8 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
12TH JULY TO 19TH JULY 2021
Darwin is a sophisticated modern city that still retains some of its laid back frontier town charm. It is a diverse multicultural society with strong connections to the treasured land of the traditional owners. View some of the oldest art galleries in the world 50,000 years in the making. Immerse yourself in the unique beauty of the Kakadu National Park and get up close and personal with the oldest reptiles in the world, the living dinosaurs that are Australia's Crocodiles. Admire and learn about the tenacious and resilient locals who have survived war and cyclones, to create the wonderful city in which they now live.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Fannie Bay Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Bombing of Darwin tourist facility, Adelaide River War Cemetery, Litchfield National Park, Wangi Falls, Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Kakadu National Park, Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Territory Wildlife Park, Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, Howard Springs Nature Reserve and Cullen Bay
CRUISES
Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise, Yellow Waters Cruise and Jumping Croc River Cruise
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
7 nights in Darwin
PRICE
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Twin Share Room First Tour: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: Single Room Supplement: Deposit: |
$TBA per person $TBA per person $TBA per person $TBA per person $TBA per person $200 per person upon booking |
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share, with another single traveller of the same gender.
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
TOUR MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: mondAY 12TH JULY, 2021
MELBOURNE TO DARWIN
Welcome to our 8 day winter getaway to Darwin in The Top End! On arrival into Darwin, we will be met by our O’Shannessys Touring Coach. 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. It’s now time to check into our next seven night’s accommodation, the rest of the day is free to relax and discover the hotel’s facilities. A welcome dinner will be served in the hotel.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
Welcome to our 8 day winter getaway to Darwin in The Top End! On arrival into Darwin, we will be met by our O’Shannessys Touring Coach. 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. It’s now time to check into our next seven night’s accommodation, the rest of the day is free to relax and discover the hotel’s facilities. A welcome dinner will be served in the hotel.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
day 2: tuesday 13TH JULY, 2021
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. 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 with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Bombing of Darwin tourist facility - two iconic stories in one iconic location! Lunchtime now and Stokes Hill Wharf is a great location for a break. Returning to our hotel, we have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the resort facilities – perhaps a dip in the pool or some retail therapy. Later in the day, we return to the wharf to join the Spirit of Darwin for an introductory sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour. We will see the Darwin skyline from a totally different perspective while enjoying an interesting commentary and dinner.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, 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. 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 with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Bombing of Darwin tourist facility - two iconic stories in one iconic location! Lunchtime now and Stokes Hill Wharf is a great location for a break. Returning to our hotel, we have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the resort facilities – perhaps a dip in the pool or some retail therapy. Later in the day, we return to the wharf to join the Spirit of Darwin for an introductory sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour. We will see the Darwin skyline from a totally different perspective while enjoying an interesting commentary and dinner.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
DAY 3: wednesday 14TH JULY, 2021
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. Adelaide River is the site of the only Australian war cemetery on Australian soil. There are 432 servicemen and 63 civilians, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids, buried in the 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
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. Adelaide River is the site of the only Australian war cemetery on Australian soil. There are 432 servicemen and 63 civilians, all of whom died as a result of Japanese bombing raids, buried in the 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
DAY 4: thursday 15TH JULY 2021
MORE OF DARWIN
We’re out for breakfast this morning 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 may get to “stroke” a baby croc as we enjoy our breakfast. 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. 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!
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
We’re out for breakfast this morning 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 may get to “stroke” a baby croc as we enjoy our breakfast. 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. 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!
