Kakadu Birdwatching Safari

Day 1: Darwin to Jabiru

After an early pickup from your Darwin accommodation, we head east into the heart of the tropical outback. The journey from Darwin to Jabiru is entirely along sealed roads, making for a smooth and comfortable drive.

Along the way, we'll stop at several beautiful sites, including Fogg Dam—part of the expansive Adelaide River floodplain. Here, we'll enjoy our first walk through a monsoon forest and begin spotting some of the Northern Territory's remarkable birdlife and wildlife.

Continuing east, we cross several of the major tropical rivers that shape this landscape, including the Mary River, where we may get our first glimpse of a crocodile. As we enter Kakadu National Park, we'll stop at the Mamukala Wetlands for another short walk and our first immersive look at the park's tropical wonders.

We end the day in the small township of Jabiru, where we check into our accommodation and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Wildlife highlights may include: Radjah Shelduck, Green Pygmy-goose, Wandering Whistling-duck, Brolga, Barking Owl, Rainbow Pitta, Paperbark and Broad-billed Flycatchers, Little Bronze-cuckoo, Lemon-bellied Flyrobin, Buff-sided Robin, Agile Wallaby, and Saltwater Crocodile.

Accommodation: Anbinik Suites (2 nights) | Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Ubirr and Guluyambi

Many visitors leave Ubirr forever changed. Often regarded as the most breathtaking location in Kakadu, Ubirr offers some of the world's most powerful wilderness landscapes—places that seem to echo with the ancient beginnings of humankind.

Close by, the tidal (saltwater) stretch of the East Alligator River marks the boundary of Arnhem Land, an immense Aboriginal territory that requires special permission to enter. But on the Kakadu side, a wealth of experiences await. You might take a gentle walk along the river, explore intricate Aboriginal rock art sites, or climb to the top of Ubirr Rock, where sweeping views stretch across the floodplains of Kakadu—a scene that has remained unchanged for millennia.

We'll also venture along the Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk, a trail that leads us deep into some of Kakadu's most dramatic geological formations. Here, we'll learn how the Kakadu Escarpment was shaped over millions of years, and gain insight into its spiritual and geological significance.

A standout experience of the day is a guided Aboriginal boat tour along the East Alligator River. For nearly two hours, we'll drift beside vividly coloured sandstone cliffs, as a local Aboriginal guide shares stories and insights into the cultural importance of Arnhem Land and its deep connection to Country.

Before returning to Jabiru, we'll stop at the Border Store and Injalak Arts—a respected cultural institute showcasing work by local Indigenous artists. You may choose to purchase a unique piece or simply enjoy a leisurely visit through the gallery.

Back in Jabiru, we'll end the day watching as flocks of Corellas come in to roost and thousands of flying foxes take to the skies for their nightly forage.

Wildlife highlights may include: Sandstone Shrike-thrush, Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, White-lined and Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Crimson, Long-tailed and Masked Finches, Purple-backed Fairy-wren, Large-billed Heron, Wilkins Rock-wallaby, Little Red Flying-fox, Saltwater Crocodile, and more.

Accommodation: Anbinik Suites, Jabiru | Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Jabiru to Pine Creek

The Nourlangie region is another access point to the magnificent Arnhem Land escarpment and its unique wildlife. It also helps us to understand the enormous importance of Kakadu to the Aboriginal People. Ancient sandstone ranges rise directly out of the Kakadu floodplains in a landscape that epitomises the Dreamtime in Australia. The Nourlangie Rock Art site contains some of the most powerful Aboriginal paintings in Australia including a depiction of Namarrgon, the Lightning Man. You will begin to feel the incredible power of this landscape.

