Australia's Top End

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A holiday in Australia's Top End offers a unique and rewarding experience ... one that takes a look inside the true heart of this great nation.

The Top End is the wild and tropical region that includes Darwin, Kakadu and Litchfield national parks, and Arnhem Land - a huge expanse of land owned by Australia's indigenous peoples. And each amazing destination has its own story to tell.

The capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is a modern city with a history and cityscape shaped by the monsoonal weather. A melting pot of people and cultures, Darwin is located on a peninsula with the ocean on three sides. Its outdoor lifestyle, superb natural attractions and al fresco dining make Darwin a special place.

A day trip from Darwin could take you wildlife watching at the award-winning Territory Wildlife Park or to the Crocodylus Park to spot salt and freshwater crocodiles.

To Darwin's east lies World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, an outstanding ecological wilderness covering an area of 20,000 square kilometres. This is a land of contrasts, with dry, flat plains, rugged and craggy escarpments, stunning waterfalls, plunge pools, the lily-covered South Alligator River, abundant wildlife and ancient Aboriginal rock art - the cultural art sites at Ubirr and Nourlangie are not to be missed. And Mamukala Wetlands, near the entrance to the park, has a large bird-hide where you can watch thousands of migratory birds and thirsty wildlife stop to rest.

A must-do activity in Kakadu is a wildlife river cruise at Yellow Waters, Cooinda. When water is scarce and the seasons are turning, the sky is darkened with flocks of magpie-geese overhead, water buffalo come down to drink, pink water lilies blossom and large crocodiles laze in the still waters of early morning.

About two hours to Darwin's south is Litchfield National Park, with 15,000 square kilometres of weathered and ancient landscapes made up of magnetic termite mounds, warm year-round swimming, lovely bush walks and four-wheel drive tracks. Highlights are Wangi and Florence falls, and Buley Rockhole, with its series of cascading pools.

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  • Includes a scenic Billabong cruise

    Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Kakadu

    from $775*

    Amidst the lush wilderness of Australia's breathtaking Top End, Wildman Wilderness Lodge is a new nature-based travel experience, situated in the Mary River Wetlands just outside Kakadu National Park. Wildman Wilderness Lodge comprises of a central lodge, 10 Habitats and 15 Safari Tents, the whole forming an inspiring escape amidst an extraordinary environment, easy two-hour drive by most-sealed road or 30 minutes by air from Darwin.

    The romantic Habitats offer unexpected air-conditioned comfort in this wilderness location. With luxury bedding, premium furnishings and ensuite bathrooms, offer a perfect respite after a day of exploration. The Safari Tents cater for couples or family groups with five featuring two additional single beds.

    Each fan-cooled tent is surprisingly spacious at 50m2 and comes complete with en-suite bathroom. A diverse and exciting range of tours are on offer. Essential to the experience is crocodile wildlife spotting on Home Billabong at sunset, or the leisurely Mary River Wetlands cruise. From fishing to cultural tours and nearby Kakadu National Park day excursions, this sanctuary amidst wildlife and lush wetland environments will not disappoint.
  • Visit the sites directly hit by the Japanese air raid, historic bunkers and ammunition stores as well as the modern day navy base HMAS Coonawarra

    Bombing of Darwin 70th Anniversary

    from $2,349*

    On the 19th of February 1942 an event occurred which changed Australia forever; World War II was brought to the shores of Australia when Darwin was bombed by enemy forces. It was a defining moment in Australia's history and the stories of courage typified by the tenacity of those living in Darwin are a testament to the Australian spirit in all of us.

    2012 marks the 70th Anniversary of this historic event. Between the 11th and 26th of February 2012, a two week program of events and activities will take place in Darwin including a commemorative service with a re-enactment of the first bombing raid, a black tie Gala Ball, a one-off commemorative football match, talks and displays at the Darwin City Council libraries, theatrical and arts activities and performances, a war themed movie festival, and more.

    For those unable to be in Darwin for the anniversary day, a NEW TOUR is now available to allow travellers to Darwin to visit the sites hit by the Japanese air raid. The tour also includes visits to historic bunkers and ammunition stores, an anti-aircraft gun site and a cruise of Darwin harbor to view the modern day navy base HMAS Coonawarra.

