Top End Safari Camp Overnight Tour

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An afternoon and night at a private glamping camp off the Finniss River, south-west of Darwin: airboat and lagoon cruises among wild crocodiles, a feeding show with Matt Wright's rescue crocs, a scenic helicopter flight, then sunset, dinner on the deck and a night in a Lotus Belle tent.

Days

2 days, 1 night

Age

4 years and over

Group size

Shared group tour

Start / finish

Darwin / Finniss River camp / Darwin
Darwin, mid-morning on day two

Return

Darwin, mid-morning on day two

Accommodation

Deluxe Lotus Belle tent with double bed and open-air shower

Transport

Air-conditioned coach from Darwin or self-drive; airboat and helicopter

Meals

Sunset cheese board, dinner, cooked breakfast

Route

Map of Top End Safari Camp Overnight Tour

View map

Included experiences

Finniss River — airboat ride through the channels and out over the floodplains
Sweets Lagoon — cruise looking for crocodiles and birds
Croc feeding — rescued saltwater crocodiles fed up close
Helicopter — scenic flight over the wetlands
Sky deck — sunset over cathedral termite mounds
Fire pit — stargazing after dinner on the star deck

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1 LATE MORNING: DARWIN TO THE FINNISS RIVER

The coach collects you from central Darwin from about 11am, with a last stop at Coolalinga on the way out of town, and heads about an hour and a half south-west towards Dundee Beach. Driving yourself? Aim to be at camp by about 12:50pm; the last 7 km is unsealed. The camp sits on a private property off the Finniss River, which runs out of the hills near Litchfield National Park and empties into Fog Bay. It's the same country where Matt Wright, the Outback Wrangler of the National Geographic series, catches problem crocodiles. Have lunch before you leave, as the afternoon starts straight away.

DAY 1 AFTERNOON: LAGOON CRUISE AND AIRBOAT

First is a cruise on Sweets Lagoon, a quiet billabong where you look for saltwater crocodiles sunning on the banks, jabirus, magpie geese and whistling ducks. Then you board the airboat. These flat-bottomed boats are pushed by an aircraft propeller, so they skim over water only centimetres deep. With hearing protection on, you race through the river channels and patches of rainforest and out across the floodplains, where water buffalo, brought to the Top End from Timor in the 1820s, now graze wild. Keep your camera ready for crocs sliding off the mud as you pass.

DAY 1 LATE AFTERNOON: CROCS AND A HELICOPTER

Back on land, the crew feed the camp's rescued saltwater crocodiles, animals removed from places where they had become a danger to people. Salties are the largest living reptiles, and big males grow past five metres; up close, you'll hear the jaws slam shut. Next is a short scenic helicopter flight over the wetlands, with headsets so you can hear the pilot's commentary. From the air the floodplains show their pattern of channels, paperbark swamps and billabongs, and you'll see how far the water spreads from the river in this flat country.

DAY 1 EVENING: SUNSET, DINNER AND STARS

Back at camp, climb to the sky deck for sunset with a cheese board. Below you stand fields of cathedral termite mounds, built over decades by termites no bigger than a grain of rice and often taller than a person. As the sun drops they glow orange, then fade to silhouettes. Dinner is a barbecue with salads and sides on the open star deck, then the night ends around the fire pit. Far from Darwin's lights, the Milky Way is easy to find. Your Lotus Belle tent has a double bed, linen, a private deck and its own open-air shower.

Overnight: Top End Safari Camp, Finniss River (Lotus Belle tent)

DAY 2: BREAKFAST, A SWIM AND BACK TO DARWIN

Wake to the birds and a cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, mushrooms and tomato. There's time for a dip in the 12-metre pool on the deck before check-out at 9am. The coach leaves from 9am and has you back in Darwin by mid-morning, with the rest of the day free.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Coach pick-ups run from about 11am at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, a city office on Mitchell Street, Adina Vibe Darwin Waterfront and Coolalinga. Your exact time is confirmed when you book. Darwin pick-ups need at least 6 guests.
Finishes: Check-out is 9am, back in Darwin mid-morning.
Minimum age: 4 years. Child prices apply from 4 to 14, and up to two rollaway beds fit in a tent for children.
Dietary needs: Tell us your dietary needs when you book.
Accommodation note: The double share option is for two adults sharing one tent. Fifteen tents are spread around the property for privacy, each with a double bed, private deck and open-air shower. Toilets are shared.
Please note: Everyone is weighed before departure, and you must give each person's accurate weight when you book. The helicopter limit is 130 kg per person; a wrong weight can mean missing the flight and airboat ride. Runs Thursday to Monday in the dry season only.

What to bring

Small overnight bag with a change of clothes
Swimmers and a beach towel
Hat and sunscreen
Water bottle
Camera
Your own drinks for the afternoon activities, if you like

What is included

Return air-conditioned coach from Darwin City, or self-drive
River and lagoon cruise
Airboat ride into the floodplains
Crocodile encounter and feeding
Scenic helicopter flight over the floodplains
Sunset cheese board
Dinner on the open star deck
One night in a deluxe Lotus Belle tent
Cooked breakfast

Not included

Lunch on day one
Alcoholic drinks (sold at the camp bar)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 15 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

AI summary of 15 reviews

Travellers consistently praise the combination of activities including the helicopter flight, airboat tour, river cruise and crocodile feeding, along with the quality of accommodation in the glamping tents and the standard of meals provided throughout the experience. The most frequently highlighted aspects are the welcoming and professional demeanour of the guides and staff, the authentic and educational approach to wildlife interaction, and the relaxed evening atmosphere around the campfire with drinks and marshmallows. The main caveat mentioned is limited dinner menu choices on one occasion, though most reviews commend how meals catered for dietary requirements and featured high-quality ingredients including freshly caught fish.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A group boat ride down the river with snacks and a chance to fish, then an airboat to meet the famous croc Bone Cruncher, more crocs, and a helicopter flight back to camp for a swim and a cocktail. Our lotus tent had a comfy bed, lamps and a lovely outdoor shower, and after dinner on the deck we toasted marshmallows by the fire. I only wished dinner had more choice.

Wnzzz Verified· Travelled 8th December 2025

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(5/5)

A truly great experience on the overnight camp. Jake, Mark, Erica and Sinead were friendly and professional, nothing was a problem, and every part of the camp was fantastic.

Denise Miller Verified· Travelled 14th August 2025

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(5/5)

We stayed overnight and it was unforgettable. The team made us feel very welcome, the food was fantastic and the tours showed real respect for nature and for our safety.

Rahel Zimmermann Verified· Travelled 30th June 2025

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(5/5)

A priceless experience. The people, the food, the accommodation and every activity felt authentic, and we loved it.

donna gauci Verified· Travelled 19th April 2025

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(5/5)

We've done most of the tours across the Northern Territory and this overnight trip was the best of the lot, a perfect one to finish on.

Brooke Warner Verified· Travelled 24th July 2024

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(5/5)

The best thing we did in Darwin. After a coach pick-up and lunch we flew over the property spotting crocs, kangaroos and buffalo, watched Matt feed the crocodiles, rode the airboat and cruised the river with a cheese platter. Dinner was fish Matt had caught himself, then marshmallows by the bonfire and a night in the bell tents with an outdoor shower and the sounds of wildlife at dawn.

Kateriina Frolova Verified· Travelled 3rd July 2024

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