Explore the Natural Wilderness of the Top End from Darwin
Prepare to be captivated by the Northern Territory’s Top End – a region where raw natural beauty meets deep cultural heritage. This unforgettable journey takes you through landscapes carved by time and steeped in the stories of the world’s oldest living culture. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be embraced by the warmth of the local people and the power of the land. Whether you’re standing in awe beneath cascading waterfalls or tracing ancient rock art that speaks across millennia, each moment reveals another layer of the Top End’s soul.
Your adventure winds through some of Australia’s most iconic wilderness areas, beginning with the lush surrounds of Litchfield National Park. Here, swim in crystal-clear waterholes beneath Florence and Wangi Falls, surrounded by monsoon forest and towering sandstone escarpments. Then journey on to Kakadu National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where you’ll discover Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr, home to sacred Aboriginal rock art that shares Dreamtime stories still deeply resonant today. This is more than a tour – it’s an immersion into the living, breathing heart of Australia’s north.
- 5 nights accommodation
- 5 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner
- Kakadu National Park entrance fees
- Northern Territory Parks entrance fees
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
Day 1 - Welcome to Darwin
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.
Day 2 - Darwin - Katherine
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. (Swimming is seasonal and opening is controlled by NT Parks). 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.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Katherine Gorge
Join Manuel Pamkal, Aboriginal artist and prominent Katherine local, at his Top Didj Cultural Experience. You'll learn different techniques behind Aboriginal art styles, and hear about Manuel's life growing up near the King River. Katherine is a little bit tropical, a little bit outback, and a whole lot gorgeous. The region’s main attraction is its gaping Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, which carves the countryside in spectacular form. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, your guides will share their knowledge of plants, animals, dreamtime stories and their culture. Sit back on your boat and enjoy a cruise through this ancient landscape, home to the Jawoyn people for millennia.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 - Katherine - Kakadu
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).
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Kakadu National Park
If you want a different perspective, sign up for an optional scenic flight over the national park, revealing just how wide, wild and wonderful this part of the world really is. 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 guide will share the secrets of these ancient waterways. Top off your holiday sharing a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and travel mates.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 6 - Farewell from Darwin
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note itinerary is subject to change without prior notice*
Travel between 22 May 2025 and 3 Sep 2026 & Save 10% on selected departure dates.
Pricing below is based on 19 Jun 2025 departure
- From
$3,470$3,123 per person twin share* - From
$4,423$3,981 Solo Traveller*
Call our team today on 1300 414 198 to book your preferred travel date. Our team can also assist with booking flights and all your travel needs.
Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
- The Leea Resort Darwin
- Contour Hotel Katherine
- Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
What to Bring:
- Camera
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Warm layers in cooler months
Fitness Requirements:
- Medium level of fitness required for the climb to the top lookout of Ubirr
Flight Information:
- Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 1.30pm into Darwin Airport
- Day 6 – flights to depart after 1.30pm from Darwin Airport
- Flights are not included in the holiday price
- Return airport to hotel transfers are not included in the holiday price