Experience a taste of outback luxury on our 3 day journey through the Top End. Travel south of Darwin and enter the spectacular Litchfield National Park. Swim in the cool waters of Wangi Falls and bushwalk through monsoonal rainforest. Cruise Corroboree Billabong with a local guide and see amazing wildlife. You’ll stay overnight at luxurious Wildman Wilderness Lodge on the picturesque Mary River Wetlands and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape from your private safari quarters. Venture into Kakadu National Park and head off road onto a 4WD track en route to the stunning Jim Jim Falls. Admire ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock and walk to the top of Ubirr for magnificent views of the park.
3 day journey from $2,140 |
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Departs from Darwin |
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First things first, it’s time to meet your Journey Leader and your fellow travellers before we head south from Darwin along the Stuart Highway to Litchfield National Park. While you’re here you’ll visit two of the famous falls within the park, starting with a relaxing dip at Wangi Falls (seasonal), a sacred site that is used by local Aboriginal women. If you’re feeling active, grab your walking shoes and explore the surrounding areas on a moderately graded, 1.6km bushwalk up rock stairs taking you through lush monsoonal rainforest and behind the falls. Keep an eye out for the wildlife that’s common to the area like the agile wallaby, flying foxes and the dingo.
We’ll drive up the escarpment to get a fantastic view of Florence Falls, a spectacular waterhole surrounded by monsoon forest, and then take a short walk down to see the falls and go for a cool and refreshing swim in the natural waterhole. You’ll have time to just kick back and relax in the clear natural rock pool and let the gentle flow of water cascade over you. We’re then on to the Meridian Termite Mounds where you’ll see literally hundreds of distinctive mounds standing up to 2 metres high before we refuel with a picnic lunch in Litchfield.
Later, we’ll take the off-road Marrakai Track cross-country (seasonal). You’ll see floodplains and cattle stations en route before we arrive at Mary River, where you’ll take a stunning sunset cruise through the picturesque wetlands. See a multitude of bird species, such as the Jabiru, White Breasted Sea Eagle and Kingfisher. You might even spot dingoes and wallabies, plus there are crocodiles – this area has the world’s highest crocodile population density.
Following your cruise you’ll transfer to amazing Wildman Wilderness Lodge. Situated in the gorgeous Mary River Wetlands, the property seamlessly combines comfort and chic with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. You’ll stay in stylishly appointed safari quarters and soak up the surrounding wilderness views from your private deck.
We’re off to Australia’s largest National Park – Kakadu. World Heritage listed, as both a cultural and natural sanctuary, Kakadu National Park is an Australian icon. Pending wet weather and road conditions we’ll turn onto the Old Jim Jim Road, a rugged and spectacular 4WD track, then cross the South Alligator River. Along the way, we’ll stop to take in the majestic beauty of Jim Jim Falls, a 200m waterfall, picture-perfect with clear waters.
From here, you’ll jump on a short-boat trip up the gorge to the beach at the base of Twin Falls. Now it’s time soak up the spectacular scenery, where the cliffs appear to change colour as the sun moves. Alternatively, we’ll make our way to Barramundi Gorge, Gunlom Falls or Gubara Billabong and take a swim to cool off.
This evening, you’ll stay in the indigenous-owned, Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn. Relax in your room’s private courtyard or balcony, unwind with a drink in the restaurant and bar or take a refreshing dip in the shaded outdoor pool. Or why not wander through the property and its on-site gallery taking in its impressive indigenous art collection.
A day of wonder lies ahead. With more than 20,000 square kilometres of National Park, Kakadu’s famous features are scenic wetlands, monsoonal vine forests, woodlands, a diversity of flora and 117 different types of reptiles. See important indigenous sites and hear from our expert Journey Leader on the history, culture and some of the lesser-known facts about the park, providing insights into the region you’d never discover on your own.
You’ll visit Nourlangie Rock, famed for its well-preserved Aboriginal rock art, some of which is believed to date back at least 20,000 years. You’ll also hear first-hand and in detail, an interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as you explore the various outdoor ‘galleries’. We’ll take in a stop at the National Park Headquarters, Bowali Visitor Centre – a great place to learn more about the park.
Continuing on to the World Heritage listed Ubirr, you’ll see more ancient Aboriginal rock art and take a short walk to discover remarkable views over the surrounding wetlands and escarpments from the fantastic vantage point of Ubirr. Overlooking three different habitats, there is a myriad of wildlife to spot including some of the more than 280 bird species that call the park home.
Now it’s time to just relax in the air-conditioned comfort of our 4WD, chat to some of the new friends you’ve made over the past couple of days and take in the ever-changing scenery on the journey back to Darwin. We’ll arrive into town in the early evening, where you can say farewell and get out and enjoy all cosmopolitan and multi-cultural Darwin has to offer. Perhaps watch the sunset over the harbour, indulge in some fresh, local seafood or Asian inspired cuisine or just relax with a cocktail and reminisce about your Long Rainbow inspiring journey.
Combine The Ghan rail journey with your inspiring journey by
linking Adelaide or Alice Springs with Darwin before or after
your journey.
Click here for more information
Take a day trip to the Tiwi Islands before or after your inspiring
journey for a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with a
modern-day Aboriginal community.
Click here for more information