Aquatic and Coastal Experiences - Northern Territory
With an 11,000km (6835 miles) long coastline, it’s no surprise that the Northern Territory is home to some truly spectacular coastal experiences. Wild, remote and unique to the overall coastline of Australia, discover its untouched wilderness, native wildlife, diverse landscapes and spectacular fishing opportunities.
The Northern Territory also boasts a range of memorable aquatic experiences which can be enjoyed in the many national parks, nature reserves and conservation areas. Some of Australia’s oldest indigenous sacred sites and rock art galleries can be found amongst stunning gorges, waterholes and plunge pools.
The desert country around Alice Springs is also famous for its natural aquatic wonders. Discover the many surprises of the Central Australian desert – an oasis of palm trees, steep red gorges and sparkling swimming holes.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Darwin, Northern Territory
Australia’s only tropical capital city, Darwin gazes out across the Timor Sea. With a harbour more than twice the size of Sydney’s, the coastal and inland waterways surrounding Darwin are perfect for exploring on sailing or fishing trips. The relaxed, tropical, waterside lifestyle of Darwin is best experienced at the Waterfront Precinct, Mindil Beach, East Point Precinct or Cullen Bay Marina.
At just over an hour from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is the perfect day trip with its waterfalls and waterholes, bushwalks, four-wheel drive tracks and wildlife. Litchfield is renowned for its accessible, unspoiled wilderness of monsoon rainforests and waterfalls that flow year-round.
Located 150km (93 miles) east of Darwin, Mary River National Park is another must-do inclusion in Darwin and Top End itineraries. The freshwater billabongs, paperbark and monsoon forests of this rich national park provide excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, fishing, bushwalking and photography.
Highlights:
Gunlom, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Kakadu National Park is 3 hours drive south east from Darwin and a timeless place – a land of extraordinary ecological and biological diversity. Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park and offers an array of experiences, from cruising on billabongs teeming with wildlife to exploring Australia’s 50,000 year indigenous culture through Kakadu’s abundant natural rock art galleries.
Arnhem Land borders Kakadu National Park and is made up of 91,000 square kilometres (56,545 miles) of unspoiled wilderness surrounded by the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The region is rich in culture and features a diverse landscape characterised by wild coastlines, towering escarpments, savannah woodlands and wetlands. Arnhem Land also provides a habitat for abundant wildlife, including crocodiles, dugongs, nesting turtles and migratory birds.
Highlights:
Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
Katherine is the gateway to the magnificent Nitmiluk National Park and Nitmiluk Gorge and just 3.5 hours drive south of Darwin. This is Jawoyn Country where the red sand of the outback meets the lush tropics, offering the best of both worlds. Nitmiluk Gorge is a must do in this area – but go further to discover a region full of gorges, thermal springs and an ancient aboriginal culture. Explore this spectacular region on foot, by canoe, on a cruise or helicopter for a birds-eye view.
Highlights:
Glen Helen Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges, Northenr Territory
The Red Centre lies in some of the world’s driest country and yet the rugged scenery holds many glistening waterholes and a rich assortment of native plants and animals. The spectacular geology and landforms of the MacDonnell Ranges offer visitors waterholes, gorges and rocky ridges. Visitors can cool off in the picturesque swimming holes located at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge and Redbank Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park also provides access into a valley of water holes and pools. Discover lush cycads around the permanent waterhole in the exotic Garden of Eden, an aptly named oasis in the desert.
Highlights:
Darwin & Surrounds
Kakadu National Park & Arnhem Land
Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park
Red Centre