Darwin and the Top End

Touring the top end is an absolute must if you’re looking for a truly ‘Australian’ experience in the land down under. The region’s largest city, and capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin, is warm year-round and its tropical climate will lull you into relaxation no matter when you go.

The region also boasts a lot of history, right the way through from its involvement in World War II to the devastation caused by Cyclone Tracey. Visiting the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the Darwin Military Museum and the historic WWII bunkers in Charles Darwin National Park are all awesome ways to get the full experience. But if sightseeing is more your thing, why not take a day trip to Litchfield National Park and see the incredible termite mounds, rainforests and waterfalls – you can even go for a swim!

Along with dozens of other things, the top end also gives you the opportunity to tour World Heritage listed Kakadu, which is the largest national park in Australia and home to one third of Australia’s bird species and other wildlife. South of Darwin you could take a day to visit Katherine, the third largest town in the Northern Territory and a place that is fondly known as ‘where the outback meets the tropics’.

 Your Holiday Package Includes:

• $700 flight credit per person
• 6 nights accommodation in Darwin
• Darwin City Sights & Jumping Crocs
• Kakadu National Park Explorer
• Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls
• Litchfield National Park Waterfalls
• Private transfers throughout

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 14-20 May 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Day tour information:

Darwin City Sights & Jumping Crocs

Join a morning city sights tour for the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by a local guide. See the lush Botanic Gardens and the Chinese Temple, which was re-built after it was demolished by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Tour the historic sites of the city including the East Point Military Precinct. See the Stokes Hill Wharf area, the Mooring Basin and Darwin Aviation Museum. There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, whose collections encompass Aboriginal art, visual arts, and Northern Territory history and natural sciences. After the tour you will be dropped off in the city for a 45-minute break and opportunity to have lunch. Then make your own way to the Transit Centre to join the Jumping Crocs & Nature Adventure. Just 60km from Darwin lies the Adelaide River, home to over 1600 Crocodiles and the location of the famous Jumping Crocodiles. Join this tour in the afternoon and travel down the Stuart Highway to the Adelaide River, enjoying commentary about the outskirts of Darwin along the way. Cruise the river and thrill as these awesome creatures launch themselves out of the water. The cruise will enable you to see these prehistoric creatures at close range. Afterwards continue to Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to view a wetland ecosystem up close. Venture next to the Wetland View Top & Information Centre where you get to see uninterrupted panoramic views across the wetlands. Experience fun, interactive displays along with a mini cinema room, local information and of course that majestic view from the top deck!

Kakadu National Park Explorer

World Heritage listed and the largest National Park in Australia, Kakadu is one of the most diverse landscapes you’ll ever experience, and you’ll be amazed at the population of wildlife in the water, on the land and in the air. See some of the most amazing terrain Australia has to offer on your way to and inside Kakadu. Marvel at the concentration of rock art sites that illustrate Aboriginal culture, some dating back 50,000 years.

Kakadu National Park - Travelling along the Arnhem Highway, the Marrakai Plains will provide a beautiful backdrop for your journey.

Warradjan Cultural Centre - Call in to learn more about the region.

Bininj people - Learn about the traditional owners of Kakadu.

Yellow Water Billabong Cruise - Join a local guide to spot saltwater crocodiles and colourful birdlife, including sea eagles, brolgas and tiny brilliantly-hued kingfishers.

Estuarine Crocodiles - See them basking in the shallows and on the sandy banks.

Lunch - Enjoy time out at Cooinda Lodge.

Nourlangie - Walk with your Driver Guide to view many different forms of Aboriginal rock art at this site.

Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is a network of thirteen gorges carved from billion-year-old sandstone country by the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park. Aboriginal culture is strong in the area and there are many Aboriginal rock art sites dotted throughout the park. It is a haven for nature lovers, with its rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls and lush gorges providing an abundance of flora and fauna.

Leaving Darwin, we travel south through tropical country, passing former WWII airstrips en route to Adelaide River. We make a short stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a site dedicated to those killed in the air raids in Darwin in the 1940s.

Continue to Edith Falls, where there is time for a refreshing swim in the paperbark and pandanas fringed waterhole beneath the falls (conditions permitting). After your included lunch, we join a 2-hour scenic cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, with a chance to see freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river and many interesting species of birdlife. Our cruise of the first two gorges takes us past sheer rock walls and requires an 800 metre walk to reach the second gorge. Enjoy a drive back through the township of Katherine, the hub of the region’s cattle and farming industries. Travel via Pine Creek, an historic gold mining town.

A Northern Territory Parks passes is required for this trip. Each guest will be required to purchase pass directly online at https://nt.gov.au/parks/park-pass

 Included Meals: Lunch

Litchfield National Park Waterfalls

Established in 1986, Litchfield National Park is a stunning location. You can take in the splendour of thundering waterfalls, rainforest pockets and historic sacred sites. It is a haven for hundreds of native bird species and the plateau supports a rich range of woodland flora. The traditional custodians of the Park are the Wagait people, many of whom still call the area home.

Florence Falls - View the double falls from a high vantage point before making your way down to take a swim in the plunge pool.

Interpretive Guided walk -There's time for a walk through the scenic bush and monsoon vine forest.

Tolmer Falls - This is a spectacular photo opportunity; it’s home to colonies of rare ghost and orange horseshoe bats.

Lunch - Take a break at the Litchfield Cafe.

Wangi Falls - Swim in the large plunge pool, the most accessible of all in the region and the perfect place for a final dip today.

Howard Springs Nature Park - Feed the barramundi and turtles.

Magnetic Termite Mounds - The work of local termites, standing upright like magnetic compasses, they make for a fun photo.

A Northern Territory Parks passes is required for this trip. Each guest will be required to purchase pass directly online at https://nt.gov.au/parks/park-pass

Included Meals: Lunch

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. Prices/Offers are correct as at 19 September 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Flight credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.