Great Top End Escape
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Darwin
What’s on
Settle in and organise any last minute items before we embark on the trip of a lifetime together. Feel the buzz and excitement as you tinker with gears, double-check you brought fly repellent* and put that trusty camera at the top of your backpack.
Finally, to relax any nerves and get in the mood for the adventure ahead, join us for dinner at the Darwin Sailing Club and bask in the golden sunlight as the sun sets over the harbour. Your luxury holiday has now begun.
*Top tip – don’t forget the fly repellent!
Daily itinerary
- 2:00pm: Arrive in Darwin (this allows time for hotel transfer, guest check-in and getting your bike ready before the welcome dinner)
- 5:45pm: Bus to welcome dinner at Darwin Sailing Club
- 8:00pm: Bus back to accommodation
Accommodation: H on Smith, Darwin
Day 2 – Explore Darwin | 38km
Ride details
We kick things off with a cruisy 38km ride around Darwin. Rolling out from the hotel front door we’ll casually make our way to the beautiful Darwin Foreshore.
Along the way we will pass some of Darwin’s major attractions and allow plenty of time to explore.
This day allows you to ride with us or be independent and ride your own route through Darwin’s inner city sights.
What’s on
Go and explore all that the city of Darwin has to offer.
Here are our top tips:
- Ride to the Nightcliff Pool and Wharf Precinct
- Visit WWII tunnels and the Darwin Military Museum
- Browse unique collections at the Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Enjoy dinner at the Mindil Beach Markets
Daily itinerary
- 6:00am: Breakfast at accommodation
- 8:00am: Ride and explore Darwin
- 5:45pm: Shuttle to Darwin Markets for dinner & sunset
- 8:00pm: Return to accommodation
Accommodation: H on Smith, Darwin
Day 3 – Ride to Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park | 56km
Ride details
On day three we will venture to Litchfield National Park on a 56km journey through vast outback landscapes and undulating terrain.
Our first rest stop is at Wangi Falls, where you will get an opportunity to freshen up in the gentle plunge pools whilst listening to the roaring sounds of the nearby waterfall.
To continue the theme of swimming holes, the day’s end see us arrive at the spectacular Florence Falls, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the open valley and waterhole below.
What’s on
Today is not the day to forget your bathers.
Go on jump in!
- Ride/swim at Wangi Falls
- Ride/swim at Florence Falls
- Buley Rockpool exploration
- Visit the iconic termite mounds
Daily itinerary
- 6:00am: Breakfast at accommodation
- 7:00am: Bus from Darwin to Litchvield via Berry Springs (2 hours)
- 9:30am: Ride to Florence Falls via Wangi Falls (2 – 4 hours)
- 2:00pm: Bus to Katherine with stop at Pine Creek (3.5 hours)
- 6:00pm: Check in at accommodation
- 7:00pm: Dinner at Galloping Jacks Restaurant
Accommodation: Ibis Styles, Katherine
Day 4 – Ride to Nitmiluk | 64km
Ride details
Today we ride to one of the Northern Territory’s most famous landmarks, Nitmiluk Gorge (also known as Katherine Gorge).
The beginning of the ride travels through iconic outback terrain that is a hot-spot for native animals like Kangaroos. In the distance you’ll notice the booming figure that is the gorge.
As we roll on, the gorge’s enormity and beauty is put on show. Take a moment to soak up the gorge and all it’s power as you feel dwarfed by Mother Nature.
What’s on
View the gorge by bike, boat or helicopter … yes, helicopter.
- Ride to Nitmiluk Gorge
- Experience a cultural tour
- Three Gorge cruise with swimming | 3 hours
But that’s not all…
- Three Gorge helicopter ride | 10min fly over ($110 pp) – limited availability*
Daily itinerary
- 6:00am: Breakfast at accommodation
- 7:00am: Ride to Nitmiluk 33kms (riding 1 – 2 hours)
- 7:30am – 9:00am: Helicopter ride (optional)
- 8:00am – 9:30am: Morning tea
- 9:30am: Indigenous cultural tour
- 11:00am: Lunch in Nitmiluk
- 12:00pm: Timeless 3 Gorge Tour
- 4:00pm: Ride back to accommodation (optional detour via Katherine Springs and railway bridge)
- 7:00pm: Dinner at Katherine Outback Experience
Accommodation: Ibis Styles, Katherine
Day 5 – Ride to Jabiru, via Nourlangie | 82km
Ride details
Today is the longest riding day of our Great Top End Escape, with an 82km trip from Yellow Water to Jaibiru.
After lunch we will head on a mesmerising ride through the Word Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. You may notice termite mounds towering upon the horizon, exotic flora and fauna and maybe even a grey nomad or two.
Be sure to check out the Anbangbang rock art, showcasing the ancient history of the land through extraordinary indigenous artwork dating back thousands of years.
What’s on
Kakadu is teeming with native flora and fauna.
Have your camera at the ready!
- Ride through Kakadu National Park
- Relive ancient history through Aboriginal rock art
- Dinner under the Milky Way at the Crocodile Hotel
Daily itinerary
- 6:00am: Breakfast at accommodation
- 7:00am: Drive to Mary River Roadhouse (2 hours)
- 9:15am: Morning tea at Mary River Roadhouse
- 10:00am: Drive to Cooinda (1.5 hours)
- 11:30am: Lunch at Cooinda
- 1:00pm: Ride to Jabiru via Nourlangie (3 to 5.5 hours)
- 7:00pm: Dinner at Crocodile Hotel restaurant
Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Day 6 – Rest / Adventure Day
Today is what you make it. Relax at the hotel, go for a gentle walk and rest those legs. Or, if you’re interested in something a little more adventurous, try one of the amazing activities below.
