Australia’s Top End, closer to Bali than Bondi, lies in a totally different climatic zone and is a world away from the rest of the country. Indigenous heritage, balmy weather all year round and relaxed tropical sensibilities rule the roost here, together with the tyrannical but iconic saltwater crocodiles. Meet these enormous creatures in their habitats, embrace the great outdoors in and around the numerous national parks, and soak up the sun with an esky full of cold beer on a spontaneous fishing day trip with the locals. Fix a date with Australia’s tropical Top End today with a customised Darwin tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and get ready to warm up to Darwin’s sunny and smiley manners.
Crikey, it’s the crocs! Conquer your fear and shed any inhibition as you come to face with some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in Australia in an ultimate wildlife encounter at Crocosaurus Cove. A must-see attraction for anyone visiting Darwin, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an up close and personal view of one of the world’s deadliest predators. All activities here require a strong heart and a fearless attitude and the Cage of Death, in which participants will be lowered into water in a specially-designed enclosure while a five-metre long reptile circles around the enclosure ferociously, presents the most ultimate challenge. For those who prefer less confrontation, there are also less intimidating encounters such as relishing a photo moment while holding a baby croc in your hands.
Cruising Kakadu Welcome to Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest terrestrial national park located in the southeast of Darwin. Different from most of the other great national parks in the country, Kakadu is a truly tropical wonder of lively wetlands and streaming rivers, a bustling sanctuary of exotic wildlife and native flora, and a natural museum of mysterious aboriginal rock-art paintings dating back to prehistoric times. Kakadu is stunning throughout all six seasons in the year of the indigenous Australian calendar with the scenery changing dramatically together with the elemental weather, but one of the sure-win ways to take in its glory is to meander through the dynamic landscape with a spectacular cruise. Whether you choose to do a sunrise, sunset or a nocturnal tour, or even a combination of tours according to your preference, you are bound to be mesmerised by the stunning vistas that will unfold before your very eyes.
Lodge in the wild Australia’s Northern Territory is essentially about the amazing outdoors and for an authentic getaway in the Top End, staying right in the great outdoors seems to be quite the most logical choice. But that doesn’t mean you have to rough it out in scrubby tents all decked out in your camping gear either. If you desire to get lost amidst the wilderness but still in a lush way, a premier experience awaits to pamper you right at Wildman Wilderness Lodge. Offering an extraordinary wetlands safari experience, guests can take their pick from a wide selection of specially-curated tours – take a scenic flight over the Mary River floodplains, cruise down a billabong searching for crocodiles, hike through forests and savannahs to reach Leichhardt Point for an amazing sunset panorama, or go on a fishing tour and have an expert chef whip up a scrumptious dinner with your own catch of the day while you rewind in the beautiful surrounds of the lodge at the end of the evening.
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Find out how you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city with a customised Darwin tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and get ready for a top-end holiday experience in Australia’s Top End. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Darwin. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
Your adventure begins in the tropical city of Darwin, where you will set off and head south to Litchfield National Park, a huge sandstone plateau with dozens of waterfalls. Explore Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and Buley Rockholes. After a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip at one of the picturesque swimming holes at the national park. Thereafter, hit the road to Wulna Country, where your Limilngan Wulna hosts the traditional owners of the land will greet you with a traditional cul welcome greeting. Learn about their culture in a series of bush tucker talks and didgeridoo and basket weaving demonstrations.
Litchfield National Park
After breakfast this morning, enjoy a wildlife cruise on Mary River wetlands, a network of waterways home to crocodiles and native bird species. Next, explore Kakadu National Park and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr. Your guide will lead a cultural walk through the numerous rock galleries before you climb to the top of a lookout for views over Nardab Floodplain.
Kakadu National Park
This morning, you will take a scenic flight over Kakadu. The flight takes in views over Arnhem Land escarpment, vast flood plains and billabongs. Later, spend time exploring Kakadu’s other major Aboriginal rock art site Nourlangie, also known as Burrunggui, while your guide provides a glimpse into how the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders live. After lunch, head south and stop to visit the historic gold-mining centre of Pine Creek. Stop for a quick dip at Maguk or Gunlom Falls before continuing to Katherine, where you will settle in for the night at a private campsite near Nitmiluk National Park, previously known as Katherine Gorge National Park.
Aboriginal Rock Art
Depending on the season, you can choose to head out on a morning cruise along the inky waters of Katherine Gorge or canoe between red-rock walls that rise to 70 metres high at your own expense. This 23-million-year-old landscape was formed by Katherine River, which flows from Arnhem Land out to Timor Sea. After lunch, head to the beautiful Edith Falls for one last refreshing swim in the huge plunge pool before you return to Darwin for your overnight stay.
Katherine River
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.