Day 1 (L,D) HOME PORTS, DARWIN, BATCHELOR

After Melbourne metropolitan home/ hotel pick up we transfer to Melbourne Airport for our flight to Darwin. Interstate passengers may fly direct to Darwin where our Young at Heart Coach awaits. Our Top End adventure begins as we head south to Batchelor at the entrance to the Litchfield National Park. Home tonight is the Batchelor Resort

Day 2 (B,L,D) LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK, KATHERINE

Today we explore the Litchfield National Park. Here we see “magnetic” termite mounds standing two metres in height with a north-south orientation, designed to allow the minimum of the surface to be exposed to the heat of the sun. Visit spectacular Florence Falls, a double waterfall set amid monsoon rainforest. A short walk to view the falls. On to Wangi Falls, the most accessible falls in the park. Later in the day we continue south passing through Adelaide River for a late lunch. We visit the war cemetery before arriving at our home for two nights, All Seasons Resort, Katherine.

Day 3 (B,L,D) NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK, KATHERINE GORGE, SPRINGVALE HOMESTEAD

A relaxing day today as we visit Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge, a series of thirteen deep gorges carved though ancient sandstone. We cruise two of these spectacular gorges. Time to browse in the Visitor Centre prior to lunch. During the afternoon visit Katherine Museum and enjoy a Devonshire Tea at Springvale Homestead, the oldest homestead in the Northern Territory.

Day 4 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, PINE CREEK, KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

This morning we return to Pine Creek, a small settlement established after the discovery of gold in the late 1800’s. It is the only remaining mining town from that era. Visit the National Trust Museum, The Railway Station Museum and Miners Park. Lunch at Mary River before our journey takes us to the entrance to Kakadu National Park. On arrival at Cooinda, visit Warradjan Cultural Centre, displaying Aboriginal culture in the area and an Aboriginal art and craft room. Our home for two nights, Gagadju Lodge Cooinda. Time to relax and perhaps enjoy a swim in the resort pool or stroll the extensive grounds.

Day 5 (B,L,D) YELLOW WATER CRUISE

A highlight of our holiday is the Yellow Water cruise. Yellow Water wetlands is home to brolga, several species of kingfisher and jabiru, and fresh and salt water crocodiles. See these in their natural habitat and enjoy the informative commentary during our cruise. (The area teems with wildlife, however sightings of jabiru are never guaranteed.) It’s an experience not to be missed. Following the cruise we travel to Bowali Visitor Centre for lunch and time to view displays of the major parts of Kakadu and the meandering South Alligator River, told from both the Gukburlerri (Aboriginal) and Guhbele (non Aboriginal) points of view. During the afternoon we visit Nourlangie Rock (Burrungguy), take a short walk to an ancient living shelter, rock art sites and a lookout.

Day 6 (B,L,D) ADELAIDE RIVER, JUMPING CROCS CRUISE, DARWIN

An earlier start this morning as we journey towards Darwin. At Adelaide River we join the famous “Jumping Crocs” cruise – view huge crocodiles “jumping” two to three metres from where we are seated in air conditioned comfort and behind closed windows! Nearby is the interactive display “Windows on the Wetland” located on Beatrice Hill which affords superb 360 degree views of the area. Learn a little of the early development of the area, attempts to introduce large scale cropping, and Aboriginal heritage in the area. We visit Fogg Conservation Dam, constructed in the 1950’s as a water storage for an ill-fated rice growing project. Visit the bird hide to view some of the many species that live in this habitat. Later in the afternoon we arrive at our home for the next four nights, Mirambeena Resort, Darwin.

Day 7 (B,L,D) DARWIN

Relax in Darwin with a short tour of the city and its environs. Weather permitting, enjoy a short walk in the Botanic Gardens. We visit the Indo Marine Centre, an amazing insight into creatures of the sea. We also visit the Territory Gallery and Museum, which houses a fascinating Cyclone Tracy Exhibit and the Darwin Wharf Precinct, partly destroyed in 1942 by Japanese bombers. Then enjoy some free time prior to visiting the famous Mindil Market. Time to browse and enjoy the vibrant, creative tropical setting and arts and crafts.

Day 8 (B,L,D) DARWIN

Another relaxing day as we visit the Charles Darwin National Park, one of Australia’s most significant wetlands, followed by the fascinating Aviation Heritage Centre which houses a great collection of aeroplanes from the twentieth century, including many fighter planes from World War II. After lunch we visit the East Point Military Museum. Take in the sunset views as we enjoy dinner tonight at Stokes Wharf, a unique Darwin experience.

Day 9 (B,L,D) DARWIN, SUNSET DINNER CRUISE

Today we visit the WWII oil storage tunnels, the Territory Parliament House, the rebuilt Christ Church Cathedral and the Smith Street Mall for lunch. Some free time after lunch. You may wish to relax at the resort by the pool during the afternoon, browse in the shops, or visit other attractions. We end our day in Darwin with a delightful sunset dinner cruise on the schooner Alfred Nobel as we sail on beautiful Darwin Harbour.

Day 10 (B,L) DARWIN, HOME PORTS

Sadly we must depart Darwin today. Interstate passengers may fly direct to home ports. Melbourne passengers fly direct to Melbourne. Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel transfers complete a most enjoyable Top End holiday.