Local Tours
I have designed the following local tour suggestions with the corporate client, short term visitor and even those with walking limitations in mind.
New to Darwin? You will also benefit from these informative tours.
Tours below can be used as a guide, all itineraries can be personalised to your requirements.
All tours listed are conducted in my late model luxury Ford Fairlane Ghia V8, the number of passengers is restricted to 4 maximum. Expert commentary, bottled water and iced refresher towels are provided on all tours.
Courtesy pick-up and drop-off for all tours.
City Sights touring courtesy pick-up and drop-off is restricted to the Darwin City area including Cullen Bay and Skycity.
Departing Darwin tours, courtesy pick-up and drop-off includes Darwin City, Northern Suburbs and Palmerston Suburbs.
Departing Katherine tours includes township, and Springvale Homestead.
Pick-up or drop-off for Katherine Gorge or Maud Creek will be offered a $30.00 transfer or meet/drop at BP Katherine transit centre.
ALL TOUR PRICES ARE DIRECT ONLINE BOOKING SPECIALS
Bookings are essential.
2 1/2 hours - Darwin City Highlights
Tour Code DCH2
Enjoy a guided orientation tour of Darwin old and new and be amazed by our history and progress. Learn about the hardships faced in earlier days, the impact of Cyclones (Hurricanes), our involvement during World War 2 and discover what Darwin has to offer in the future.
Tour includes Survivors Lookout, a World War 2 commemorative highlighting the Bombing of Darwin. Close by is the old Government House, the newer Parliament House and the modern Supreme Court contrasting near the original Police Station and Court House. Wander round to the old Palmerston (learn how present Darwin changed its name) and view the ruins of the Town Hall. Charles Darwin National Park and East Point Reserve are also included in this informative tour.
Available daily between 8.00am - 3.00pm
$65.00 per person - minimum 2 people
$55.00 per person - minimum 3 people
$40.00 per person - minimum 4 people
10% discount to Seniors Card holders
4 hours - Darwin City Highlights and Museum
Tour Code DCH4
Tour as above, but also time to roam the acclaimed Arts and Science Museum on Fannie Bay and the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
View one of the best aboriginal art collections in the world, an amazing display of Birds and Reptiles including Sweetheart a 5.2 metre crocodile. Also wander through the Cyclone Tracey exhibit and explore the maritime display. The Cornucopia Café overlooking Darwin Harbour, is open for refreshments.
Available daily between 8.00am - 2.00pm
$80.00 per person - minimum 2 people
$60.00 per person - minimum 3 people
$45.00 per person - minimum 4 people
10% discount to Seniors Card holders
DARWIN CITY TOUR AND SUNSET SAILING CRUISE
Tour Code DCH2SAIL - 2 1/2 hour Darwin tour + sailing
Tour Code DCH4SAIL - 4 hour Darwin tour + sailing
Darwin City Sights touring as described above including being transferred to Stokes Hill Wharf for a fantastic sailing experience on Darwin Harbour at Sunset.
I am proud to team up with Michael Allen, operator of the DAYMIRRI 2, a 10 metre catarmaran that boasts no more than 12 passengers. (see photo top of page)
Set Sail for the Sunset. Enjoy both the exhilaration and the serenity of sailing around Darwin Harbour aboard a modern and comfortable 10m sailing vessel. A touch of luxury, with personalised service.
The cruise takes in the last of the afternoon light, followed by an often glorious sunset over the tropical northern waters.
Enjoy the delicious non-alcohol refreshments included (BYO Wine or Beer welcomed - ice and glasses supplied) as the city takes on its evening sparkle. The romance of sailing is complimented by the dazzling array of stars. Relax as you feel the layers of stress fall away.
The beamy catamaran is 6 metres wide and very stable. The sail is exciting as the boat magically skims across the top of the water without the intrusive sound or smell of a diesel engine.
The cruise and transfers to and from the wharf are included in the price.
You may wish to experience the alfresco dining options available on Stokes Hill Wharf after your cruise. Book the time and you will still receive a transfer back to your Darwin City accommodation at no extra charge.
DCH2SAIL departs daily April to October 2.00pm returns 7.45pm.
$135.00 per person - minimum 2 people
$120.00 per person - minimum 3 people
$105.00 per person - minimum 4 people
$5.00 discount to Seniors Card holders
DCH4SAIL departs daily April to October 12.30pm returns 7.45pm.
$150.00 per person - minimum 2 people
$130.00 per person - minimum 3 people
$115.00 per person - minimum 4 people
$5.00 discount to Seniors Card holders
Due to limited seats available on this exclusive tour, bookings are essential.
