Experience the unexpected in Australia by starting in the top end. This journey starts in Darwin, the gem of a city in the Northern Territory. Then commence a small group tour of Kakadu National Park and Katherine Gorge. Travel in a more intimate group and go places off the beaten track whilst staying in unique outback accommodations, then this is the trip for you. Finish in the cosmopolitan city of Sydney and enjoy the stunning harbor, Sydney Opera House and iconic harbor bridge.

• Roundtrip International Qantas Economy Class Flights from Los Angeles (domestic US flights can be added at an additional cost)
• Internal Australia flights
• 2 Nights 4.5* Hilton Darwin, including breakfast daily
• 5 Days/4 Nights Small group fully escorted tour of Kakadu & Katherine Gorge, including unique accommodations, meals, and touring
• 4 nights' accommodation in Sydney at 4.5* Amora Jamison Sydney
• Shuttle airport transfers in Darwin
• Car service airport transfers in Sydney
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges

Day 1 - Depart US
Qantas is the number one way to travel to Australia, and your vacation begins the second you step onboard a Qantas flight with Australia, just a movie, meal, sleep away. With over 95 years of experience in long-haul travel, Qantas strives to ensure every passenger in every cabin has the most comfortable and authentic experience. Qantas offers direct service from Los Angeles, San Francisco & Dallas Fort Worth - addon fares with American Airlines available from other cities.

The Qantas onboard experience has a class for every passenger from First suites, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins offering the best comfort, Australian food and wine, amenities, and exceptional service. In addition, all cabins experience the latest in-flight entertainment and technology, including premium content from HBO, new movie releases, TV programs, and an extensive music library with over 1500 entertainment choices.

Day 2 - Cross International Dateline

Day 3 - Arrive in Australia
Welcome to Australia! On arrival in Darwin, you will be met in the arrivals hall by your driver and transferred by shuttle service to the centrally located Hilton Darwin Hotel for your overnight stay.

Darwin, Northern Territory's tropical capital city, is the first stop and gateway to the Top End. Its colorful history has contributed to Darwin's cultural diversity with more than 50 nationalities, including the area's traditional landowners, The Larrakia Aboriginal people.

The history of Darwin and the Top End is also on display, with many historical reserves, museums, and attractions charting the region's progress. From the pioneering days of early settlement, the mining boom times, the war years of WWII, and the impact of cyclones and the natural environment

ACCOMMODATION - Overlooking Darwin Harbour, Hilton Darwin offers fabulous Esplanade views and an ideal location in the heart of the city. The elegant rooms and suites include thoughtful amenities, and many have stunning Harbour views. Enjoy Mitchell's restaurants with innovative Australian cuisine, a high-floor outdoor pool, and a gym.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 4 - Commence the five-day Kakadu Ancient Secrets tour and travel to Litchfield National Park
This morning meet your Journey Director and board your luxury vehicle to begin your journey of discovery in the Top End. Travel across the Finniss River to Litchfield National Park. You'll visit tumbling Florence Falls, and you'll also enjoy a swim to cool off at Wangi Falls, surrounded by tropical monsoon rainforest, and hear about its importance in Aboriginal customs before stopping for lunch. After lunch, you will travel back to Darwin, where you will enjoy a welcome waterfront dinner with wine.(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included today)

Overnight accommodation at the Hilton Darwin

Day 5 - Kakadu National Park
Get ready for a cross-country journey into the magnificent Kakadu National Park. Keep your eyes open for Crocodiles as you cross the South Alligator River, Brolgas, Magpie Geese, and Jabiru as you traverse along with the long grasses of the marshes and wetlands. Kakadu is a diverse UNESCO world heritage site. After lunch, the famous Yellow Waters Billabong boat cruise will be a highlight of your journey. You will see many different bird species, spot estuarine crocodiles, and enjoy the stunning billabong and floodplains system. This afternoon check into the renowned Crocodile Hotel in the town of Jabiru and enjoy the wonderful Aboriginal Art Gallery within the hotel before getting to know your fellow travelers over dinner with wine.(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included today)

Overnight accommodation at Mercure Crocodile Kakadu, Jabiru

Day 6 - Kakadu National Park to Katherine Gorge
This morning there's a chance to take to the air on an optional scenic flight over Kakadu. One of the best ways to experience the enormity of this extraordinary National Park and the diversity from waterfalls and billabongs to flood plains and wildlife. Then you'll visit Nourlangie to see its fascinating Aboriginal rock art for yourself. You'll also hear first-hand from your Journey Director a detailed interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as you explore the various outdoor 'galleries' with art that dates back some 20,000 years. You will continue driving through the ancient lands of Kakadu National Park through to the town of Katherine and further on to Nitmiluk National Park. Indulge in five-star luxury at Cicada Lodge, a stunning architect-designed eco-lodge surrounded by nature. Each room has a private balcony that opens to the glories of Nitmiluk National Park. Cool off from the heat of the day while enjoying a swim in the pool as the sun sets before a beautiful dinner.(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included today)

Overnight accommodation at Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine.

