Darwin & Kakadu

Days: 8 Days

Activity: 3. Active Moderate

Transport: Fly

$4,995.00

Tour description


Discover the natural beauty, fascinating history and rich Aboriginal culture of Australia’s spectacular Top End on this unforgettable eight day adventure. From tropical Darwin to the World Heritage listed landscapes of Kakadu National Park and the dramatic sandstone gorges of Nitmiluk, this all inclusive journey showcases the very best of the Northern Territory. Cruise through wetlands teeming with wildlife, witness enormous saltwater crocodiles, explore ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, relax beneath magnificent waterfalls and experience unforgettable sunsets on Darwin Harbour and Katherine Gorge. With quality accommodation, expert local experiences and breathtaking scenery throughout, this is the ultimate Top End holiday.


• Return flights to Darwin
• Four nights in tropical Darwin
• Overnight in Kakadu National Park
• Two nights in Katherine
• Darwin city sightseeing tour
• Darwin Military Museum
• George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
• Chung Wah Society and Chinese Museum
• Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
• Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
• Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park
• Nourlangie Aboriginal Rock Art galleries
• Yellow Water Billabong sunrise cruise
• Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
• Historic Pine Creek
• Katherine Museum
• Katherine Hot Springs
• Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge
• Litchfield National Park
• Magnetic Termite Mounds
• Adelaide River War Cemetery
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• Northern Territory Parliament House
• Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
• Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility
• Fully escorted touring throughout

Itinerary

Our Northern Territory holiday begins as we fly to tropical Darwin. On arrival, we enjoy lunch before discovering some of the city’s highlights on a sightseeing tour along the picturesque coastline. Rebuilt following Cyclone Tracy, Darwin is a vibrant and multicultural city where tropical landscapes meet a fascinating wartime history. Later this afternoon, we settle into our accommodation before gathering together for our first dinner and a warm Top End welcome.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Darwin Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Today we explore more of Darwin’s fascinating history, culture and natural beauty. We begin with a visit to the Darwin Military Museum before enjoying morning tea overlooking the coastline at East Point. We then wander through the lush George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens before free time in the city for lunch at leisure. This afternoon we discover Darwin’s rich Chinese heritage with a visit to the Chung Wah Society and Chinese Museum, followed by some free time before a relaxing sunset dinner cruise on beautiful Darwin Harbour.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Darwin Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we farewell Darwin and journey towards the magnificent landscapes of Kakadu National Park. We pause at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve before enjoying a thrilling cruise on the Adelaide River, where enormous saltwater crocodiles leap from the water in a spectacular wildlife experience. Following lunch, we continue into Kakadu to explore the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries and breathtaking escarpment views at Nourlangie, before arriving at Cooinda Lodge for dinner.

Overnight: Cooinda Lodge Kakadu Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early start rewards us with one of Australia’s finest wildlife experiences—a dawn cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. As the sun rises, we glide through this remarkable wetland, home to crocodiles, colourful birdlife and breathtaking scenery. After breakfast, we visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to gain an insight into the traditions of the Bininj people before travelling via historic Pine Creek to Katherine, where we settle into our accommodation and enjoy dinner together.

Overnight: Contour Katherine Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we discover the history of the region at the Katherine Museum before enjoying free time to browse the town ahead of lunch. Later, we visit the beautiful Katherine Hot Springs, where we can relax beside the crystal-clear thermal waters. Those wishing to experience an optional helicopter flight over Nitmiluk National Park can do so this afternoon (additional cost; must be pre-booked with our office prior to departure). This evening is a highlight as we cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge on the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, surrounded by soaring sandstone cliffs.

Overnight: Contour Katherine Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we journey towards Litchfield National Park, stopping at the famous Adelaide River Hotel to meet Charlie the buffalo from Crocodile Dundee before visiting the peaceful Adelaide River War Cemetery. We also see the fascinating magnetic termite mounds, unique to northern Australia. A picnic lunch is enjoyed amongst the beautiful waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, where there is time to swim, stroll or simply admire the spectacular scenery before returning to Darwin.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Darwin Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, home to fascinating exhibits showcasing the Territory’s natural and cultural heritage, including Cyclone Tracy. We then enjoy a visit to the impressive Northern Territory Parliament House, a striking building overlooking Darwin Harbour that reflects the Territory’s unique history, government and multicultural identity. Afterwards, we enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore Darwin at our own pace before experiencing the lively atmosphere of the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where delicious cuisine, local arts and crafts, and a magnificent sunset create the perfect finale.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Darwin Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we bid farewell to our hotel and visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility for a guided tour. Through fascinating exhibits, interactive displays and captivating stories, we gain an insight into the remarkable work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, while also learning about the dramatic events of the 1942 Bombing of Darwin. Afterwards, we transfer to Darwin Airport for our flight home, taking with us wonderful memories of Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park and Australia’s spectacular Top End.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity Levels

  • 1. Easy
  • 2. Moderate
  • 3. Active Moderate
  • 4. Adventurous

Testimonials

Re-trip to Dubbo and Mudgee. On behalf of the small group from our club. I would like to thank you for organising such a great five day tour. The accommodation was great with the staff at both. Venues very helpful. Our driver, Hans, as always, was extremely caring and helped to make everyone feel comfortable and part of a happy and friendly travel group. Look forward to future travel with On Course.

Yours sincerely, Jill

Dear On Course Tours and Travel, Thank you so much for a wonderful trip to King Island. I have been on a great many coach trips but can honestly say that yours are the best by far (I was also on the Christmas in July trip to Nelson Bay with you guys), I hope to join some more of your tours next year.

Kind regards, Marlene