All activities must be booked over the phone with one of our friendly team members.
Additional Activities
Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventure Tour
- Cost: $205pp | maximum 30 people
- Time: 6:45am – 5:00pm
- Morning tea and lunch provided
Twin and Jim Jim Falls 4WD Tour
- Cost: $225pp | maximum 30 people
- Time: 6:30am – 3:00pm
- Lunch provided
Arnhem Land 4WD Tour
- Cost: $285pp | maximum 40 people
- Time: 7:45am – 3:45pm
- Lunch provided
Yellow Water Fishing Tour
- Cost: $125pp | maximum 8 people
- Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
- Lunch not included
Kakadu Day Explorer
- Cost: Free | unlimited capacity
- Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Bicycle Network coach shuttle to Bardedjilidji Walk
Daily itinerary
After breakfast at the hotel, today’s itinerary will be based on guest’s chosen tour.
Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Day 7 – Ride to Ubirr | 44km
Ride details
Day 7 is a jam-packed day of riding and attractions as we roll on to the pointy end of our adventure.
We begin the day with a magical cruise of the Yellow Waters Billabong. The cruise encompasses the natural surrounds of Kakadu National Park, taking you through one of Australia’s unique ecosystems.
Keep an eye on the sky – Kakadu National Park is home to approximately one-third of Australia’s bird life, with up to 60 species found soaring between the surrounding floodplains, woodlands and wetlands.
What’s on
Did we mention you’ll witness the most astonishing sunset of your life?
Here’s how you’ll keep busy
- Ride through Kakadu National Park to Ubirr
- Gaze in awe of Mother Nature’s most spectacular sunset
- Yellow Waters cruise
Daily itinerary
- 5:30am: Bus to Cooinda (45 minutes)
- 6:45am: Yellow Waters Cruise (includes breakfast)
- 9:00am: Bus back to Jabiru
- 10:00am: Free time and lunch
- 2:30pm: Ride to Ubirr (1.5 to 3 hours)
- 6:00pm: Afternoon tea at Ubirr
- 6:30pm: Bus to Jabiru (1 hour)
- 8:00pm: Dinner at Crocodile Hotel restaurant
Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Day 8 – Ride to Mandorah Ferry | 74km
Ride details
Just when you thought it was all over, there’s one more memorable experience to top it all off – the Jumping Crocs cruise! You’ll get the chance to be up close and personal with the prehistoric predators of the Northern Territory.
As the day draws to a close, we take the Mandorah Ferry back to Darwin and reminisce on a full week of action packed adventure and unforgettable moments. Please join us for one last meal as we say farewell and celebrate a truly incredible holiday.
What’s on
Feel the power of these almighty beasts as they leap from the water!
A spectacular way to finish!
- Jumping Crocs cruise
- Final day of riding
- Mandorah Ferry to Darwin
- Farewell dinner and celebration
Daily itinerary
- 6:00am: Breakfast at accommodation
- 6:30am: Bus to Jumping Crocs (2 hours)
- 9:00am: Jumping Croc Cruise
- 10:30am: Morning tea
- 11:00am: Bus to Berry Springs (40 minutes)
- 11:45am: Lunch and swim
- 1:00pm: Ride to Mandorah Ferry (2.5 to 5 hours) with afternoon tea at finish
- 5:20pm or 6:20pm: Ferry from Mandorah to Cullen Bay
- 5:45pm or 6:45pm: Bus to accommodation
- 7:30pm: Dinner at accommodation
Accommodation: H on Smith, Darwin
Day 9 – Farewell
What’s on
Day 9 brings us to the end of our incredible adventure through some of the most untouched natural landscapes in the world.
Farewell and have a safe journey home!
Prices
PREMIUM
Twin share room $4,299.00 pp
Double room (min 2 people) $4,299.00 pp
Own room $5,299.00 pp
Call us today to book your spot.
Book NowBook now
To secure your spot, please contact us or request a call from Fiona or Sarah.
Dates and availability
- 19 – 27 June 2021 (Limited spots available)
- 3 – 11 July 2021 (Limited spots available)
Bookings are capped at 100 guests.
COVID-19 Policy
We’re as excited as you are to be on our bikes and travelling to some of Australia’s most iconic destinations! However, we also understand there is some apprehension around booking your next holiday, given the uncertainty we’ve all faced within the COVID-19 environment. With this in mind, we’ve updated our refund policy to support some possible scenarios based on past and current Government restrictions.
Got a question? – Chat to the team
Fiona Neuwirth
Phone: (03) 8376 8888
Email: escape@bicyclenetwork.com.au
Contact: Monday – Wednesday from 9am – 5pm
Whether tackling challenges like the Tourmalet or cruising Beach Road with her dad back home in Melbourne, Fiona’s happy place is on her bike and connecting with the environment, herself and other people. She’s passionate about supporting others on their own bike riding journeys and creating opportunities to explore the world.
Sarah Cunningham
Phone: (03) 8376 8888
Email: escape@bicyclenetwork.com.au
Contact: Wednesday – Friday from 9am – 5pm
Sarah has spent the last two years managing Bicycle Network’s amazing team of event volunteers, and she’s excited to bring some of that experience and support to The Great Top End Escape. As a bit of a travel junky, she’s super keen to explore more of our own backyard and can’t wait to tick the Top End of the bucketlist.
Call now to secure your spot on the Great Top End Escape 2021
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