10 Incredible Darwin Weekend Getaway Destinations
- By Ken Teo at Ausinet – 30 September 2020 – Australian Institute of Electrotechnology
Australia can be seen as an exciting place – most people think about crocodiles, diverse climates, beautiful nature and beaches when thinking about it. If you like it, Darwin is the country’s most “Australian” part. Being the capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is where most people usually begin their explorations of this area.
There are plenty of attractions within a few hour’s drive of Darwin, many of which can be visited in a single-day tour. All you need is to pack up some road trip essentials and start driving to see these fantastic spots:
#1 - Kakadu National Park
Encompassing almost 20 thousand square km, Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia. It is renowned for protecting a spectacular ecosystem and an important concentration of ancient rock art. In 1984, it gained a World Heritage Listing for both its ecological and cultural heritage.
If you plan to visit Kakadu, make sure you go just before the start of the dry season. The wet season would have just ended, so the waterfalls would be full of water, and the temperatures would start to cool down. There are also lots of campsites, both paid and accessible, around Kakadu.
#2 - Litchfield National Park
“Litchfield National Park – Wangi Falls” by nt.gov.au is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Kakadu’s little sister, Litchfield, can be completed on a day trip from Darwin because it is only an hour south of Darwin. It is also free to enter and explore. Litchfield has many waterfalls and some great crocodile-free swimming spots. There are also the dramatic Lost City and lots of four-wheel-drive tracks.
Besides, you can take several excellent short walks within the park, such as the Wangi Falls Walk (1.6 km), which takes you to a viewing platform above the waterfall. If you have much time, tackle the Tabletop Track, a 39 km circuit walk. If you plan to take part in a walk for safety reasons, you have to register with the Batchelor Park and Wildlife office.
#3 - Katherine
As one of the major towns in the Territory, Katherine has plenty of things to do. Visit the School of the Air to discover how children in remote communities are educated, check out the fascinating Aboriginal art galleries and laze around in the Katherine Hot Springs, situated a short drive out of town.
You can set aside one day to simply walk around town and immerse in the outback culture. Katherine is also 30 minutes from Nitmiluk National Park, home to the well-known Jatbula Trail, a challenging 4 to 6-day, 58 km bushwalk.
#4 - Berry Springs
“Berry Springs Nature Park second pool” by nt.gov.au is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Berry Springs is a great place for a swim and picnic. There is a thermal waterfall, spring-fed pools ringed with paperbarks, pandanus palms, and bird-watching trails. After a day spent discovering the Monsoon Rainforest and Woodlands Walk, you can dive in the pool and relax in shady solitude.
Under shady trees, there is a pleasant grass ground with barbecues. You can bring your family or friends here to have a nice picnic. Other facilities include restrooms, changing sheds, showers and amenities for people with disabilities.
#5 - Howard Springs
“Howard Springs Nature Park – Adventure playground” by nt.gov.au is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
The nearest natural crocodile-free swimming hole to Darwin is at the Howard Springs Nature Park, about 35 km southeast of Darwin. You can take a pleasant dip into the forest surrounded swimming hole.
You can find free barbecues and tables that are ideal for a picnic. You might even see wallabies that live in the area! If you like birds, make sure you go on the 1.8km walk around the pools. Howard Springs is home to long-necked turtles, catfish and barramundi. Spend a day in Howard Springs to enjoy a quiet and picturesque rural area on the outskirts of Darwin.
#6 - Umbrawarra Gorge
“Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park – sharp red cliffs” by nt.gov.au is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
The tranquil Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park features some Aboriginal rock art sites, small sandy beaches and safe swimming in the rock pools. A marked walking track (2 km return) leads from the car park to swimming holes in the gorge, and you can swim and rock-hop the rest of its 5 km length.
Climbers have long admired the distinct red cliffs of this isolated gorge. If you plan on climbing or abseiling, permits must be obtained from the Batchelor or Palmerston Parks and Wildlife Service offices before arriving at Umbrawarra.
#7 - Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands, which consist of Bathurst and Melville islands, cannot be reached by road but rather by a short flight or ferry ride across the Timor Sea from Darwin. Bathurst Island was the first place in Australia to be attacked by the Japanese during WWII. During the war, the people of the Tiwi Islands played a significant role by capturing fallen Japanese bomber pilots, rescuing allied pilots and guiding allied vessels through dangerous waters.
The Tiwi people are happy to share their lively culture with travellers. You can check out the island’s dense rainforest and pristine coastline. If you get there right now, you can see flatback turtles nesting on the beach!
#8 - Manton Dam
“Manton Dam Recreation Area” by nt.gov.au is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
A day trip to the Manton Dam recreation area is a pleasant escape from the Darwin bustle. Built in 1942 as the city’s first source of reliable water, the dam is now a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for water lovers.
There is a low-speed boating area to explore the far reaches of the dam. It is often a hive of activity on weekends, where locals head to for thrills on jet skis, water skis and wakeboards. You should not swim in Manton Dam. However, it is a good fishing spot, especially for Saratoga and Barramundi.
#9 - Charles Darwin National Park
One spot that deserves to be known is the Charles Darwin National Park. It is only 4km from Darwin city and is a great way to discover the nature and culture of the NT. The park protects part of the Port Darwin wetland where 36 out of the Territory 51 mangrove species live in this convoluted system of inlets, islands and bays. You can see remains from the war and Aboriginal cultural sites across the park.
Anyone can wander the park or ride on cycling paths through the tropical woodland. It is definitely a perfect gateway from the busy city.
#10 - Adelaide River
“Saltwater Crocodile Jumping out of the water” by yaruman5 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The small town has an entirely exciting history. The only war cemetery in Australia is located there; you can check the 495 graves in the memory of the soldiers who died in 1942 under Japanese bombs.
Adelaide River is a prolific crocodile country, and one of the best ways to see the exclusive reptile in its natural habitat is by going on an Adelaide River Queen tour. The town also comes alive during the month of June when the annual race meeting, Adelaide River Show, Rodeo, Campdraft and Gymkhana are held at the showgrounds.
Last reviewed date: 30/09/2020
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I have been to Howard Springs for a school picnic!
Thank you & will checkout these places when I am there.
That Tabletop Track is a looong… track
Well Australia is synonymous with crocodiles
I’ve been to fishing at Manton Dam
Wow! