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Must See Attractions

Aquascene: at high tide, hundreds of fish approach the shore to be fed by onlookers
At Doctors Gully, in the heart of Darwin and within walking distance of most city hotels is this unique attraction - a place where hundreds of fish come to shore at high tide to be fed by hand. It's all so very simple, yet one of the unforgettable experiences of any visit to Darwin. A small fee is charged to cover the cost of the fish feed, and a commentary is given about the species of wild fish that swim in their hundreds around the feet of the people who venture out into the shallows to feed them. During World War II, Doctors Gully was an important base for Catalina Flying Boats. Some remains of wartime equipment can be still seen at low tide.
Contact: (08) 8981 7837. Website. Location: 28 Doctors Gully Road, Darwin


Stokes Hill Wharf Precinct: shopping, restaurant and tourist facilities complex on Darwin Harbour
A recently constructed multi-purpose harbourside venue located only 5 minutes drive from the Darwin CBD. The centrepiece of the complex is a Function Centre, around which are tourism facilities like a cruise ship wharf, alfresco dining areas, recreational fishing platforms and fishing charters, harbour cruises, sightseeing, shopping and live entertainment.
Contact: Website. Location: Stokes Hill Wharf, Kitchener Dve., Darwin. How to get there: walk along Smith Street to Esplanade Ave., follow the steps down the hill to the wharf area.


Mindil Beach Sunset Markets: tropical night markets that seem to encapsulate all that is enchanting about the Top End capital
Watching a spectacular tropical sunset while enjoying picnic dinner from one of the markets' many and varied food stalls here is one of the great experiences of a visit to Darwin. The cuisine, the arts and crafts on display, the live entertainment and the setting combine to create an electric atmosphere that few place can capture like the Mindil Beach Markets. What more can you say? The markets run from the last week in April until the end of October. Free admission.
Contact: (08) 8981 3454. Website. Location: Gilruth Avenue, Darwin. How to get there: the markets are located within a 15-20 walk from the city via Gilruth Ave. Shuttle buses pick up at a regular basis from major hotels. Public buses connect the markets to the City and Northern Suburbs. Bus No.4 goes directly to Mindil Market.

General Interest Attractions

Darwin Town Hall ruins: in memory of Cyclone Tracy
Looking at modern day Darwin, it is difficult for those who didn't witness Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Day 1974 to conceive the power of its brute force and the devastation it caused, leading to the city having to be almost totally rebuilt. A stark reminder of this catastrophic event are the ruins of the Old Darwin Town Hall in Smith Street. Built in 1883 around the time of Brown's Mart across the street during a mining boom that created a streetscape of stone, it was left in the battered state we see today in the wake of Tracy's fury. Conservation techniques have been used to slow the decay of the ruined walls, which serve as a dramatic backdrop for outdoor theatre and as a reminder of the force of nature in tropical regions.
Location: Smith Street, Darwin


Skycity Hotel Casino: Darwin's only casino resort complex
Skycity Darwin is a beachside hotel and casino resort, set in tropical gardens. The casino has 460 gaming machines and 25 tables.
Contact: 1800 891 118. Website. Location: Gilruth Ave., Darwin. How to get there: proceed out of Darwin along Smith St, then right into Gilruth Ave.


Cullen Bay Marina: picturesque marina close to Darwin city centre
Ferries to the Tiwi Islands (Bathurst and Melville Islands) and Mandorah leave from the Cullen Bay Marina, as do many of Darwin's fishing and sightseeing charter boats and wreck dive tours. The modern complex has a number of cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to relax and take in the views if you have an hour or so to kill.
Contact: (08) 8942 0400. Website, Location: Kahlin Ave., Cullen Bay. How to get there: proceed out of Darwin along Smith St, then through the roundabout into into Kahlin Ave. at the Gilruth Ave. intersection.


Deck chair Cinema: an outdoor cinema located on the edge of Darwin Harbour.
From April through to the end of the wet season, locals and visitors enjoy the screening of a cross section of current films, from family favourites to festivals and foreign films, under the stars at the Deck chair Cinema. It is a tradition to come early, bring the family and a picnic dinner, before watching a movie against the backdrop of a starlit night sky and the lights of ships passing or at anchor in the harbour.
Contact: (08) 8981 0700
Location: end of Jervois Road off Kitchener Drive, Darwin Wharf Precinct.


