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Top End Luxury Escape

Indulge in the ultimate Top End adventure with this 7-day Top End Luxury Escape, combining exceptional accommodations, breathtaking landscapes, and curated experiences. Begin your journey with a one-night stay in Darwin to explore its vibrant city life and beautiful Harbour on a Sunset Cruise. Following this, spend two-nights at Bamurru Plains, a luxurious safari lodge on the edge of Kakadu National Park. Wake up to stunning floodplain views, embark on thrilling airboat safaris, and witness abundant wildlife, including buffalo, wallabies, and exotic bird species, in their natural habitat. Relax in the lodge’s infinity pool or enjoy chef-prepared meals inspired by local flavours. Next, travel to Finniss River Lodge, a secluded haven set on a 50,000-acre working cattle station. Spend two nights surrounded by sweeping floodplains and stunning sunsets while savouring fine dining crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy tailored experiences, from station tours and guided walks to relaxing by the infinity-edge pool, all designed to immerse you in the serenity and charm of the Top End. The adventure continues with a night in Darwin to explore its vibrant city life, and a night at the Darwin Waterfront before bidding farewell to this unforgettable escape. With luxurious accommodations, expert guides, and seamless transfers, this tour offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, showcasing the beauty and luxury of Australia’s Top End.

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Itinerary details

Day 1 - Welcome to Darwin and enjoy Darwin Harbour at Sunset

Top End Luxury Escape - Day 1
Arrive into Darwin

Welcome to the Northern Territory's unhurried capital, Darwin. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with rich Aboriginal connections to country as well as strong Asian influences in its cuisine, thanks to its close proximity to Asia. Spend a balmy night at the buzzing night markets, see crocodiles up close, or slow things down with a cruise on the harbour.

Darwin Airport to Accommodation with InStyle Private Transfers

You will be met at the Darwin Airport by the driver and transferred to your Darwin accommodation.

Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise with Darwin Harbour Cruises

With beautiful views of the Top End city, there is no better way to experience Darwin’s renowned sunsets than on board the Charles Darwin. Enjoy a Territory-style dinner with fresh seafood and local produce. This two hour cruise is the perfect way to experience Darwin’s world-famous sunsets.

Meals included: Dinner

Your accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront is perfectly positioned amongst waterside restaurants and the family friendly wave pool and lagoon on Darwin’s seafront promenade. It is only a stone’s throw away from the Darwin Convention Centre and within walking distance of the CBD.

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Day 2 - Take a scenic flight to Bamurru Plains and settle into the lodge for the night

Top End Luxury Escape - Day 2
Darwin Accommodation to Airport with InStyle Private Transfers

You will be met at your Darwin accommodation by the driver and transferred to the Darwin Airport.

Air Transfers from Darwin to Bamurru Plains

Enjoy a private scenic air transfer from Darwin General Aviation Terminal to Bamurru Plains. 

Top End Experiences at Bamurru Plains

Discover the untamed beauty of Bamurru Plains with expert field guides who will unveil the secrets of this extraordinary landscape. Enjoy twice-daily guided wilderness safaris, shared with fellow guests, that bring you closer to nature’s wonders.

Airboat Safari: Experience the exhilaration of an airboat safari, the only way to truly explore the wetlands teeming with wildlife. Glide past thousands of Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Ducks, Egrets, and Ibis as your guide demonstrates the unique uses of wetland flora. Drift through melaleuca forests and keep an eye out for crocodiles gliding silently through the floodplains.

Birding: Bamurru Plains is a haven for birdwatchers, with habitats ranging from black soil floodplains and paperbark swamps to savannah woodlands, river mangroves, and coastal beaches. These diverse environments attract an extraordinary array of birdlife. Even in the dry season, the floodplains retain water, creating a haven for congregating bird species in unparalleled numbers.

The Hide: Located in the heart of the Mary River catchment, Bamurru is home to 236 bird species. From black soil floodplains to river mangroves, each habitat provides a unique vantage point for observing wildlife. Enjoy the serenity of The Hide, where you can witness the vast array of birdlife that thrives in this unspoiled wilderness.

