Darwin, a tropical city perched on the edge of a great desert, has grown from a pioneer outpost and small port into one of Australia's most modern and multicultural cities. Its proximity to Asia makes it an important Australian gateway to countries such as Indonesia and Singapore. The food and fashion of Darwin reflects its diverse influences. Its history is rich, and its population - both past and present - colorful and pioneering.

Sixty miles north of Darwin, the tropical Tiwi Islands are home to nearly 2,500 aboriginals, many of whom are artists and craftspeople. Cut off from the mainland, their art developed in a completely different style to the dot painting and rock art found elsewhere. The Tiwi Islanders are friendly and welcoming and a visit to this remote community offers an authentic look into aboriginal culture.

These packages combines the best of Darwin, with a visit to the Tiwi Islands, and Kakadu National Park with the option of adding The Red Centre or Kimberley regions as well!

Itinerary:

Day 1. Depart US
Depart the US on Qantas late this evening.

Day 2. Depart US
Cross dateline, 'lose' a day.

Day 3. Arrive Darwin
Darwin is Australia’s northern most capital city. More than 50 nationalities make up its population of just over 100,000, including its traditional                     landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. With a rich and interesting history, Darwin's involvement in World War II is evident at the many preserved sites in and around the city. The tropical climate sets the scene for a variety of unique outdoor experiences and activities thanks to its balmy weather and the friendly, easy going attitude of locals.  Darwin is also an excellent base from which to explore the internationally recognised World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, along with other                unique natural attractions like Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.

You will be transferred to your hotel for the next three nights, The Mirrambeena. Breakfast is included each morning.

The rest of your day is at leisure to discover this vibrant city. We can make touring and restaurant recommendations.

Day 4. Darwin

At 9:00am Steve Noble from Darwin Walking /Cycling Tours will meet you at reception for a behind the scenes tour of Australia the movie.

The tour will include Stokes Hill Wharf where the set for the movie ‘Australia’ was built and parts of the movie were recently filmed. 

The old wharf precinct was a target for Japanese bombs during World War II.  Now Darwin's Wharf is a popular leisure precinct for the city. In addition to offering a great alfresco dining experience the wharf has several attractions such as Indo Pacific Marine, the Pearling Exhibition, Deckchair Cinema and a purpose built fishing platform. It is also the departure point for a number of harbour cruises. Built in the 1880s, the wharf has long been a focal point for Darwin. The new Waterfront development will add a new and attractive dimension to Darwin with a range of recreational facilities, new accommodation, marina and cruise ship terminal.

The tour will also include the following Darwin historical sites:

WWII Oil Storage tunnels. 
Large tunnels were built into the bluff on which Darwin’s CBD now stands to protect naval oil supplies from bombing during World War Two. The tunnels were not completed until late in the war after the air raid threat had abated. The Tunnels are now one of the attractions of the Wharf Precinct and house a photographic display of wartime images from the Top End.

Northern Territory Parliament House
Located in State Square, Northern Territory Parliament House is Australia’s newest. Opened in 1994, it was built on the site of the old Darwin Post and Telegraphic Office, which was virtually razed in the first bombing of Darwin.

Old Town Hall Ruins
Built from local porcelanite stone and Cyprus pine, the Town Hall was opened in 1883 and had many uses before functioning as a Navy workshop and storage area during the war.
                   
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. At 5:00pm a transfer directly to the Cullen Bay Marina for your Historic Pearl Lugger Sunset Cruise on board the Anniki. The cruise departs at 5:15pm, with canapés and champagne provided.

This former pearl lugger was the boat on which Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) arrived at Darwin from England in the upcoming epic ‘Australia’ the movie. It also featured in the 1942 Bombing of Darwin scenes.
Anniki was built in 1956 and launched in 1958 in Cairns for master Pearler Jack Zafer. She is constructed of spotted gum with beech decks and rigged traditionally with gaff sails and big timber spars. She and her sister ship “Antonia” successfully worked the pearl fields of the Torres Straits for many years. The were often seen working the “Darnley Deeps” commonly called the diver’s graveyard, down to depths of 120 feet and held the record for amount of pearl shell collected..

Day 5. Darwin                  

Fly to Bathurst Island. You will be met by your Tiwi guide for a one day Bathurst Island tour with Tiwi Tours.

The Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin, consist of Melville and Bathurst Islands which are separated by the narrow Apsley Straits. Melville Island is                  Australia’s second largest island after Tasmania. The Tiwi Aboriginal people inhabit these islands and their language, art and customs differ from Aboriginal people from the mainland. The Tiwi people have excelled in the arts from the traditional forms of paintings on bark and canvas to wood carvings, distinctive silk screened cloth, woven accessories and pottery. The annual Art Sale draws thousands of people from Darwin and around Australia.
                   
