Kick-start your day with breakfast before heading to DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin for your 7:30am pickup (located next door to your hotel). Today, your small group will be delving into the diverse wilds of Litchfield National Park on an exclusive bonus tour.
First, cruise along the Adelaide River for a heart-pounding encounter with mighty saltwater crocodiles as they launch from the water just metres away.
Then, journey deeper into the parklands, where lush rainforests, crystal-clear rock pools and towering waterfalls await. Swim beneath cascading falls, spot native wildlife and marvel at the towering Magnetic Termite Mounds. With an expert guide leading the way, this epic outback experience wraps up with a comfortable ride back to Darwin where you will enjoy an evening at leisure.
Bonus Litchfield National Park tour (valued up to $235 per person)
After two days in this lush waterfront capital, it’s time to learn more about its storied history and unique culture on a city tour.
Stroll along the scenic Esplanade, taking in stunning waterfront views and learning about the city’s wartime history. Learn about the city’s past, explore vibrant local precincts and perhaps catch a glimpse of the region’s famous saltwater crocodiles. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for a briefing on your upcoming destinations and a delicious dinner.
This morning, take a scenic flight to Maningrida, where you’ll receive a warm Welcome to Country, immersing yourself in the deep cultural heritage of the region.
Settle in for a two-night stay at the exclusive Barramundi Lodge. Perched above sweeping floodplains, this intimate retreat offers just 12 safari suites and a restaurant with breathtaking views. With special access to remote fishing spots along the Tomkinson and Liverpool Rivers, you’ll have the chance to experience world-class fishing in pristine waters, guided by experts who know these legendary waterways best.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
Start your day with breakfast before taking to the waterways on an exclusive fishing and marine adventure on the pristine Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers that are teeming with barramundi. Whether you’re an avid angler or just along for the ride, your expert guides will take you to the best spots aboard top-of-the-line Ocean Master vessels, complete with shaded canopies and onboard restrooms.
After a morning on the water, dive into the region’s rich cultural heritage with visits to the Maningrida Arts and Cultural Centre and Djomi Museum. These essential centres empower local Indigenous artists to pursue global careers from their home bases.
As the sun sets, unwind on the lodge’s deck with a drink in hand, sharing stories of the day’s biggest catch – or the one that got away.
After breakfast, depart Maningrida and journey through the striking stone country of West Arnhem Land, crossing the Goomadeer and Liverpool Rivers before turning off toward Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris at Mount Borradaile.
Framed by idyllic billabongs, boundless wilderness and rugged ranges – this incredible spot is your home for the next two nights. A rugged 40km bush track leads to the remote safari lodge, where a delicious lunch awaits before settling into your cabin.
This afternoon, embark on a guided exploration of ancient rock art galleries, where vivid paintings span 40,000 years of Aboriginal culture. From extinct animals to 20th-century sailing ships and the iconic Rainbow Serpent, these breathtaking works tell stories of an unbroken connection to Country. Return to the lodge for a well-earned dinner.
Travel time: Coach – 6.5 hours (approximately)
After breakfast, climb into open-back Toyotas for another day of discovery at Mount Borradaile, where ancient rock art and archaeological sites reveal thousands of years of storytelling and cultural evolution. Learn how painting techniques shifted over time and explore occupation sites filled with artefacts from generations past.
After lunch, venture into the stunning wetlands of Cooper Creek, where crocodiles bask on the banks and birdlife flourishes. Drift through picture-perfect lagoons before toasting the day with drinks and nibbles as the sun sets over the floodplain. Return to the lodge for a final night immersed in this extraordinary wilderness.
This morning, journey deeper into Arnhem Land with a visit to the Injalak Art Gallery in Oenpelli, where more than 200 artists, weavers and craftspeople showcase their incredible work.
Cross the famed Cahill’s Crossing – keeping an eye out for lurking saltwater crocodiles – before entering the vast wilderness of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is a haven of wetlands, wildlife and ancient rock art. Explore the renowned Ubirr site on a circular walk, with the option to climb to the escarpment’s peak for breathtaking views over the Magela floodplain.
After lunch, visit the cultural centre before settling into the Mercure Crocodile Hotel for a two-night stay, ending the day with dinner at the hotel.
Travel time: Coach – approx. 90 minutes
Start your day with a breathtaking Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) wetlands cruise, gliding through a landscape teeming with birdlife and lurking saltwater crocodiles. This ever-changing ecosystem offers a memorable glimpse into Kakadu’s rich biodiversity.
Next, journey to the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site, where ancient paintings dating back 20,000 years depict stories of the Dreamtime and daily life. For those up for a climb, the Gunwarddehwarde lookout rewards with sweeping views over the rugged escarpment.
After a day of cultural and natural wonders, return to the hotel for a well-earned dinner and a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures.
Rise early for a breathtaking 30-minute scenic flight, where you’ll soar over Kakadu’s ancient escarpments, winding rivers and expansive floodplains – witnessing the stunning results of 1.8 billion years of erosion from above. After, join your coach for your transfer back to Darwin.
As you make our way towards Darwin, cross the South Alligator River and its vast wetlands, once a hunting ground for buffalo. Continuing through Humpty Doo, your group will finally reach Darwin, where the tour concludes.
From here, you have the option to be transferred to your city hotel if extending your stay or head straight to the airport for your flight home.
Travel time: Coach – 3.5 hours (approximately)