Wildlife Experience - Crocodylus Park, Adelaide River Cruise and Fogg Dam
Tour Code CCF1
*COMFORTABLE LATE START 10.30AM*
This tour is designed to showcase a wildlife experience within 70kms of Darwin City at a comfortable pace.
Departing Darwin you make your way first to Crocodylus Park, more an educational park than a zoo. Alan will lead you through the museum before guiding you through the park to view native animals and other endangered species from nearby countries. Also learn about the crocodile species found here in Northern Australia with a locally guided feeding tour of the breeding pens.
Depart the Park for Humpty Doo. Lunch (own expense) can be enjoyed at the famous Humpty Doo Pub.
After lunch you will experience the Adelaide River floodplain and visit the 'Window on the Wetlands', an information centre on top of Beatrice Hill overlooking this amazing wetland area.
Only a short drive from here is the Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise (Adelaide River Queen Tours). This cruise enables you to see up close these ancient reptilians in their own habitat. Quite often many of our birds of prey feature as part of the tour.
Before heading back to Darwin, you visit Fogg Dam, an abandoned rice growing venture, now a conservation reserve. Dependant on the time of year, this area does attract a myriad of birdlife due to the wild rice still abundant here.
Expert commentary is given by Alan.
Bottled water and refresher towels are included.
Departs daily 10.30am. Returns approx 5.45pm
$120.00 per person - minimum 2 people.
$80.00 per person - minimum 3 people.
$60.00 per person - minimum 4 people.
10% discount to Seniors Card holders on above prices only.
Entry to Crocodylus ($25.00pp) and cost of the Cruise ($25.00pp EXTREME DRY SEASON SPECIAL) is not included in above price.
$50.00 per person can be added to total cost if you wish.
Please quote Tour code CCF2 for entry and cruise to be included.
Adelaide River Township and Litchfield Park
Tour Code LADL
*Tour is designed for non swimmers*
A late departure from Darwin will see you follow the Stuart Hwy passing World War 2 airstrips to the historic Adelaide River township. This town became Australia's front-line defence after the bombing of Darwin back on the 19th February 1942.
You visit the Adelaide River War Cemetery (Australia's 4th largest) and the restored Railway station (closed during the wet season).
A relaxing lunch can be enjoyed at the famous Adelaide River Hotel (own expense).
After lunch the afternoon is spent in Litchfield National Park. You also pass through the historic town of Batchelor.
Litchfield offers fantastic scenery and spectacular waterfalls. You visit both Florence and Wangi Falls.
A special stop is made at some amazing termite mounds.
Before arriving back in Darwin, a stop at the heritage listed WW2 Strauss Airstrip is also included.
This tour is ideal for those who have travelled The Ghan and who wish to visit the Adelaide River Township. The comprehensive commentary focuses on the Top Ends involvement during World War 2.
Bottled water and iced refresher towels are supplied by Alan on this interesting day out.
Departs daily 10.00am November to April.
Departs daily 09.30am May to October.
Returns approx 5.45pm
$215.00 per person - minimum 2 people.
$145.00 per person - minimum 3 people.
$110.00 per person - minimum 4 people.
10% discount to Seniors Card holders
Litchfield National Park - Private Touring
Tour Code LDS1
*A TOUR FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SWIM*
A day of relaxation and experiencing incredible scenery. You visit 3 areas for swimming, bush walking or simply just lazing - Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and the spectacular Buley Rockholes (weather conditions permitting). You may also view the awesome Tolmer Falls on the edge of the Table Top escarpment if time permits.
Abundant varieties of Termite Mounds and Birdlife has given Litchfield the reputation as one of Australia's best nature reserves.
A lunch stop (own expense) is provided.
$225.00 per person - minimum 2 people
$150.00 per person - minimum 3 people
$115.00 per person - minimum 4 people
10% discount to Seniors Card holders
See ntstandby.com.au for discounted rates on selected dates.
Departs daily 7.30am. Returns approx 5.30pm
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK - Private Touring
I highly recommend a bit of research before committing to how long you stay in this truely amazing park. Just under 20.000 square kilometres (Australias largest National Park), Kakadu abounds with both cultural significance and natural beauty. One of the few areas in the world listed with UNESCO as a heritage area for these 2 reasons.
The longer you stay - the more you see.
I can guarantee however, 1 day or more you will be amazed, astounded even, at the immense beauty of this great part of the world.
I take pride that Kakadu is part of my 'back yard', and i'm proud to share my knowledge with all.
