Tailor-made Travel Experiences in Australia's Top End -

The Northern Territory’s Top End is a stunning and vast nature and wilderness paradise. It is a world of extremes ranging from lush wetlands and rainforest to sunburned outback nirvana and rugged deserts. In many places, the Northern Territory unveils the ancient continent’s history. Experience the world as it would have been millions of years ago, before the ice age hit the northern hemisphere. It is a lonely land and only recently has the distant Northern Territory grown closer to the rest of Australia. It was only after the east and south coast of the continent had been settled that far-flung towns like Alice Springs and Darwin sprang into existence. Today, the Northern Territory is a home for about 200,000 souls, a quarter of which are Aborigines. Having said as much, the capital Darwin comes as a surprise. Darwin is a lively and modern city sporting an unusually young population and cosmopolitan flair. The Arafura Lake flanks the city and lends it an idyllic ambience. Forty to fifty ethnic groups are represented in Darwin and on any given day one might pick up Asian voices or European accents creating a backdrop to the dominant Aussie drawl.Darwin boasts a wide range of cultural activities and a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene. Mingle with the crowds shopping at the local markets and try the regional specialities that Darwin is famous for. The lush tropical landscape may not only be experienced in the wilderness but also in Darwin’s excellent botanical gardens. However, for a city-break, head south towards the nature reserves Howard Springs, Berry Springs or the Fog-Dam Conservation Reserve – an excellent spot for birding! Another set of excursion destination are the many beaches that promise quick relief from the tropical heat. Go for a splash at Mindil Beach, Mandorah Beach or Fannie Bay. All of these beaches are in the vicinity of Darwin. However, the highlight of the North is the Kakadu National Park – a stunning reserve housing a mind-blowing diversity of wildlife and flora. Incidentally, the name Kakadu is derived from the Aborigine name “Gagadju”. The gateway to the nature paradise is the small town Jabiru. The Kakadu National Park is considered one of the world’s most important wetlands. From November to May, the vast area generally floods and the otherwise well defined line separating ocean from land blurs. The wetlands are also fed by thundering waterfalls that tumble down dry limestone plateaus. Within the Kakadu Park, Yellow Waters is a popular spot for admiring crocodiles and the prolific birdlife. In August, the water lilies blossom and the Australian Pelican abounds. Take time to admire this wonderland. We recommend two to three days. One of the highlights is a cruise on the Yellow River. Sneak past immense saltwater crocodiles and tick off more than 300 bird and 1600 plant species that can be found in the area. An inspiring experience! The Kakadu Park’s lush wilderness was also appreciated by the Aborigine population, who expressed their close ties to the environment with countless rock paintings. Some of the best preserved and most beautiful paintings may be observed in Ubirr and at Nourlangie Rock. Nature shows its rough face at the Kakadu and some of the most stunning attractions can only be reached in a 4x4. However, the Jim Jim Falls or the Twinfalls that plunge of vertiginous cliffs into crystal-clear ponds beneath are worth the bone-jarring ride. A different park that is nevertheless equally stunning is the Nitmiluk National Park, which incorporates the 12 kilometre long Katherine Gorge. The gorge’s imposing rock faces tower some 60 metres above the river. The gorge is accessible by canoe, slowly paddling the calm waters. Occasionally, fallen rocks obstruct the way but with a little heave and shove the journey continues on the other side. It is a highly scenic ride. As a reward for your efforts, the rocks lean further and further towards each other from one section to the next and the setting becomes increasingly romantic. Small beaches invite you to take a refreshing dip and shady spots are perfect for picnicking. Down Under everything is reversed: The trees do not drop their leaves in autumn but peel out of their bark. At high noon, the shade you cast flips to an unusual side because the sun stands in the north. Australia and the Top End – a land of extremes and wildly romantic beauty! Take the time to include these rough but authentic regions into your itinerary – it is an unforgettable experience to travel the far north!

* price per person/week including flight