8 Day Top End Highlights, Hotel Accommodated Tour

Day 1: Darwin

The day is free to explore Darwin. You might like to join an optional tour (own expense).

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Esplanade, Darwin, 3 nights.

Day 2: Litchfield National Park

Leaving Darwin, we follow the Stuart Highway via the township of Batchelor to Litchfield National Park. Visiting the main falls of the Park, you have the opportunity for scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walks. View Florence Falls from a high vantage point before making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below with an opportunity to swim, making your way back via the monsoon forest and open woodland. We visit Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole below. We venture to Wangi Falls for another opportunity for a swim in the large crystal clear pool and an optional steady climb through the monsoon vine forest to the top of the falls.

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Day 3: Darwin

Join a city sights tour this afternoon for the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by a local guide. See the Chinese Temple and the lush Botanic Gardens. Tour the historic sights of the city including the East Point Military Precinct. See the Stokes Hill Wharf area and the Mooring Basin. There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, which houses stunning permanent collections of Aboriginal art.

Day 4: Darwin - Kakadu

Join the famous Jumping Crocodile Cruise, where your local guide will entice crocodiles to leap from the water. Travel into Kakadu National Park. Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre. There is time for an optional 30 minute scenic flight (A$130). Enjoy a guided walk to view ancient rock art and then to the top of Ubirr for magnificent views.

Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Jabiru.

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Day 5: Kakadu - Katherine

Take a guided walk at Nourlangie Rock, home of some of the finest Aboriginal rock art in the Kakadu region. Continue to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and view the informative displays before joining a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. This afternoon travel via Pine Creek to Katherine.

Accommodation: All Seasons Katherine.

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Day 6:  Katherine - Darwin

Join a 2 hour cruise with breakfast through Katherine Gorge and be amazed by the sheer rock walls. Inspect the National Park Information Centre. Continue to the beautiful setting of Edith Falls, where there is time for a swim (conditions permitting). Visit the Adelaide River War Cemetery before returning to Darwin.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Esplanade, Darwin, 2 nights.

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Day 7:  Territory Wildlife Park

Visit the multi award-winning Territory Wildlife Park located just 45 minutes from Darwin. Discover some of the Northern Territory's most elusive animals in the Nocturnal House. Enjoy spectacular views of barramundi and other fish from the underwater, walk-through aquarium. Take the elevated Monsoon forest walk and see the exciting 'Birds of Prey' display. Wander through the 20 metre high bird aviary. Return to Darwin at approximately 1.30pm. An optional cruise is available for you to return to Darwin. Remainder of day is at leisure. You may like to join a sunset cruise (own expense). Or you may wish to take an optional day tour.

Day 8:   Depart Darwin

Your tour concludes this morning in Darwin.

Climate

Darwin has an average temperature of 32°C all year, with varying humidity. The tropical summer, from December to March, is considered by many to be the region's most beautiful time of year. The summer rains bring the natural landscape to life and deliver the picturesque storms and sunsets the Northern Territory is renowned for. The dry season, from May to October, has warm, sunny days and cool nights. At the end of the year, the build up, or pre-monsoon season, begins and humidity levels start their rise. The following chart outlines Darwin's monthly climate averages as an indicator for the whole northern region.