Welcome to Northern Australia! Your adventure begins in Darwin (Gulumoerrgin in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Darwin is now located) with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take some time to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon – a protected bay with a net that keeps crocodiles and other unwelcome creatures out. A visit to the newly opened Larrakia Cultural Centre is highly recommended. It is Australia's first cultural centre of its kind, owned and led by the Larrakia people and built near a sacred site. The harbourfront building's roof is shaped like a bird in flight, evoking an ancestral spirit that watches over Country. After the meeting, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers, before an early start tomorrow morning. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, travel into Litchfield National Park. Situated on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be Litchfield’s Magnetic Termite Mounds – these 100-year-old natural sculptures are distinctive to the northern parts of Australia. Then, it’s off to and Florence Falls. Hidden among monsoon forest, you'll stop for a picnic lunch next to a bubbling creek. Next up is Buley Rockhole, where you can go for a refreshing swim while your leader prepares lunch. After lunch, head to the Tolmer Falls lookout, and then to Wangi Falls, where you can take a short loop walk or plunge into the natural pool. Later, continue back to Darwin where you’ll stay tonight. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Please make sure you have your swim suits ready today, as there will be plenty of opportunities for you to swim in the waterfalls and rockholes of Litchfield National Park today.

This morning drive towards Kakadu National Park – covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Along the way, stop at the Mamukala Wetlands and see if you can spot the wetland birds, before continuing to Ubirr – one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where you’ll learn more about the local First Nations history and hear stories from your leader. This afternoon, hop aboard a cruise up the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country) and take in the surrounding wilderness of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. As you float along the river, hear about the cultural significance of the landscape, and the plants and animals that live here from an Aboriginal guide. Later, travel to your accommodation in Kakadu. Tonight, join your group for dinner to celebrate the last night of your trip through Australia’s Top End. Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Your final morning at Kakadu National Park starts with breakfast, followed by a drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) – known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. When you arrive, set off on one of the various short walks, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Next up you’ll visit the local cultural centre and, depending on the time of day, you may be able to join a weaving or damper-making class. You then have the option to explore the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park with an Indigenous-owned cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong (at own expense). After lunch, drive back to Darwin where your adventure will finish at around 5.30 pm. If you’d like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.