Australia’s Northern Territory, more affectionately known as Australia’s Outback, perhaps best embodies what the country has to offer visitors – lush landscapes and inviting cities. Rust-colored sand dunes melt into tropical wildlife sanctuaries, and sandstone outcrops hide dreamy oasis hideouts. And when the sun sets, you can return to the urban gateway that is Darwin.

Jetabout Holidays understands the thrill of exploring, and has crafted this 5 Days 4 Nights Grand Tour of Darwin with Ultimate Floatplane Adventure itinerary to capture the wonder and spontaneity of satisfying your wanderlust. If you prefer to be in the driver's seat, Jetabout Holidays offers a road trip package too, with a daily driving itinerary and suggestions that will tick every must-visit destination on your journey.

BE CROCODILE DUNDEE FOR A WHILE

Get close enough to a salt-water crocodile to look it in the eye. But don’t worry, you’ll be doing it from within your own plexiglass enclosure which, with typical Aussie humour, has been named the Cage of Death.

Australia’s only crocodile cage dive is not for the faint-hearted, but it does provide you a chance to see Chopper, Axel, William and Kate up close. Prepare to enter the Cage of Death and get sent down into the waters where they float, waiting. Over 5m long and with prehistoric features that turn the mood instantly Jurassic, nothing will prepare you as these crocs lunge for food as their trainers feed them from above. Crocosaurus Cove will certainly kick-start your day in Darwin.

DISCOVER NATIVE WILDLIFE AT KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

Ubirr consists of a group of rock outcrops in Kakadu National Park. Photo: Jetabout Holidays

Kakadu’s authenticity is unrivalled, with half the lands belonging to the aborigines and many still living within them. And this is literally carved into the stone. The Unesco World Heritage-listed site offers one of the world’s greatest concentrations of rock art sites up to 20,000 years old. And do not miss Ubirr, one of Kakadu’s most famous spots. Go on a 1km track that will lead you up to a lookout with a stunning and breathtaking panoramic view of Arnhem Land and the Nadab floodplain.

Offering breathtaking views, Arnhem Land is home to Kakadu National Park. Photo: Tourism Northern Territory 

Beyond the cultural aspects, there’s the exotic habitat itself. Close to 20,000 sq km of varying landscape holds a sanctuary teeming with wildlife that is found only in the park.

Mangrove estuaries hide waiting crocs and pelicans wade in secret billabongs. All about the crisp woodlands and golden fields, rainbow finches and blue-winged kookaburras pick up their feed. All these are framed by layered sandstone escarpments, with waterfalls tucked inside like a private oasis.

The Milky Way, photographed from just outside Cooinda Lodge Kakadu. Photo: Jetabout Holidays

ENJOY ABORIGINAL CULTURE

In the heart of Kakadu National Park is the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Named after Warradjan, the Pig Nosed Turtle, the Centre offers an amazing insight into the aboriginal communities that have lived in Kakadu for thousands of years.

The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a treasure trove of information about Kakadu's aboriginal communities. Photo: Tourism Northern Territory 

You’ll learn about their lifestyle, hunting techniques and tribal elder stories, before finishing off at the art gallery section, where you can purchase an authentic souvenir from their craftsmen.

CRUISE DOWN THE FAMOUS YELLOW WATER BILLABONG

Take in the stunning natural beauty on the Yellow Water Cruise in Kakadu National Park. Photo: Tourism Northern Territory

Take an afternoon cruise down the famous Yellow Water Billabong, where the nature’s ecosystem is at its busiest. Get your camera ready to zoom in on animal sightings in the air, on the land and in the water. 

The majestic salt-water crocodiles are likely to make an appearance, along with a rainbow array of bird species that will move between the expansive wetlands.

Finish at the scenic Nourlangie Rock – a dramatic backdrop for lunch, before walking it off with a trail to discover ancient aboriginal rock art. See if you can make out their meaning, or what they are trying to express with their drawings.

Kakadu National Park is also known for its aboriginal rock art sites. Photo: Jetabout Holidays

EXPLORE NITMILUK (KATHERINE) GORGE

The landscape becomes more rugged on the Nitnit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cruise at Nitmiluk National Park. Photo: Jetabout Holidays 

Things get more dramatic (and a little wetter) when it comes to exploring Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. You’ll encounter a more rugged landscape, shaped by the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park. Carving out 13 gorges over the centuries, you’ll be greeted by some of the lushest flora and fauna in the region, thanks to the plunging waterfalls that feed the enclaves.

Nature comes alive at Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge as you cruise, canoe, fly along the Gorge by helicopter or walk the trails along the gorge. As you cruise between the sheer rock faces for two hours, you’ll feel a sense of timelessness, as azure skies meet orange cliffs on both sides, and the glimmering green waters beneath. If ever there was an iconic image of The Northern Territory, this would probably be it.

SWIM AT EDITH FALLS, DISCOVER A GOLD MINE

But why admire the cooling waters from afar? Tog up in your swimwear and refresh yourself at Edith Falls. Pick out a nice one, because this generous oasis is fringed by rustling paperbark trees and pandanus palms – perfect for hunting down that Instagram-worthy spot. The balmy setting is also ideal for a relaxing picnic lunch.

Edith Falls is just one of Katherine’s go-to places for Insta-worthy backdrops. Photo: Tourism Northern Territory

On the way back to Darwin, make a pit stop at Pine Creek. Although the main gold mine was closed in 2015, travellers still visit this historic town to get a no-frills welcome from the residents. Time your visit right and you might find yourself in the midst of a gold panning or didgeridoo festival. Plus, there’s always a winning view to be had at the Enterprise Mine lookout point.

EXPERIENCE A FLOATPLANE ADVENTURE

Complete your Australia’s Outback experience by taking to the skies. Buckle up because you’ll be riding, floating and flying your way through various terrains, using various vehicles to complete your perspective of this territory.

Skim rapidly along the water on an airboat tour. Photo: Jetabout Holidays

A highlight in the itinerary, hop on to the floatplane and take off from Bachelor. View the stunning landscape from above and really appreciate what time has shaped, over thousands of years with wind and water. With a splash, finish your flight with an aquatic landing on the sparkling Sweets Lagoon.

Reconsider your new understanding of the gorgeous landscape, as you transfer to a custom-made vessel for an idyllic cruise. As you float along the changing scenery, a barbecue lunch keeps all your senses sated. Just don’t drop your meal into the waters below!

Journey from Darwin to Litchfield National Park where more stunning waterfalls and hidden creeks await. You’ll also get a chance to see impressive 2m-tall magnetic termite mounds, with formations that correspond to the compass points.

That's not a mini hill; it's a termite mound. Photo: Jetabout Holidays

End your day with flair, and plenty of action. Rev through the Finniss River Floodplains in a speedy V8-engined airboat, then calm things down by fly-fishing or taking a restful bask by the waters.

The wild and free are vividly embodied by the lush habitats and dramatic landscapes of Northern Territory.

Explore it your way, without the hassle of planning, with Jetabout Holidays now. Quote “TODAY” upon booking and receive a one-day Crocosaurus Cove admission per adult with every 5D4N Grand Tour of Darwin with Ultimate Floatplane Adventure package booked.

Or book a 6 Days 5 Nights Grand Tour of Darwin (Coach Tours) with Ultimate Floatplane Adventure from S$1,575 per adult.