Darwin to Dreamtime

Details

Set out on an extraordinary journey through the rugged beauty and rich history of Australia’s Top End with this comprehensive package. Your adventure begins with a three-night stay at the Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

During your time in Darwin, prepare for a jaw-dropping experience with the Big Croc Feed VIP Experience. Witness the sheer power and prehistoric allure of saltwater crocodiles as you get up close to these incredible creatures. It’s a thrilling opportunity to see these ancient giants in their natural habitat.

Indulge your taste buds in a unique dining experience with “Gaze and Graze.” This sunset dinner cruise not only treats you to stunning views of Darwin’s coastline but also offers a delectable buffet featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Venture beyond Darwin into the pristine wilderness of Litchfield National Park with the Indigenous Litchfield Spectacular. Learn about the Indigenous culture, history, and connections to this ancient land as you explore waterfalls, rock pools, and magnetic termite mounds. Discover the region’s natural beauty while gaining insight into its cultural significance.

The heart of your adventure awaits with a five-day Kakadu, Arnhem Land, and Cobourg Peninsula tour. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and unique Indigenous heritage of Kakadu National Park. From its ancient rock art sites to its diverse wildlife, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for this World Heritage-listed wonder. Explore the remote beauty of Arnhem Land, where you’ll learn about traditional Indigenous customs, bush survival skills, and more from local guides.

As you journey further north, reach the pristine Cobourg Peninsula, a hidden gem boasting untouched wilderness and abundant marine life. Experience the region’s breathtaking landscapes and coastal wonders, from tranquil beaches to vibrant coral reefs.

Returning to Darwin, unwind with two more nights at the Adina Apartment Hotel before delving into an essential part of Australia’s history with the “Australia’s Frontline, Bombing of Darwin” tour. Gain insights into the pivotal events of World War II as you explore the historic sites and memorials that commemorate the city’s role during the war.

Highlights

  • Darwin
  • Litchfield National Park
  • Kakadu National Park
  • Arnhemland
  • Coburg Peninsula

Group Size

Independent Vacation

Group Size

Independent Vacation

Dates

May 1, 2024 - October 20, 2024

Inclusions

  • Round-trip private airport/hotel transfers
  • 3 nights Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Premier View Studio including breakfast daily
    • Crocosaurus Cove Big Croc Feed VIP Experience
    • Gaze & Graze Darwin Harbour Cruise
    • Indigenous Litchfield Spectacular Experience including lunch
  • 5 day/4 night Kakadu, Arnhemland & Coburg Peninsula tour including 4 nights accommodation, meals, Guide fees and permits
  • 2 night Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Premier View Studio including breakfast daily
    • Australia's Frontline: Bombing of Darwin Tour

Trip Terms

Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements apply. Advertised price is valid for departures May 1, 2024 - October 20, 2024. Seasonal surcharges apply. Prices are current at time of posting (2/2/2024) and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed.  Packages must be booked by August 31, 2024. Visas are required for travel to Australia. CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531 | PC-1282498.

Terms and Conditions

Read our full Terms and Conditions here

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Darwin (D)

On arrival in Darwin, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for a 4-night stay. This evening, board your vessel for a 2.5 hour cruise. Enjoy a gourmet grazing platter followed by desert and take in the Darwin's world famous sunset.

Day 2: Litchfield National Park (B,L)

Today, learn the real story on a small-group day tour to Litchfield National Park. Discover world-class beauty, fascinating pioneer heritage and rich Aboriginal tradition. Be inspired and refresh yourself at iconic waterfalls and spring-fed plunge pools. Experience dramatic, rugged stone country, woodland and monsoon forest. Get hands on as our expert guides demonstrate bush resources and foods. Enjoy a freshly cooked and beautifully presented lunch of quality local foods in lovely, shaded surrounds. Learn and benefit from expert guides with generations of family history, intimate stories and knowledge, and decades of experience as park rangers.

Day 3: Darwin (B)

Make your way to Crocosaurus Cove. Join a 90-minute fully guided tour for an introduction to the World’s largest display of Australian reptiles where you can hold some of the most unique critters of the Top End. Enjoy a unique behind the scenes look at the park for an in-depth insight into the reptiles and how they are cared for. On your first stop, learn how to feed a 5 meter crocodile and feel the true power of his bite! Then, feed the juvenile crocs from the Fishing for Crocs platform, followed by some one-on-one time with a baby croc Fluffy. Finish the tour with an intimate walk through the Reptile House and safely interact with snakes and lizards. All animal handling opportunities are optional and supervised by animal handlers. The remainder of your day is free to explore the city at your leisure.

