Top End Circuit

Join a city sights tour for the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by a local guide. Learn about Darwin's role in WWII at the aviation museum and see a B-52 Bomber, one of 19 aircrafts on display. There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, whose collections encompass Aboriginal art, visual arts, and Northern Territory history and natural sciences. See the lush Botanic Gardens, one of the few gardens that has marine and estuarine plants naturally in its grounds.

Spend a day exploring Darwin at your own pace and soak up the tropical charm of Australia’s Top End. Don’t miss the vibrant Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Thursday and Sunday only), where you can browse countless stalls and soak up the lively atmosphere. For a truly magical evening, hop on a sunset harbour cruise and enjoy drinks and canapés as the sky lights up. Movie lovers will delight in the Deckchair Cinema, where outdoor screenings start at 7:30 pm, and local eateries keep hunger at bay with tasty stalls. For a taste of the Territory’s wild side, encounter real crocodiles on a boat adventure or at Crocosaurus Cove, home to these iconic locals. To unwind on land, stroll through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, a tropical oasis featuring exotic plants with fascinating natural and cultural histories.

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The Kakadu National Parks Pass allows entry to explore ancient sites such as Ubirr, Jim Jim Falls, Burrunkguy and Maguk. You will be required to keep your Kakadu National Parks accessible when within the National Park and produce to Park Rangers upon request.

Set off from Darwin and head east towards the iconic landscapes of Kakadu National Park. Along the way, make a stop at Humpty Doo, home to the Aboriginal Didgeridoo Hut and Art Gallery. Here, local artists offer an immersive experience where you can learn about traditional bush food and medicine, try your hand at weaving and spear throwing, and even play the didgeridoo. As you near your final destination of Jabiru, take time to explore the Mamukala Wetlands. Nestled in the heart of Kakadu, this bird lover’s paradise features a viewing platform and walking paths that wind through the wetlands, giving you the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat before continuing your journey.

Explore Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage-listed treasure in Australia’s Top End. Spanning diverse landscapes from ancient rock formations and wetlands to cascading waterfalls and rugged escarpments, Kakadu is home to crocodiles, kangaroos, and hundreds of bird species. Visit ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, enjoy breathtaking views from scenic lookouts, and experience nature on walking trails, boat cruises, and guided cultural tours. Kakadu offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

Take a journey on the East Alligator River on the Guluyambi Cruise with a local Aboriginal guide. This provides you with an insight into their culture & local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants & animals as well as bush survival skills. 'Guluyambi' means paperbark raft, however, don't fret, this vessel will safely travel up and down the East Alligator river, revealing the wonderful pristine wilderness of Kakadu National Park. There is also an opportunity to step off the boat into Arnhem Land and witness spear throwing. At the upstream boat ramp where you will embark on the Guluyambi Cruise, there are sometimes local artists painting using traditional methods. If you wish to purchase any pieces of art at the boat ramp, please bring cash as card is not accepted.

This journey into Arnhem Land takes you to some of the oldest rock art sites in the world and provides an opportunity to understand what life was like early settlement. Cross over the infamous Cahill's Crossing and spend the day exploring one of the most remote regions in Australia, Arnhem Land. Experience the excitement of Cahill's Crossing on a 4wd vehicle, getting up close to crocodiles as they stalk barramundi. Only accessible by permit, Arnhem Land has incredible sandstone escarpments, outcrops, rock art sites, forests, floodplains and billabongs with birdlife. Your experienced guide will explain the importance of this land for the Aboriginal traditional owners, the Bininj people and talk about life in Gunbalunya (Oenpelli). You'll also stop in at Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre in Oenpelli where there will be time to watch Aboriginal people painting and to see the women weaving pandanus baskets.

Leaving Jabiru's wetlands and escarpments, you pass vast savannah woodlands dotted with termite mounds and vibrant seasonal wildflowers, while keeping an eye out for wallabies, lizards, and colourful birds. As you approach Nitmiluk, the scenery shifts to dramatic sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River, with lookout points perfect for short walks and photos. Along the way, discover Aboriginal rock art sites and cultural insights from the Jawoyn people. Arriving at Nitmiluk, you’re ready to explore the gorges by cruise, canoe, or scenic walk.