Visit the community of Nguiu. Learn about the history of Bathurst at the Museum and Early Mission Precinct with its Tiwi-style Catholic church. See artists and art and craft at the local art centres: Tiwi Design, Tiwi Pottery and Bima Wear. Meet with the Tiwi ladies for morning tea and a traditional totem dance.

This afternoon, travel to the wilderness of Bathurst. Enjoy a picnic lunch and swim at a local waterhole. Learn about some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani Poles (burial poles) at a Tiwi burial site. Discover the traditions associated witht bush tucker, bush medicine and natural fibres and dyes before your return flight to Darwin.   

Day 6. Darwin to Kakadu Nat'l Park  

Depart Darwin, enter Kakadu National Park and visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Join a guided boat cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu’s most famous wetland area. Following lunch, travel to Nourlangie Rock and view galleries of ancient Aboriginal artwork. Spend 2 nights in the Park.

Day 7. Arnhem Land Aboriginal Settlement

Join a 4WD adventure tour into Arnhem Land to visit the Oenpelli Aboriginal settlement and Mikinj Valley. Hear of traditional land ownership from your Aboriginal guide and learn about bush skills. Visit special ancient Aboriginal art sites.

Day 8. Ubirr, East Alligator River, Darwin

Time this morning for a scenic flight over the Arnhem Land Escarpment (own expense). Travel to Ubirr to explore Aboriginal artwork. Join your Aboriginal guide on the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River and call into the Bowali Visitor Centre. Stop at the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while watching the changing light of day on the floodplain. Then return to Darwin for an overnight.

Day 9. Your choice: depart...or travel on

Your choice: depart for home, or add either a trip to Australia's Red Centre, or the remote Kimberley region. Airfare to these regions is included, and we can help you add hotel and touring to suit your budget. Suggested tour descriptions follow:

4 day Kimberley Traverse

Day 1. Bungle Bungle National Park, Echidna Chasm

Departing Kununurra at 7.00am, we travel to Purnululu National Park, home of the Bungle Bungle Range. Travelling via Warmun (Turkey Creek), head east down the Spring Creek Track, which leads into the national park. Spend the afternoon exploring the northern part of the park. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif. This evening, proceed to your Wilderness Lodge for dinner.
Two Night Stay: Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge with private ensuites

Day 2. Bungle Bungle Range, Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Creek, Beehive Domes

Explore majestic Cathedral Gorge and take an easy-paced walk along the dry bed of Piccaninny Creek. Your well-informed guide will bring the natural history of the Bungle Bungle to life. There is time for an optional helicopter flight over the domes (own expense). Enjoy drinks as you watch the sun set over the domes, before returning to the lodge for a hearty dinner.

Day 3. Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing

Examine the ruins of Old Halls Creek, the site of the first gold discovered in Western Australia. See China Wall, a curious quartz ridge, before continuing to Fitzroy Crossing. Home of the mighty Fitzroy River, it’s surrounded by some of Australia’s largest and most productive pastoral properties.
Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing

Day 4. Geikie Gorge Hike and Cruise, Broome

Enjoy a delightful morning cruising and hiking Geikie Gorge guided by a traditional Bunuba landowner. This cruise allows you to experience this amazing area from an Aboriginal cultural perspective. Take in the mighty Fitzroy River before your tour concludes on arrival in Broome at approximately 5.30 p.m.

3 day Kings Canyon and Ayers Rock Experience

 Day 1. Camel Farm, Kings Canyon Guided Walk

Depart Alice Springs and stop at the Camel Farm before arriving at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station. Proceed to our exclusive Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge, set in a typical Central Australian bush environment among the Desert Oak trees - a tree that is only found in this region of Central Australia. Settle in then depart for a guided walk of the rim of Kings Canyon. Dinner tonight is under the stars around the campfire (weather permitting). Sample some Australian delicacies such as camel, kangaroo and barramundi.
Stay: Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge, comfort in the heart of the Outback

Day 2. Station Tour, Mutitjulu, Mala Walk, Ayers Rock Sunset

After breakfast join an exclusive tour of the grounds of the cattle station, for a chance to spot wild camels, kangaroos and other wildlife. See ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. At Ayers Rock visit both the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative and learn about Aboriginal heritage and their artistic traditions. Join a guided walk to the waterhole of Mutitjulu, an ancient Aboriginal hunting ground and sacred site, to view cave paintings. Then join the guided Mala Walk to learn about the region’s unique geology and flora. Visit Kantju Gorge, a sacred waterhole, and hear the story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru. As you watch the sunset, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as the day’s last light fades across the face of the mighty monolith, casting its scarred surface in an array of ever-changing colors that betray the starkness of the rugged Australian Outback.

Day 3. Uluru Sunrise, Kata Tjuta (Olgas)

Rise early this morning and enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as you witness Uluru at sunrise. With the sun still climbing, travel to Kata Tjuta and take a guided walk into majestic Olga Gorge. Marvel at the sheer walls that flank you as you enter the gorge and view rare plants only found in this region.