lush green tropical rainforests and magnificent gorges
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 8 days/6 Nights’ Accommodations
- National park entry fee
- 4 Lunches
- Experienced Driver Guides
- Detailed and informative commentary
- Travel in an air-conditioned coach
- Return airport transfers*
The Top End, as it’s called, is a smattering of lush green tropical rainforests and magnificent gorges. Wetlands and ancient gorges dominate the landscape while snaking within them are spectacular waterfalls, pristine rock pools and Aboriginal art. Located closer to the equator than the other ends of Australia, this tropical part of Australia truly defies all stereotypes.
Be captivated by the countless natural wonders of the Top End. Visit Kakadu and Litchfield National Park, join the Jumping Crocodile cruise, view native wildlife, take in the sights of Darwin city and cruise through spectacular Katherine Gorge. You will be astounded by the lush, tropical landscape, ancient culture and myriad of exotic critters.
Day 1: Welcome to Darwin On arrival at Darwin Airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel (flights anytime). The rest of the day is free to explore Darwin. Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort (R) or Mantra on the Esplanade/DoubleTree Esplanade (S), Darwin, 3 nights. Day 2: Litchfield National Park Leaving Darwin, we follow the Stuart Highway via the township of Batchelor to Litchfield National Park. Visiting the main falls of the Park, you have the opportunity for scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walks. View Florence Falls from a high vantage point before making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below with an opportunity to swim, making your way back via the monsoon forest and open woodland. We visit Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole below. We then venture to Wangi Falls for another opportunity for a swim in the large crystal-clear pool and an optional steady climb through the monsoon vine forest to the top of the falls. Lunch included Day 3: Darwin Join a city sights tour this afternoon for the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by a local guide. See the Chinese Temple and the lush Botanic Gardens. Tour the historic sights of the city including the East Point Military Precinct. See the Stokes Hill Wharf area and the Mooring Basin. There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, which houses stunning permanent collections of Aboriginal art. Day 4: Darwin – Kakadu National Park Travel on the Arnhem Highway across the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains. Stop at Nourlangie, where your Driver Guide will lead you to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. After lunch join a local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre and view the displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Hotel: Aurora Kakadu (R) or Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (S), Kakadu. Lunch included Day 5: Kakadu National Park – Darwin This morning stop at Ubirr for a short walk to view rock art. Located on the Arnhem Land escarpment, Ubirr has been added to the World Heritage list because of its anthropological and archaeological value. Then join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal Guide. This wonderfully scenic cruise is a great introduction to Aboriginal culture in the Territory. Watch for a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles. Learn about the ancient culture and legends of the region. With special permission of the local custodians, disembark for a short walk into Arnhem Land. Enjoy the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient Aboriginal culture during a display of traditional hunting and gathering techniques and implements. Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre before returning to Darwin. Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort (R) or Mantra on the Esplanade/DoubleTree Esplanade (S), Darwin, 3 nights. Lunch included Day 6: Katherine Gorge Cruise Travel south through tropical country, passing WWII airstrips en route to Adelaide River. Stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a site dedicated to those killed in the Darwin air raids in the 1940s. Continue to Edith Falls for a swim in the waterhole beneath the falls (weather conditions permitting). After visiting the Nitmiluk National Park Information Centre, enjoy a cruise through Katherine Gorge. You may see fresh water crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river. Your guided tour takes you past sheer rock walls and requires a short walk to reach the second gorge. After the cruise, travel by coach to Katherine, the third largest town in the Northern Territory and hub of the regions cattle and farming industries. Return to Darwin stopping en route for the opportunity to purchase dinner (own expense). Lunch included. Day 7: Darwin ‘Free Time’ Today is free for you to enjoy Darwin. If you’re interested in the history of the area, you can learn all about the bombing of Darwin on the Frontline Australia WWII tour. It includes a visit to the Military Museum and a cruise on Darwin Harbour to view the Naval Base HMAS Coonawarra. Day 8: Farewell from Darwin Your short break concludes this morning in Darwin. You’ll be transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).VIEW ITINERARY
Pricing & Departures
| Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2016 | $1,699 |
Additional departure dates available, ask a Travel Team Agent for details.
Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
- Return Airport Transfers are included – must provide flight information at time of booking*
- Land only package, International airfare can easily be added
- Prices are per person based on double occupancy
- Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
- We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
- All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
- Prices reflect cash discount
- Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
- Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
- Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
- UBI-600-307-872-WA