Located on the lands of the Jawoyn people, approximately 320 kilometres south of Darwin in the Katherine region in the Northern Territory, lies Nitmiluk National Park. The gorges and surrounds hold great ceremonial significance to the local Jawoyn people, who are the custodians of Nitmiluk National Park. Nitmiluk Gorge has been carved out of the sandstone cliffs of the Katherine River over the course of thousands of years, explore this 12-kilometre-long series of 13 magnificent gorges in this world-famous park on foot, by water, or by air. Walking tracks abound in Nitmiluk; there are over 100 kilometres of walking trails, allowing visitors an up close and personal opportunity to meet the local wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, ospreys, wallabies, red-tailed black cockatoos, and red-winged parrots. Paddling explorers can hire canoes from the visitor’s centre and go at their own pace, allowing for full immersion amongst the dramatic red cliffs. Or opt for a view of this spectacular area by air via a scenic helicopter flight.

Discover the beauty and culture of Nitmiluk National Park on the NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour & Swim. Cruise through two spectacular gorges, taking in the towering sandstone cliffs and tranquil waterways, before stopping to swim in pristine pools surrounded by nature. Along the way, learn about the Jawoyn people and their Dreaming stories, gaining insight into the cultural significance of this ancient landscape. This small-group adventure combines stunning scenery, refreshing waters, and fascinating storytelling, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Top End.

Malaparr Traveller Canoe Tours offers a relaxing and enjoyable adventure, perfect for inexperienced canoeists. The tour begins with a convenient boat transfer that takes you to the top of the first gorge, where you’ll start your paddling journey from the second gorge. This allows you to explore even further while enjoying the stunning scenery. Along the way, there are shallow swimming spots, ideal for a refreshing dip, or you can find a peaceful spot to relax and have a picnic. If you’re up for a more active experience, you can continue paddling at a leisurely pace and challenge yourself to reach the end of the third gorge. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or a bit of adventure, the Malaparr Traveller Canoe Tour offers a memorable experience for everyone.

Make sure you have your water bottles filled as you depart Nitmiluk, travel through Katherine and northwest along the Stuart Highway. Just before crossing the Ferguson River, you may wish to take a right and detour to the stunning Edith Falls and take a swim in the paperbark and pandanus-fringed natural pool. Back on the highway, cross Wardie Creek before reaching the township of Pine Creek, home of the delicious Kensington Pride mangoes at Pine Cree Mango Plantation. Continue on through the towns of Adelaide River and Tortilla Flats before turning left off the highway at Crater Lake Road and then Batchelor Road. Pass through the Batchelor township and continue along the B30 highway for another 15 minutes until you reach the Litchfield Tourist Park on the left.

Litchfield National Park covers approximately 1,500 square kilometres and is home to an abundance of misty, spring-fed waterfalls, scenic walks, 4WD tracks, lush waterholes for swimming, and plenty of camping accommodation options. During your stay, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of hundreds of species of fauna, such as wallabies, sugar gliders, flying foxes, or dragon-like water monitor lizards, often spotted basking on warm rocks. Take the boardwalk to view the 2-metre-tall magnetic termite mounds and wonder at the impressive feats of insect architecture. Wangi Falls is the most well-known attraction in the park, Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls, and the three-tiered pools of Buley Rockhole are all similarly popular attractions within the park.  

For a day in Litchfield National Park, start your adventure with a visit to Florence Falls for a refreshing swim and stunning views of cascading water. Next, explore the lesser-known Buley Rockhole, a series of natural rock pools perfect for a relaxing dip. For a more secluded experience, head to Tjaetaba Falls, a hidden gem that's less crowded but equally beautiful. Afterwards, take a scenic walk through the park’s monsoon forests or enjoy the view from Tolmer Falls, a stunning spot with panoramic vistas. For a perfect sunset experience in Litchfield National Park, Wangi Falls is an excellent spot. Not only does it offer beautiful views of the falls during the day, but it also provides a stunning backdrop for the evening light, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The surrounding rock formations and lush greenery make it a peaceful and picturesque location to watch the sunset. 

Leaving Litchfield National Park, take the Batchelor Highway north toward Darwin, enjoying the scenic drive through tropical savannahs and eucalyptus woodlands. A stop at Berry Springs Nature Park is highly recommended. Here, you can take a refreshing swim in the clear, natural pools, explore short walking trails through monsoon forests, or enjoy a picnic in shaded areas. Continuing north, you may also spot mangroves and wetlands as you approach the outskirts of Darwin, particularly near the Elizabeth River floodplains. As you approach Darwin, the scenery gradually shifts from rural and bushland to urban landscapes, with views of Darwin Harbour signaling the end of the drive.

Berry Springs is a tropical oasis where crystal-clear lagoons are framed by native forest and shaded pandanus trees. Popular with locals and visitors, it’s the perfect spot to spend a warm afternoon swimming, relaxing, or enjoying a picnic. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, goggles to spot native fish, or follow the loop walking track through monsoon forest and woodland. Once a World War II rest camp, remnants of huts and weirs can still be seen around the main pool.

Explore more of Darwin before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!