Australia 2023 AUS | Page 70

SHORT TOUR EXPERIENCES

Nitmiluk Gorge Katherine Gorge
Courtesy of Tourism Australia
Kakadu
KAKADU & NITMILUK GORGE
2 NIGHT ESCORTED SHORT TOUR
2 night escorted short tour from £ 969pp
Aboriginal culture • magnificent landscapes • abundant wildlife
DAY 1 Darwin / Kakadu National Park
Depart Darwin at 6.30am and travel along the Arnhem Highway into Kakadu National Park whose vast landscapes vary from rocky escarpment that is home to historic Aboriginal rock art , to the floodplains that are abundant with wildlife . Stop at Nourlangie , where your guide will lead you on a walk to view the fascinating rock art galleries that date back thousands of years . After lunch , set off on a cruise of the Yellow Water Billabong in search of saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned . Later , visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to view informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu . Should you wish to end the day on a real high , there is an opportunity to take an optional 50 minute scenic flight ( extra expense ).
DAY 2 Kakadu National Park / Darwin
The day gets underway as you join the guide to explore a rock art site , whose ancient galleries are believed to be around 20,000 years old . A visit to the Marrawuddi Art Gallery is next , then it ’ s off to Corroboree Park Tavern for lunch . This afternoon , travel to the Adelaide River to join the Jumping Crocodile Cruise for the thrill of seeing these awesome creatures launch themselves out of the water . The day ’ s final stop is the Fogg Dam Nature Reserve before you return to Darwin .
DAY 3 Darwin / Katherine / Darwin
Travel south from Darwin and stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery , then continue to Edith Falls where there is time for a refreshing swim ( conditions permitting ). After lunch , enjoy a scenic two hour cruise through Nitmiluk ( Katherine ) Gorge . One of the most visited sites in Australia ’ s Top End , it is a stunning network of 13 gorges carved from billion-year old sandstone that are home to many rapids and falls , flowing from the Katherine River . The cruise takes you to the heart of Nitmiluk Gorge among freshwater crocodiles , wonderful birdlife and some of the most amazing scenery the Northern Territory has to offer . There is a short walk to reach the second gorge and a brief tour of Katherine before returning to Darwin where the tour concludes at approximately 8.30pm .
Litchfield Termite Mound
TOP END DISCOVERY
4 night self-drive short tour from £ 919pp
4 xxx NIGHT SELF-DRIVE SHORT TOUR spectacular national parks • Indigenous rock art • gorge cruise included
DAY 1 Darwin / Kakadu National Park
Collect your car and plot your course for World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park , a landscape of contrasts which covers almost 8,000 square miles .
DAY 2 Kakadu National Park
At leisure to explore as you wish . Bowali Visitor Centre is a good starting point as it gives lots of detailed information about the Park and how much there is to see and do . Perhaps visit the awe-inspiring Jim Jim Falls ( subject to conditions ), browse through a gallery of ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock , explore the scenic Yellow Water , a billabong where saltwater crocodiles lurk beneath lotus lilies , or maybe you would prefer a bird ’ s eye view with a scenic flight ?
DAY 3 Kakadu National Park / Katherine
Get back on the road today and drive to Katherine or Nitmiluk as it has recently been renamed after the Jawoyn Aboriginal people gained title to the land . While its star attraction is undoubtedly the famous Nitmiluk ( Katherine ) Gorge , Katherine and its surrounds also include hidden natural wonders along with a rich Aboriginal and pioneering history .
DAY 4 Katherine / Litchfield National Park
This morning , meet at the Nitmiluk Boat Jetty to join a Nit Nit Dreaming tour , during which you will travel through the first two , and longest , gorges of the Nitmiluk ( Katherine ) Gorge system . During the tour you will learn about the history , culture , geology as you take in the sandstone formations around you . Bear in mind that there is a walk between the first and second gorge to change boats , which can be uneven in areas as the walkways follow the natural contours of the bush landscape . Your journey resumes later as you drive onwards to Litchfield National Park which lies in the north west of the Territory .
DAY 5 Litchfield National Park / Darwin
Litchfield National Park is a myriad of diverse environments including rugged sandstone escarpments , perennial spring-fed streams , monsoon rainforest , magnetic termite mounds , waterfalls and historic ruins . Spend time following the bushwalking trails and enjoy a dip or two in the crystal-clear swimming holes . Later , it ’ s time for the return drive to Darwin and your tour concludes as you return your hire car .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Departures : On selected dates . Please ask for details . Accommodation : 3H hotels . Meals : Lunch .
Tour price : The price shown for this short escorted coach tour includes accommodation , sightseeing as outlined , Kakadu National Park ticket and services of a driver guide .
Higher grade accommodation is also available . Itinerary shown is for the wet season ( November-April ), if travelling during the dry season ( May-October ) the itinerary is subject to change .
70 AUSTRALIA
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily .
Accommodation : 3H PLUS Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel ; 4H Cicadia Lodge , Katherine & 3H Litchfield Outback Resort , Batchelor .
Meals : Room only . Breakfast included on day 4 .
Tour price : The price shown for this tour includes 5 days compact car hire , accommodation and Nit Nit Dreaming Two Gorge Cultural Cruise on day 4 .
prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !