Whether you’re basing yourself in Darwin for a short or long holiday, there’s a multitude of interesting destinations within driving distance. For a change of pace or scenery, you don’t have to go far to wind up somewhere new and different. Here are some ideas to inspire you to jump in a Darwin Airport car rental and hit the road.
Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands are nicknamed the ‘Island of Smiles’ and consist of two islands –Bathurst and Melville. They are located 80 kilometres north of Darwin. Art is the cornerstone of life here and an integral part of the culture. Learn how they weave, paint, carve and sculpt. Witness traditional rituals, and cool down with a refreshing fishing excursion.
Kakadu National Park
Three hours from Darwin along the Arnhem Highway, Kakadu National Park is a must-visit. There are many ways to explore the park. Scenic flights offer an phenomenal bird’s eye view. Look for crocodiles as you cruise the Yellow Waters.Walk through the canyons, forests, and gorgeous, and be sure to visit ancient indigenous rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie.
Litchfield National Park
A 2-hour drive from Darwin, Litchfield National Park encompasses the Tabletop Range, and here you’ll find awesome rock formations and forests, cliffs and waterfalls and rock pools.
Nitmiluk National Park
Previously named Katherine Gorge National Park, this park borders Kakadu National Park. Katherine Gorge is the centrepiece and made up of 13 gorges, with rapids and falls, that all follow the Katherine River. Cruises take you down through the gorge and afterwards, take a refreshing swim at Edith Falls.
Mary River region
The Mary River wetlands are located about an hour east of Darwin. Along the way, visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve to see hundreds of unique birds in action, and the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, which enjoys panoramic views and houses some fantastic interactive, educational displays. Where the Adelaide River crosses the Arnhem highway you can stop to see huge jumping saltwater crocodiles. Hop abroad a cruise to see nature from a different viewpoint – spot everything from buffalo to wallabies, among the other creatures that call this lush area home.
