Kakadu Koolpinya to Twin Falls Trek
The Koolpin Gorge to Twin Falls walk is a remote and beautiful walk through the heart of Southern Kakadu. The walk is restricted via permits and you are guaranteed complete exclusivity. This trip starts in Darwin. Our first day is a trip into Kakadu and we camp overnight at the beautiful Mary River Region of Southern Kakadu before starting early the next day.
The walk follows the Koolpin Creek and then crosses a plateau to join up with the Twin Falls Creek. Expect to be walking over rock plateaus, through woodland and camp in areas very few people have camped before. The walk is untracked, utilising map and compass navigation along the way. It covers highland creek country, hillsides dotted with dry land eucalypts, escarpment country overlooking Kakadu and beyond and pockets of paperbark forests where the temperature drops and you find yourself sitting in a cool comfortable environment. Arriving at the top of Twin Falls on day 5, you will be able to take some amazing photos of the gorge area before heading to Katherine.
Tour Size: Minimum 4, Maximum 8
Cost: AUD$1995.00 (valid to 31 March 2019) – Per Person – Fully Guided, All Inclusive
Tour Code: KTN5/6
Inclusions: All Inclusive of; Guide, Equipment hire if needed, Darwin Pick up & Katherine Drop off, Camping & Permit fees
Hard to difficult walk suitable for fit and active people with some bushwalking experience (must be agile and capable of carrying 15kgs over rough surfaces)
Itinerary
Using top quality equipment and qualified, accredited guides, this trip covers approximately 50 kilometres of stunning hiking. Wildlife encounters, self sufficient ‘backpac backpack’ camping, fantastic service, – it all adds up to being a unique experience. A trip you may never forget.Meet and Greet Night: – We meet at a local Hotel the night prior to departure to get to know each other and cover some logistical information.
Day 1 – L,D Camping
Your guide will pick-up you up at 7 am approximately in a 4WD vehicle from your Darwin accommodation, where you will be transferred into Kakadu National Park. Here we will set camp for the evening and prepare for an early start. We camp over night.
Days 2,3,4 & 5 – B,L,D, Camping
The walk follows Koolpin Creek and then crosses a plateau to join up with Twin Falls Creek. Expect to be walking over rock plateaus, through woodland and camp in areas very few people have camped before. The walk is untracked, utilising map and compass navigation along the way. It covers highland creek country, hillsides dotted with dry land eucalypts, escarpment country overlooking Kakadu and beyond and pockets of paperbark forests where the temperature drops and you find yourself sitting in a cool comfortable environment.
You will hike approximately 10 kilometres per day in untracked, remote areas, completely dependant of your campsite destinations, which can be reached between 12 pm and 2 pm each day. On arriving at camp you are free to relax, swim, read and enjoy the beauty of your surrounds. Each campsite has its own water source.Each day will also present to you a new set of challenges (nothing too big mind), there will be flat open country on the top of the escarpment where we can easily see where the creeks flow. Something new around every corner. We will also be introduced to some of the aboriginal art along the trail. Some of the art is easier to get to than others.
Day 6 – B,L
Arriving at the top of Twin Falls, you will be able to take some amazing photos of the gorge area before heading out to the vehicle where you will be met by your driver (approx. 2pm) and transferred in a 4WD vehicle back to your Katherine accommodation (arrive approx. 8pm).
General Information
The Area – Katherine Region. Katherine is 324 kilometres south of Darwin, Northern Territory.
The walk is located within the boundaries of Kakadu National Park, following the Arnhemland Escarpment across to Twin Falls. The local Flora and Fauna is prolific and the scenery is varied and beautiful. Koolpin Creek and Twin Falls Creek flow all year round and during the long ‘Dry’ season, become the only water sources for all manner of wildlife.
The Katherine Region is a terrific place to visit and base your Northern Territoryexperience from. We are close to The Kimberley, GregoryNational Park, ElseyNational Park, Manyallaluk, Kakadu Heritage Area and of course, right on our doorstep, is the magnificent Katherine/Flora/Daly River System.
Where We Stop
We are totally self sufficient giving us the luxury of being selective with our resting points, campsites however are designated due to the status of the National Park. There’s plenty of time to relax, swim, bird watch, encounter wildlife and appreciate the scenery. We regularly access these sites with group sizes of 2-8, ensuring that we have minimal impact on the environment.
How Far, How Long, When
The 5 day hike covers approx. 50km between the Koolpin Gorge Campground and Twin Falls. Tours operate during the ‘TOP END’ dry season, April to October. The temperature ranges from 24 C to 39 C, but the nights from June to August can be cool, dropping to 5 degrees Celsius.
Tour Accommodation
We are fully self-sustained while on the trail. While hiking we stop at designated camping sites. If you require, we can supply you with:
A screen tent – for those who wish to sleep inside – you can still see the stars
A ¾ length ‘Thermarest’ self inflating mattress
A sleeping bag which can be fully opened
A liner (or sheet) and pillow, a torch, mosquito repellent
While we are on the hiking tour we forgo chairs and tables along with grills and camp ovens. We cook with small fuel burning stoves allowing us to have hot meals and hot drinks throughout the tour.
The Meals
Breakfasts consist of cereals/porridge/oatmeal
Dinners are typical light weight meals cooked on a fuel stove
Lunches are ‘sandwich’ or ‘wrap’ style (normally crisp breads)
Tea, Coffee and Hot chocolate are available at camp
The guide will do the washing up (unless you really want to help)
What You Need to Bring
We recommend that you pack lightly and limit the space required. A packing list will be provided for you. You will only need minimal clothing – you can rinse items out daily. Keep things as light and small as possible to allow you to carry food & water.
We provide a 75 litre backpack, (ruck sack), or you may wish to use your own.
Group Size
We travel with no more than 10 people on tour including the Guide/s, (unless it is a specific group booking).
Getting back to Darwin:
Why not try this; An all inclusive 2 day adventure through the famous ‘KakaduWorldHeritagePark’. Travel Northwill show you some of the top spots in the park whilst accommodating you comfortably in their semi permanent tented camp.
Join us for an amazing 6 Day River trip after a rest day in Nitmiluk National Park. A true Wilderness Escape for 13 Days.