Day Trips from Darwin, Australia
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AUSTRALIA: Darwin itself if a chilled-out city with pockets of culture and activity, but just outside the city are an array of beautiful landscapes, tumbling waterfalls, an abundance of art and ancient culture and so much more. We have picked four local favourite day trips to keep every traveller exploring.
Litchfield National Park
The locals' favourite day trip! Just over an hour from Darwin, Litchfield is a tropical paradise with waterfalls and waterholes, bushwalks, 4WD tracks, and plenty of wildlife. Be sure to swim under the Florence Falls and in the Buley Rockhole.
Travel Secret: There are several great bushwalks at Litchfield, but a local favourite is the 39km Tabletop Track which leads to incredible secret waterfalls.
Mary River
Explore the lush Mary River wetlands, where you'll find native wildlife, birds and fish, only an hour east of Darwin. While you're there, see if you can spot the 250 species of bird known to flock to the inland water supply, or take a croc cruise and see how many you can spot. The river is also a world-class fishing spot, with barramundi known to grow up to 1.4 metres!
Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands, a 2.5 hr boat ride from Darwin, are a beautiful example of Indigenous Australian culture. You will need topre-arrange a tourwith a local Aboriginal guide who will take you around the islands, meeting locals and experiencing their way of life. Make sure you buy some locally-made art and crafts including woven bangles and silk-screened garments.
Kakadu National Park
As Australia's largest national park, Kakadu is the gem of the Northern Territory, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, beautiful landscapes, and native wildlife. Whether you join a tour or do it yourself, exploring Kakadu is a must for anyone travelling in or around Darwin. Spot crocs in the rivers and birds in the trees, marvel at ancient Aboriginal art and culture (the oldest surviving culture on earth) and swim in serene natural pools and under waterfalls.