Our afternoon is all about getting to Pine Creek to have a look around the Water Treatment Plant, where there are often very unusual sightings, such as Oriental Pratincole, Great Bowerbird and a range of waders. Wildlife: Several finches, Emu, Bush Stone-curlew, Banded and Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Black-tailed Treecreeper, Great Bowerbird, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Hooded Parrot

Accommodation: Lazy Lizard, Pine Creek (1 Night) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Day 4: Pine Creek to Litchfield

We set off early this morning, heading toward one of the Top End's premier locations for spotting finches—including the elusive and much sought-after Gouldian Finch. Patience is key here, as these colourful birds, along with other finch species, come and go from the small waterholes nestled along the creek.

Our destination is Leliyn (Edith Falls), a spectacular part of the southern Arnhem Escarpment and the traditional land of the Joewyn people. Permanent waterfalls cascade into a series of large pools below, making it not only a beautiful place for a refreshing swim but also an ideal spot to watch wildlife as they come to drink.

Birdlife is abundant here. Sandstone Shrike-thrushes and various honeyeaters are commonly seen along a scenic circuit walk that takes you over both the top and bottom pools. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the area around the lower pools is perfect for settling in with binoculars—you'll likely find the birds come to you.

If we can pull ourselves away from this tranquil oasis, we continue north past Pine Creek and stop in Adelaide River for lunch, before arriving at our accommodation on the edge of Litchfield National Park. We'll finish the day with a visit to the impressive Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds, glowing beautifully in the light of the setting sun.

Wildlife highlights may include: Pacific Baza, Gouldian, Masked and Double-barred Finches, Red Goshawk, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Sandstone Shrike-thrush, Brown, Banded, Rufous-throated and Bar-breasted Honeyeaters, and Freshwater Crocodile.

Accommodation: Pandanus on Litchfield (1 Night) | Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Litchfield to Darwin

This morning, we continue our exploration of the Litchfield National Park region, beginning with visits to the remarkable Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds. We'll then head to Buley Rockholes and walk the Tjaetaba Falls trail—an area where we've previously encountered one of Australia's rarest raptors, the Red Goshawk, as well as the Oriental Honey Buzzard, a species more commonly found in Asia and recorded in Australia only a handful of times each year.

Time permitting, we may also visit Wangi Falls, known for its dramatic water volume, and Tolmer Falls, the tallest in the park—both offering not only stunning scenery but excellent birdwatching opportunities.

In the afternoon, we travel back to Darwin for lunch and continue with visits to selected local hotspots in search of any species we may have missed on the journey. Potential sightings include the elusive Chestnut Rail, Mangrove Golden Whistler, Beach Stone Curlew, Pacific Reef Heron, and Rufous Owl.

Wildlife highlights may include: Chestnut Rail, Mangrove Golden Whistler, Pacific Reef Heron, Beach Stone Curlew, Black Butcherbird, Collared Sparrowhawk, Spangled Drongo, Northern Brush-tailed Possum, Yellow-spotted Monitor, and more.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: Not included – please ask for recommendations if needed

Day 6: Lee Point & Buffalo Creek

We begin our final morning with a visit to the nearby Muirhead Bushland Reserve, a reliable spot for observing a range of finches and honeyeaters in the open woodland. From there, we continue to Buffalo Creek—a prime location for spotting the elusive Chestnut Rail as it forages along the mangrove edge.

The adjacent beach at Buffalo Creek is one of the best wader-viewing sites in Australia. Depending on tides and season, we may see a rich diversity of shorebirds and migratory species gathering along the shoreline.

Around midday, your guide will drop you at Darwin Airport for your onward flight, or at your city accommodation if you're staying on in Darwin.

Wildlife highlights may include: Chestnut Rail, Pacific Reef Heron, Beach Stone-curlew, Lesser Crested Tern, Siberian and Greater Sand-plover, Grey and Pacific Golden-plover, Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Terek Sandpiper, Grey-tailed Tattler, Great and Red Knot, Little Kingfisher, Mangrove Grey Fantail, Crimson, Star and Long-tailed Finch, and Chestnut-breasted Mannikin.

Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Not included