6D5N Top End Highlights

Darwin is the kind of place that excites all your senses. It’s always steamy, which means you have a constant glow. The aroma of tropical fruits wafts from markets. The horizons are wide and sunsets blazing. Take in sights and attractions that tell stories of the NT capital’s unexpected history on a city tour. As the day begins to disappear, follow the lead of the colourful locals to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Your Travel Director will give you the lowdown, highlighting the eclectic range of cuisine on offer – expect everything from Greek to Japanese. What a tasty start to your getaway.

The ancient landscapes of Litchfield National Park are shaped by water, as you’ll fast discover when exploring this immense protected wilderness. There are lakes and rivers, waterfalls and waterholes. Get set to visit Florence Falls, then take a dip (seasonal) in the gin-clear pool of Wangi Falls, this dreamy setting enveloped by monsoon forest. The landscape is also shaped by termites. The national park is pocked with enormous termite mounds, which are architectural feats complete with tunnels and nursery chambers. Small creatures with a big vision.

breakfast · dinner

The region’s main attraction is its stunning Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, which carves the countryside in spectacular form. This awe-inspiring natural wonder features a series of gorges sculpted from ancient sandstone, offering breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Sit back and enjoy a cruise through this ancient landscape, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, home to the Jawoyn people, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their rich cultural heritage and traditions. The cruise not only provides a visual feast but also enriches your understanding of the deep spiritual connection the Jawoyn people have with the land. In the afternoon, join Tom Curtain’s award-winning Katherine Outback Experience to delve into the Northern Territory’s unique pastoral history and culture.

breakfast

Today is your chance to reset your body’s natural rhythms with a morning dip in Edith Falls – because days are better when you begin them with your head under water. (Please note that swimming at Edith Falls is seasonal and opening is controlled by National Parks) This series of cascades in Nitmiluk National Park will set your pulse racing. Before venturing deep into Kakadu, you’re poised for refreshments with a short stopover in the film-set-like town of Pine Creek, where buildings date back to the heady gold rush days. In Kakadu, you’ll take a guided walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).

breakfast

If you want a different perspective, sign up for a scenic flight over the national park, revealing just how wide, wild and wonderful this part of the world really is (own expense). Australia is home to some of the oldest art in the world, and much of it decorates rock walls at Ubirr – this jaw-dropping site protects Aboriginal rock paintings and carvings dating back more than 20,000 years. If you thought that was impressive, wait till you see the view over Kakadu from the top of the escarpment. This afternoon, there’s nothing between you and nature, the dramatic escarpments, waterholes and abundant wildlife of Kakadu looming large. Speaking of large, there are saltwater crocs to spot while you drift away on a Yellow Water Billabong cruise. Your local cruise guide will share the secrets of these ancient waterways. Top off your holiday sharing a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and travel mates.se ancient waterways. Top off your holiday sharing a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and travel mates.

Optional Experiences:

a. Kakadu Air Scenic Flights
One of the best ways to experience Kakadu is on a 30 minutes scenic flight in a fixed-wing aircraft, which allows you to see the
amazing escarpments, waterways and wetlands. You will be amazed by the vastness and varied landscape that can be best
experienced from the air. An experience not to be missed. *Please Note: This optional experience can be reserved at the time of
your trip booking. Please enquire with your travel agent or reservations team member. Subject to availability.

breakfast · dinner

Following your Kakadu tour, you may also spot enormous ‘salties’ lurking in river crossings you pass by. Plus you may also see them at Fogg Dam. But here you will definitely witness a cacophony of birds. This really is a twitcher’s paradise. A fitting (and slightly noisy) end to this epic wilderness journey.

Optional Experiences:

a. Darwin Harbour Cruises – Charles Darwin Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise (Post Tour Only) The Dinner Cruise aboard the ‘Charles Darwin’ is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the famous Darwin Sunset whilst enjoying a delicious Territory Style Buffet with Australian seafood and local produce all-in air-conditioned comfort. This two-hour cruise on the ‘Charles Darwin’s’ Captains Deck (main deck) also includes great commentary and offers the best value for money dinner cruise on Darwin harbour. This Sunset cruise is the perfect way to end your Darwin experience. (Return transfers can be organised at extra cost). To partake in this experience, you will require an additional post tour night accommodation or a flight that departs after 8pm on the day of the tour.

breakfast