Australia's Northern Territory is the real Outback. Over three times the size of California, yet with only 200,000 inhabitants, it's not surprising that the Northern Territory represents nature on a grand scale! Trek across wild natural landscapes, canoe through imposing gorges, listen to tall tales from locals in an outback pub, or get your hands dirty on a cattle station at one of the Northern Territory's historic homesteads.
Using Darwin as a home base, here are our favorite things to see and do in the Top End.
The World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is home to amazing landscapes and some of the world's oldest Aboriginal rock art. The flood plains and waterlily-covered billabongs attract large flocks of waterbirds year-round and the sandstone escarpment to the east is a celebration of waterfalls.
At Litchfield National Park, an easy 1.5-hour drive from Darwin, you can swim under waterfalls and in crystal clear rock pools, view the unique magnetic termite mounds, visit Wangi Falls and Tolmer Falls, or explore the sandstone towers of the Lost City. There are plenty of bushwalking tracks or you can board a helicopter to see the landmarks from above.
The floodplains of the Mary River region offer incredible wildlife viewing. Make Bamurru Plains your bush camp and head out into the plains by 4WD.
Or check out Berry Springs, a beautiful string of three waterholes just 40 minutes out of Darwin. Edith Falls, a plunge pool north of Katherine (2 hours south of Darwin) is a great place to camp and relax in the refreshing waters. Walk up to the top pools for some waterfall action and a white, sandy beach, or sunbake on the rocks.
Back in Darwin, grab a seat at the Deckchair Cinema which during the dry season shows movies under the stars. At the right time of the month the moon will rise behind the movie screen.
For locals and travelers alike, Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a must-do in Darwin. Choose your meal from one of numerous multicultural cuisines on offer and eat it on the beach as the sun slips into the water. Crafts, art, locally designed clothing and jewelry and fab live music top off the experience.
Other local open air markets - Parap, Nightcliff, Rapid Creek - are held all year round, selling art, crafts, clothing and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Join the locals in the laid back atmosphere at the Darwin Ski Club or Darwin Sailing Club. Darwin lifestyle at its best.
Last but not least, take a sunset champagne helicopter ride around Darwin with Airborne Solutions, or get dropped off on your own private island with champagne and nibbles.