Darwin Harbour Cruise: a number of operators run cruises around Darwin Harbour.
The different cruises cater for the different requirements of visitors. A jet boat service is adrenalin based, with the emphasis on speed and fun. Darwin Harbour Cruises offer more relaxed cruises which include dining as part of the experience. Barbecue Lunch, Sunset and Table Service Dinner Cruises are offered. Other cruises utilise a variety of craft, from catamarans to fully rigged schooners and pearling luggers, where the focus is on the natural environment. These include looking at the wildlife (dolphins, dugong and birds), exploring the mangrove ecosystems in saltwater estuaries, or just simply taking in the serenity of a tropical sunset.
A more adventurous alternative is to take a multi day boating or fishing safari to one of the outlying settlements such as Bynoe Harbour and Turtle Beach. Travel can be on board a luxury ocean going catamaran cruise, or a whole boat charter.

Special Interest Attractions

Australian Pearling Exhibition: interactive displays relating to Australia's pearling industry.
Pearling is Australia's second largest aquacultural activity by gross value of production, with a history dating back to the early luggers and divers of the 1880's. This exhibition containing static, audiovisual and live displays relating to the story of Australia's pearling industry, past, present and future, in which Darwin plays a major role. Free admission.
Contact: (08) Web page. Location: Stokes Hill Wharf, Kitchener Dve., Darwin. How to get there: walk along Smith Street to Esplanade Ave., follow the steps down the hill to the wharf area.


Myilly Point Heritage Precinct: significant examples of Darwin's Inter-war domestic architecture
This heritage precinct at Myilly Point is comprised of four homes, all of which are on the register of the National Estate and the Northern Territory Heritage Register. The homes are rare surviving examples of Northern Australian Inter-war domestic architecture and are the only grouping of houses of this kind in Australia. They were designed by architect BCG Burnett together with a new material, asbestos cement, and were to change the built fabric of Darwin.
Web page. Location: Kahlin Ave., Gilruth Ave. and Burnett Pl., Darwin. How to get there: by car, proceed out of Darwin via Smith St, right into Gilruth Ave. (heritage precinct is on the left).


Old Qantas Hangar: historic aircraft hangar houses a collection of old cars and aviation memorabilia
Off the beaten track but well worth a visit is the old heritage listed Qantas hangar at Parap. It stands on the site of Darwin's first civil aerodrome - the entrance driveway is in fact the original runway on which Ross and Keith Smith landed in December 1919 when they won the first England to Australia air contest and a $10,000 prize. The hangar was built in time for the famous 1934 Centenary Air race. Used by the first Australia-Europe air service (operated by Qantas) and the first Adelaide-Darwin service, it was nearly destroyed by Japanese bombers in 1942. The scars of this are still visible as bullet holes in the steel beams of the hangar. By 1946, a new airfield had been built in Darwin and the hangar was used as a mechanical workshop. These days it is the home of the Darwin Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club and is used by members to display and restore their vehicles. Club members are happy to share their experiences with fellow enthusiasts and visitors who are always welcome.
Contact: (08) 8942 0758. Website. Location: Macdonald St, Parap. How to get there: by car, proceed out of Darwin via Smith St, right into Gilruth Ave., follow the street signs on East Point Rd, Fannie Bay.


World War II Oil Storage Tunnels: historic tunnels built in response to the bombing of Darwin in 1942
There are two events that have left an indelible mark on the city of Darwin; Cyclone Tracy and the bombing of the city during World War II by the Japanese. Reminders of both exist throughout the city centre - the oil storage tunnels under Stokes Hill are perhaps the city's greatest legacy of the Japanese bombing. The tunnels were built to protect Australia's north coastal wartime oil supplies from further air attacks following the bombing of Darwin in February 1942.
Like most things past generations of Australians built to protect themselves against foreign invasion, it was a case of "too little, too late". By the time the tunnels were completed in 1946, the war had been over for a year and besides, the builders had been unable to effectively seal the tunnels from infiltration of water, so they were never used for their initial purpose. Nevertheless, the tunnels are unique in Australia and are a symbol of the dogged determination and willingness to try against the odds that characterises the defenders of this country. Tunnel No. 5 is open daily for public inspection and features reference material and displays on Darwin's role in defending Australia in World war II. Entry fees apply.
Contact: (08) 8985 6322. More information. Location: Kitchener Dve., Darwin Wharf Precinct

