MELBOURNE TO DARWIN

Welcome to our winter getaway to Darwin and The Tiwi Islands. With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport. Here we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative who will assist us with check in, and see us onto the plane for our direct flight to Darwin with Qantas Airlines. On arrival, we will be met by our O’Shannessys Touring Coach and transferred to our hotel, home for the next six nights. 

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments inflight

OVERNIGHT:  DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

EXPLORING DARWIN

Today we take in sights of Darwin. Many people aren’t aware of the importance of Darwin during World War II so we’ll look at the city as it is today and also learn about the involvement and history of the bombings of Darwin. The present city centre was established in 1869 and contains many of its remaining historic buildings such as the Old Court House and Government House. We see the new Parliament House built on the site of the Darwin Post Office bombed during the war, the port area plus the many other fascinating sights of Australia’s northern gateway. Our tour concludes at Stokes Hill Wharf - lunch time now and this is a great place for our lunch break. We then visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Bombing of Darwin tourist facility - two iconic stories in one iconic location! Returning to our hotel, we have the time to freshen up before we make our way back to Stokes Hill Wharf to join Darwin Harbour Cruises – The Charles Darwin for a wonderful sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

TIWI ISLANDS

We have an early start today as we are heading to the Tiwi Islands for a full days touring. The ferry ride takes around two hours, so sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as we arrive on Bathurst Island. Here we meet our local guide for a journey through the progressive Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. Visit the Culture Museum with its fascinating displays of traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi 'dreamtime' stories as well as visiting the Mission Precinct with its unique Catholic Church. Hear the colourful history of the early mission days. Enjoy morning tea with the Tiwi ladies who will also perform a smoking ceremony to bless us. We call into the arts and crafts centres and see where the local artists work. We also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed fabrics. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony). Keep a lookout for the many locations featured in “Top End Wedding”! This afternoon, we depart Bathurst Island and return to Darwin.

OVERNIGHT:  DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK

This morning, we travel south to the small township of Adelaide River – about 110 kms from Darwin. We make a brief stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery. The war cemetery was created especially for the burial of service personnel who died in this part of Australia. A total of 435 war graves marked by bronze plaques are contained in this cemetery. From here we enter the Litchfield National Park. The 65,000ha National Park with its untouched rainforests, hot springs, magnificent waterfalls and stunning scenery has gained the reputation as the jewel of the Northern Territory’s crown. There are some great photo opportunities. We stop to see the Magnetic Anthills and the magnificent Florence Falls from the lookout platform. We enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Café and visit nearby Wangi Falls where there is time for a refreshing dip - so bring your togs! 

OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

FOGG DAM, ADELAIDE RIVER AND HOWARD SPRINGS

Today we will enjoy some of the best nature reserves in and around Darwin. We’re up early today so, hopefully, we can see plenty of birdlife at Fogg Dam. There are some short walks through the monsoon forest. We will take a drive over the dam wall and stop at the viewing platform overlooking the wetlands and the dam wall itself. After a light lunch we join the Adelaide River Queen for a one hour “Jumping Croc Cruise”. It might be hard to believe that a 6 metre salt water crocodile – the most dangerous reptile in Northern Australia - can be enticed to jump out of the water just in front of us – but that’s exactly what happens!! It’s a short and fascinating interaction that does not impact on their natural habitat. We then head back towards Darwin with a stop at Howard Springs Nature Reserve. There is a new a 1.8km walking path here, along with a wading pool to cool off.  This evening, we will make our way to Cullen Bay for dinner together as we watch the sun set.

OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

MORE OF DARWIN

After breakfast, we’re off to Crocosaurus Cove located in the heart of the City. It has the largest display of Australian reptiles in the world, a two storey fresh water aquarium, a turtle sanctuary, local NT Aboriginal Art and Culture displays. We now head to suburban Winnellie and the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. Here there is an impressive collection of the Territory's aviation history. A massive B52 Bomber dwarfs other exhibits, including Mirage and Sabre jets, a Spitfire replica, Wessex and Huey Cobra helicopters. It will be an interesting morning. Following lunch, there’s more free time this afternoon. This evening the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets will be open. They offer over 200 stalls with nearly 60 food stalls from more than 30 different countries - where we can buy some dinner. With the multi-cultural background of Darwin, we are sure to be tempted by the delicious food and smells as we wander through the market!

Dinner at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN

HEADING HOME

We’ve time for one last visit this morning. We make our way to Fannie Bay to have a look at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and the Cyclone Tracy Gallery. An inspection will reveal permanent galleries of aboriginal art, maritime archaeology and the ever popular Sweetheart and Cyclone Tracy exhibits. After an early lunch, we make  our way to the airport to join our flights, via Brisbane, back home. Upon arrival in Melbourne, our chauffeurs will be waiting to transport us home with many interesting stories to tell of our Darwin and Top End adventure.

Refreshments inflight