5 DAY | Top-End-Discovery
AATMDD-7
This tour visits: Australia
On this trip? Well, it’s the closest you’ll get to time travel. Seriously. See ancient
landmarks and Aboriginal art work, stand atop dramatic clifftops and dip into
natural pools. You’ve got five days to cram in a lifetime of incredible sights,
sounds and experiences from a world gone by. There’s nowhere quite like the
top of Oz to explore.
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Canoe in the Katherine Gorge
4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Visit Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu National Park
4 nights in lodges, hotels & motels
Litchfield National Park
Modern air‐conditioned vehicle with Wi‐Fi
Awesome Driver Guide
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Kakadu, here we come. Inside the 20,000 square kilometre park, we'll head to the village of Jabiru and check out the Bowali Visitors Centre.
Fancy getting high and mighty? You could take an optional scenicflight over the Escarpment that borders Kakadu and Arnhemland. For the
next two nights you'll be calling the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park home. Expect phenomenal wildlife, like- worthy
scenery and of course local Indigenous culture. Tonight, get to know your coach mates over a BBQ.
Wet season itineraries Nov - May: will vary slightly and will be adjusted to suit the conditions of the day and all included available sights and
walks that are open and can be accessed, will be.
Included today:
-Bowali Visitor Centre
-National Park entry
Meals:
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Kakadu scenic flight
Day 2 - Kakadu National Park
Aboriginal Rock Art sites are high on the list for today, as our Kakadu National Park exploring continues. This morning we venture to
Nourlangie Rock to spot some of the most famous Australian Indigenous art works, and then hit the water on an East Alligator River cruise in
Arnhemland. Naturally. Stepping into Arnhemland and getting a look into the Aboriginal lifestyles is a real privilege (we've been given special
permission to enter this part of Arnhemland). Try your hand at spear throwing while you're there. Then we'll see some ancient Aboriginal
rock art at Ubirr before climbing to the top of a rocky lookout for beautiful views over the Nardab floodplain. Enjoy the sunset before
heading back to our lodge.
**Wet season itineraries Nov - May: will vary on this day with access to some areas cut by high water levels. Your crew will ensure that you
see and participate in as many areas / activities that are open and available within Kakadu, and include a sightseeing boat cruise (substituted
when access to East Alligator River is unable).
Included today:
-Aboriginal Rock Art sites
-Kakadu river cruise
-Arnhemland (seasonal)
-National Park entry
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 3 - Kakadu National Park to Katherine
Check out the southern parts of Kakadu this morning. We'll grab some picnic bits and head to one of the NT's best al fresco lunch spots.
Explore the magical Edith Falls and have a dip in one of the world's most idyllic natural pools. Cooled off and refreshed we are on the road
again and headed for Katherine. As the day draws to a close, we round it out with an evening game of lawn bowls and a BBQ with some
locals at the nearby Country Club.
Included today:
-Edith Falls
-Evening Lawn Bowls
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Day 4 - Katherine to Litchfield National Park
Katherine Gorge is well known as a superb canoeing spot, so that's exactly what we have lined up. Surprise! With its dramatic cliffs plunging
down to the pandanus-lined Katherine River, the gorge is all yours to explore. Paddling not your game? Then you may wish to upgrade to an
optional 3 gorge cruise (seasonal) to venture even further. We get back on the famous Stuart Highway heading for Batchelor the gateway to
the stunning Litchfield National Park.
**Wet season itineraries Nov - May: Canoeing in the Katherine Gorge will be replaced with a Katherine Gorge Scenic Boat Cruise included in
trip price.
Included today:
-Katherine Gorge canoeing (Boat cruise in wet season).
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional Activities:
-Upgrade to Katherine Gorge boat cruise (Dry season)
Day 5 - Litchfield National Park to Darwin
National Park, pools and a picnic are the order of the day. In Litchfield National Park you'll see waterfalls, pockets of rainforest and beautiful
pools. Check out giant termite mounds, Wangi Falls and slip into the natural pool of Florence Falls. Then venture over to the Buley Rock Holes
for another soaking. After lunch outdoors, we'll take on the short drive and last leg of our discovery back into the heart of Darwin.