Day 4: Darwin - Kakadu (B,L,D)

This morning depart on your small-group tour to commence your tour. Join a morning cruise on the picturesque Corroboree Billabong for an opportunity to view a large variety of birdlife as well as salt water crocodiles in their natural environment. Learn more about the wildlife on the billabong from your knowledgeable guide who will make the cruise both fascinating and informative. Continue on to Kakadu via the old Jim Jim Road visiting White Lily Billabong before arriving at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). Enjoy a scenic .7 mile walk along the edge of Barramundi Creek before arriving at the base of Barramundi Falls. where you will have the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the large plunge pool below the falls and discover an array of aquatic life. Depart Maguk late afternoon for Nawalandja Lookout. A short climb up the sloping sandstone to provide views of the sun setting across Anbangbang Billabong, Nourlangie Rock and the Arnhem Land escarpment. Overnight: Anbinik Kakadu Resort.

Day 5: Kakadu - Cobourg (B,L,D)

After breakfast, travel from Jabiru to Arnhem Land via Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River. Enjoy a picturesque 15 km drive to Gunbalanya Aboriginal community, where you'll visit the Injalak Arts and Craft Centre, watch traditional artists, explore Injalak Hill art sites with an Aboriginal guide, and experience remarkable Aboriginal rock art. Later, continue your journey to the Cobourg Peninsula, part of the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, with a 3-4-hour scenic drive, including creek crossings. Arriving at Cobourg, relax and witness a stunning sunset over Port Essington from Venture North's private camp. Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent).

Day 6: Cobourg (B,L,D)

Awake to birdsong and savor a hearty 'Cobourg-style' breakfast before embarking on a boat exploration of Cobourg, the Northern Territory's largest Marine Park. Encounter incredible marine life, including various turtle species, manta rays, dolphins, sharks, crocodiles, mud crabs, and abundant fish. Visit the historic Victoria Settlement ruins, a British military outpost predating Darwin, which stands as a testament to the challenges faced by early settlers, abandoned after 11 years. As you journey back to camp, indulge in leisurely stops for marine life observation and fishing. Return to camp in the late afternoon for beach and creek exploration, fishing, or simply unwinding in a hammock by the ocean with a good book. Cap off your day with a delectable seafood dinner, freshly caught from the marine wonderland. Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent).

Day 7: Cobourg (B,L,D)

Today you explore the eastern side of the Park this time by 4WD. Cobourg is home to the first RAMSAR wetland (wetlands of international importance) in world with freshwater paperbark swamps and billabongs 100m from the coastline. Continue on via the northern beaches, commonly used as turtle nesting areas and covered in a wide range of shells. Low tide provides opportunities to explore exposed coral reefs and rock pools which are home to a variety of marine life. After lunch you will have an opportunity to go hunting for mud crabs using traditional Aboriginal methods. Learn how to hunt and gather these local delicacies before having a go yourself. Later in the afternoon you will also visit the Park’s Cultural and Information Centre before making your way back towards camp. Overnight: Cobourg Coastal Camp (permanent safari tent).

Day 8: Cobourg - Darwin (B,L)

This morning we depart Cobourg early. Sit back and enjoy the bush scenery of Arnhem Land as you make your way back to Kakadu National Park. After numerous stops along the way, you will enjoy lunch next to the banks of the mighty East Alligator River. After lunch visit Ubirr Rock where you spend time viewing some of Kakadu’s best Aboriginal rock art. A short walk to the top of Ubirr offers spectacular views of the surrounding wetlands and stone country. Depart Ubirr to Darwin via the Arnhem highway. En route to Darwin will stop and visit the Mamukala wetlands, which at times is a haven for thousands of Magpie Geese as well as many other species of native birds and reptiles.

Day 9: Darwin (B)

Join a half day tour visits the highlights of Darwin's war history, both on land and at sea. Journey to the sites hit by Japanese air raids on Darwin during WWII in February 1942 and the historic bunkers in Charles Darwin National Park. Cruise on Darwin Harbour and view Navy Base HMAS Coonawarra and pay your respects as you sit over the site of the wreck of the USS Peary. Explore the Military Precinct at East Point and visit Darwin’s Military museum to see historic WWII relics.

Day 10: Depart Darwin (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Darwin Airport for your onward flight arrangements.

Map and Guide