Darwin

As you take a leisurely drive around the compact city of Darwin, you’ll pass the seven-gabled Government House, Old Admiralty House and the unusual Christchurch Cathedral, whose structure is a combination of old and contemporary architecture. Further on is beautiful Fanny Bay with its Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and the Fanny Bay Goal. Stop at the 34-hectare Botanical Gardens to photograph some of the species of tropical and sub-tropical plants.

Driving past Cullen Bay Marina you’ll be able to see the impressive array of luxury water-front houses before returning to the main town. As you pass along the town Esplanade, your driver will point out the main shopping area and you’ll have the choice of returning to the ship or remaining in town to explore further at your own pace.

Board your boat for the renowned Jumping Crocodile Cruise, which will take you along the Adelaide River in search of saltwater crocodiles. The Adelaide River is home to 1,600 deadly crocodiles and offers some of the best crocodile viewing in the world.

As your boat glides along the murky waters of the Adelaide River, you will hear all about the crocodile’s habitats and habits as well as experiencing superb close-up views of these ancient predators. Have your camera ready to witness their raw power as they launch themselves out of the water to snatch the food offered by your guide.

Alongside the saltwater crocodiles you may also see a wonderful array of birdlife. Relax with a complimentary soft drink as you look out for the diverse range of wildlife which resides in the area.

After your exhilarating cruise, continue to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre to discover more about the northern coastal wetlands, one of the rarest and most threatened land systems in the world. The Centre is located on one of the highest points on the Adelaide River floodplain with a magnificent panorama across the Marrakai Plains and an interesting hands-on facility which explains the eco-system of the area.

The Territory Wildlife Park, set in 1,000 acres of natural bushland, is dedicated to the Northern Territory's native fauna and flora. In addition to saltwater crocodiles, water buffalo, dingoes, wallabies, pelicans and other water birds, it also has a nocturnal house, kept dark so that the late night creatures can be seen; a natural lagoon and a treetop-level rainforest walkway through the huge aviary allowing you to watch native birds from the swamps and forests at close range.

The Park has an extensive system of walking tracks and many of the exhibits are located quite closely together; you can either walk between exhibits or take the compliment shuttle which runs around the Park’s main areas.

There are daily presentations including wild discovery talks and a fascinating bird of prey display. The experienced staff are located around the Park and are happy to share their knowledge of the wildlife and the habitats in their care.

A must-see attraction of the Park is the underwater aquarium where you can experience the marine life close up. As you stroll beneath the surface in the walk-through tunnel you’ll see giant barramundi fish, stingrays and other fish swimming right over your head, the aquarium also houses a giant Saltwater Crocodile.

Embark on a scenic drive to the beautiful Litchfield National Park. The Park features numerous waterfalls, monsoon rainforests, intriguing magnetic termite mounds and historical sites. Passing through a remarkable treeless, black soil plain you’ll arrive at the towering Magnetic Termite Mounds. These amazing architectural feats complete with arches, tunnels, chimneys, insulation and nursery chambers, can reach up to 13 feet high, giving the appearance of a huge graveyard.

Further into the National Park, a stop will be made at either the majestic Florence Falls or Wangi Falls to photograph and absorb the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Before leaving the National Park, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch served in rustic woodland surroundings.

Crocodylus Park is one of the best places in Australia to come face to face with the largest reptiles on the planet. The Park plays host to over 1,000 crocodiles ranging in length from 11 inch hatchlings to massive 15 foot adults, weighing 80 stone! You can learn about these awe-inspiring creatures in the park museum, watch the daily feeding displays where the crocodiles literally leap into the air for their food, and even feel the soft skin of a crocodile if you choose. The Park also houses a diverse array of other wildlife including Hawksbill Turtles, iguanas, monkeys, lions, Persian Leopards and tigers alongside Australian wildlife from Brolgas to Wallaroos.

Enjoy a brief orientation of Darwin before returning to the port.

Embark on a brief orientation of Darwin city before travelling to Stokes Hill Wharf where you’ll join your exclusive river cruise boat.

As you watch the sights of Darwin glide by, you’ll hear about the bombing of Darwin and discover its unique history. As you sail past your berthed ship, you’ll be able to take some photographs, before making your way along the harbour passing Darwin Esplanade to Doctors Gully; home of fish feeding in the wild, and Larrakeyah Naval Patrol boat base.

During your leisurely scenic cruise, you’ll be able to enjoy refreshments of tea, coffee and cakes.

Depart on your transfer to Darwin Airport where you will take off in your twin engine aircraft for a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park.

Kakadu National Park comprises an area of 7,722 square miles of coastal fringes, wetlands, woodland plains, rainforest, rolling hill country and elevated rocky outliers, bordered by the Arnhem Land tablelands to the east. The Park is the largest terrestrial park in Australia and is classified as a World Heritage site for both its cultural values and its natural heritage. Absorb the diverse and beautiful scenery as you fly over rugged escarpments, lush wetlands, plunging gorges and cascading waterfalls.

After you land in the middle of the National Park, you’ll join your boat for a unique Yellow Water Cruise. As you glide along Yellow Water Billabong, view extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps as you experience the diverse and sublimely beautiful area and its associated wildlife. There is a good chance you’ll also catch sight of the famous Saltwater Crocodile bathing on the river banks and the buffalo grazing on the floodplains.

After your relaxing nature cruise, you’ll be taken to Cooinda for a sumptuous buffet lunch at a true Australian alfresco venue, before rejoining your aircraft for the scenic flight back to Darwin.