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:
- Watch a fiery Darwin sunset onboard a harbour cruise or along Darwin’s waterfront at one of the many restaurants, cafes or pubs
- Take the ferry to the Tiwi Islands and be immersed in the distinct culture of the Tiwi people – experience a dancing and smoking ceremony, visit the renowned art centre and learn about the Tiwi people’s traditional island lifestyle
- See saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat onboard a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River, 45 minutes from Darwin
- Search for the elusive barramundi on a fishing charter along Darwin’s pristine coastline