Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine Gorge Delights

We fly into Darwin Airport where we are met by our coach captain for the start of our Darwin to Katherine adventure. We are transferred to our hotel situated right in the heart of Darwin precinct.

This morning experience the thrill of jumping crocodiles on an Adelaide River cruise, and observe primeval saltwater crocodiles - commonly referred to as ‘salties’ - as they leap from the water to snatch food that your boat guide dangles from above. We lunch at the Humpty Doo Hotel – a classic top end pub made famous by Slim Dusty then head back to Darwin to visit the Museum & Art Gallery that depicts the destructive force of Cyclone Tracy. This evening we dine out, enjoying a sumptuous seafood buffet whilst admiring the sunset over Darwin Harbour.

Today we discover Litchfield National Park, taking in the inspiring views of Tabletop Range, a sandstone plateau adorned with a curtain of cascading waterfalls. Marvel at the termite mounds and learn how these astonishing structures are built by armies of tiny insects. We then make our way Buley Rockhole to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading pools. This popular swimming spot is a great place to start your exploration of the park. Wade through the pools, absorb the scenic bush surrounds or sit and relax, as the cool water rolls over your shoulders. Next, we make our way to Florence Falls lookout before moving on to Litchfield Café for lunch. Our afternoon takes us to nearby Wangi Falls, where year-round currents pour into a large swimming hole. Enjoy a refreshing dip before we make our way back to Darwin.

We depart Darwin and head into World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Spread over 4.2 million acres it is Australia’s largest national park with abundant culture and wildlife. We take time at Ubirr Rock, the museum in the desert, showcasing well preserved ancient Aboriginal rock art. The cave paintings tell stories dating back thousands of years and the rock offers the most spectacular views of the Arnhem Land escarpment. We then visit the famous Cahills Crossing where you can view Salties lining up for their lunch of fish, this is a once in a lifetime experience! We stop at Cooinda Lodge for lunch before our afternoon takes us gliding along the Yellow Water Billabong on a river cruise that has us on the lookout for crocs basking in the sun. Our local guide delivers expert commentary and will point out the wild birdlife and explain the natural history of the wetlands. We then make our way to our hotel that is uniquely shaped to represent Kakadu’s most famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile.

Take a birds eye view of the dramatic landscapes of Kakadu National Park from the air during a 30-minute scenic flight. Our scenic flighttakes off from Jabiru for a thrilling flight offering spectacular views of Kakadu National Park, soaring over natural wonders including The Archway, the Arnhem Land escarpments, East Alligator Valley, the Mikinj Valley Billabongs, and the Magela flood plains. We travel cross-country from Kakadu via the picturesque and refreshing Edith Falls, finishing our day at Katherine. Enjoy a warm welcome from The Jawoyn people on our arrival at the eco-friendly Cicada Lodge. Our lodge rooms are all air conditioned and feature full length doors to the private balconies. Each room features Indigenous artwork from localartists – the rich colours blending with and complimenting the more modern design and fittings. The ancient stories within the paintings weave the modern with the traditional to create a unique blend that is Cicada Lodge. At sunset we enjoy a ‘Nitmiluk Sunset’ drinks and canapes poolside before dining in the Cicada Lodge Restaurant. An experience in itself, with dishes combining traditional elements and incredible flavours from the region. The cuisine is about mixing and matching traditional herbs and fruits with the freshest of local produce.

Enjoy a lie in this morning before boarding the coach to get a taste of life in the outback! At Tom Curtain’s Katherine Outback Experience, we witness an outback show that celebrates life on the land through real horse-starting and working dog demonstrations, live music and storytelling. From the comfort of elevated seating under the shade of an indoor arena, watch and learn as the young horses and working dogs are trained for life on the land. Later in the afternoon, experience the magic of a sunset over the rugged landscapes of the Nitmiluk National Park, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Katherine Gorge. We glide along the Katherine River on a 3.5-hour sunset cruise, enjoying a candlelight dinner, featuring fresh, local Australian produce cooked on board, with a glass of sparkling wine. Sit back and relax as the tranquil surroundings transport you into a spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history.

A leisurely start to our day farewelling our hosts at Cicada Lodge. We make our way to Pine Creek where we break for lunch before continuing on to Adelaide River taking time to visit the heritage listed Adelaide River War Cemetery. Arrive into Darwin to check-in to our hotel. Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner, feasting on the freshest of seafood whilst overlooking a harbour sunset at Cullen Bay.

Enjoy a free morning before taking transfers to Darwin Airport for our respective flights home.