Top End Highlights
Top End Highlights
$2400
Top End Highlights
6 Days Starting and ending in Darwin, Australia
Visiting: Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Katherine, Kakadu National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NDKD26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Australia's Top End with the "Top End Highlights" tour. This wildlife adventure begins and ends in Darwin, offering a seamless experience with a specialist Travel Director and Driver accredited with Kakadu National Parks. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, marvel at the ancient Aboriginal rock art, and cruise through the stunning Nitmiluk Gorge. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at the Travelodge Darwin Resort, Contour Hotel Katherine, and Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, providing easy access to natural attractions. Highlights include the Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise and the Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise, offering insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Jawoyn people. With free time to explore and optional activities like a scenic flight over Kakadu, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of the world's most awe-inspiring regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Darwin
Location: Darwin
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Darwin Resort
Darwin is the kind of place that excites all your senses. It’s always tropical, which means you have a constant glow. The aroma of Top End delights wafts from markets. The horizons are wide and sunsets blazing. Take in sights and attractions that tell stories of the NT capital’s history on a city tour. As the day begins to disappear, follow the lead of the colourful locals to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Your Travel Director will give you the lowdown, highlighting the eclectic range of cuisine on offer – expect everything from Greek to Japanese but it is always hard to go past a Laska (own expense). What a tasty start to your getaway.
Day 2: Darwin - Katherine
Location: Litchfield National Park
Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine
Meals Included: Dinner
The ancient landscapes of Litchfield National Park are shaped by water, as you’ll fast discover when exploring this immense protected wilderness. There are rivers, waterfalls and waterholes. Get set to visit Florence Falls, then take a dip in the gin-clear pool of Wangi Falls, this dreamy setting enveloped by monsoon forest. (Swimming is seasonal and opening is controlled by NT Parks). The landscape is also shaped by termites. The national park is pocked with enormous termite mounds, which are architectural feats complete with tunnels and nursery chambers. Small creatures with a big vision.
Day 3: Nitmiluk Gorge
Location: Katherine
Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine
The region’s main attraction is its stunning Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, which carves the countryside in spectacular form. This awe-inspiring natural wonder features a series of gorges sculpted from ancient sandstone, offering breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Sit back and enjoy a cruise through this ancient landscape, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, home to the Jawoyn people, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their rich cultural heritage and traditions. The cruise not only provides a visual feast but also enriches your understanding of the deep spiritual connection the Jawoyn people have with the land. In the afternoon, join Tom Curtain's award-winning Katherine Outback Experience to delve into the Northern Territory's unique pastoral history and culture.
Day 4: Katherine - Kakadu
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Today is your chance to reset your body’s natural rhythms with a morning dip in Katherine Hot Springs – because days are better when you begin them in thermal waters. These hot springs will have you relaxed in no time. Before venturing deep into Kakadu, you’re poised for refreshments with a short stopover in the film-set-like town of Pine Creek, where buildings date to the heady gold rush days. In Kakadu, you’ll take a guided walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).
Day 5: Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
If you want a different perspective, sign up for a scenic flight over the national park, revealing just how wide, wild and wonderful this part of the world really is (own expense). Australia is home to some of the oldest art in the world, and much of it decorates rock walls at Ubirr – this jaw-dropping site protects Aboriginal rock paintings and carvings dating back more than 20,000 years. If you thought that was impressive, wait till you see the view over Kakadu from the top of the escarpment. This afternoon, there’s nothing between you and nature, the dramatic escarpments, waterholes and abundant wildlife of Kakadu looming large. Speaking of large, there are saltwater crocs to spot while you drift away on a Yellow Water Billabong cruise. Your local cruise guide will share the secrets of these ancient waterways. Top off your holiday sharing a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and travel mates.
Day 6: Farewell From Darwin
Location: Darwin
Following your Kakadu tour, you may also spot enormous ‘salties’ lurking in river crossings you pass by. Plus you may also see them at Fogg Dam. But here you will definitely witness a cacophony of birds. This really is a twitcher's paradise. A fitting end to this epic wilderness journey.
What's Included
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Specialist Team
Travel with a specialist team of a Travel Director and Driver accredited with Kakadu National Parks.
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Kakadu National Park
Entrance fees to Kakadu National Park and Northern Territory Parks are included.
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Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise
Enjoy a cruise on Kakadu's Yellow Waters Billabong.
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Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise
Experience a cruise through the breathtaking Nitmiluk Gorge.
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Litchfield National Park Touring
Tour Litchfield National Park, including visits to waterfalls.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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Meals at Mindil Beach Sunset Market
Meals at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market are at your own expense.
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Scenic Flight Over Kakadu
A scenic flight over Kakadu National Park is at your own expense.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a specialist team of a Travel Director and Driver, accredited with Kakadu National Parks, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes of Australia's Top End.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at the Travelodge Darwin Resort, Contour Hotel Katherine, and Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, offering easy access to city centers and natural attractions.
Dining Summary
- 5 Full Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Fitness Requirement
- Low level of fitness required. Kakadu – Nadab Lookout: Medium level of fitness required.The climb to the top of Nadab Lookout at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park will not be suitable for all guests. To get to the lookout guests are required to scale up uneven rocky paths and steps to get to the lookout. There is an alternate route on a fairly flat gravel path for those unable climb to the top so they will not miss out on Rock Art.
Flexible Holidays
- You’ll want to linger in Katherine, Kakadu and Darwin. It’s a good thing you’ve got free time to discover the steamy Top End at your leisure.
Flight information
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 1.30pm into Darwin AirportDay 6 – flights to depart after 1.00pm from Darwin Airport
Iconic Sites
- If you love the great outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. Discover the wilds of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, as well as Nitmiluk Gorge.
Natural Wonders
- Litchfield National Park is shaped by water, from its lakes and rivers to its waterfalls and waterholes. And there’s nothing quite as invigorating as taking a dip.
What to Bring
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy comfortable stays at the Travelodge Darwin Resort, Contour Hotel Katherine, and Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, which offer easy access to city centers and natural attractions.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, flights to and from the start/end of your trip, meals at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, and a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park are not included in the trip price and are at your own expense.
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What is the fitness requirement for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for most activities. However, a medium level of fitness is needed for the climb to the top of Nadab Lookout at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park. There is an alternate route on a fairly flat gravel path for those unable to climb to the top.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Nitmiluk Gorge, where you can learn about the Jawoyn people's cultural heritage. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to join Tom Curtain's award-winning Katherine Outback Experience.
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What should I bring with me on the tour?
It is recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, warm layers for cooler months, a camera, and comfortable walking shoes.
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What kind of transport is provided during the tour?
You will travel in comfort with a specialist team of a Travel Director and Driver, accredited with Kakadu National Parks, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes of Australia's Top End.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.