Day 7 - Katherine Gorge
Today immerse yourself as you meet Manual Pamkal, who will welcome you with a traditional welcoming tune on the didgeridoo. Manual was born and raised immersed in his rich traditional culture. He'll share with you stories of growing up in the bush and teach you the fine art of rarrk painting using a special brush from a reed called Julk. So call up the inner artist within you and paint your own masterpiece to take home! You will enjoy lunch back on the deck of Cicada Lodge overlooking this natural surrounding before having a free afternoon to relax. This evening indulge in a memorable sunset dinner cruise along Katherine River. You'll marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people. Then, enjoy the peaceful ambiance during the candle-lit three-course dinner cooked on board your boat.(Breakfast, lunch & Highlight Dinner Included today)

Overnight accommodation at Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine.

Day 8 - Katherine Gorge to Darwin
Enjoy a lay-in or get up early to enjoy the National Park, wholly immersed in the mystical morning light. Then, travel north along the Stuart Highway, stopping at the gorgeous Edith Falls for a relaxing dip and some lunch. Continue to Adelaide River War Cemetery. During WWII, Adelaide River was the headquarters of a large military base, and a large cemetery was created especially for those who gave their lives in the service and defense of their country. Your Inspiring Journey concludes on arrival in Darwin.(Breakfast & Lunch included today)

Overnight accommodation at the Hilton Darwin

Day 9 - Darwin - Sydney
This morning transfer to Darwin airport by Shuttle transfer for your flight to Sydney. On arrival in Sydney transfer by car service to the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney for your four nights stay.

Blessed with a temperate climate, Sydney is Australia's favorite city with the world's most beautiful harbor. The harbor provides a playground for jet boating, sailing, swimming, harbor scenic flights, dining, fishing, climbing the harbor bridge, and sightseeing at the Opera House.

ACCOMMODATION - Stay four nights in the Heart of Sydney; The Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney features stylish accommodations, along with a contemporary restaurant & bar, day spa, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, Wifi, and 24-hour room service. An easy walk to Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Queen Victoria Building, and only a few minutes from Wynyard train station make Amora one of Sydney's most desired locations.

Image: Tourism Australia

Days 10 & 12 - Sydney 
Explore Sydney at your leisure or consider adding the following discounted sightseeing package at a cost of $320 per person.

• Half Day City Sights tour
  Visit the historic Rocks area and hear about early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. See the city's shopping heart, Queen Victoria Building, and Sydney Tower. Visit Sydney's trendy Oxford Street district and travel through Paddington with its terrace houses before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. See the magnificent coast cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach and visit the beachfront promenade with time to enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at your own cost). See Aussie lifesavers and Sydney's best panoramic view at Dover Heights. Return to Sydney via Double Bay, Kings Cross, and Mrs. Macquarie's Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbour before returning to the city center. Tour concludes at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.
• Explore Sydney Harbour
  Explore Sydney harbor onboard the Hop on Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer. Travel aboard a 25-meter motorized Rocket Ferry vessel and enjoy a fun and easy way to explore Sydney, including commentary on selected routes. Then, sit back and relax as your vessel cruises around Sydney Harbour and stops at six harbourside attractions, including Circular Quay, Manly, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Shark Island, and Darling Harbour. Then, hop off and reboard as many times as you wish as you explore the best of Sydney!
• Tour the Sydney Opera House
  The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, and this is your chance to truly get up close. Run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs, and marvel at the vaulted ceilings. Next, visit areas off-limits to the public and capture photographs from rare vantage points. Finally, explore theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas, and ballets occur each year.
• Visit the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains
  This boutique tour provides an intimate touch, traveling in the luxury of minivan. Explore the Blue Mountains and see hidden locations and beautiful views of the region. From Echo Point, the closest and best view of the Three Sisters. You will be able to witness the blue haze and the vast expanse of the Jamison Valley and experience for yourself the raw magic the Blue Mountains create. This will be our first stop in the Blue Mountains, and you will have the option of ordering morning tea (At your own expense) while enjoying the amazing views. Visit Scenic World and dare yourself to ride the steepest Railway in the World. The Scenic Cableway and Skyway offer spectacular views of the Three Sisters and the Valley. Scenic World is included in the price of our tour. The Tour Guide will take you down to the valley floor whilst explaining the area. See breathtaking views of either the Jamison Valley or Megalong Valley away from the crowds in a secluded location. Visit Leura and enjoy the quaint village with multiple lunch venues (at your own expense). The last stop on the tour is Featherdale Wildlife Park,Sydney's ultimate wildlife experience. See the Koalas and feed the baby wallabies before returning to Sydney.

Day 13 - Depart for US
This morning you will be transferred by car service to Sydney Airport. Bid farewell to Australia as you depart Sydney for your flight to the US, arriving the same day.

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Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)

Single Supplement: From $1,749

Before committing to a trip, please ensure you have a valid passport. Australia welcomes US travelers with an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.

Read More about the Australian entry requirements

Add on airfares are available from most major airports – please ask an Aspire consultant for a quote.

• Upgrade to premium economy from $1,050 per person each way*
• Upgrade to business class from $3,500 per person each way*
Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* From pricing based on Sunday through Wednesday departures - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee for travel Friday through Sunday.