Markets

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets: see above

Suburban markets

Rapid Creek: fresh fruit and vegetables; plants, Asian and local foods. Rapid Creek Shopping Centre, Trower Road. Sun 8am-2pm

Parap Markets: tropical fruits and vegetables; local foods; coffee; local arts and crafts. Parap Markets, Parap. Sat 7.30am-1.30pm

Nightcliff Markets: food stalls, plants, crafts, massages, local produce; live entertainment. Nightcliff Shopping Centre. Sun 8am-2pm

Palmerston Markets: variety of local and imported produce; arts and crafts; live entertainment. Francis Mall, Palmerston City. Fri. 5.30pm-9.30pm (dry season)

Museums

Australian Aviation Heritage Centre: aviation museum which features the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942.
The Northern Territory has always played a strategic role in the aerial defence of Australia, so it is appropriate that Darwin should be home to a museum depicting the Territory's involvement in Australian aviation, both civil and military. Among its extensive collection on display is the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter plane, a remnant from Darwin's attack in 1942, while other exhibits include a WWII Spitfire, a B52 bomber, a Wessex helicopter and the 'Bombing of Darwin' display. Entry fees apply.
Contact: (08) 8947 2145. Website. Location: 557 Stuart Hwy, Winnellie (Opposite Darwin Showgrounds). How to get there: head south from Darwin on the Stuart Hwy.


East Point Reserve/Darwin Military Museum: wartime memorabilia on Darwin's northern beaches
During World War II, Darwin became the first mainland site in Australia to come under direct attack from the Japanese when it was the target of over 64 air raids, causing huge devastation and many civilian casualties. East Point was established as Darwin's main defence point to protect precious oil stores at Stokes Hill Wharf, and many of the defence infrastructure installed at that time remains. 9.2 inch gun emplacements, anti-submarine boom net, ammunition magazines, lookout towers, communication rooms, searchlight emplacements and command posts are among the relics that can be see and explored today.
The large gun bunker in the centre of the reserve was installed to defend Darwin Harbour from an assault from the sea, which fortunately never eventuated. Ironically, the gun was sold to the Japanese after the war as scrap metal. The East Point Military Museum is now housed in the original concrete army command post on at East Point. The museum boasts many wartime relics, an extensive photographic collection, displays of war instruments and restored guns constructed for use in the conflict. Entry fees to the museum apply but admission to the reserve is free. The reserve has never been developed and is a pleasant place to watch the sun set over the sea. A resident population of wallabies comes out to graze as evening approaches to share the experience.
Contact: (08) 8981 9702. Location: East Point Rd, East Point, 8 km from Darwin. How to get there: by car, proceed out of Darwin via Smith St, right into Gilruth Ave., proceed through Fannie Bay to end of road.


Lyons Cottage: historic home with period furniture and decorations.
Built in 1925, it was originally known as the Cable Company Residence, as it was erected to house an executive of the British Australian Telegraph Company. In 1948, it became the home of John Lyons, a one time Mayor of Darwin, and his family. It is Darwin's only remaining example of colonial bungalow-style architecture. The building is filled with photos and descriptions of life in the early years of the city. Free admission.
Location: Cnr The Esplanade and Knuckey St, Darwin.


Fannie Bay Gaol Museum: regional history museum located in a heritage listed gaol complex
One of the Northern Territory's most important heritage sites, Fannie Bay Gaol operated as a Gaol and Labour Prison in Darwin from 1883 until 1979. The complex was extensively damaged by Cyclone Tracy in 1974, and was repaired and re-opened after the cyclone. Its long-term viability had come to an end, however, and it was closed 4 years after re-opening. Fannie Bay Gaol Museum still houses the old gallows used for the last execution in the Northern Territory in 1952. The museum has a variety of interesting displays including a Cyclone Tracy display with outstanding photographic reference & video footage of the disaster, the mess area and the women's section of the gaol.
Contact: (08) 8999 8264 Website. Location: East Point Rd, Fannie Bay. How to get there: by car, proceed out of Darwin via Smith St, right into Gilruth Ave., follow street signs on reaching Fannie Bay.


Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory: set in a tropical garden on Darwin Harbour at Bullocky Point
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory provides an entertaining, diverse and educational experience for the local community and visitors to Darwin through exhibitions and events based on the region's art, history and culture and through touring exhibitions. As Cyclone Tracy plays a huge role in Darwin's history, it is no surprise to find a permanent gallery here dedicated to the tragic event. It also has an excellent collection of Aboriginal and Southeast Asian art and works by Australians. Admission fees may apply to special exhibitions.
Contact: Website. Location: Conacher Street, Darwin. How to get there: by car, proceed out of Darwin via Smith St, right into Gilruth Ave., left into Conacher St.

Parks & Gardens

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens: one Australia's finest tropical Botanic Gardens
Native mangroves, tropical ginger, heliconias, 800 cyclads, eight species of Adansonia or the Baobab tree, a grouping of Tiwi island wet forest plantings, 450 species of palms and plants found only on the Arnhem Land escarpment are among the many species of North Australian plants that can be seen at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Large areas of the Gardens have been landscaped with lawn and open space for community events and functions. Barbecue facilities, shady areas with tables and benches and a children's playground have made the Gardens a popular place for family activities.
Contact: (08) 8981-1958. Website.
Location: Geranium Street, Darwin, 2 km north of the city centre.


Charles Darwin National Park: developed to highlight the rich mangrove habitats of Darwin Harbour
During World War II, the site was one of a network used as a munitions depot. An informative display is housed in one of the original bunkers. It depicts the role of Darwin in the war. The national park is a popular place for picnics.
Location: close to the city off Tiger Brennan Drive, Darwin.

Festivals And Events

February: Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin
On 19th February a number of regiments based in Darwin re-enact the historic attack - the first time that war had come to the Australian mainland. Contact: (08) 8930 0684.
Location: Cenotaph, The Esplanade, Darwin.


March: Top End Fishing Festival
A weekend dedicated to Fishing Fun, featuring a line-up of entertainment and exhibitions, hands-on activities and games, great prizes, fantastic food & drinks. Contact: (08) 8942 2644. Website
Location: Darwin Showgrounds.


April: Hi to the Dry Craft Fair, Expo and Open Day
Talk to the makers about how it was made and what inspires them or enrol in one of the many workshops that Territory Craft conducts. Contact: (08) 8981 6616
Location: Grounds of the Museum and Art Gallery NT, 19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, Darwin.


May: Pine Creek Cup
An opportunity to take part in a real bush race meet
.. Pine Creek is the location of the Country Club circuit's first meeting. The five race programme provides the weekend's entertainment, the Pine Creek Cup being the feature race of the day.
Location: Pussycat Flats Race Club, Arnhem Highway, Pine Creek. Contact: (08) 8976 1391


May: Arafura Games
A leading international sporting competition for emerging champions of the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Since 1991, Arafura Games has been held every two years in the capital of Australia's Northern Territory, Darwin. Unlike other Games, Arafura Games is not designed for current world beaters or Olympic champions, instead it provides a high quality stepping stone for athletes as part of their journey to compete at the highest level. Next games: 2011


May: Bass In The Grass
A showcase for the Top End's local live bands. Enjoy the very best of our home grown talent and Australia's headlining acts. Website.
Location: Darwin Ampitheatre


May: Seabreeze Festival
A progressive, moving feast of music and visual arts, spread along 1 kilometre of foreshore from the Nightcliff Jetty to Chapman Road, Nightcliff, Darwin. Website


May/June: Darwin Pride Festival
A celebration of lifestyle for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-sexual and inter-sexual community. A diverse fortnight of events. Contact: (08) 8941 1711


June: Darwin Fringe Festival
A major cultural festival curated by Brown's Mart Community Arts along with works by some of the freshest and best artists working in and around Darwin.
Website


June: Orchid Spectacular
View orchids, bromeliads, gingers, heliconias and many other beautiful plants. Soak up the relaxed tropical atmosphere, sip a glass of wine, light beer, or Devonshire tea and view demonstrations the potting and care of orchids and bromeliads. Contact: (08) 8983 1331
Location: Marrara Indoor Stadium, Alaba Road, Marrara, Darwin.


