7 DAYS IN DARWIN AND SURROUNDS - SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES OF AUSTRALIA
As the Northern Territory’s thriving capital, Darwin attracts travellers from all around the globe looking to experience its outdoor tropical lifestyle with waterfront dining, crocodile adventures, rich historical experiences, and access to the Tiwi Islands all within a few minutes of the city centre.
Nitmiluk Gorge, located to the south of Darwin, features some of the most stunning gorge scenery in the Northern Territory, with raging waterfalls, a myriad of wildlife and breathtaking views of the Jawoyn country.
At a glance:
- 4 nights Darwin
- 2 nights Nitmiluk National Park
The Journey
- Nearest Major City: Darwin
- Duration: 7 days
- Mode of Transport: On Foot, Airboat, Car, Catamaran, Helicopter, Ferry, Boat, Canoe
DAY 1
Helifish, Darwin, Northern Territory
Depart early this morning on a Half Day HeliFish experience with Nautilus Aviation. Enjoy over an hour of flight time flying alongside the isolated coastline, rivers and billabongs and approximately three hours of fishing in up to three different locations depending on tides, weather and time of day.
Return to Darwin and check in to the Mindil Beach Casino and Resort.
Grab a bite to eat and then meet your guide for a Darwin Heritage Walk with Walk Darwin.
Walk the paths of pioneers, as guides recount Darwin’s history through the World War II bombings and Cyclone Tracy, to current day.
This evening, dine at one of the restaurants along Darwin’s waterfront precinct or try grilled crocodile, Sri Lankan curry, barbecued seafood and other culinary delights from the stalls at Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Thursday and Sunday evenings from April to October).
Highlights:
- Fish for Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and Salmon on a Half Day Helifish experience. Complete the day with a landing at the Noonamah Tavern and soak up the local atmosphere.
- Discover Darwin’s turbulent history on a Walk Darwin tour.
- Soak up Darwin’s laidback tropical lifestyle at a waterfront restaurant.
- Explore Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Thursday and Sunday evenings from April to October).
DAY 2
Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Corroboree Billabong, Northern Territory
Take a Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours Wetlands Discovery Tour.
Learn more about the culture and wildlife of this region by exploring the Northern Coastal Wetlands. Take a scenic boat cruise to view birds, crocodiles and other wildlife then travel to Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural tours to learn about local history and culture.
There is free time to take a leisurely stroll along Darwin esplanade or relax at your hotel.
This evening, transfer to Stokes Hill Wharf for a Sail Darwin Champagne Sunset Sail.
Take an unforgettable 3-hour tropical sunset cruise on the magnificent Darwin Harbour. Sparkling wine, delicious tapas and BBQ dinner is served throughout the evening.
Highlights:
- Learn about the magnificent wetlands and their importance to people and animals.
- Experience one of Darwin’s iconic tropical sunsets on an evening cruise.
DAY 3
Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
Take a scenic flight to Litchfield National Park with Nautilus Aviation.
This exhilarating scenic helicopter flight takes in the beauty of Litchfield’s treasures: Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, Sandy Creek Falls, Florence Falls and The Lost City. Make a remote beachside landing at Crab Claw Island Resort. Book your flight at midday and combine your getaway with a swim and lunch.
This evening head to Mindil Beach Sunset Markets*.
The Mindil Beach Sunset Market truly epitomises the word 'multicultural'. The combination of amazing food, arts and culture, set to the backdrop of the spectacular sunset, creates an electric atmosphere.
*Operates Thu and Sun, end April to end October.
Highlights:
- See Litchfield’s natural beauty on a helicopter flight with a remote beachside landing.
- Immerse yourself in the eclectic flavours and atmosphere of the Mindil Beach Markets.
DAY 4
Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory
Today take a SeaLink NT Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Experience tour.
Take the SeaLink ferry to Bathurst Island. Meet your Tiwi guide and visit the Patakijiyali Culture Museum, Mission Precinct, and arts and crafts centres. Enjoy morning tea with the Tiwi ladies including a smoking ceremony. Purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and learn the rituals of the Pukamani (burial ceremony) before returning to Darwin.
Tonight, enjoy dinner at Hanuman – one of Darwin’s iconic restaurants.
Highlights:
- Experience art, culture, history and a warm welcome at the remote Tiwi Islands.
- Purchase unique Tiwi art.
- Take a south-east Asian culinary journey at Hanuman restaurant.
DAY 5
Nitmiluk Tours, Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
Today, make your way to Katherine and onto your accommodation at Cicada Lodge.
This afternoon join the Nitmiluk Tours Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Tour.
Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge on this sunset dinner cruise. Enjoy a 3-course candlelit dinner as the tranquil surroundings transport you into a spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history.
Highlights:
- Sit back and relax aboard a sunset dinner cruise on the stunning Nitmiluk Gorge.
DAY 6
Nitmiluk Tours, Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
Today enjoy a Helicopter Adventure Swim Flight.
Fly over all 13 Gorges then continue via the Katherine River into the rugged rock country of Nitmiluk National Park. Discover one of the most remote and beautiful waterfall swim sites in Australia. Enjoy a swim at this pristine wilderness rockpool, which is yours exclusively. A picnic lunch is available.
This afternoon take a 1 hour tour of Cutta Cutta Caves.
Formed millions of years ago the Cutta Cutta Caves system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history.
Highlights:
- See 13 gorges by helicopter and enjoy a picnic and swim at a private rockpool.
- See sparkling limestone formations and five different species of bats at Cutta Cutta Caves.
DAY 7
Top Didj Aboriginal Cultural Experience, Katherine, Northern Territory
Today make your way into Katherine for the Top Didj Aboriginal Cultural Experience.
Interact with Top End Aboriginal artist Manuel Pamkal and ask questions about Aboriginal culture whilst learning his painting style, weapons used and how he lived off the land.
This afternoon take a Malappar Traveller self-guided canoe trip.
Take a scenic journey by boat through Nitmiluk's first gorge before jumping in your canoe to explore the second gorge and beyond. There is ample time to admire the scenery and wildlife. Enjoy a picnic on the shaded riverbanks or cool off with a swim in the alluring waters of the second or third gorge.
Return to Darwin.
Highlights:
- View the unique painting style of Top End Aboriginal artist, Manuel Pamkal.
- Enjoy the tranquillity of the second and third gorges on a self-guided canoe trip.
