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.
Day 1 - Welcome to Darwin
Darwin is the kind of place that excites all your senses. It’s always tropical, which means you have a constant glow. The aroma of Top End delights wafts from markets. The horizons are wide and the sunsets blazing. Take in sights and attractions that tell stories of the NT capital’s history on a city tour. As the day begins to disappear, follow the lead of the colorful 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, but it is always hard to go past a Laksa (own expense). 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 soon discover when exploring this immense protected wilderness. There are rivers, waterfalls, and waterholes. Get set to visit Florence Falls, then take a dip 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.
Day 3 - Nitmiluk Gorge
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.
Day 4 - Katherine - Kakadu
Today is your chance to reset your body’s natural rhythms with a morning dip in Katherine Hot Springs – because days are better when you begin them in thermal waters. These hot springs will have you relaxed in no time. 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 to the heady gold rush days. In Kakadu, you’ll take a guided walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).
Day 5 - Kakadu National Park
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.
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 witness a cacophony of birds. This is a twitcher's paradise. A fitting end to this epic wilderness journey.
Please note itinerary is subject to change without prior notice*
Travel Dates Jul to Sep 2025 and May to Sep 2026
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