Welcome to Australia’s breathtaking Top End! Surrounded by rugged landscapes and spectacular beaches, Darwin is the perfect launchpad from which to explore the Norther Territory’s many wonders.
Upon arrival in Darwin, make your own way to your central hotel for check-in and settle in ahead of a special welcome dinner at Wharf One Food & Wine on the harbour (with two drinks included), where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.
Gather your energy over a hearty buffet breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal for your scheduled departure to the Tiwi Islands. A tropical paradise just 80 kilometres north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands comprises two large islands – Melville and Bathurst – alongside a number of smaller, uninhabited islets. Famed for their friendly spirit as much as their distinct, geometric art, the local Tiwi people have called these islands home for over 40,000 years.
Disembarking on Bathurst Island, a member of the local Wurrumiyanga community will greet and introduce you to the island’s long-standing traditions and rich heritage over morning tea. Get to know the ebb and flow of daily life here and chat with the locals as you pass through their welcoming community. See traditional art depicting Dreamtime stories at the Tiwi Museum, visit the historic wooden church featured in the hit film ‘Top End Wedding’, then attend a smoking ceremony and learn about the traditional Pukamani burial
Admire the works at Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre, known as ‘The Keeping Place’, turning your eyes to the high, curved ceiling and its display of beautifully painted murals. Here, you can purchase exquisite artworks directly from the creators.
Later, take your return ferry to Darwin and transfer to your hotel for dinner.
Rise early for a buffet breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Darwin Airport (DRW). Wave goodbye to the city for now as you take your early morning flight to remote Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge in Mount Borradaile (Awunbarna), where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. Upon touch down at the lodge’s private airstrip, you’ll be able to check in and drop your bags before joining a lodge representative on a wildlife-viewing expedition in the surrounding wetlands.
Owned and managed by the Amurdak people – the land’s traditional custodians – this remote property is a sacred site with at least 50,000 years of Indigenous history. With its rough-edged terrain and weathered beauty, the paperbark swamps and enchanting billabongs of this vast country are host to a plethora of native wildlife. Take to the waters on a guided boat trip in search of some 275 different birds, such as the jewel-toned kingfisher, as well as barramundi and plenty of saltwater crocodiles basking on the banks.
Tonight back at your safari lodge, enjoy dinner with the group as you reminisce about a day of adventure.
Please note: A soft-sided bag (up to 12kg) is permitted for your flight to Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge. You may store your main luggage at your Darwin accommodation until your return on Day 5.
This morning, your Arnhem Land adventure continues with a special guided excursion to Mount Borradaile’s millennia-old rock art. Learn about the fascinating geological evolution of this wide terrain, as well as plants used for local bush tucker and medicines as you approach the rock shelter. Look upon up to 50,000-year-old pictographic history, wonderfully preserved throughout the region. Stand in quiet contemplation of this humbling artwork, pondering the undeniable and present sense of immeasurable human heritage.
Return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax by the pool, then set out once more to see paintings from a later era. Hear about the varied techniques used to create this incredible art, noting how their styles evolved over countless years.
This evening, round out your unforgettable itinerary with a sunset wetland cruise and a glass of sparkling wine or beer with some well-earned nibbles.
After breakfast at the lodge, it’s time to leave behind breathtaking Arnhem Land as you take your short flight back to Darwin (DRW). Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel for check-in, then spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Today is yours to spend freely, whether you choose to explore Darwin’s charming streets or set out on an optional tour to discover more of the Top End’s surrounding natural beauty. Perhaps book an optional day trip to Litchfield or Kakadu National Parks (surcharges apply) – take the time to experience their vast and remarkable landscapes.
Tonight, join your fellow travellers once more for a farewell dinner, celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the most astounding vistas of the Northern Territory.
Be sure to check out our handpicked Darwin Experiences to make your trip memorable.
Want to know more about Darwin? Our insider travel guide includes handpicked places to eat and drink and some of the best activities in the area.
After a final buffet breakfast at your waterfront hotel, it’s time to bid adieu to Darwin as your tour concludes upon checkout.