Travel Dates
Departing 6th Jun 2021
Package Provider:
Package Type: Package
Region: Australia
Duration: 8 Nights
The vibrant Indigenous culture, friendly local characters and magnificent landscapes you’ll encounter on this Top End journey will leave you spellbound. Cruise waterways teeming with wildlife, and immerse yourself in the culture of the traditional Aboriginal owners of the lands you’re exploring. A myriad of deep gorges, plunging waterfalls and tranquil rock-pools add to the drama of your Top End experience.
Then hop aboard The Ghan for an unforgettable Australian adventure. Departing from Darwin, travel coast to coast through the fiery red centre, experiencing Australia at its dramatic best.
Your Holiday Package Includes:
Rate is based on travel 6-15 June 2020 – Other travel dates available, please speak with your travel agent for alternative departure dates
Top End Highlights:
Itinerary:
Day 1 Welcome to Darwin
On arrival in tropical Darwin, enjoy a tour of the cosmopolitan city before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers at the colourful Mindil Beach Sunset Market to experience a spectacular sunset under the coconut palms. There’s plenty of time to explore the art and crafts, aromas and atmosphere of the marketplace. You may like to try some fresh BBQ seafood or authentic Indian, Chinese, Greek or Japanese cuisine.
Hotel: Travelodge Darwin Resort
Day 2 Darwin – Katherine
Travel to Litchfield National Park, pausing to examine the amazing phenomenon of hundreds of magnetic termite mounds standing up to two metres high in a wide swathe of otherwise empty terrain. Stop at Florence Falls, a spectacular double-plunge waterfall leading to a popular swimming hole, before venturing on to tropical Wangi Falls for a swim in its large waterhole surrounded by spectacular monsoon rainforest. Continue to Katherine, a thriving town that was originally established as an outpost on the Australian Overland Telegraph Line.
Hotel: Ibis Styles Katherine, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Katherine Gorge
This morning, meet Manuel Pamkal to share his passion for the rich traditional culture into which he was born. There is the opportunity to purchase some local Indigenous art. Later, sit back and relax in tranquil surroundings as you cruise on Katherine Gorge. A series of thirteen deep gorges carved through ancient rock, there are many Aboriginal paintings on the sandstone walls throughout the system, some of which are thousands of years old. Discover the history and culture of the Jawoyn people, the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, as you explore the magnificent gorges with a backdrop of stunning rock-faces that change colour with the setting of the sun. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks. This evening, consider the optional experience of the Stockman’s Bush Dinner under the stars.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Katherine – Kakadu
This morning you have the opportunity to swim in the waterholes of magnificent Edith Falls. Then pass through the mining town of Pine Creek, where buildings date back to the heady gold-rush days. Travel deep into World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park and discover spectacular escarpment, serene waterholes and teeming wildlife. Board the famed Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, spotting basking crocodiles and abundant birdlife with a local guide. Later, take a guided walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock paintings at Nourlangie, regarded as one of the premier rock art sites in the Top End.
Hotel: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Kakadu National Park
This morning, perhaps take an optional experience scenic flight over Kakadu. Later, visit Ubirr, another of Kakadu’s foremost rock art galleries. The paintings here provide a fascinating record of Indigenous life over thousands of years: look for naturalistic paintings of animals, traditional x-ray art, and paintings of early contact with European people. Before leaving the site, climb to the top of a nearby rocky outcrop for superb views over the floodplains and escarpment country. Celebrate your Top End journey this evening at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 6 Farewell from Darwin
Leave Kakadu this morning to return to Darwin. Keep an eye on the murky river crossings to see if you can spot saltwater crocodiles. Your final stop is Fogg Dam, a birdwatcher’s paradise. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your holiday comes to an end and you are transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
The Ghan:
Highlights & Inclusions:
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Darwin & Katherine
From Darwin, take in the remarkable Top End views before stopping in Katherine for an afternoon of unique touring. Prepare to experience one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders near Katherine. The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge lies within the massive 292,000 hectares of the Nitmiluk National Park, and you’ll have the chance to explore it from the water with guided cruise options – an experience you’ll never forget.
Day 2 – Alice Springs
Next stop is Alice Springs, where more Off Train Excursions await. Explore Simpsons Gap, tour the town attractions, or get up close to some of the Red Centre’s native wildlife. Dinner on the train is followed by an extraordinary evening experience in the outback where you will see the Milky Way like you have never seen it before. Simply breathtaking.
Day 3 – Arrive Adelaide
From your cabin window this morning you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape, as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences. In the smart southern city, you can extend your experience with a holiday package to the Barossa Valley, fascinating Kangaroo Island, or an expertly-curated tour of this food and wine loving capital.
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.