Welcome to Darwin, the gateway to Australia. You have two nights here, staying at the Hilton Darwin, superbly located on Mitchell Street, just a couple of minutes walk from Bicentennial Park and 10 minutes from the bars, restaurants and swimming lagoon at the Waterfront.

Your time here is your own, before you join your luxury tour to the Top End’s National Parks. Darwin is a compact city, easy to navigate. Head to the Museum & Gallery of the Northern Territory to admire a wonderful collection of Aboriginal art and ancient artefacts, as well as learn about the destruction caused by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. North of the city centre, enjoy a stroll through the George Brown Botanic Gardens then carry onto East Point for a fascinating recollection of life in the city in WWII at the Defence of Darwin Experience.

At least one evening, head to Mindil Beach to see the sky transform into a wonderfully array of reds and oranges as the sunsets over the Timor Sea. On the other, why not check out what’s showing at Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema? Where you can also enjoy dinner from one of the local caterers.

Hilton Hotel Darwin

This morning your small group tour of the Northern Territory’s unique National Parks begins! After meeting your Journey Director and fellow travellers, board your luxury vehicle and travel across the Finniss River to Litchfield National Park. You’ll visit tumbling Florence Falls and you’ll also enjoy a swim to cool off at Wangi Falls, surrounded by tropical monsoon rainforest and hear about its importance in Aboriginal custom before stopping for lunch. After lunch you will travel back to Darwin where you will enjoy a waterfront welcome dinner with wine.

Hilton Hotel Darwin

Dinner

Get ready for a cross-country journey into the magnificent Kakadu National Park. Keep your eyes open for crocodiles as you cross the South Alligator River, Brolgas, Magpie Geese and Jabiru as you traverse along the long grasses of the marshes and wetlands. Kakadu really is a diverse UNESCO world heritage site.

After lunch the famous Yellow Waters Billabong boat cruise will be a highlight of your journey. You will see a myriad of different bird species, spot estuarine crocodiles and simply enjoy the stunning billabong and floodplains system. This afternoon check into the renowned Crocodile Hotel in the town of Jabiru and enjoy the wonderful Aboriginal Art Gallery within the hotel before getting to know your fellow travellers over dinner with wine.

Mercure Crocodile Kakadu, Jabiru

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning you’ll visit Nourlangie to see its fascinating Aboriginal rock art for yourself. You’ll also hear first-hand from your Journey Director a detailed interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as you explore the various outdoor ‘galleries’ with art that dates back some 20,000 years.

You will continue driving through the ancient lands of Kakadu National Park through to the town of Katherine and further on to Nitmiluk National Park. Indulge in five-star luxury at Cicada Lodge, a stunning architect designed eco-lodge surrounded by nature, where each room has a private balcony that opens to the glories of Nitmiluk National Park. Cool off from the heat of the day while enjoy a swim in the pool as the sunsets before a beautiful dinner.

Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine

Breakfast and dinner

Today immerse yourself as you meet Manual Pamkal who will welcome you with a traditional welcoming tune on the didgeridoo. Manual was born and raised immersed in his rich traditional culture. He’ll share with you stories of growing up in the bush and teach you the fine art of rarrk painting using a special brush from a reed called Julk. Call up the inner artist within you and paint your own masterpiece to take home! You will enjoy lunch back on the deck of Cicada Lodge overlooking this natural surrounding before having a free afternoon to relax.

This evening indulge on a special sunset dinner cruise along Katherine River. You’ll marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance during the candle-lit three course dinner cook on board your boat.

Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

A leisurely start to the day could see you relaxing at the lodge or embarking on a walk. Later, leave the wilderness behind and journey north along the Stuart Highway, stopping to cool off in the cascading waters of Edith Falls. Next, continue to Adelaide River War Cemetery and pay homage to the heroes who gave their lives in the service and defence of Australia.

Finally, head back to the tropical Northern Territory capital of Darwin. Your tour ends here, but your holiday doesn’t have to. Why not visit the Red Centre, add a Sydney city stay or explore Australia’s stunning South West Corner? Ask your Travel Consultant for options.

Breakfast and lunch