Kakadu & Tiwi Islands Explorer

Depart Darwin and travel along the Arnhem Highway, their major river systems and wetlands, into Kakadu National Park. Located 257 kilometres east of Darwin, this national park covers 20,000 square kilometres of landscape from rocky escarpment home to historic Aboriginal rock art dating thousands of years, to floodplains abundant with wildlife.

Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Join your local guide on a cruise of Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned.

After lunch, stop at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), where your Driver Guide will lead you on a walk to view the rock art galleries. There is the opportunity for an optional 50-minute scenic flight (own expense). (L) Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

This morning join your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you'll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for a view over the surrounding wetlands.

Join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river's abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, you are able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Marrawuddi Art Gallery before returning to Darwin. (L) Stay: The Leaa Resort

After making your own way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, a five-minute drive from the CBD, take the 2½ hour cruise aboard a ferry to Bathurst Island. You will be greeted by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga.

Visit the Museum with its interesting displays of traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi ‘dreamtime' stories and see the Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi style Catholic Church. Hear about the colourful history of the early mission days and learn how the Tiwi people have blended their culture with Christianity. Take time out for lunch. Spend time with some Tiwi ladies while they work on their paintings. Your guides and the ladies also demonstrate their totem dances and perform a smoking ceremony to bless the visitors and explain the meanings behind them.

You'll be taken through the successful Arts & Crafts Centre and see where the artists work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed fabric at Island prices. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony) before returning to the ferry landing to re-board your vessel, departing Bathurst Island for Darwin at 3.15 pm. (L)