Exploring the Northern Territories

Set off from Darwin and head into Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage listed landscape covering almost 20,000 square kilometres. Rich in cultural heritage, it has been home to the Bininj and Mungguy peoples for tens of thousands of years. Your journey will take you across Cahill’s Crossing over the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land, regarded as one of Australia’s last remaining areas of true wilderness. 

The region is alive with traditional culture, with over 100,000 square kilometres of Aboriginal-owned land. In the Aboriginal community of Gunbalanya (Oenpelli), set among dramatic floodplains and sandstone cliffs, you’ll visit the Injalak Arts Centre to learn about one of the world’s oldest traditional art forms and watch the artists at work.

Starting in Cooinda, you’ll cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, drifting past wetlands teeming with birdlife and saltwater crocodiles while your guide answers any questions you may have on the area’s biodiversity and Indigenous culture. Continue to one of Kakadu’s hidden treasures, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a crystal clear creek leads to a waterfall plunge pool. Hike to the rock pools above for a truly spectacular swim.

Head south into Nitmiluk National Park – home to the Jawoyn people. Enjoy a swim in the Katherine Hot Springs before retiring to your luxury lodge, where a chilled drink and canapés await to be enjoyed over sunset views.

Spend the morning immersed in the beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge on a self-paced canoe adventure through some of Australia’s most idyllic landscapes.Take a scenic trip through the towering sandstone walls, mirrored waters and ancient rock formations of the First Gorge. From here, paddle deeper, exploring the secluded Second Gorge and beyond at your own pace.

Later, your exploration of Nitmiluk National Park continues with a visit to Edith Falls (Leliyn), a serene setting surrounded by the rugged escarpments of the Top End. These sandstone and riverine ecosystems are home to a wealth of native flora and fauna. If you wish, embark on a longer walk to the top of the falls for spectacular views and a rewarding swim in a rock pool.

Travel onwards to the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre in Katherine, where you’ll delve into the rich artistic traditions and cultural heritage of the region, listening to stories from its First Nation communities.

On the final day of your journey, continue to Litchfield National Park, a region of striking natural contrasts and remarkable biodiversity, just an hour south of Darwin. The sandstone plateau gives way to verdant woodland and pockets of monsoon rainforest secluded within deep gorges. Start at the Magnetic Termite Mounds, which are aligned to the Earth’s magnetic field, before unwinding at two of Litchfield’s renowned waterholes – Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls. Swim or snorkel in the clear waters, or simply relax in the terraced pools of Buley, surrounded by the tranquility of the bush to conclude your adventure.