8 Day Territory Top End, Hotel Accommodated Tour

Day 1: Arrive Darwin

On arrival in Darwin you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend time at leisure. Perhaps visit one of the open- air markets held across the city every weekend. or explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, which houses stunning permanent collections of Aboriginal art. It is also home to a cyclone Tracy exhibition, which details the tragic events of the 1974 Christmas eve cyclone that devastated Darwin. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour director.

Hotel: The Vibe, Darwin, 2 nights.

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Day 2: Litchfield National Park

Today we enjoy an orientation tour of Darwin before travelling on to litchfield National Park. our first
stop is the amazing stand of Termite Mounds, architectural feats complete with tunnels and nursery chambers. Then view beautiful Florence Falls from a high vantage point before we visit Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the steep waterhole below. venture on to tropical Wangi Falls for a relaxing swim in the large crystal-clear pool. return to Darwin this afternoon. Tonight you have the opportunity to join a cruise on Darwin harbour aboard a sailing schooner.

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Day 3: Darwin - Katherine

Today we journey to Katherine via the historic Adelaide river Inn and Adelaide river War cemetery. There is time to explore Katherine before we join an afternoon cruise through Katherine Gorge as it winds its way through Nitmiluk National Park. The towering gorge walls provide shelter to many species of birds and animals as they nest amongst the vines and creepers clinging to the damp crevices in the sandstone walls.

Hotel: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine, 2 nights.

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Day 4: Manyallaluk at Eva Valley

Travel to Manyallaluk at eva valley and join our Aboriginal guides for a walk through the bush. learn about 'bush tucker' and traditional bush medicines. See damper being prepared and when cooked, enjoy it with a barbecue lunch. Join in the activities including traditional bark painting, fire lighting, spear throwing, playing the didjeridu and learning the craft of basket weaving.

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Day 5: Katherine - Kakadu

This morning stop at edith Falls. We then pass through the gold mining town of Pine creek, whose original buildings date back to the heady gold days, and deep into the World heritage listed Kakadu National Park. The focal points of Kakadu are the spectacular escarpment and the wetlands and their abundance of wildlife, including over 280 species of birds. visit the Warradjan Aboriginal cultural centre to view informative displays and exhibits depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu before joining a wildlife cruise on yellow Water Billabong. our local guide will keep us well informed about the vegetation and birdlife of the region including the prolific whistling duck and magpie geese. It is also home to wild horses and buffalo. hopefully we will see the saltwater crocodiles that inhabit many of Kakadu's river systems.

Hotel: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday inn, Jabiru, 2 nights.

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Day 6: Kakadu National Park

This morning join the Guluyambi cruise along the east Alligator river, bordering the rocky escarpment of Arnhem land. Saltwater crocodiles and wetland birds may be seen including the magnificent white-breasted sea-eagle. We have an Aboriginal guide with us and with the special permission of the local people, we will be able to go ashore into Arnhem land. later walk around Ubirr and view Aboriginal rock art dating back some 20,000 years. climb to the top for views over the flood plains and escarpment country. This afternoon there is the opportunity for an optional scenic flight over Kakadu.

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Day 7: Kakadu - Darwin

Today we return to Darwin, stopping to visit the Bowali visitor centre which contains a wealth of information on Kakadu National Park. The fantastic displays here will take you on a journey through the varied landscapes and habitats of Kakadu. continue on to the multi-award-winning Territory Wildlife Park. See some of the Northern Territory's most elusive animals in the Nocturnal house and the exciting 'Birds of Prey' display. enjoy spectacular views of barramundi and other fish from the underwater, walk-through aquarium.

Hotel: The Vibe, Darwin.

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Day 8: Depart Darwin

Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your onward flight.

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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.