Great Top End Escape
There’s something about Australia's top end that gets under your skin. It's a place that holds an endless history, breathtaking scenery and awesome beauty that quickly becomes unforgettable for anyone that visits. It draws you back again and again.
But until now, there has been little in the way of cycle tourism in the Northern Territory. That's changed with the introduction of Bicycle Network’s Great Top End Escape.
MIKE BOUDRIE
The thing is, this part of Australia is not exactly known for its proximity to anything, or somewhere you would really like to find yourself without back-up or support. There's previously been very few cycling adventures or holidays that give people access to the region unless they are willing to rough and tough it and go fully self-sufficient... and I'd rate that as for a hardcore level of cyclist.
So when my friends at Bicycle Network called and told me about their latest cycling holiday, the 'Great Top End Escape', that offers locations that no other multi-day cycling tour does, my ears pricked up.
In brief, the Great Top End Escape comprises seven riding days that take in some of the NT’s best natural, heritage and cultural sites - Florence Falls, Nitmiluk Gorge, Litchfield National Park, Kakadu (have I got your attention yet?) with the ability to add additional sightseeing tours and adventures. Tour dates - 19 -27 June 2021 with bookings opening 24 February 2020.
Riding days range from 38km through to 82km and accommodation options of twin-share, double or own room. There’s a maximum of 120 riders and it will set you back from $4,299 per person excluding flights and optional tours. The Great Top End Escape is positioned differently from rides like the Great Vic with it promising a premium and rounded travel experience, with plenty of outdoor adventure as well as culinary and cultural experiences.
It’s also got those typical things that Bicycle Network does so well – bike mechanics will be there the whole time to help with any troubles, on-road support will keep you fed, hydrated and happy and the support team will be on call 24/7 if you have any issues.
For those that don't fit the 'hardcore' cyclist skill set and want an achievable, organised cycling holiday that provides access to the region’s most famous sights and brings options to add your own tours it's a great starting point. At nine days total, it doesn't require months off work or away from family and takes in arguably the best that the Top End has to offer.
Here's a list of the day by day highlights, the full itinerary can be viewed HERE
Day 1 - Arrive in Darwin
Land, arrive, get organised, set up the bike with help from the tour’s mechanics and head out for dinner with the group to catch the sunset at the Darwin Sailing Club.
Day 2 - Explore Darwin - 38km
Easing you into the ride, the first day provides you with the option to ride with the group or ride independently and explore Darwin to your heart's content.
Nightcliff Pool and Jetty precinct
WWII tunnels and the Darwin Military Museum
Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Dinner at the Mindil Beach Market
Day 3 - Ride to Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park - 56km
This is where the adventure really begins and you get to experience the magic and natural beauty that the NT brings, waterfalls, ancient swimming holes, vast landscapes and panoramic views.
Swim - Wangi and Florence Falls
Buley Rockpool exploration
Iconic termite mounds
Day 4 - Ride to Nitmiluk
Nitmiluk George (or Katherine Gorge) is about as iconic as it gets and you'll ride there today. More enormous landscapes, wildlife and outback splendour are on show.
Nitmiluk Gorge 2-hour cruise plus swim
Option for an additional helicopter ride ($110pp)
Day 5 - Ride to Jabiru via Nourlangie - 82km
The longest riding day from Yellow Water to Jabiru and takes in the stunning Kakadu National Park showing off the NT in all its glory – Indigenous rock art, exotic flora and fauna and termite mounds.
Kakadu (do I need to say more?)
Ancient Indigenous rock art
Dinner under the stars at the Crocodile Hotel
Day 6 - 'rest' day
A choose your own adventure day with 4WD options, fishing, bush walks or just chill and relax for a day by the pool. (Tours are at extra cost $125pp to $285pp)
Day 7 - Ride to Ubirr - 44km
Less kilometres today to make way for a cruise of the Yellow Waters Billabong, one of Australia's unique ecosystems thriving with birdlife.
Epic sunset opportunity
Ride Kakadu
Cruise Yellow Waters
Day 8 - Ride to Mandorah Ferry - 74km
I don't think I've mentioned crocs yet ... but today is the day, jumping, swimming, basking massive animals.
Ride back north to catch the ferry to Darwin
Farewell dinner and celebration
Day 9 - Farewell
Say goodbye, plan your next adventure, head off for more of Australian experiences or back to reality!
For more information or to secure your spot with a $1,000 deposit, click below
Note - this is a paid article, La Velocita does not receive commissions from Bicycle Network from sales of the Great Top End Escape. We are great supporters of Bicycle Network and believe in their mission to get more people on bikes in more places.
