Top End & Kakadu Explorer

Welcome to the Top End! Your adventure begins in Darwin (Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Darwin is now located). Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and your gateway to the wonders of the Top End. Prior to your welcome meeting tomorrow morning, the day is yours for your own discoveries of Darwin, so you are free to arrive at any time. You may like to take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon, a protected bay with a net to keep out crocs and other unwelcome creatures. A visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is a must for a taste of the state’s culture, history and art. Rest up this evening for an early start and exciting day tomorrow.

Rise bright and early, have breakfast and then meet at the hotel's reception at 7:30am, when you will meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your journey. Drive towards Kakadu National Park. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Stop for a photo opportunity at Mamukala Wetlands, and after a picnic lunch by the river at Cahill's Crossing hop aboard a cruise down the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country). You’ll be joined by an Aboriginal guide who will provide a unique insight on the cultural significance of the landscape and the plants and animals that live there. After your cruise, set off on the Ubirr walk with your leader, a 1km loop that leads you past incredible examples of Aboriginal rock art and to an awe-inspiring lookout point. Continue to your accommodation for the evening, a resort within the national park. (B/L)

This morning, drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. There are various short walks available to you while here, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in the natural surrounds. In the afternoon, drive to Katherine, where the outback meets the tropics. Your accommodation for the next two nights is near Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine. (B/L)

Start the day with a visit to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a truly impressive series of sandstone gorges sculpted by the Katherine River. Enjoy a cruise down the river to marvel at the dramatic scenery, as local guides fill you in on the flora and fauna of the region while providing historical and cultural context. In the afternoon, head out on foot and explore Nitmiluk from a different angle. Return to your accommodation for another night in Katherine. (B)

Start off the day with a visit and swim at Katherine's hot springs. Then head to Leliyn (Edith Falls), a stunning collection of tumbling cascades where you'll enjoy a swim in the deep-blue natural pools. Once you're thoroughly refreshed, its time to hit the road again. Make a stop along the way at the town of Pine Creek where you'll learn more about the rich indigenous history of the region before arriving at our overnight stop for tonight at Batchelor, the gateway to beautiful Litchfield National Park. (B/L)

This morning make the drive into magnificent Litchfield National Park. On arrival, visit Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds. Take a refreshing dip in the amazing Wangi Falls, then enjoy a peaceful lunch next to the falls themselves. Next pay a visit to the Buley Rockhole, a series of shallow rock pools perfect for another dip. Arrive back in Darwin in the afternoon and say goodbye to your newfound friends, as your adventure comes to an end here upon arrival. Make sure you schedule time for Darwin's famous Mindil Beach Market, which is open Thursdays and Sundays. (B/L)