June: Greek Glenti
Allows the Greek Community to share with locals and visitors their music, language, food, art and the developments that Greek-Australians have made in the community.
Location: Bicentennial Park, the Esplanade, Darwin


June: V8 Supercars Championship Series
The Hidden Valley round of the V8 Supercars is the largest sporting event of the year in Darwin. Contact: (08) 8999 5256
Location: Hidden Valley Motor Sports Complex, Hidden Valley Road, Berrimah.


July: Territory Day
On the first of July each year Territorians celebrate Territory Day, marking the commencement of Self Government in the Territory on 1 July 1978. The day is celebrated by the famous Territory Day fireworks (both public and private). Mindil Beach is the hub for all things explosive on Territory Day.


July: Beer Can Regatta
The Beer Can Regatta has run for 35 years since 1974 and the Combined Lions Clubs of Darwin have been promoting the annual Beer Can Regatta on Darwin's famous Mindil Beach, for most of that time.
Funds generated during the day are donated to various charities in the Darwin region each year. The main novelty boat races are between boats built out of beer or soft drink cans. The Regatta is very much a family fun day out for locals and is rapidly becoming a spectacular for the tourists to Darwin who line Mindil Beach cheering as the home made boats of cans wallow, flounder and sink. The fleet includes all kinds of boats; sometimes with fire hoses and top secret weaponry. Website
Location: Mindil Beach, Fannie Bay


July-August: Darwin Cup Carnival
The picturesque Fannie Bay Racecourse track is one of only a few dirt tracks in operation on the circuit, and the Carlton Draught Darwin Cup Day witnesses 17,000 people bursting the rails. Contact: (08) 8923 4222 Website.
Location: Fannie Bay Racecourse, Dick Ward Drive, Fannie Bay.


July: Royal Darwin Show
The premier event on the Top End community calendar, where city and country come together for three days of competition, entertainment and showcasing of primary industry, horticulture, art, craft, cooking and photography. Contact: (08) 8984 3091
Location: Darwin Showgrounds and Exhibition Centre, Tate Place, Winnellie.


August: Lingalonga Festival
Taking you on a journey through Batchelor's colourful history. The normally sleepy hamlet of Batchelor, just a one hour drive from Darwin, buzzes with markets, music, sport and creative activities under the canopy of glorious rain trees. Contact: (08) 8976 0020
Location: Batchelor Oval, Batchelor, NT


August: Darwin Festival
Gateway to Northern Territory and South East Asian and Pacific cultures, the festival features dance, theatre, film, comedy and the visual arts from some of the richest cultures in the region. Website


August: Northern Territory Garden Spectacular
A unique Darwin event that showcases the Territory's unique horticultural industry, particularly the nursery and garden sectors. Darwin also shows off its cultural diversity with entertainment and arts provided by different sectors of the community including Thai, Greek, Asian Pacific and many more. Contact: (08) 8983 3233.
Location: George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Gardens Road, The Gardens, Darwin.


November: Christmas Craft Fair
Held every year around the premises of Territory Craft. Provides an opportunity for Territory Craft members to sell and showcase their creations. Contact: (08) 8981 6616. Website
Location: Grounds of the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, Darwin

Zoos, Wildlife Sanctuaries

Darwin Crocodile Farm: one of the largest crocodile farms in the world
The farm is the largest crocodile farm in Australia, housing 36,000 animals. It operates both as a farm producing skins, meat and other products for export and as a tourist facility to assist in the protection and promotion of northern Australia's crocodile population. The farm includes a visitors' viewing facility, a cafe, picnic area and souvenir shop. Entry fees apply.
Contact: (08) 8988-1491. Website. Location: Stuart Hwy, Noonamah, 40 km from Darwin


Crocodylus Park: witness the crocodiles of the Territory at close quarters
A wildlife research and education centre focusing on the crocodile. The park is home to over a thousand crocodiles, as well a diverse array of other wildlife including big cats, primates, birds and other reptiles. An air conditioned museum tells about the origin of crocodiles, how many different species there are and why they are so feared - and revered.
Contact: Website. Location: 815 McMillans Road, Knuckey Lagoon. How to get there: How to get there: by car, take Stuart Highway from Darwin, left onto Amy Johnston Ave., right into McMillans Rd; By bus, No.5 bus from Darwin City, No.5 or No.9 bus from Casuarina, No.9 bus from Palmerston.


