Inspiring Journeys Kakadu's Ancient Secrets 24/25

Welcome to Darwin! This morning meet your Journey Director and board your luxury vehicle to begin your journey of discovery in the Top End. Travel to Litchfield National Park. You'll visit tumbling Florence Falls and you'll also enjoy a swim to cool off at Wangi Falls, surrounded by tropical monsoon rainforest and hear about its importance in Aboriginal custom. (Swimming is seasonal and opening controlled by NT Parks). Get ready for a cross-country journey into the magnificent Kakadu National Park. Keep your eyes open for Crocodiles as you cross the South Alligator River, Brolgas, Magpie Geese and Jabiru as you traverse along the long grasses of the marshes and wetlands. Kakadu really is a diverse UNESCO world heritage site. This afternoon check into the renowned Crocodile Hotel in the town of Jabiru and enjoy the wonderful Aboriginal Art Gallery within the hotel before getting to know your fellow travellers over dinner with wine.

Staying in:

• Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (1 night)

This morning there’s a chance to take to the air an optional scenic flight over Kakadu - one of the best ways to experience the enormity of this wonderful National Park as well as the diversity from waterfalls and billabongs to flood plains and wildlife. Join your Journey Director on a walk at Kakadu’s stunning Ubirr rock art site. You'll see ancient rock art and take a walk to discover remarkable views over the surrounding wetlands and escarpments from the fantastic vantage point, Nadab lookout. After lunch, the famous Yellow Waters Billabong boat cruise will be a highlight of your journey. You will see a myriad of different bird species, spot estuarine crocodiles and simply enjoy the stunning billabong and floodplains system. Returning to your hotel you will have the chance to relax and unwind with a refreshing dip in the hotel’s shaded outdoor pool before enjoying a delicious dinner with wine.

Staying in:

• Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (1 night)

This morning you’ll visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) to see its fascinating Aboriginal rock art for yourself. You’ll also hear first-hand from your local local Bininj Aboriginal guide a detailed interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as you explore the various outdoor ‘galleries' with art that dates back some 20,000 years. You will continue driving through the ancient lands of Kakadu National Park through to the town of Katherine and further on to Nitmiluk National Park. Indulge in five-star luxury at Cicada Lodge, a stunning architect designed eco-lodge surrounded by nature, where each room has a private balcony that opens to the glories of Nitmiluk National Park. Cool off from the heat of the day while enjoy a swim in the pool as the sun sets before dinner.

Staying in:

• Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (1 night)

Relax, today is all yours to enjoy the sanctuary that is Cicada Lodge. Perhaps have a swim in the resort pool.  Lunch is served on the lodge’s deck overlooking the natural surroundings. This evening, indulge in a special sunset dinner cruise along Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. You will marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people, the owners of Nitmiluk National Park. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance during the native flavour three-course dinner prepared onboard your boat.

Staying in:

• Cicada Lodge (1 night)

Enjoy a leisurely start to your day or get up early to experience the National Park completely immersed in the mystical morning light. Travel north along the Stuart Highway stopping at Edith Falls along the way for a relaxing dip. Continue to Adelaide River War Cemetery. During WWII, Adelaide River was the headquarters to a large military base and a cemetery was created especially for those who gave their lives in the service and defence of their country. Your Inspiring Journey concludes on arrival in Darwin.