Extended Stay Itinerary

One weekend. Two worlds.

Pair the world-class adrenaline of the MXGP of Australia with the legendary, sun-drenched adventures that define the Top End—from outback heli-pubs to secret rooftop bars.

This itinerary is built for the ultimate Top End holiday, based on a Tuesday afternoon arrival.

Day 1 - Tuesday.

Touch down in the late afternoon and feel the shift in pace as the warm, tropical air welcomes you to the Top End.

After a relaxed check-in and perhaps a swim to wash off the flight, head straight to Pee Wee’s at the Point or the Sandbar at Mindil Beach Casino for an iconic Darwin welcome with a front-row seat to the Arafura Sea.

As the sky transitions from a fiery orange to a deep tropical violet, toast to the week ahead with a cold drink and a plate of local saltie-sourced barramundi.

It’s the perfect intro to your Top End adventure before the dust starts flying at Hidden Valley

Day 2 - Wednesday

This is the day that makes the flight worth it. While the rest of the fans are still packing their bags, you’re already deep in the action.

Morning: You can't visit Darwin without visiting Crocosaurus Cove. Take the plunge in the Cage of Death with a 5-metre saltwater crocodile. It’s 15 minutes of prehistoric adrenaline that makes a holeshot look like a Sunday drive.

Afternoon: Board a chopper and take to the sky with a Heli-Pub Crawl. You’ll soar over the vast Adelaide River floodplains—spotting wild buffalo and crocs from above—before landing directly on the lawn of the NT’s most iconic remote watering holes.

Evening: Wind down at Cullen Bay. Grab some takeaway, sit on the grass with the locals, and watch the yachts come in. You’ve already done more in 24 hours than most people do in a week. Tomorrow, the "pilgrims" arrive—but you’re already practically a local.

Day 3 - Thursday

With a full day to explore, go beyond the city center to discover the stories and scenery that define the Top End.

Morning: Start at the Defence of Darwin Experience. This immersive, high-tech museum at East Point tells the incredible story of the 1942 bombings through world-class exhibits and virtual reality. It’s powerful, atmospheric, and located right on the cliffs where the history actually unfolded.

Afternoon: Head to Stokes Hill Wharf for a quintessential Darwin lunch of fresh fish and chips on the pier. Afterward, step into the RFDS Tourist Facility located right on the wharf. Use their cutting-edge VR to experience the "Bombing of the Harbour" from the cockpit and explore decommissioned aircraft.

Evening: As the sun dips, join the "pilgrimage" to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Grab a fresh laksa, find a spot on the sand, and join the collective applause as the sun touches the water. With fire dancers under the palms and global street food in the air, the celebration has officially begun.

Day 4 - Friday

Morning: Ease into the racing adrenaline with a slow morning at the pool before heading to Hidden Valley —the gates open at 11, just in time for the State Challenge.

One of the best-kept secrets? The track is just minutes from the city. Jump on a free event shuttle and move effortlessly from your hotel to the heart of the action.

Afternoon: The magic moves from the track to the city in the late afternoon for the Rider Signing at the Darwin Waterfront. It’s a rare, heart-pumping chance to meet the world’s elite face-to-face.

End your day by revelling in those eternal summer vibes—take a dip in the turquoise Wave Lagoon as the sun begins to set, before enjoying a world-class dinner at Wharf One.

Day 5 - Saturday

Morning: Kickstart your day before the engines even warm up at the track. Take to the water for a Sunrise Guided Jet Ski Tour and witness Darwin Harbour at its most serene. Blasting across the glassy, turquoise Arafura Sea as the first light hits the coastline is the ultimate 'Top End' wake-up call.

Mid-morning to afternoon: Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere as the world’s best head out for Practice Sessions, dialling in their lines on the technical Territory dirt. The stakes reach a fever pitch in the afternoon for Official Qualifying—this is where the fight for every millimetre counts, and you’ll feel the tension as the riders push to the absolute limit with the 'Decider' just 24 hours away.

Evening: As the sun sets, head into the heart of the CBD to Charlie’s of Darwin. Tucked away down a graffiti-lined laneway, this hidden rooftop distillery and bar is a local secret. Grab a table on the terrace, order a gin crafted on-site, and lean into the industrial-chic vibe. It’s the perfect spot to talk tactics with fellow fans and soak in the city’s energy before the World Championship finale.

Day 6 - Sunday

Morning: This is the moment the world has been waiting for. As the final gate drops at Hidden Valley, the air crackles with the intensity of a World Championship Grand Finale. Feel the roar of the crowd as our local Aussie Wildcard heroes take to the dirt, proving their grit as they go bar-to-bar with the world’s elite on home soil.

But as the champions are crowned, the celebration doesn't end—it just moves to the water. Jump on the free shuttle and join the locals at the Darwin Sailing Club for the ultimate post-race wind-down. It’s a palm-fringed sanctuary where riders, fans, and 'fellow pilgrims' all gather to toast the season finale under a violet and gold sky. With a cold drink in hand and the Arafura Sea at your feet, you’ll realize you haven't just watched a race—you’ve been part of a world-class moment in history.

Day 7 - Monday

This is the day past visitors wish they’d booked—the ultimate finale to your trip.

Morning/Afternoon: Trade the track for the natural luxury of Litchfield National Park, just 90 minutes into the heart of the ancient Top End. Self-drive or book a day trip from one of the many excellent operators like Ethical Adventures.

Spend your morning floating in the crystal-clear, warm pools of Buley Rockhole or standing under the towering twin torrents of Wangi Falls. Surrounded by monsoonal rainforest and massive termite mounds that look like natural cathedrals, you’ll discover a rugged, world-class holiday destination in your own backyard. It’s the perfect, serene final chapter to the most high-octane weekend of the year.

Evening: What could be more perfect then rounding out the trip with a glorious Dinner Cruise on Darwin Harbour? Revel in unbeatable harbour views, paired with a Territory-style buffet dinner and a final glimpse of that special sunset. See you next time!