Taste of the Top End 2024

You’ve arrived in Darwin – it’s yours to explore. Spend the day at your leisure before checking in to your accommodation.

OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

Litchfield National Park contains several types of typical Top End habitats, including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades. The first stop of the day is Florence Falls, where you have the opportunity to take a scenic interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. There is also the possibility for a swim by making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below. Travel on to Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading to the deep waterhole. To finish the day, you will visit Wangi Falls, with its large, crystal-clear pool, another relaxing spot for a swim. This is a great day for photography, including the amazing stand of termite mounds. (B,L)

Today is yours to explore Darwin at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour aboard a modern and spacious catamaran in air-conditioned comfort. View the spectacular Darwin sunset while enjoying a delicious Territory-style dinner. (B,D)

This morning is free for you to explore Darwin at your leisure. Perhaps make your way down to the waterfront and enjoy the tropical Darwin weather. Much of Darwin’s action happens along this revitalised waterfront, which is lined with restaurants, shops, sandy lagoons and parklands.

This afternoon, your jumping croc adventure begins. Just 60kms from Darwin lies the Adelaide River, home to more than 1600 crocodiles and the location of the famous jumping crocodiles. Travel down the Stuart Highway for your river cruise and feel the thrill as these awesome creatures launch themselves out of the water. The cruise will enable you to see the prehistoric creatures at close range. Afterwards, continue to Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to see a wetland ecosystem up close. (B)

This morning, it’s time to board The Ghan. Settle in as you relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers. Enjoy lunch on board before you arrive in Katherine for your first Off Train Experience. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan

After breakfast you’ll arrive into Alice Springs, with plenty of time to explore the iconic town in the red heart of Australia. Prepare for a day of fascinating experiences and vin the evening, dine under a million stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. (B,L,D)

After a morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Discover the diversity of Coober Pedy’s spectacular Breakaways on your guided walking tour, taking in the colourful low hills that from a distance look as if they have ‘broken away’ from the higher ground of the reserve. This area was once an inland sea and over time, has transformed into a dramatic landscape that changes colour with the passing of the sun, creating an almost surreal panorama. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. (B,L,D)

After completing the famous north-south crossing of Australia’s interior, you will arrive into Adelaide, where your adventure comes to an end, leaving you with memories of awe-inspiring landscapes and unique Top End and outback experiences that will last a lifetime. (B)