Top End Highlights with AAT Kings

Darwin is the kind of place that excites all your senses. It’s always tropical, which means you have a constant glow. The aroma of Top End delights wafts from markets. The horizons are wide and sunsets blazing. Take in sights and attractions that tell stories of the NT capital’s history on a city tour. As the day begins to disappear, follow the lead of the colourful locals to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Your Travel Director will give you the lowdown, highlighting the eclectic range of cuisine on offer – expect everything from Greek to Japanese but it is always hard to go past a Laska (own expense). What a tasty start to your getaway.

The ancient landscapes of Litchfield National Park are shaped by water, as you’ll fast discover when exploring this immense protected wilderness. There are rivers, waterfalls and waterholes. Get set to visit Florence Falls, then take a dip in the gin-clear pool of Wangi Falls, this dreamy setting enveloped by monsoon forest. (Swimming is seasonal and opening is controlled by NT Parks). The landscape is also shaped by termites. The national park is pocked with enormous termite mounds, which are architectural feats complete with tunnels and nursery chambers. Small creatures with a big vision.

The region’s main attraction is its stunning Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, which carves the countryside in spectacular form. This awe-inspiring natural wonder features a series of gorges sculpted from ancient sandstone, offering breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Sit back and enjoy a cruise through this ancient landscape, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, home to the Jawoyn people, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their rich cultural heritage and traditions. The cruise not only provides a visual feast but also enriches your understanding of the deep spiritual connection the Jawoyn people have with the land. In the afternoon, join Tom Curtain's award-winning Katherine Outback Experience to delve into the Northern Territory's unique pastoral history and culture.

Today is your chance to reset your body’s natural rhythms with a morning dip in Katherine Hot Springs – because days are better when you begin them in thermal waters. These hot springs will have you relaxed in no time. Before venturing deep into Kakadu, you’re poised for refreshments with a short stopover in the film-set-like town of Pine Creek, where buildings date to the heady gold rush days. In Kakadu, you’ll take a guided walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).

If you want a different perspective, sign up for a scenic flight over the national park, revealing just how wide, wild and wonderful this part of the world really is (own expense). Australia is home to some of the oldest art in the world, and much of it decorates rock walls at Ubirr – this jaw-dropping site protects Aboriginal rock paintings and carvings dating back more than 20,000 years. If you thought that was impressive, wait till you see the view over Kakadu from the top of the escarpment. This afternoon, there’s nothing between you and nature, the dramatic escarpments, waterholes and abundant wildlife of Kakadu looming large. Speaking of large, there are saltwater crocs to spot while you drift away on a Yellow Water Billabong cruise. Your local cruise guide will share the secrets of these ancient waterways. Top off your holiday sharing a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and travel mates.

Following your Kakadu tour, you may also spot enormous ‘salties’ lurking in river crossings you pass by. Plus you may also see them at Fogg Dam. But here you will definitely witness a cacophony of birds. This really is a twitcher's paradise. A fitting end to this epic wilderness journey.