River Cruises:Explore Sampan Creek, part of the Mary River System, from the comfort of a shaded riverboat. Spot crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and marvel at the bird species that call this mangrove-lined environment home. As the day winds down, enjoy sunset canapés on the water while your guide shares fascinating insights about the local ecosystem.

Open-Top Game Drives: During the dry season, as floodwaters recede, the plains open for exploration by 4x4 safari vehicles. Traverse this fragile yet vital environment with knowledgeable guides, spotting agile wallabies, wild horses, buffalo, estuarine crocodiles, and countless bird species. End the day with a sunset safari, savoring an aperitivo at a scenic spot as the sun dips below the horizon.

Time at Leisure: Bamurru Plains offers a seamless blend of luxury and wilderness. Relax by the infinity-edge pool, where you can watch birds take flight and buffalo roam. Wake to the sounds of Magpie Geese and Agile wallabies hopping past your bungalow. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Bamurru is the perfect escape.

Much like an African safari, guided activities are curated based on local conditions to optimize your wildlife viewing experience. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a tailored itinerary to make the most of your stay in this breathtaking wilderness.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your accommodation: Bamurru Plains

Bamurru Plains is an all-inclusive Australian safari camp located in the Northern Territory's tropical Top End and home to many species of spectacular birds and wildlife. This off-grid property on a water buffalo station is the perfect location to relax and enjoy this special part of Australia.

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Day 3 - Free-day to explore Bamurru Plains

Top End Luxury Escape - Day 3
Bamurru Plains - Free Day

Start your day with a thrilling airboat safari at sunrise, skimming across the floodplains while witnessing the spectacle of countless birds taking flight. The expert guides will point out the diverse array of wildlife, including buffalo, crocodiles, and wallabies, as you immerse yourself in the unique beauty of the Top End’s wetlands.

After breakfast, indulge in some prime birding opportunities, where over 230 species await, including the iconic magpie geese and whistling ducks. Spend time at The Hide, a secluded viewing platform nestled in the trees, offering a serene and intimate observation of the local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Later in the day, enjoy a relaxing river cruise down the Sampan River, where you may spot saltwater crocodiles basking in the sun or waterbirds wading along the banks. For a more adventurous experience, hop into an open-top vehicle for a game drive, traversing the savannah grasslands and bush in search of buffalo and brumbies.

In between activities, take the opportunity to unwind and enjoy time at leisure, whether by the infinity pool overlooking the floodplains or soaking in the tranquility of this remote wilderness area.

Your stay includes fully hosted daily dining, where gourmet meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients are served in the rustic yet elegant lodge setting. Each meal is paired with premium Australian wines, allowing you to end your day with exceptional food and drinks while recounting the day's adventures.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your accommodation: Bamurru Plains

Bamurru Plains is an all-inclusive Australian safari camp located in the Northern Territory's tropical Top End and home to many species of spectacular birds and wildlife. This off-grid property on a water buffalo station is the perfect location to relax and enjoy this special part of Australia.

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Day 4 - Scenic flight to Darwin and Transfer to Finniss River Lodge

Top End Luxury Escape - Day 4
Private Air Transfers from Bamurru Plains to Darwin

Enjoy a private scenic air transfer from Bamurru Plains to Darwin General Aviation Terminal. 

Vehicle Transfer from Darwin City to Finniss River Lodge with Finniss River Lodge

You will be collected from Darwin and transferred to Finniss River Lodge. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your accommodation: Finniss River Lodge

Finniss River Lodge is an exclusive luxury retreat on a 50,000-acre working cattle station in Australia's Northern Territory, approximately 90 kilometres southwest of Darwin. The lodge features six spacious suites, each offering expansive views of the surrounding floodplains and vibrant sunsets. Guests can enjoy fine dining with locally sourced produce during your stay.