Due to the diversity of this Park, all touring itineraries are based on your interests and time available.
Expert commentary is provided on all tours.
As a guide only...
1 DAY TOUR - Code KAK1
Darwin - Kakadu - Darwin
$680.00 per 4 seater luxury sedan.
Depart Darwin 7:00am and return Darwin approx 7:00pm.
Attractions include Bark Hut Inn, Nourlangie Rock, Cooinda, Yellow Waters cruise (own expense) and the Warradjan Cultural Centre.
Departs all year round. (conditions permitting).
(As an alternative 1 day experience, Ubirr, Guluyambi cruise (own expense) and Bowali Visitors centre can be arranged between June and October.)
2 DAY TOUR - Code KAK2
Darwin - Kakadu - Darwin
$990.00 per 4 seater luxury sedan.
Attractions include as per 1 day tour plus on day 2 is an early morning optional scenic flight, Jabiru town tour, Guluyambi cruise (own expense), Ubirr art site, Bowali visitors centre and the Mamukala wetlands (conditions permitting).
Departs Darwin 7:00am and returns Darwin approx 7:00pm on day 2 all year round.
During the wet season access to Ubirr is often restricted and the optional Guluyambi cruise may not be available. If this is the case the Jumping Croc cruise at Adelaide River on the 2nd day can be booked instead.
3 DAY TOUR - Code KAK3
Darwin - Kakadu - Kakadu - Darwin
$1190.00 per 4 seater luxury sedan.
Departs Darwin 7:00am and returns Darwin approx 7.00pm June to October.
3 days is based on optional 4wd tour to either Arnhem Land (a 8:00am start) or Jim Jim Falls (a 5:45am start - conditions permitting) on the 2nd day. Day 1 and 3 as per 2 day itinerary.
4 DAY TOUR - Code KAK4
Darwin - Kakadu - Kakadu - Kakadu - Darwin
$1350.00 per 4 seater luxury sedan.
Departs 7:00am and returns Darwin approx 7:00pm June to October.
4 days is based on optional 4wd tours to Arnhemland (8:00am start) and Jim Jim Falls (5:45am start - conditions permitting) on day 2 and day 3. Again Day 1 and Day 4 as per 2 day itinerary.
3 DAY TOUR - Code KAKATH3
Darwin - Kakadu - Katherine - Darwin
$1450.00 per 4 seater luxury sedan.
Departs Darwin 7:30am and returns Darwin approx 6:30pm all year round. (conditions permitting)
Day 1: includes Bark Hut Inn, Bowali visitor centre, optional scenic flight, Guluyambi cruise (own expense) Ubirr art site at sunset. When the East Alligator area is not accessible during the wet season, the Jumping Croc cruise will be made an option.
Day 2: includes Jabiru township, Nourlangie Rock, Cooinda, Yellow Waters cruise (own expense), Mary River Roadhouse, Edith Falls, Katherine Hot Springs and overnight Katherine.
Day 3: includes early Katherine Gorge breakfast cruise of 2 hours (own expense),optional Helicopter flight over Gorge (own expense) Katherine township, Springvale Homestead, Pine Creek, Adelaide River township including the War cemetery and historic Hotel. Arrive back in Darwin on day 3 approximately 6.30pm.
Day 3 OPTION: Join 'THE GHAN' in Katherine
Choice of touring options available for Day 3 by Travel North before joining THE GHAN late afternoon.
$1190.00 per 4 seater luxury sedan.
Departs Darwin 7:30am Monday or Thursday arriving Katherine approx 6:00pm on Day 2.
Tour ends on Day 2 with arrival to Katherine accommodation.
This option is limited to maximum of 3 passengers due to luggage limitations.
TOUR CODE KAKATHD
PLEASE NOTE
Pricing is for driver and luxury vehicle only.
Bottled water and refresher towels are provided on all days with the car.
Expenses be it meals, cruises, 4wd drive excursions or scenic flights are optional extras.
Tours of 2 days or more require accommodation to be organised and paid for yourselves and driver.
Assistance with accommodation and optionals can be made available. Accommodation may become a problem June to August - book early.
Please note that Aurora Kakadu Resort accommodation will require transfers to Jabiru to join 4wd tours - $50.00 per transfer each way.
Also note that Gagadju Cooinda Lodge accommodation will require transfer to Jabiru to join Arnhemland tour - $50.00 per transfer each way.
See "KAKADU" on my 'links and info' page for available recommended options.
If I can grab a deal - I will pass it on.
