Northern Australia: Darwin to Kakadu

Welcome to Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory, which we fondly call the Top End.

Upon arrival, take a city tour to discover the city's fascinating history, multicultural heritage, and relaxed lifestyle. Finish the day at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Here, the aromas mixing flavors from all over the world keep on tantalizing your taste buds. Why not try some succulent fresh BBQ seafood, authentic Indian or Chinese cuisines, or even Greek or Japanese?

About 100 km south-west of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is set around a sandstone plateau, featuring stunning waterfalls with crystal swimming holes, lush monsoon forests, vagarious termite mounds, and clusters of weathered sandstone pillars.

Today, you will depart Darwin to explore this local's favorite park. Check out termites' architectural feats - the iconic Magnetic Mounds up to two meters high, view the beautiful waterhole at the Florence Falls from a high vantage point, and immerse yourself in the pure refreshing waters of Wangi Falls. Later, journey to Katherine for the night.

The spectacular Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge) with 13 gorges with rapids and falls has a great ceremonial significance to the local Jawoyn, the aboriginal group who ward this area for generations.

This morning, you will cruise through two of the 13 gorges leisurely, enjoy the stunning views at every bend, and discover the history and culture of the Jawoyn people. In the afternoon, join a local aboriginal guide to know indigenous bush tucker and bush medicines and learn about traditional didgeridoo customs. It is also a good chance to purchase some locally painted indigenous art.

Step further back in time and get into a place the Aboriginal people call the Dreamtime - Kakadu.

En route, make a stop at the gold mining town of Pine Creek, full of buildings dating back to the heady rush days, where you can try a delicious mango smoothie (at your own expense).

Travel deep into Kakadu National Park, a geological, biological, and cultural wonderland. A cruise in the afternoon will take you to sail through Yellow Water Billabong, to spot various birds and the park's most famous residents, the salt and freshwater crocodiles. Continue with a guided walk to view some ancient artworks depicting the lives of Aboriginal peoples throughout the centuries.

This morning, you will visit Ubirr to see some aboriginal rock paintings, most created about 2,000 years ago, depicting some creation ancestors, wildlife of the wetlands, and many other images of great significance to the aboriginal people living in this area. Take the short climb to the lookout from the top of this rocky outcrop for superb views over the flood plains and escarpment country.

To fully appreciate the incredible scale and majesty of Kakadu, take the Scenic Flight over Kakadu. This afternoon is the opportunity for an optional experience soaring over the untouched places of Kakadu by air.

Tonight, enjoy the farewell dinner with your travel director and newfound friends.

This morning, you will leave Kakadu behind and travel back to Darwin. Bid farewell to your fellow travelers when you arrive in Darwin.