Northern Territory Top End Connections

Itinerary

Day 1

Darwin

Upon arrival in Darwin, our drivers will transfer us to our centrally located hotel. After a quick freshen up, we’ll be collected at 3pm for our tour which will take us through the city and suburbs of Darwin, culminating with sunset at the beautiful Mindil Beach Markets. Your task for the evening will be to decide what to eat from the wide range of stalls tantalising your tastebuds. (Meals at own expense)

Day 2

Litchfield National Park / Mt Bundy

An early start today for the drive to Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park. Enjoy morning tea while soaking in the atmosphere. Continue to Tolmer Falls for a short walk to the tallest waterfall in the park. Visit Tabletop Swamp, a wetland vital for the health of the ecosystems in Litchfield, where we’ll enjoy lunch and great birdwatching opportunities. After lunch we explore the Florence Falls / Buley Rockhole area where, if conditions permit, we’ll have the opportunity for a refreshing swim. A drive to the Termite Mound viewing area for afternoon tea rounds out our day, after which we’ll head to Mt Bundy, our home for the night. Settle into your accommodation of refurbished workers’ huts and houses and enjoy the onsite pool or surrounding walks. In the early evening, we’ll come together for a BBQ dinner prepared by the guides. (L D)

Day 3

Katherine

Enjoy breakfast on the lawns of Mt Bundy before embarking for the historic village of Pine Creek, the site of the first gold rush in the Territory. From there we move on to Katherine in time to enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes. Katherine has many culinary surprises, and it is a part of this tour to explore this side of the town. After lunch we visit the Katherine Museum to get a broad understanding of the region, then head to Nitmiluk Gorge to settle into our accommodation. Enjoy some free time before we board the Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise. This incredible odyssey captures the taste, history and spirit of the gorge and people. The cruise includes some walking between gorges and as such guests need to be wearing enclosed footwear. A light long sleeve shirt is also advisable in case of a ‘cool’ breeze on the water. (B D)

Day 4

Katherine / Mataranka

Following breakfast at Cicada Lodge we join Manual and Patreena for Top Didj Cultural Experience. This includes a variety of cultural demonstrations and interactions with Manual who also shares his story with guests. From Top Didj we enjoy lunch on the grass before driving down the Stuart Highway a short distance to Cutta Cutta Caves. The limestone caves were eroded over eons by long dried up underground water movement. They vary in width and as such anyone with issues with enclosed spaces may want to wait outside. Emerging from the caves, we move further south to Mataranka where we spend the rest of the day relaxing and floating down the thermal springs of Mataranka and Bitter Springs. At around 32 degrees this rainforest shrouded paradise will stay in your mind forever. (B L)

Day 5

Katherine

This morning enjoy a relaxed swim in the Katherine thermal springs before visiting the local art gallery and enjoying lunch at a local café. After lunch it is on to the 2hr Tom Curtains Outback Experience. Found just on the edge of the township, this experience brings together the country aspect of life in the region and demonstrates the tremendous skill of the animal trainers. Later this afternoon, enjoy free time back at Nitmiluk. Choose from the Gorge Lookout Walk, a swim in the pool, bird watching or just relaxing. (B)

Day 6

Katherine to Kakadu (Cooinda)

Rise and shine for a big day. Enjoy breaky at Cicada before we drop into our favourite café to pick up a takeaway lunch for the journey to Edith Falls for a swim and short walk. After a refreshing dip and morning tea, we set sail for Kakadu. Our target is to be at Bukbukluk Lookout for lunch, after which we continue to Cooinda. Located in the heart of Kakadu, Cooinda is home to the Warradjan Culture Centre as well as the Yellow Waters Wildlife Cruise. There will be time to settle in and relax before boarding the sunset cruise to salute the end of yet another great day. (B)

Day 7

Kakadu – Cooinda to Jabiru

Today we journey to Nourlangie Rock for a morning wandering through the impressive rock art of the region. The walk is 1-2 hours and covers mixed terrain. People with mobility issues can choose to stick to the flat areas of the walk whilst others may choose to undertake the full circuit. After the walk we move to Jabiru where we settle into our accommodation and visit the eclectic art gallery, Murrawadi. Here you will find a variety of pieces of art and collectables from across the Arnhem and Kakadu Regions. Late in the afternoon we join the 2hr Guluyambi Cruise on the infamous East Alligator River. This culture cruise incorporates the local Binning guides from Arnhem Land. Drifting along the waterways you will learn about their culture, lives and landscapes. Following the cruise, it is a short drive to Ubirr where we move directly to Nadab lookout to salute the end of the day. With the sun set it is back to Anbinik to enjoy dinner at the in house Chinese Restaurant before retiring to your suites.

Day 8

Kakadu to Darwin

Depart early and enjoy lunch at Purple Mango microbrewery and pizza place enroute to Darwin. The tour finishes on arrival at Darwin Airport to connect with homeward flights. Please confer with your Back Track consultant for any additional holiday arrangements. (L) Please note the inclusions and itinerary order may change subject to operational, cultural, or environmental considerations.

Pricing

From $7,199pp twin share

Inclusions

Hosted by Back Track team member and expert guide accompanying throughout
Arrival transfer on Day 1 from Darwin Airport to group accommodation
Thoughtfully selected ensuite authentic accommodation on twin share basis as detailed
Single supplement on application
All transport in an airconditioned Coaster
All entrance fees and activity fees per itinerary
Meals as indicated on itinerary. The itinerary is designed to eat local with locals
Sunscreens, insect repellent and water bottle
24-hour emergency contact while on holiday

Exclusions

Flights
Meals unless otherwise specified
Drinks with included meals unless otherwise specified
Personal expenses
Travel Insurance

Team

Back Track’s Emma is excited to be joining Rob on this incredible journey that delves deep into the stories and landscapes of the Top End. Emma fell in love with this region 13 years ago and can’t wait to return and uncover more of its legends and natural beauty.

Bookings closed

Other departures are available. If this is the adventure for you, we’re here to make it happen. Contact us for more information.

Enquire about this journey

Northern Territory Top End Connections

With Back Track Adventures

(8 days)

Experience life in the top end

Itinerary

Darwin

Litchfield National Park / Mt Bundy

Katherine

Katherine / Mataranka

Katherine

Katherine to Kakadu (Cooinda)

Kakadu – Cooinda to Jabiru

Kakadu to Darwin

Pricing

Inclusions

Exclusions

Team

Bookings closed

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