Indo Pacific Marine Aquarium: tropical aquarium on Darwin's Stokes Hill Wharf
The Indo Pacific Marine features a large aquarium displaying living coral and other denizens of tropical seas. In total, there are 30 marine displays including the living marine centre featuring coral reef ecosystems. Cafe and giftshop.
Contact: (08) 8981 1294.
Location: Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin. Kitchener Dve., Darwin. How to get there: walk along Smith Street to Esplanade Ave., follow the steps down the hill to the wharf area.


Territory Wildlife Park: the aim of this park is to present the fauna of the Northern Territory up close and personal, but in their natural habitat. Thus, visitors pass through tree top aviaries, walk beside a natural lagoon, or go beneath the surface of a walk-through aquarium to meet the Top End’s wildlife. The aviaries has a 1km of walking path, a recreation of a Kakadu waterhole is viewed from as raised walkway, and the many woodland animals that only come out at night, such as mammals, reptiles, birds amphibians and invertebrates, are displayed in a nocturnal house. Entry fees apply.
Contact: (08) 8988 7200. Website. Location: 45 minute drive south of Darwin’s CBD, next door to the Berry Springs Nature Reserve.
How to get there: by car, head south from Darwin on the Stuart Highway. Travel about 50km and turn right onto the Cox Peninsula Road. The Park is about 12 km along Cox Peninsula Road on your right.

Darwin's Eat Streets

  • Mitchell Street, Darwin - pubs, bars and restaurants
  • Smith Street and Knuckey Street, Darwin - wide range of dining options
  • Cavenagh Street, Darwin - Asian restaurants
  • The Esplanade, Darwin - restaurants water views
  • Cullen Bay Marina - waterfront dining with water views
  • Mindil Beach Markets (Thursday and Sunday evenings) food stalls - choice of cuisines to eat on the beach, watching the sunset
  • Darwin Wharf Precinct (Stokes Hill Wharf)
  • Palmerston shopping precinct
  • Casuarina shopping precinct (food court)
Beyond Darwin

Barramundi Fishing Park: catch a barramundi without getting your feet wet
Barramundi Fishing Park at Howard Springs is a billabong stocked with over 3,000 barramundi. Professional guides show the novice how to bait and cast a line, haul in a big one, and as part a tour, partake of a delicious barbecued barramundi dinner. It's a novel way to experience the after the thrill of the deep-sea fishing chase without leaving the shore.
Contact: 0417 863 468. Location: Bowhunters Rd, Howard Springs. How to get there: by car, head south from Darwin on the Stuart Highway to Howard Springs. Turn off is opposite Morgan Road.


Tiwi Islands: Dubbed The Islands of Smiles, the Tiwi Islands are acclaimed for their Aboriginal culture and warm hospitality. Comprising Melville and Bathurst Islands, the area is renowned for its unique Aboriginal arts and crafts, love of Australian Rules Football or AFL, and blue-water fishing. Dense rainforest, sandy beaches and rock pools combine to create the Tiwi Islands’ coastal landscape. The islands are a short flight or cruise from Darwin and can be visited either as part of a single day tour, or a tour with overnight stays and accommodation included.


Jumping Crocodile Cruises
Adelaide River Queen pioneered the idea of cruises to watch the feeding the huge, wild saltwater crocodiles that live on the Adelaide River near the town of Humpty Doo around where Arnhem Highway (the road between Darwin and Kakadu National Park) cross the river. These cruises offer a rare opportunity to see these giant creatures up close in their natural environment from the safety of a cruise vessel. The crocs leap high out of the water to take morsels of food offered to them by the cruise operators, presenting magnificent photo opportunities.
Location: Arnhem Highway, Humpty Doo
Websites: Jumping Crocodile Cruises


Butterfly Gorge National Park: a Dry season destination, 200km south of Darwin. A beautiful shaded valley with rainforest, it is a 70 metre gorge in a sandstone escarpment where butterflies shelter in the shady rock crevices.
Location: via Stuart Highway


Litchfield National Park: A must-see for anyone visiting Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a day-trip destination from the Territory's capital. Its attractions include tropical waterfalls that cascade from a sandstone plateau called the Tabletop Range, swimming holes, monsoon rainforests, intriguing magnetic termite mounds and historical sites. Also of note are many 4WD tracks into some of the more remote parts of Litchfield National Park and the surrounding region.


