In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing restrictions on both international and domestic flights, many Australian families are organising to travel interstate or embark on a road trip for their next family getaway.
Now’s the time to see parts of Australia that you’ve never seen before! So why not start with Darwin, one of Australia’s most underrated urban centres? As with Australia’s more prominent tourist spots like Sydney & Melbourne, the city of Darwin is veritably bursting at the seams with arts, culture, and fine dining, but the city is also blessed with beautiful surrounds, from its coastline to its bush. Here’s a small list of all there is to see and do in and around Darwin.
Fishing and camping
Thanks to the NT’s tropical climate, Darwin and its surrounds boasts some of Australia’s best warm water fishing spots, so fishing and camping enthusiasts are encouraged to load up their tents, ready their fishing reels, and go exploring! A great place to head first is the city’s most inland dock, the Bayview Marina. Residents say that golden snapper can always be found swimming around the lock drains. And due to the marina’s closed off position right beside the city’s Charles Darwin National Park, you’ll be guaranteed to get a few good catches in a day’s work. Just be sure to book well in advance, as this particular fishing spot can get quite busy during the holiday season.
And if you’re interested in embarking on an overnight fishing trip, be sure to book yourself a campsite by any of the waterways or falls in Litchfield National Park or the many other campgrounds around NT.
Hiking and trails
Of course, in any region with an abundance of pristine national parks and camping grounds, you’re guaranteed to get some gorgeous hiking trails. But what’s worth both your time as well as the space in your photo albums? For experienced hikers, Litchfield’s Tabletop Track is an absolute must-do. This whopping 39km track takes around three to five days to complete, but the entire length of the trail is dotted with the most serene pockets of natural beauty. Along your journey, you’ll come across secluded creeks where you can fish for creek jacks, little freshwater pools where you can go for a quiet dip, and bear witness to some of the region’s most picturesque horizons. Be sure to take plenty of panoramas!
It must also be said that Darwin city also has a number of quality walking trails that are designed to take you on a journey not only across the city but also through the city’s history and cultural heritage. The city’s WWII walking trail will take you through all the major events and locations of Darwin’s military history, whilst Indigenous guides organise fascinating cultural bushwalks to educate international tourists and Australians alike on the region’s rich ecological history.
Crocodile tours
It’s an undeniable fact that your exploration of Darwin’s natural beauty would not be complete without getting up close and personal with some crocodiles! For all you daredevils out there, consider taking a jumping crocodile cruise along the region’s Adelaide River. Witness the sheer power and presence of these awesome aquatic monsters, and snap some stunning shots of the crocs in action! It’ll be a terrifyingly awesome experience that you’re guaranteed to remember for life.
Rest assured, you don’t need to hop in a riverboat and head out on a crocodile tour if visiting wild crocs doesn’t take your fancy. In fact, you can see the crocodiles of Darwin in a myriad of other environments, including from the safety and security of Crocosaurus Cove, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions amongst families with children.
It’s easy to see that a trip to Darwin will be sure to please even the most particular travellers in your family. There’s a little something for everyone, and the opportunity to see a side of your homeland that you’ve never seen before is simply too good to pass up, regardless of what kind of explorer you are. Have a blast at The Top End!
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