KATHERINE REGION - Private Touring
Tour Code KAT1
KATHERINE GORGE IN A DAY
Depart Darwin for Adelaide River township. Approx 1.5 hours will see breakfast (own expense) laid out at this historic hotel. Prior to leaving Adelaide River we visit Australia's 4th largest war cemetery, in commemorative of the bombing raids of Darwin during World war 2.
Passing through Pine Creek we stop at Edith Falls, a swim or simply explore, time is available.
Before arriving Katherine Gorge we pass through the town, hear about Katherine's importance and history as we go.
Lunch will be served on your 2 hour gorge cruise (cruise and lunch own expense).
Before arriving back in Darwin, Adelaide River Hotel again will offer a meal stop to whet your appetite (own expense).
Departs Darwin 6:30am and returns approx 8:00pm.
Cost per 4 seater luxury sedan - $750.00.
Tour Code KAD1
KATHERINE TO DARWIN IN A DAY - Edith Falls, Pine Creek, Adelaide River township, Litchfield National Park and Darwin.
TOUR DESIGNED FOR PASSENGERS DISEMBARKING 'THE GHAN' IN KATHERINE THE DAY PRIOR.
A late departure from Katherine, and a relatively short drive firstly to Edith Falls, the northern part of Nitimuluk National Park. A swim or bush walk - your choice. Lunch stop (own expense) is made at Pine Creek before continuing on to Adelaide River township.
A stop is made at the Adelaide River War Cemetery before completing the afternoon in Litchfield National Park viewing a couple of amazing waterfalls and scenery.
Departs Katherine 9:00am Wednesday and Saturday and arrives in Darwin approx 6:30pm the same day.
Cost per 4 seater luxury sedan - $890.00.
Tour is ideal for those with walking limitations.
Accommodation for day of arrival to Katherine is required (own expense).
Due to luggage space available, tour is limited to a maximum of 3 passengers.
This tour can be done in reverse to join 'THE GHAN' the following day of arrival in Katherine.
Departs Darwin 7:30am Tuesday and Friday and arrives in Katherine approx 5:00pm the same day.
Similiar itinerary but lunch (own expense) in Litchfield.
Choice of touring options available by Travel North before joining THE GHAN late afternoon Wednesday or Saturday.
Tour Code DAK1
Code Tour KAD2
KATHERINE TO DARWIN IN 2 DAYS - Edith Falls, Pine Creek, Kakadu National Park and Darwin.
TOUR DESIGNED FOR PASSENGERS DISEMBARKING 'THE GHAN' IN KATHERINE THE DAY PRIOR.
Day 1: A late departure and short drive to Edith Falls, have a swim or look around - your choice.
Lunch (own expense) stop is made at Pine Creek before continuing on into Kakadu National Park.
Arrive Cooinda for a late cruise (own expense) on the famous Yellow Water (sunset in the dry season).
After cruise we head to your accommodation.
Note - Gagadju Cooinda Lodge is nearby, Jabiru is 35 mins drive and Aurora Kakadu Resort is a 1 hour drive away.
Day 2: Based on accommodation booked, our departure will initially end at the Ubirr art site while it is still cool. Cruise on the East Alligator River with local guides (own expense) before heading to Jabiru for Lunch (own expense). The afternoon will see us head to Darwin visiting the Mamukala wetlands (conditions permitting) and the Bark Hut Inn.
Departs Katherine 9:00am Wednesday and Saturday arriving Darwin approx 7:00pm the next day.
Cost per 4 seater luxury sedan - $1190.00.
This tour can be done in reverse to join 'THE GHAN' the following day of arrival in Katherine.
Departs Darwin 7:00am Monday and Thursday arriving Katherine approx 5:00pm the next day
Similiar itinerary however suggested early cruise on Yellow Water the 2nd day (own expense).
Choice of touring options available by Travel North before joining THE GHAN late afternoon on Wednesday or Saturday.
Cost per 4 seater luxury sedan - $1190.00.
Tour Code DAK2
PLEASE NOTE
Accommodation for day of arrival to Katherine is required (own expense) plus accommodation for yourselves and driver to be booked and paid while in Kakadu.
Tour is ideal for those with walking limitations.
Due to luggage space available, tour is limited to a maximum of 3 passengers.
Pricing is for driver and luxury vehicle only.
Bottled water and refresher towels are provided on all days with the car.
Expenses be it meals, cruises, 4wd drive excursions or scenic flights are optional extras.
See "KATHERINE" or "KAKADU" on my links and info page for further information.
Prices quoted above are in Australian dollars and include GST
Prices shown are valid until 30th April 2009