Window To The Wetlands is an interpretive centre that provides an insight into this ecological region. The centre's observation deck offers panoramic views across the Wetlands, which were the locality of a failed attempt to grow rice in the NT in the 1950s.
Location: Beatrice Hill, 65km from Darwin on Arnhem Highway. Free admission.


Adelaide River Wetlands: Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is one of several reserves in the lower Adelaide River catchment that provide havens for wildlife in Darwin's developing rural fringe. It is one of the few wetland systems accessible to visitors all year round. Fogg Dam is a remnant of early attempts to produce rice on the Adelaide River flood plains. Today it provides an important refuge for wildlife. Observation bays and towers allow close inspection of the area. Note: crocodiles inhabit this area.
Location: 70 km east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway. Free admission.


Djukbinj National Park: part of the Marrakai Plains, the park contains a portion of the catchment area and drainage for Adelaide River. Consequently the abundance of water year-round assures the park's importance as a feeding and roosting site for a variety of waterbirds including magpie geese, egrets and brolgas.
Location: 70 km east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway. Free admission.


Leaning Tree Lagoon is another popular year-round bird watching location, however the road in is often closed due to flooding in the Wet Season. Camping is permitted, however there are no facilities.


Corroboree Billabong is 29km off Arnhem Highway to the south of Djukbinj NP. Here waterbirds, woodland wildlife and crocodiles keep you company as you fish. Barramundi and tarpon are the main fish caught here. Access to boat ramp for public use.


Howard Springs Nature Park: Howard Springs Nature Park protects 283 ha of diverse habitats including monsoon forest, extensive swamps and riverine areas. These areas provide valuable wildlife habitats. Barramundi, turtles, file snakes and fish are all on show in the main pool.
Location: 35 km south of Darwin via Stuart Highway, then Howard Springs Road.


Mary River National Park: The Mary River National Park protects part of the Mary River catchment. Featuring billabongs and rainforests, it is a good place for watching wildlife, fishing and bushwalking. Some areas accessible by 4WD vehicles only.
Location: 150km east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway.


Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Springs: The picturesque Douglas River, rejuvenating thermal springs, and abundant riverine wildlife are some of the wonderful features of this popular Top End Park. Includes walking trails and a camp ground.
Location: 200 km from Darwin and 130 km from Katherine via Stuart Highway.


Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park: Umbrawarra is a striking isolated gorge featuring steep red cliffs. A lovely creek meanders through it in the early to mid-dry season. Visitors can walk alongside the creek to a large pool with a small sandy beach, whilst the rest of the gorge can only be reached by wading, swimming and rock hopping. Aboriginal art can be seen on the gorge walls. The carpark near the entrance of the gorge was the site of a tin mine in the early 1900’s.
Location: 245 km south of Darwin and about 115 km from Katherine, off Stuart Highway


Kakadu National Park: Australia's most internationally famous national park, Kakadu is some three hours drive from Darwin via Arnhem Highway. The main commercial centre, Jabiru, from which most tours of this vast park begin, is 250km from Darwin. Guided or self drive day tours are available, however the Park is huge and one can only scratch the surface of what is available to see here in a single day. Allow to 2 to 7 days to see the park in greater detail.


Dundee Beach, 200km west of Darwin, is a 2 hour drive from Darwin and offers excellent fishing and a chance to relax away from the city. These coastal waters offer some of the best bluewater fishing, and exposed reefs are ideal for small boat fishing. Barramundi, Mackerel, Tuna, Queenfish, Trevally, Cobia and Blue Salmon are caught along the coast.
Crab Claw Island, on the south-west side of Bynoe Harbour 130km by road from Darwin, is a remote island resorts offering fishing, safe swimming and accommodation in air conditioned cabins.


Bynoe Harbour: a major waterway to the west of Cox Peninsula. It's a region of unspoiled beaches, and many low wooded islands surrounded by clear water, rocky headlands and sandy tidal flats that can turn on some wonderful fishing when the conditions are right.

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