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Darwin
Darwin recovered from this event with tenacity and today it stands as a modern lively city, with an ambience that rivals its southern counterparts. It has been rebuilt with the local lifestyle in mind and the city's natural relaxed feel still in the air. A tropical city, our advice is to pick the time you visit carefully, preferably from May to October. Once in the city the usual variety of activities are to be found from 5 star accommodation houses to city tours. The Hotel Darwin is a tropical colonial building and a great starting point to meet the locals. To see the famous north's brilliant red sunsets, go and have a B-B-Q at the Darwin Yacht Club. Friendly locals and one of the best views in the world make it a must. The Mindil Beach Casino will keep the gamblers happy and every Thursday between April and October they hold a sunset market which is a great way to experience the many ethnic groups that make up this vibrant city. One word of advice - do not swim in the waters between November and April, as deadly box jellyfish abound.
The city in the south of the Northern Territory and the major jumping off point to Uluru (Ayers Rock), The Olgas and Kings Canyon. A small town that has all the usual big city facilities, a casino and a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets. You can take a camel to breakfast or dinner and what a companion they make. It is a rough and ready town and true Australian locals are what you find. The pubs are the best way to meet the locals in this or any town in Australia. Todd Mall is the city's central shopping district and features many Aboriginal Art Galleries. There are many many attractions to keep the intrepid tourist busy if time allows. The city is literally surrounded by national parks, Stanley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Finke Gorge National Park and Watarrka National Park where you will find the wonderful Kings Canyon. East of Alice Springs is the mighty Simpson Desert.
Kakadu National Park Australia's best known national park is located 200 kilometres east of Darwin.
The southern part of the park is less developed and more rugged than it's counterpart to the north. This natural habitat abounds with saltwater crocodiles and there is an abundance of birdlife. The rivers overflow with Barrumundi, a local fish that is delightful.
Travelling from Darwin to Alice is a long and rugged trip but well worth it. These are a few highlights along the way. Besides Kakadu and the city of Darwin, the North has a lot more to offer. The first highlight is the Litchfield National Park with its many waterfalls and pools. This is great 4WD country.
Further south a nice place to stop and visit is the township of Mataranka which is known as the "Capital of the Never Never" country. This is the area that was made famous by the Jeannie Gunn novel "We of the Never Never." There are a number of attractions around, including the Thermal Pools and Elsey National Park. Travelling even further south you will go through the township of Tennant Creek and a few smaller settlements dotted along the highway. Just south of Tennant Creek is the tourist attraction called the Devils Marbles conservation reserve. Next stop: Ross River and then Alice Springs. |
Darwin has a fascinating history despite it's consistently
modern architecture. Darwin was a base during WW2 and suffered from
Japanese air raids. The city was ravaged by Cyclone 'Tracy' on December
25, 1974, and evidence of it's fury is still to be seen. Darwin was
flattened, with "Tracy" taking many lives in the process.
Australians awoke on this Christmas Day to one of Australia's worst
natural disasters and the way in which the country pulled together
was amazing and with a spirit that was uniting to say the least. The
reconstruction began in earnest and the disaster brought the Australian
community a lot closer together.
What can we say about this monolith that has
not already been said. It is probably the most photographed rock in
the world. There is no way around it, you must do it. 
The name Kakadu is derived from Gagadju, one
of the several languages of the Aboriginal people of the district.
A world Heritage Listed National Park, Kakadu is one of the few regions
in Australia where the original inhabitants maintain personal and
spiritual links with their traditional lands. The park is loaded with
rock art sites and the most famous is Ubirr. A good guide will direct
you to the many famous locations. Try Kakadu Dreams for 3 and 5 day
tours.
During the wet season the park's many waterfalls
come alive and if you can stand the weather, they are worth a look.
There are many tours and camping safaris available . This is a highly
organised park. Accommodation is limited so be prepared. My advice
for this one is to seek the help of guides and the local tourist authorities.
They know the park and you will get to see the park from an expert's
view and not miss any highlights. 
South is The Katherine Gorge and it's one of
my favourites. Katherine is a rugged and bustling town of 10,000 and
the surrounding areas offer a number of sights. If time permits, have
a look at Edith Falls and the Caves system. There are many ways to
explore the Katherine Gorge, in all 13 gorges actually make up the
Gorge System. You can take a tour boat or canoe to see them all. For
the adventurous, you can hike around with over 100 kilometres of marked
tracks.
|
Introduction |
Western Australia |
Queensland |
New South Wales |
Victoria |
|
South Australia |
Recreation |
Shopping |
Home |