There’s a lot of space in the Northern Territory...

With about one sixth of Australia's land area, it’s understandable that its landscape varies quite a bit. While people mostly equate the NT with the red desert and Uluru, the Top End of the Northern Territory is very different – tropical and rich in wetlands, rainforest and lush waterfalls. Darwin’s turquoise waters set the scene for the more relaxed option of a sunset cruise.

Darwin also has the most youthful population in Australia, giving it a palpable up beat and vibrant feel. On weekends the city is scattered with open air markets at Parap, Nightcliff and Mindil Beach.

You can circumnavigate the city on a bicycle following a designated path that meanders through the lush esplanade. Outskirting the CBD this pathway overlooks stunning views over the harbour. Authentic Northern Territory cuisine like mud crabs, barramundi, buffalo, kangaroo and crocodile can’t be missed. In fact, Darwin Harbour abounds in barramundi and other tropical fish, making it a world- class fishing destination.

Then, once you’ve finally finished exploring Darwin, hop on the Arnhem Highway out of the city to explore the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park (above). Kakadu is Australia's largest national park, covering over 19, 000 square kilometres. It has also been the home for many Aboriginal clans for some 50, 000 years. Ancient rock art across the landscape and their bush knowledge today reflects their long relationship with this land.

Travelling further south from Darwin, an hour from Katherine is the township of Mataranka and its famous thermal pool. The sandy-bottomed lagoon fringed by palm forest is said to have rejuvenating properties and makes a great swimming spot for weary travellers. The thermal pool is fed by spring water from the Daly and Georgina basins at a volume of 30.5 million litres per day and maintains a constant temperature of 34 degrees.

The area surrounding Mataranka was made famous by Jeannie Gunn's 1908 novel 'We of the Never Never', a book she wrote about nearby Elsey Station which is now part of Australian folklore.

 

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