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Day 5 - Explore the Finniss River Lodge Region

Top End Luxury Escape - Day 5
Included Experiences at Finniss River Lodge

Buggy Tours:  Join your guide in one of our 5-seater all-terrain vehicles (ATV) as you travel along bush tracks through the cattle property viewing the incredible diversity of flora and fauna that call Finniss River Station their home. The ATV’s cause minimal disturbance to the wildlife and enable you to feel completely immersed in your surroundings. Appreciate the wildlife, rich history and pastoral practices as you explore the paper bark forests, floodplains, coastline, savannah woodlands and rainforests.
Walk about Safaris: Tread a path amongst the five ecosystems with abundant opportunities to photograph and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Walking trails are tailored to suit all abilities with tours being conducted in the cool early morning or late afternoons. The Lodge offers a number of short, leisurely walks under shaded canopy’s and for the more adventurous, half or full day treks through more remote and untouched areas of the property. 
Cows & Canapes: A truly unique station experience, Cows and Canapes is a perfect way to end the day. Sip sundowners in an open sided buggy or jump out and take a selfie with the curious Brahman cattle that surround you. Led by our local guides learn about the family history and hear their stories.
Station Experiences: Throughout your visit, the knowledgeable guides—some of whom have worked on the property with the family for years—are on hand to answer any questions about the operation of a remote cattle station. While they strive to offer an authentic station experience, cattle work is seasonal and may not always coincide with your stay, making each visit a distinct and memorable encounter with life on the land.
Birds of Finniss River Region: For the enthusiasts that love birding/twitching. The Finniss River floodplain/coastal supports very large aggregations of waterbirds, including more than 1% of the world’s populations of Magpie Geese and Pied Herons, and high densities of many other waterbird species. The floodplain supports important breeding activity by Magpie Geese and other waterbirds, and three large waterbird breeding colonies are located in paperbark swamps on the floodplain. Five threatened birds are reported in this region. This site has been nominated as a national High Conservation Value Aquatic Ecosystem.
Airboat Adventures: Guests staying three or more nights* have an inclusive 50-minute shared airboat experience along a spectacular stretch of the Finniss River floodplain. Creating opportunities to spot resident crocodiles, barramundi, turtles, feral pigs, mingling water birds and native water lilies in the shallows at a slower pace. Our private airboat is fitted with safety rails and hearing protection is provided. If you do not meet the three-night stay requirement but wish to have an on-site airboat experience please enquire when booking your stay. Accurate individual weights must be provided at time of booking to meet the company’s operational safety requirements.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your accommodation: Finniss River Lodge

Finniss River Lodge is an exclusive luxury retreat on a 50,000-acre working cattle station in Australia's Northern Territory, approximately 90 kilometres southwest of Darwin. The lodge features six spacious suites, each offering expansive views of the surrounding floodplains and vibrant sunsets. Guests can enjoy fine dining with locally sourced produce during your stay.

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Day 6 - Depart Finniss River Lodge to Darwin and explore the Royal Flying Doctor Service's rich history

Top End Luxury Escape - Day 6
Vehicle Transfer from Finniss River Lodge to Darwin City with Finniss River Lodge

You will be collected from Finniss River Lodge and transferred to your Darwin Accommodation. 

Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility

Two Iconic Territory Stories One Iconic Location. Experience and learn through the wonder of technology as the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility brings history to life.
Experience a decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC 12 aircraft that was completely aero medically equipped and learn about the activities of the RFDS's pilots, engineers, doctors, and nurses, and the experiences of the patients that are carried and cared for each day.
The second iconic story featured is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. The bombing of the harbour brought destruction to the city of Darwin, and many of the stories have been brought to life through their innovative technology. This new and exciting world-class facility feature's never seen before cutting edge technology - a hologram cinema experience telling the story of Etheridge Grant, virtual reality and a projection window of the Japanese air attack on the harbour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront is perfectly positioned amongst waterside restaurants and the family friendly wave pool and lagoon on Darwin’s seafront promenade. It is only a stone’s throw away from the Darwin Convention Centre and within walking distance of the CBD.

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Day 7 - Farewell Darwin Today!

Top End Luxury Escape - Day 7
Darwin Accommodation to Airport with InStyle Private Transfers

You will be met at your Darwin accommodation by the driver and transferred to the Darwin Airport.

Farewell from Darwin

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!

Meals included: Breakfast

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