Australia Top End

Upon arrival in Darwin, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel.

You will leave Darwin this morning and travel along the Arnhem highway passing major river systems and wetland regions until you reach Kakadu National Park.  After crossing the South Alligator River you’ll begin to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr where you will climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries to the lookout for the famous view over surrounding wetlands. Visit the Bowali Centre with its informative displays. After lunch make your way to Nourlangie rock art site and explore the various galleries, with insightful interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal cultural history of the area from your guide. Travel through to Kakadu Culture Camp, our home for the next two nights. Meet the traditional land owners from the East Alligator region during the stay here. Tonight learn about traditional Aboriginal way of life, hear stories about history and language. Learn the secrets of aboriginal bush tucker. Cruise the Djarradjin Billabong in darkness and search for crocodiles and other bird life. Accommodations are permanent safari tents with shared facilities.

Today you will explore the majestic beauty of Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls. Visit Jim Jim Gorge, located at the base of the tallest cascade in the territory. Access to Jim Jim Gorge is by a 900-meter walk over rocky terrain. Later, you will visit Twin Falls, accessed by a short stroll to the edge of a stream and then a short boat trip up to the gorge area. There is a beach located at the base of the beautiful Twin Falls, and you will have time to relax and take in the spectacular scenery. (B,L,D)

You will start touring with the Yellow Water Wetlands and wildlife cruise near Cooinda today. The guides will provide you with an insight into the wildlife and the habitat  you encounter. After the cruise visit Warradjan Cultural Centre before having lunch, then onto Maguk for an afternoon swim before coming back to Darwin on the old 4WD Jim Jim Road. Overnight at a lovely hotel.

You will be transferred from the hotel to Darwin aviation airport for your flight to Bathurst Island for a day tour.

This tour to Bathurst Island provides a unique and rare opportunity to experience a modern day Aboriginal community and learn about the history and the culture of the Tiwi People from a local resident’s perspective.  After a 30 minute scenic flight you arrive at Bathurst Island. Here you are met by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Nguiu. Visit the museum with its interesting displays of traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi ‘dreamtime’ stories and Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi style Catholic Church. Hear about the colourful history of the early mission days and learn how the Tiwi people have blended their culture with Christianity. Be taken through the successful arts and crafts centres and see where the artists work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed fabric at Island prices. At morning tea spend time with some Tiwi Ladies enjoying billy tea and damper while they work on their weaving and painting. Your guides and the ladies also demonstrate their totem dances and perform a smoking ceremony to bless the visitors and explain the meanings behind them. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony).

Set out for a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island. Enjoy lunch and visit a local waterhole for a swim (bring swimmers and towel). Learn about traditional bush tuckers, bush medicine and natural fibers and dyes on your return to the community for your return flight to Darwin.

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

What to bring: While touring, we recommend that you wear loose, cool, sturdy, light-colored cotton clothing, comfortable sneakers or walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring a towel, swimwear, insect repellent, a camera (with plenty of film), and spare batteries. For extended touring, please be sure that you have sufficient toiletries and/or medications for your entire trip as well as a flashlight with spare batteries because you will not have access to a convenient store or pharmacy during the main portion of this trip.