Aquatic and Coastal Experiences 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:

• 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 

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:

• Experience the remarkable scenery and wildlife of Yellow Water Billabong by taking a sunrise or sunset cruise
  
• Hike up to nature’s infinity pool at Gunlom Falls for a swim and magnificent views over Kakadu and Arnhem Land
  
• Visit Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock for art galleries that date back to more than 50,000 years and spectacular views of the surrounding floodplains and escarpment
  
• Camp safari-style on the remote Cobourg Peninsula overlooking the azure waters of the marine park after a four-wheel drive tour of the surrounding area  
  
• Join a fishing charter on the Gove Peninsula to experience some of the best tropical sports fishing available anywhere in Australia
  
• Learn about Aboriginal art and culture on the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River which is the border between Kakadu and Arnhem Land.  Cruise with an Aboriginal guide and learn how to throw a spear and gather bush tucker along the way

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:

• Hire a canoe and paddle along the gorges to see waterfalls, rock art and wildlife
  
• Cruise the mighty Nitmiluk Gorge and learn about the stories of the Jawoyn people
  
• Swim at Leliyn (Edith Falls), a pandanus-fringed plunge pool on the park’s western boundary
  
• Stop at Nitmiluk Visitor Centre to find out about the cultural and spiritual significance of the gorge for its traditional owners, the Jawoyn and Dagomen people
  
• Stay at Cicada Lodge, a unique luxury property overlooking the Katherine River and experience the history, beauty and culture of this magnificent destination

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:

• Grab a tyre tube from Glen Helen Resort and splash through the gorge
  
• Explore the desert oasis of Palm Valley on a 4WD day tour
  
• Experience stunning perspectives of Lake Amadeus on a scenic flight which takes in an aerial view of the enormity of the Northern Territory’s largest salt lake
  
• Enjoy a picnic overlooking the red cliffs of the Ellery Creek Big Hole, take a walk and finish off with a swim in Central Australia’s largest permanent waterhole