    Your holiday begins in Adelaide where you will embark on a legendary 3 day rail journey through Australia's arid Red Centre, concluding in Australia's Top End where a brilliant display of lush green and teeming wetlands is a spectacle to be seen after a monsoonal wet. Included is four nights in the vibrant city of Darwin as well as a sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour and Frontline Australia WWII Journey with Darwin Day Tours.
  • 25 mins from Darwin and in the middle of Northern Territories wilderness

    Bamarru Plains, Mary River Region

    from $2,509*

    Located near Kakadu National Park, a profusion of bird and wildlife are on the doorstep of this unique bush camp that exudes wild bush luxury and brings a touch of style to a remote and beautiful wilderness.
  • Discover the magnificence of the Red Centre

    Rock to Water in Style 9 Days featuring The Ghan

    from $2,909*

    HIGHLIGHTS: Uluru - Kata Tjuta - Watarrka National Park - Alice Springs - Darwin

    Discover the magnificence of the Red Centre on an amazing journey around Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Cross over the boundary into Watarrka National Park, home of the spectacular Kings Canyon staying 2 nights at the exclusive award-winning Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge.

    The lodge is located at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station of 1,800 square kilometres. Set in a private part of the station among Desert Oak trees, you will experience the greatest comfort in the outback, with a perfect opportunity to absorb the natural landscapes and dine around the campfire under the stars of the southern sky (weather permitting).

    Head north with Gold Service on board The Ghan from Alice Springs through some of Australia's most fascinating landscapes and marvel at the vast expanse of the outback as you meander "up the track" to Darwin. View the magnificent Darwin sunset aboard a luxurious catamaran on your last day in Darwin - the perfect end to your holiday.

    Adult from $2909*
    Concession from $2579*
  • Discover the magnificence of the Red Centre

    Rock to Water in Style 9 Days featuring The Ghan - November 2011 Departures

    from $2,959*

    HIGHLIGHTS: Uluru - Kata Tjuta - Watarrka National Park - Alice Springs - Darwin

    Discover the magnificence of the Red Centre on an amazing journey around Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Cross over the boundary into Watarrka National Park, home of the spectacular Kings Canyon staying 2 nights at the exclusive award-winning Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge.

    The lodge is located at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station of 1,800 square kilometres. Set in a private part of the station among Desert Oak trees, you will experience the greatest comfort in the outback, with a perfect opportunity to absorb the natural landscapes and dine around the campfire under the stars of the southern sky (weather permitting).

    Head north with Gold Service on board The Ghan from Alice Springs through some of Australia's most fascinating landscapes and marvel at the vast expanse of the outback as you meander "up the track" to Darwin. View the magnificent Darwin sunset aboard a luxurious catamaran on your last day in Darwin - the perfect end to your holiday.

    Adult from $2959*
    Concession from $2629*
  • Sparkling wine, sunsets and your own private view of Uluru

    Champagne, Luxury & The Centre 6 Days

    from $3,169*

    HIGHLIGHTS: Uluru - Alice Springs

    Take a trip to Central Australia like not other. Stay at the award-winning luxury wilderness camp Longitude 131. As one of only 30 pampered guests, you awake to your own private view of the sun rising over Uluru. On return to Alice Springs stay in superior style nestled under the famous MacDonnell Ranges. What better way to finish your trip than a glass of sparkling wine and sunset helicopter ride following the ochre coloured sandstone cliffs to Mt Gillen.

    Twin Share from $3172*
    Single Share from $5235*
  • Sparkling wine, sunsets and your own private view of Uluru

    Champagne, Luxury & The Centre 6 Days - November 2011 Departures

    from $3,289*

    HIGHLIGHTS: Uluru - Alice Springs

    Take a trip to Central Australia like not other. Stay at the award-winning luxury wilderness camp Longitude 131. As one of only 30 pampered guests, you awake to your own private view of the sun rising over Uluru. On return to Alice Springs stay in superior style nestled under the famous MacDonnell Ranges. What better way to finish your trip than a glass of sparkling wine and sunset helicopter ride following the ochre coloured sandstone cliffs to Mt Gillen.

    Twin Share from $3298*
    Single Share from $5475*
  • Includes a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park and schedule activities

    Bamurru Plains, Kakadu

    from $3,559*

    Venture through the Top End to Bamurru Plains, an extraordinary nature-based experience on the edge of the magnificent Kakadu National Park located in a stunning bush setting. This luxury camp exudes 'Wild Bush Luxury', ensuring that guests are exposed to the sights and sounds of this spectacular environment in style and exclusivity.

    Activities from the camp focus on exploring the surrounding country, with airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises in search of crocodiles, bush drives and guided walks, while Kakadu's rich indigenous culture is a day trip out. For relaxation, the wet edge pool and deck is a great spot to sit back with a cool drink and let the wildlife come to you.
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