara Lava Tubes on a 2-hour tour with a local guide. We’ll then make our way to Georgetown and visit one of Australia’s best mineral collections, the Ted Elliott Collection.  Our next stop is the Cumberland chimney, a remnant from the gold rush days, where there’s a large waterhole with plenty of birdlife.  Our last stop for the day will be at Lake Belmore for a swim before settling at our camp in Croydon.

Day 3

Today we continue west and make a stop in Normanton to visit Krys Crocodile, a replica of the largest (8.63 metres) crocodile ever captured.  Afterwards, we’ll stop at Camp 119, the last camp on the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition.  We’ll continue our journey on to Leichhardt Falls, a wide-open set of falls on the Leichhardt River, before arriving at our campsite at Adels Grove.  You’ll enjoy peaceful clear swimming holes next to our camp and we’ll spend two nights here.

Day 4

Today we’ll spend the day in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, which is one of Queensland's most significant geological parks, with interesting rocks and landscapes spanning hundreds of millions of years. In the park we’ll visit Lawn Hill Gorge, which is surrounded by red sandstone and a beautiful rainforest.  You’ll be able to take a refreshing swim in the spring-fed clear, cool water.  We will also visit Upper Gorge and Indarri Falls, as well as complete the Island Stack walk. There will be plenty of opportunities to swim throughout the day.

Day 5

Today we visit the world heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields where you will find the remains of the largest known Freshwater crocodile, as well as gizzard stones from ancient flightless birds.  Afterwards, our journey continues as we cross the Nicholas River and observe the giant causeway beneath us.  We take station trails to Hells Gate to explore the sandstone formations before making a stop at the lesser-known Echo Gorge to explore the area.  Tonight, we’ll camp near the Northern Territory / Queensland border.

Day 6

This morning we’ll pass over many pristine rivers and creeks as we continue our journey west.  It’s a great opportunity to observe the savannah bushland and see the giant ancient cycads growing around the region. We’ll make a stop in Borroloola, a remote Aboriginal town, to restock before making our way to a true water-lover’s paradise known as Lorella Springs.  This remote paradise is a massive cattle station of almost a million acres full of hot springs, waterfalls, billabongs, wild rock formations and Aboriginal paintings. It’s a true hidden gem where we’ll spend the next two nights camping.

Day 7

Today is all about adventure and exploring.  With almost a thousand kilometres of tracks on the property, we spend the daylight hours exploring Lorella Springs; visiting swimming holes, admiring Aboriginal sites and taking in the stunning views from all around the station.

Day 8

Today, we travel along the Savannah Way crossing many pristine creeks and rivers eventually arriving at the bizarre and fascinating Southern Lost City, where we will take a walk among the giant ancient pillars and their unique rock formations.  We’ll then make our way to Butterfly Gorge, a waterfall where you can swim and relax after the morning’s walk.  We will make a stop at the Nathan River Ranger Station and Information Centre in Limmen National Park before continuing on to the picturesque Lomarieum Lagoon to spot local birdlife. We’ll spend the night camping in Limmen National Park.

Day 9

On day 9 we will visit Roper Bar, a river crossing which allows access to southern Arnhem Land. Here, we’ll wander through the ruins of a historic police station from the early pioneering days.  Afterwards, we’ll continue our adventure along the Roper River to Mataranka, where we’ll take a dip in the crystal-clear thermal springs (either Mataranka Hot Springs or Bitter Springs).  Tonight’s camp will be in Elsey National Park.

Day 10

This morning we enter the Aboriginal lands of Kakadu and head to Gunlom Falls, a natural infinity pool with both upper and lower pools offering breathtaking views whilst we swim. After our dip, we will make a stop at the Yellow Water Billabong to spot some of the local wildlife before our visit to Ubirr rock to explore the Aboriginal paintings and capture the view across the floodplains.  Tonight’s camp will be in Kakadu National Park.

Day 11

Today we’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Kakadu’s Aboriginal history as we explore sites around the East Alligator River.  We may also spot Saltwater crocodiles and bird-life.  When we are ready, we’ll continue towards Darwin making a final stop for a worthwhile wildlife cruise en route.  We’ll arrive in Darwin at approximately 5pm and you will be dropped off at your chosen accommodation.    

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Kapalga Travel reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule to adapt to seasonal changes or if one of our stops becomes closed.