A surge of excitement grips the boat’s passengers; a crocodile has been spotted! We all rush to one side to get a closer look, and the boat precariously tilts to one side, threatening to tip us into the Yellow Water Billabong, right on top of a rather large saltwater crocodile!

The excitement of coming this close to a living dinosaur in one of the world’s most environmentally and culturally significant sites, Kakadu National Park, has caused us to forget our captain’s advice: ‘Don’t walk around the boat.’

Experiences such as this, plus seeing ancient Aboriginal rock paintings and taking scenic flights over the vast landscape of the Never Never, can be had in the Top End, even if you’ve only got a handful of days to spare.

But whatever your budget or time frame, whether you have the luxury of a few weeks or the pressure of seeing it all in only a couple of days, I highly recommend taking a tour, allowing an experienced guide and driver to show you the highlights of this great land while you relax in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach.

AAT Kings offers tours to suit. You can choose from sightseeing day trips, short breaks or even an escape that lasts for a couple of weeks.

Day 1:
SYDNEY - DARWIN 

Having left behind a chilly Sydney morning, I arrive in Darwin to a beautiful sunny day. Our driver extends the warm welcome by giving us a mini tour of the city on the way to our hotel, the Holiday Inn Esplanade.

Having unpacked, I set off for the city’s heart and am surprised at how metropolitan Darwin is; there’s no shortage of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques or places to stay.

Free to enjoy the balmy afternoon, I head to Darwin Harbour, where the crystal blue water entices me to take a dip while the signs warn me, ‘Swimming is strictly prohibited’ due to the presence of crocodiles and all manner of  other creatures that would like to bite and sting me. So it’s off to the hotel for a swim in the pool, then back to the harbour for a four-course meal on board the Alfred Nobel Sunset Dinner Cruise.

Day 2:
DARWIN - KAKADU

Checking out of the hotel early, we’re greeted by Anne, our cheery bus driver and tour leader for the next two days. Our coach is comfortable with big windows perfect for spotting dingoes and wallabies on our way to Kakadu National Park.

First stop Nourlangie Rock for a guided tour of an ancient Aboriginal shelter, several amazingly preserved rock paintings and the Gunwarddehwardde lookout, with views of the Kakadu that remind us how big and spectacular Australia really is.

After lunch, we take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, home to many crocodiles and an incredible array of birds. We’re even lucky enough to watch a pair of egrets build their nest.

Finishing the day’s tour, we wander through the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the people who’ve lived in this part of the world for at least 40,000 years. Then it’s off to the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn to sleep and prepare for tomorrow. 

Day 3:
KAKADU - DARWIN

Today we drive to Ubirr, passing termite mounds so enormous – they can reach up to six metres in height – that they’re also known as cathedrals.

Ubirr is home to some of the most interesting Aboriginal rock art in Australia, including the painting of a thyalcine, or Tasmanian Tiger, which scientists say became extinct on the mainland 2000 to 3000 years ago! It’s also a great place to visit for 360-degree views over Arnhem Land and the flood planes.

We set out for the East Alligator River and join the Guluyambi Cruise, where local indigenous people take over as tour leaders.

They talk to us about the river’s food chain, traditional uses for many plants and animals, and bush survival skills. We disembark with our guides and the lessons continue on shore. We’re given bush tucker to taste and are taught how to throw spears. It’s an experience not to miss.

From here we take a scenic drive to the Bowali Visitor Centre – a must for anyone visiting Kakadu. It’s equipped with cultural displays, a small theatre playing videos of the area and many maps.

Unfortunately, it’s also the end of the tour, and the journey back to Darwin begins.

Day 4:
DARWIN - SYDNEY

Not wanting to leave Darwin, we prolong our trip by squeezing in a cafe breakfast, a little bit of shopping and a visit to Darwin’s newest attraction, Crocosaurus Cove.

At the cove you can get up close and personal with the scaly inmates by either being lowered in a cage into the enclosure of a giant croc or by simply having a photo taken of yourself holding a baby crocodile.

If the Top End wasn’t on your list of places to visit, put it on. You won’t be disappointed.

TO GO:
AAT Kings has a Kakadu and East Alligator River Short Break two day tour package available from $465 per person, twin share. It includes one night's accommodation, transport by luxury air-conditioned coach and experienced and professtional driver guide. Yellow Water Billabong Cruise and Guluyambi Cruise with Aboriginal guide.

Departures available for low season travel from November 1, 2009, until March 31, 2010, and high season travel from now until October 31, 2009.