Included today:
-Litchfield National Park entry
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Accommodation
On your trip you will stay at a variety of multi-share accommodation, which may include hostels, motels, cabins, lodges, and camping out in
tents and even a traditional Aussie swag! The number of people in a room varies depending on the type of accommodation. To keep costs
down accommodation is based on a multi-share, same sex basis.
The 'More Inclusions' section of this document details what type of accommodation will be used for our overnight stops.
If you are travelling with a friend and require twin or double accommodation, this is available at a small extra charge (not available while in
the Northern Territory). Should this be required, you can select this at the time of booking.
Meals
Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document.
Breakfasts are included each day (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast consists of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, a range of
spreads, and fruit juice, tea or coffee. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions it may be available.
Included evening meals will be combination of those prepared by the Topdeck Road Crew, local restaurants and places in which we stay.
If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or
Topdeck Trip Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot
guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our
included evening meals feature a set menu.
No Tip Necessary
Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that’s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can
cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don’t forget Mum’s souvenir).
Topdeck Travel App
Please note the Topdeck App is not currently available in Asia. Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social
Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather,
maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand.
Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless
you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number.
Get it for iPhone
Get it for Android
Other Information
Finances
Changing Money
ATMs/cashpoints are available all over Australia and New Zealand and are the safest and easiest way to access money. Major credit cards are als
Some nationals may have access to pre-paid cards that you can use at any ATM just like a debit card that you may want to consider as a viable al
We recommend that you change approximately AU/NZ$150 in cash before departure. This will cover you for spending money until you have th
Spending Money
Based on experience, we recommend at least $50 – $75 per day. This is to cover daily expenses including sightseeing, small souvenir shopping a
Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits!
Insurance
It is highly recommended for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical exp
For more information go to www.topdeck.travel/travel-insurance.
You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip. Details of your policy must be uploaded into the Topdeck app before
Passports and Visas
Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Some countries will refuse entry if there is not at lea
It is your responsibility to obtain these prior to the departure of this trip. You can consult the government websites of the countries in which you
www.topdeck.travel/visas.
Remember that some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Also bear in mind that the validity of the vi
Transport
Coach Time
We try to spend as little time on the coach as possible so that you have more time to enjoy the places you visit. But do please remember that Aus
When travelling between towns, you will be on the coach during the day, stopping off to visit places of interest where possible. Strict driving rul
Wi-Fi
Free on-coach Wi-Fi is steadily being rolled out for all passengers in Australia and New Zealand. Speed and connection relies on local 3G / 4G n
Health and Safety
We want to make sure you’re having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medical condition o
If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while travelling. You
Vaccinations
There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for either Australia or New Zealand. Please reconfirm this with your GP or health profe
General Information
Power
Both Australia and New Zealand operate on a 240v power supply, operate on the same 2-3 pronged outlet. Adaptors can be purchased easily upo
In Cases of Emergency
While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from Topdeck, whether it be that you have missed a trip d
Brisbane Office
Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-7pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm on Saturdays Brisbane
Tel: +61 7 3041 8100
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact Topdeck outside of the above hours the following number is available: Mobile: +61 4 0052 7315
Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you
What to Bring
We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as they damage
Please note that due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told that th
Sleeping Bags
A sleeping bag will not be required for your trip.
Suggested Packing List
The golden rule is to travel as light as you can. Only bring what you really need and leave plenty of space for things you might want to buy. Don
The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience:
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 pair of smart casual shoes
1 pair thongs/jandals/flip-flops
2 pairs jeans/trousers
2 pairs shorts/skirts
4 shirts/t-shirts
2 sweaters/jumpers
Smart casual evening wear
1 rainproof jacket
1 warm jacket
Underwear and socks!
Other things to pack:
Swimwear
Towel
Toiletries
Hat and Sunscreen
Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc.)
Washing powder
Insect repellent
Conversion plug
Optionals to consider:
Sewing kit
Pillow case
Torch
Travel pillow
Please note: entry into some religious sites, such as cathedrals and mosques, requires clothing to cover the knees, chest and shoulders.
Final Checklist
Passport (with visas if required!)
Airline tickets (where applicable)
Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you)
Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug
That’s it – you’re now ready for your trip of a lifetime! If you have any further questions feel free to give our team a shout at any time. Happy tra