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
DAY 5: friday 16TH JULY, 2021
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP
We have an early start and a late finish but a stunning day of touring in-between! We head south to join the Arnhem Highway - our destination today is the Top End’s most important asset, the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Aborigines have inhabited the land for more than 50,000 years, leaving behind incredible galleries of rock art - more than 5,000 sites of historical or cultural importance have been identified, though only a few are open to visitors. Add Kakadu’s magnificent scenery, unique flora and fauna and you have one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. A highlight today will be the Yellow Waters Cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong. We should see a large number of birds and animals as we go along and hopefully some crocodiles resting on the muddy banks. We also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Through the displays and exhibitions we can gain an understanding of the Bininj and their country. At Nourlangie Rock we take a short walk to view examples of ancient aboriginal art. We’ll now make our way back to Darwin where we have a slightly later dinner this evening.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
We have an early start and a late finish but a stunning day of touring in-between! We head south to join the Arnhem Highway - our destination today is the Top End’s most important asset, the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Aborigines have inhabited the land for more than 50,000 years, leaving behind incredible galleries of rock art - more than 5,000 sites of historical or cultural importance have been identified, though only a few are open to visitors. Add Kakadu’s magnificent scenery, unique flora and fauna and you have one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. A highlight today will be the Yellow Waters Cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong. We should see a large number of birds and animals as we go along and hopefully some crocodiles resting on the muddy banks. We also stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Through the displays and exhibitions we can gain an understanding of the Bininj and their country. At Nourlangie Rock we take a short walk to view examples of ancient aboriginal art. We’ll now make our way back to Darwin where we have a slightly later dinner this evening.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
DAY 6: saturday 17TH JULY, 2021
WILDLIFE AND SUNSETS
After our big day yesterday, we have a slightly later start. This morning we are going to visit the award winning Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs, about 45 minutes south of Darwin. It’s an interesting drive as we pass by exotic fruit farms, nature parks, banana plantations, orchid nurseries, dairy cattle and crocodile farms. In fact the salt water crocodile is the Northern Territory’s most famous resident! The local tropical vegetation in this area is home to a great variety of birds, reptiles, mammals and a myriad of insects. At the 400 hectare Territory Wildlife Park a lot of this wildlife is showcased. Discover an entire Top End river system, the beauty of a natural wetland and the secrets of the night, within the nocturnal house. We will be back mid-afternoon with time to “kick-back” before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
After our big day yesterday, we have a slightly later start. This morning we are going to visit the award winning Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs, about 45 minutes south of Darwin. It’s an interesting drive as we pass by exotic fruit farms, nature parks, banana plantations, orchid nurseries, dairy cattle and crocodile farms. In fact the salt water crocodile is the Northern Territory’s most famous resident! The local tropical vegetation in this area is home to a great variety of birds, reptiles, mammals and a myriad of insects. At the 400 hectare Territory Wildlife Park a lot of this wildlife is showcased. Discover an entire Top End river system, the beauty of a natural wetland and the secrets of the night, within the nocturnal house. We will be back mid-afternoon with time to “kick-back” before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
DAY 7: SUNDAY 18TH JULY, 2021
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. Just 10 minutes from here is the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre which provides an overview of the wetlands. The centre stands on Beatrice Hill, one of the highest places on the Adelaide River floodplain. The top floor of the centre commands superb views across the floodplains. We then join the Adelaide River Queen for their 11am 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 1.8 walking path here, along with a wading pool to cool off. This evening, we will make our way to Cullen Bay for our final dinner together as we watch the sun set.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
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. Just 10 minutes from here is the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre which provides an overview of the wetlands. The centre stands on Beatrice Hill, one of the highest places on the Adelaide River floodplain. The top floor of the centre commands superb views across the floodplains. We then join the Adelaide River Queen for their 11am 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 1.8 walking path here, along with a wading pool to cool off. This evening, we will make our way to Cullen Bay for our final dinner together as we watch the sun set.
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, DARWIN
DAY 8: monday 19TH JULY, 2021
HEADING HOME
It’s been warm, it’s been relaxing and it’s been interesting. This morning however we are heading back to reality which is a cold Melbourne winter!! Nonetheless our time in the Top End will have given us a taste of the Territory providing long term memories of life and times in Darwin and Australia’s Tropical North.
It’s been warm, it’s been relaxing and it’s been interesting. This morning however we are heading back to reality which is a cold Melbourne winter!! Nonetheless our time in the Top End will have given us a taste of the Territory providing long term memories of life and times in Darwin and Australia’s Tropical North.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Complimentary chauffeur driven transfers
Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up from home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers.
For Victorian passengers not within this pick up zone, or our interstate passengers a quote can be provided for home pickup in extended areas. At the end of your tour, you will be safely returned home with memories of a sensational tour.
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Touring Coach
Features include comfy reclining seats for a maximum of 36 passengers with plenty of leg room to stretch out.
Arm and foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Road Cam screens which display the road ahead in real time and an onboard rest room. A second door for easier entry and exit,
a hands-free hand sanitizer dispenser onboard and full air suspension for a smooth, quiet ride.
Tour Director
Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure
your travel experience is memorable.
Best Available Quality Accommodation
Ensuite motel accommodation each night.
Attractions
All tours and interest venues as per itinerary.
Meals
Full cooked breakfasts, morning tea, most lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... As the Northern Territory’s thriving capital, Darwin attracts travellers from all around the globe for its outdoor, tropical lifestyle. With waterfront dining, crocodile adventures, rich historical experiences...”
tripadvisor
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Balance due on invoice approximately 45 days prior to departure.
Deposit is fully refundable until 46 days prior to departure date.
Prices include GST and all taxes.
Cancellation 45 to 8 days before tour departure date, 20% Refund of Tour Cost
Cancellation within 7 days of tour departure date, No Refund
On or after tour date departure, No Refund
Travel Insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommended you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurer at the time you pay for your tour.