Top End Discovery

Darwin, the tropical capital of the top end will surprise you. Its modern metropolis is bustling with decadent eateries, recreational lagoons and captivating museums, while still maintaining its cultural connection with its traditional owners, the Larrakia people.

This evening at 6:00pm, we meet our fellow travellers at our hotel for a welcome dinner. (D)

Get acquainted with this historic city on an orientation tour, beginning at Darwin's scenic waterfront area, we visit the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels. Construction of the tunnel network commenced in 1942 following Japanese air-raids, however upon completion, they were never used for their original purpose of protecting oil. Eventually the tunnels were later utilised to store jet fuel for a short period in the 1950s during conflict with Indonesia.

We'll continue to the Museum & Art Gallery of Northern Territory. The museum exhibits an impressive collection of old and new art pieces and don't miss their resident saltwater crocodile, Sweetheart, believed to have been over 50 years old when he passed. Our last stop is the Royal Flying Doctor Service facility located on Darwin's Stokes Hill Wharf, which houses interactive displays bringing the RFDS's history of aero medical operations to life. Our afternoon is at leisure to further explore Darwin's sights at our own pace, or head back to the hotel for a relax by the pool. (B)

The expansive and rugged Kakadu National Park is our destination today. Home to the oldest civilisation and breathtaking natural beauty, we'll immerse ourselves in the cultural history overflowing in this region. On our way, we'll stop at the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, a wetland haven for an incredibly rich diversity of birdlife. Originally constructed during the 1950's to provide irrigation for the Humpty Doo Rice Project, the Fogg Dam was converted to a protected area soon after completion, to provide refuge for local wildlife during the dry season.

As we arrive in the national park, we'll gain an understanding of Aboriginal life through the years, as we explore the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) region. Take the trails and uncover the World Heritage-listed Rock Art of the Anbangbang gallery and shelter, portraying various painting styles and imagery from European sailing ships to Namarrkon, the famous ‘lightning man'. We then head to the Nawurlandja Lookout, where we'll be presented with panoramic views over the Arnhem Land escarpment, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock and the Anbangbang Billabong. (B/L)

Today we'll venture to the north-eastern reaches of Kakadu National Park, where we'll embark on a Guluyambi Cultural Cruise.

Special Experience: Cruise the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide to gain insight into the river's cultural significance, abundant food chain, and bush survival skills before disembarking on the Arnhem Land side of the river for a hunting demonstration. Later, we'll marvel at the ancient Aboriginal Rock Art in Ubirr, one of Kakadu's most significant sites, depicting fascinating stories and illustrating vital food animals. We'll hike to nearby Nadab Lookout, taking in the incredible vistas over Arnhem Land. (B/L)

We'll enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure. In the afternoon, we'll visit the nearby Warradjan Cultural Centre. This facility provides a fascinating insight into Bininj culture and history, through its impressive exhibition of Aboriginal artwork and interpretive displays. A special evening awaits, as we cruise Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Billabong. As the sun slowly sets, we can sit back and take in the abundance of birdlife that frequent the wetlands. Be on the look out for the saltwater crocodile and possibly a buffalo or two, who call this region home.

Optional Excursion: Kakadu Scenic Flight - Enjoy extraordinary aerial views of Kakadu National Park on an incredible scenic flight. To avoid disappointment, it is strongly recommended to pre-book this optional prior to travel. Passenger's weight must be advised at time of booking. (60 minutes - $250pp) (B)

We bid farewell to Kakadu today as we head south to the stunning region of Katherine – home to the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. A steep and rocky bushwalk will be worth the effort once we arrive at the mesmerising Leliyn (Edith Falls). Step amongst the smooth boulders, dotted between the water pools; the perfect spot for a rejuvenating swim.

Later, we'll check in to our hotel for a well-earned, relaxing evening at leisure. (B/D)

Make sure your camera batteries are charged up for today, as we give our legs a rest for this tranquil, special experience!

Special Experience: Cruise the breathtaking gorges of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with expert guides who share the meaning of ancient Aboriginal Rock Art, dating back 8-10 thousand years. Enjoy the opportunity to swim in the beautiful waters of the gorge, an experience which you'll never forget! We have an exciting and interactive afternoon ahead as we witness Tom Curtain's fantastic Katherine Outback Experience. Watch in awe as Tom and his team attempt to train and ride young, sometimes wild horses, along with providing an insight into how they condition their working dogs to muster sheep and cattle. Life on the farm should always end with some live Australian country music and who better to perform it than two-time Golden Guitar winner and our new favourite horseman, Tom Curtain. (B/D)

Today we make our way to Litchfield National Park, where our touring over the next two days includes visits to a number of scenically stunning waters, surrounded by monsoonal rainforest. After lunch we'll venture inside the park, to some of the best photo spots on earth and enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the natural plunge pools.

Special Experience: Take a short walk to the pristine Wangi Falls, then continue to the towering Tolmer Falls. We will arrive at our accommodation in the evening, in time for dinner. (B/L/D)

More natural wonders await us today in Litchfield National Park, as we enjoy an interpretive guided walk. We will view the pristine waters of the iconic Karrimurra (Florence Falls), before discovering the truly unique Magnetic Termite Mounds that have to be seen to be believed, some of which reach up to a staggering 4-metres-tall! As we farewell Litchfield, we make our way back to Darwin, stopping enroute to visit the Berry Springs Nature Park.

We'll have some free time to explore this little-known gem, which once formed part of a rest and recreation camp for armed forces during WWII. Enjoy one last swimming opportunity in the park's pristine waterhole, or take one of the walking trails through the surrounding monsoon rainforest and woodlands. Tonight, we'll meet for a delicious farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to the diverse and wonderful top end of Australia. (B)