Darwin, Kakadu & Katherine

Itinerary

• Australia

  Australia is the world's smallest continent, and includes Tasmania and other islands. Prior to European settlement in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the Australian mainland was inhabited by around 250 individual nations of indigenous Australians for around 40,000 years. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and then European discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, the eastern half of Australia was later claimed by the British in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing Crown Colonies were established during the 19th century. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies became a federation, and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. \There are iconic sights "down under" that find their way on most itineraries; Sydney (Opera House, Harbour Bridge), Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne. Other gems include the wild nature of Tasmania, vineyards of Hunter Valley, surfing on the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Darwin ... and more.

• Darwin

  Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin has a population of 114,368, making it by far the largest and most populated city in the sparsely peopled Northern Territory, but the least populous of all Australia's capital cities. It is the smallest and most northerly of the Australian capital cities, and acts as the Top End's regional centre.

• Kakadu

  Kakadu National Park is located within the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory of Australia. It covers an area of 1,980,400 ha (4,894,000 acres), extending nearly 200 kilometres from north to south and over 100 kilometres from east to west. It is the size of Israel, about one-third the size of Tasmania, or nearly half the size of Switzerland.

• Katherine

  The well known and spectacular Katherine Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park near the town has many ancient rock paintings. These often become flooded during "the wet season" as the river can rise 18 m in the narrow passage. In a particularly wet season, the paintings higher up can become flooded, damaging these ancient treasures.

• • Darwin
  • Darwin Harbour
  • Holiday Inn

  Day 1: Darwin

  You will be transferred between Darwin airport and your hotel by private car.

  Upon check in at your hotel you will be provided with your welcome package. In the package you shall receive a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service (if applicable), supplier contact list as well as various brochures of some of the destinations you will be visiting.

  You will be picked up by shared coach along with other travellers for the best and most comprehensive Darwin city tour available. This afternoon city sights tour is the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by an experienced and knowledgeable local guide. See the Chinese Temple and the lush Botanical Gardens. Tour the historic sites of the city including the East Point Military Precinct. See the Stokes Hill Wharf area and the Mooring Basin. There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. After the city sights tour you will be dropped off at the “Spirit of Darwin” at Cullen Bay Marina for a cruise on magnificent Darwin Harbour where you can relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset in paradise. After the cruise you will need to make your own way back to your accommodation. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like a private transfer arranged to bring you back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Holiday Inn Darwin (4*)

  Being an ideal place to stay and experience the friendliness of Darwin, Holiday Inn Darwin (4*) occupies a unique location on the end of The Esplanade. Outside the hotel the deep blue of Darwin Harbour and the Arafura Sea are stretched out and guests can decide whether to take a stroll along the waterfront parkland or walk into town for business or shopping. The hotel is a quiet option with pleasant sea views and a relaxing atmosphere.

• • Kakadu
  • Gagudju Lodge Cooinda

  Day 2: Darwin - Kakadu

  Depart Darwin by shared coach along with other travellers and travel to the Adelaide River to join the Jumping Crocodile Cruise. Watch for wildlife and see the agility of the infamous saltwater crocodile as it leaps from the water. You then enter Kakadu National Park and visit the Bowali Visitor Centre, learning about the wonders of the park. The tour leads to the ancient Aboriginal rock art sites at Ubirr. Learn of the significance and meaning connected to these X-ray style paintings. There is time this afternoon to take a flight over the stunning Arnhem Land Escarpment (own expense) before you are brought to your hotel at day's end.

  Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (4*)

  Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (4*) is a cool retreat in the midst of Kakadu National Park's wilderness. This unique hotel was designed and built in the shape of a Crocodile and is just 2 ½ hours’ drive from Darwin. All rooms were stylishly refurbished in 2007. Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is the ideal base to explore Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art galleries and view the towering sandstone escarpment of Arnhem Land. The hotel offers 110 guest rooms overlooking a central shaded courtyard and swimming pool, a range of dining options, an art gallery and gift shop, plus excellent conference facilities. Guests have access to a 9-hole golf course, Olympic-size pool, and tennis courts at neighbouring Jabiru township.

• • Katherine
  • All Seasons Katherine

  Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine

  Today, you visit the ancient art sites of Nourlangie Rock. Continue to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre before joining a guided wildlife cruise on Yellow Water.

  Accommodation: All Seasons Katherine (3*)

  All Seasons Katherine is located near the town centre of Katherine. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis court and BBQ area. Major nearby attractions include Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge, Cutta Cutta Caves, Mataranka Springs, Umbrawarra Gorge, Edith Falls and historical Springvale Homestead. There are also many guided day tours available including canoeing, crocodile spotting, bush walking and scenic flights.

• • Katherine Gorge

  Day 4: Katherine - Darwin

  Visit Nitmiluk National Park and join a guided cruise on Katherine Gorge. Look out for wildlife and view rock art, enjoying our guide's informative commentary. Visit beautiful Edith Falls for a swim in the crystal clear waters. Later, travel to Adelaide River before returning to Darwin.

  You will be transferred between Darwin airport and your hotel by private car.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Collectibles

  Australia is famous for its marsupial species that include kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and of course the cuddly koalas. These bear-like animals are found in South Eastern Australia and were given the name "koala" by Aboriginals, a word that means "no drink". The Koala obtains enough moisture from the eucalyptus leaves that it feeds on, a plant that would be indigestible to most other life forms.

• Culinary Delights

  There is much more to Australian barbeques than shrimp. Northern Territory barbeques feature indigenous fare like barramundi, kangaroo, emu, ostrich as well as chicken and lamb grilled on the barbecue with oil and seasoning. Of course an outback barbeque is never complete without billy tea at the end. This is simply tea boiled in a tin container known as a "billy".

• Historic Moment

  The Australian "Slouch" hat, or "Digger" hat, is nearly as old as the Australian fighting man. Originating in the army, it traditionally has a leather chin strap made from rabbit-fur felt or wool felt, and is turned up on the side (originally perhaps to keep out of the way of a lance or rifle). It also helps stay clear of that scorching outback sun!

• • Holiday Inn

  Holiday Inn Darwin (4*)

  Being an ideal place to stay and experience the friendliness of Darwin, Holiday Inn Darwin (4*) occupies a unique location on the end of The Esplanade. Outside the hotel the deep blue of Darwin Harbour and the Arafura Sea are stretched out and guests can decide whether to take a stroll along the waterfront parkland or walk into town for business or shopping. The hotel is a quiet option with pleasant sea views and a relaxing atmosphere.

  • More information

• Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (4*)

  Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (4*) is a cool retreat in the midst of Kakadu National Park's wilderness. This unique hotel was designed and built in the shape of a Crocodile and is just 2 ½ hours’ drive from Darwin. All rooms were stylishly refurbished in 2007. Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is the ideal base to explore Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art galleries and view the towering sandstone escarpment of Arnhem Land. The hotel offers 110 guest rooms overlooking a central shaded courtyard and swimming pool, a range of dining options, an art gallery and gift shop, plus excellent conference facilities. Guests have access to a 9-hole golf course, Olympic-size pool, and tennis courts at neighbouring Jabiru township.

  • More information
• • All Seasons Katherine

  All Seasons Katherine (3*)

  All Seasons Katherine is located near the town centre of Katherine. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis court and BBQ area. Major nearby attractions include Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge, Cutta Cutta Caves, Mataranka Springs, Umbrawarra Gorge, Edith Falls and historical Springvale Homestead. There are also many guided day tours available including canoeing, crocodile spotting, bush walking and scenic flights.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • International and Internal Flights - Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote