Ten days in Darwin! Wouldn’t I be bored? The fact is that there is so much to do in Darwin, and the winter climate is warm, dry and most enjoyable. Just the spot for a relaxing stayput holiday.

The Cullen Bay Apartments Resort Darwin is a 4 star hotel overlooking the magnificent Cullen Bay Marina with a superb view of Darwin City, the harbour, the Timor Sea and nearby parklands.

The Cullen Bay Apartments Resort Darwin offer one and two bedroom fully self contained apartments, complete with your own kitchen and laundry facilities, split system air conditioning, ceiling fans, ensuite bathroom with shower, colour TV and a delightful private balcony. Relax by the swimming pool, stroll along the beach, or enjoy one of Darwin’s spectacular sunsets.

Breakfasts are in our apartments and full breakfast provisions will be supplied for you to prepare at your leisure.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME, DARWIN

After Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel pick up we transfer to Melbourne Airport for our flight to Darwin. Interstate passengers may fly direct to Darwin. Lunch upon arrival. An introductory coach tour of Darwin before arriving at our home for nine nights, the Cullen Bay Apartments. Time to unpack and relax prior to dinner together.

Day 2 (B,L,D) DARWIN

After a leisurely breakfast in our apartments, we enjoy a morning visit to the Botanic Gardens, which is home to a large collection of tropical palms, orchids, bromeliads and exotic foliage plants. We continue to the East Point Military Museum with its displays of military memorabilia and fascinating photo exhibitions of Australia’s only land conflict during WWII. After a light lunch we visit the Chinese Temple and Museum with its elegant curved roof. Later we visit Aquascene, where everyday at high tide, hundreds of fish come in from the sea to be hand fed. We join in this unique activity at a time determined by the high tide.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BATCHELOR, LITCHFIELD N.P.

Today we journey to Batchelor and into the Litchfield National Park. Here we see “magnetic” termite mounds standing two metres in height with a north-south orientation, designed to allow the least possible 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. Lunch prior to returning to Darwin. Later some free time to relax before dinner.

Day 4 (B,L,D) DARWIN

A day in and around Darwin. Visit the new Parliament House, an outstanding modern building, and Christ Church Cathedral. See the remains of the old cathedral ruined by Cyclone Tracy alongside the territory-style new building. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory presents a diverse exhibition of Aboriginal art and craft, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art, maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history and natural history. The Cyclone Tracy Exhibition features documentary footage, examples of Darwin’s unique architecture, photographs and sound recordings of Cyclone Tracy. A very moving experience. After a light lunch we visit Lyons Cottage, an example of early Darwin architecture with an excellent display presenting the history of the Overland Telegraph Line. Then enjoy some free time prior to visiting the famous Mindil Market. Time to eat, browse and enjoy the vibrant, creative tropical entertainment.

Day 5 (B,L,D) FOGG DAM, WINDOWS ON THE WETLAND, JUMPING CROC CRUISE

Journey on the Stuart and Arnhem Highways to Humpty Doo and the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, a remnant of early attempts to produce rice on the Adelaide River flood plains. Today it provides an important refuge for wildlife. Morning tea here. The “Jumping Crocs” cruise on the Adelaide River provides us with the opportunity to see these fascinating creatures up close. Lunch at the Pavilion Coffee Shop. During the afternoon we visit Windows on the Wetlands located on the crest of Beatrice Hill. An informative visual and interactive display with panoramic views across the wetlands.

Day 6 (B,D) FREE DAY, SUNSET DINNER CRUISE

Today is yours to relax, walk along the Esplanade, browse in the shops, visit more attractions or catch up with friends. We gather for a spectacular Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Alfred Nobel, a beautiful 30 metre spotted gum schooner. The vessel’s shaded open-plan deck and modern facilities provide a glorious platform to enjoy the sites of Darwin Harbour. (Lunch today is at passenger expense.)

Day 7 (B,L,D) HOWARD SPRINGS

A later start today. Travel to Howard Springs and enjoy a Devonshire morning tea in the tea garden before a guided tour of “Jenny’s Private Garden”, a private collection of many year’s work with well-planned landscaping. It includes water features, varied foliage, an extensive range of tropical orchid species and a collection of over 2,500 plants. We visit Howard Springs Nature Park. See ibis and agile wallabies on the lawns near the main pool, also a variety of fish including barramundi, from the weir wall.

Day 8 (B,L,D) STOKES HILL WHARF

Visit the Stokes Hill Wharf precinct, view the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, a unique tourist attraction, prior to a stroll along the wharf where commercial and public activities intermingle. We visit a unique attraction, the Indo Pacific Marine, a living coral reef ecosystem. We return to our apartments for some free time.

Day 9 (B,L,D) TERRITORY WILDLIFE PARK

We visit the Territory Wildlife Park, one of the few places where we can experience the Top End’s diverse ecological systems, complete with its unique native flora and fauna all in one location. Not only do we see wildlife up close in their natural habitats, we meet them walking through tree top aviaries, strolling around a natural lagoon and even get to interact with them during daily presentations. This evening enjoy a final dinner together in this vibrant northern capital.

Day 10 (B,L) DARWIN, HOME

Sadly we must depart Darwin today. Interstate passengers may fly direct to home ports. Melbourne passengers fly direct to Melbourne where metropolitan home/hotel transfers complete a most enjoyable and relaxing Darwin stayput holiday.
Note: Touring days may be swapped around due to local conditions and other factors.