Cas and Jonesy at the start of the Top End Ten Tipple Challenge Photo credit: Andrew Kaineder
	Cas and Jonesy at the end of the Top End Tipple Challenge Photo credit: Andrew Kaineder

Australia’s intrepid explorers Cas and Jonesy have taken on, and been marginally defeated by, the Top Ten Tipple Challenge in the Top End.

Embarking on the ultimate Pub Tour with one goal – to visit 10 iconic establishments across the far regions of the Top End in the shortest amount of time – exhausted, and yet elated, they made it to the finish line having missed just one establishment - the Crab Claw Inn - completing the challenge as the sun set after little more than five hours.

Adventurers Cas and Jonesy, known for their daring exploits which include crossing the Tasman Sea and trekking Antarctica, have spent the last five days in the Top End, hauling in barramundi on the Darwin Harbour, spotting crocs on Yellow Water Billabong, and trekking the paths leading to ancient rock art sites. The Top Ten Tipple Challenge has been a fitting end to their Top End Time Out.

“This was definitely a once-in-a-life time experience. Everywhere we visited showed us a different side of the Top End. From rustic luxury at Wildman Wilderness Lodge through to the just plain rustic Casey’s Bar, home to Casey the resident crocodile, it was incredible,” said James ‘Cas’ Castrission.

Cas and Jonesy crossed a vast 370 kilometres taking in Darwin, Kakadu and Katherine, experiencing a real taste of the destinations and the characters of the Top End.

“It was an awesome challenge – jumping into a chopper, visiting iconic outback watering holes and meeting some fantastic characters along the way. I’m sure there’ll be loads of other Aussie adventurers out there willing to give it a go,” Cas said.

The outback locations visited included the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel, Bark Hut Inn, Litchfield Hotel and the Adelaide River Inn, where Charlie the buffalo, star of Crocodile Dundee, resides on the bar. Visiting the serene Lake Bennett Resort, Point Stuart and Wildman Wilderness Lodges, the duo capped off the day with an open air snack at Crab Claw Island and an underwater experience at the Darwin SKYCITY Casino swim-up bar.

The duo was greeted by down-to-earth locals with many patrons seen cheering on Cas and Jonesy.

“Taking to the skies on a helicopter and seeing the amazing scenery and dramatic landscapes was awe inspiring. I can’t think of a better way to explore Australia than on a tour like ours. A mix of adventure and a yarn or two with the locals – you truly get the best of both worlds,” Justin ‘Jonesy’ Jones said.

Historic Hotel Heli Tours, run by Airborne Solutions, are currently only offered in the Northern Territory.