The Beauty of the North

Days 1-3

After arriving at Darwin International Airport, start your exciting trip with a three night stay at Mantra on the Esplanade. Situated on the lovely Darwin waterfront and overlooking the sparkling harbour, this tropical resort is in the ideal location for exploring everything this charming city has to offer.

Day one will be spent as you please, taking your pick of the National Parks, or the bustling shops full of Aboriginal art and crafts. On day two you’ll join a tour of charismatic Darwin city and marvel at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, before heading to Crocosaurus Cove for an evening welcome reception and dinner with other travellers joining your tour.

Overnight: Mantra on the Esplanade

Day 4

Katherine

Journey along the Stuart Highway as you make your way south towards Katherine. There will be time for a stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetary, dedicated to the WWII air raids on Darwin, before visiting the Nitmiluk National Park to cruise the peaceful waters of the Katherine River in the afternoon.

Overnight: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 5

Kununurra

Today sees you travel via Timber Creek and Victoria River as you pass the expansive cattle stations on your way to Western Australia. Today you will visit the Argyle Downs Homestead which is a historic building that reconstructed to become a pioneer museum. Visit Lake Argyle which is the largest man-made lake in Australia then cruise along the Ord River to Kununurra – be sure to watch out for the many marsupials which live along the lake.

Overnight: Kununurra Country Club Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 6

Kununurra

Take a tour of Kununurra which is one of the youngest towns in Western Australia. You’ll see the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and the Hidden Valley National Park, which homes 300 million year old sandstone cliffs and is an astonishing sight. Among the inspiring scenery, you’ll also find a varied display of wildlife, including a variety of birds, reptiles, wallabies and bats. Take in the amazing views from Kelly’s Knob Lookout then make your way to a privately hosted dinner at the Mt Romance Sandalwood Factory. Afterwards, learn about the fascinating industry of sandalwood plantations while dining in the Ord Valley.

Overnight: Kununurra Country Club Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 7

El Questro

Weather permitting, today will begin with a trip to the Parry Lagoon Nature Reserve to see the birdlife before continuing on to Wyndham to the Five Rivers lookout overlooking the Cambridge Gulf. Visit the rock art murals at Warriu Park before heading along the Gibb River road to El Questro Wilderness Park.

Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 8

El Questro Wilderness Park

Cruise along Chamberlain Gorge in the morning then relax and lounge by the pool at Emma Gorge Resort; alternatively, hike to the gorge itself for a swim in the waterhole.

Overnight: Emma Gorge Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 9

Halls Creek

Visit the Argyle Diamond Mine today which produces a quarter of the world’s diamonds every year. You’ll be guided by a local expert for a behind the scenes look at the mining process, before continuing on to the historic town of Halls Creek. This town is located on the cusp of the Great Sandy Desert at the doorstep of the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park.

Overnight: Kimberley Hotel (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 10

Fitzroy Crossing

Journey to the remote township of Fitzroy Crossing for a guided afternoon cruise through the Geikie Gorge – this gorge was formed from the waters of the Fitzroy River tunnelling through the Napier Range. In the dry season, this river transforms into a gentle stream beneath the cliffs of the Devonian Reef; during the wet season, the river rises over 16 metres and floods the national park with seven metres of water. Be sure to keep a lookout for the freshwater crocodiles, fruit bats and wallabies in this area.

Overnight: Fitzroy River Lodge (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 11

Broome

Travel to the port of Derby to witness the Boab Prison Tree which was used by the first police as a holding cell. Afterwards, continue on to the resort town of Broome where you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind or take a camel ride along the beach, if you would prefer.

Overnight: Cable Beach Club Resort (Breakfast included)

Day 12

Broome

Spend the day at leisure to explore the tropical hideaway of Broome, with a leisurely stroll along the beach or a wander through bustling Chinatown. In the evening, join your tour guide and group for a farewell dinner at the resort.

Overnight: Cable Beach Club Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 13

Broome

Today marks the end of the trip – you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight.

(Breakfast included)

What’s included

• Transportation throughout Australia
• Accommodation as listed
• 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 9 dinners
• Excursions as listed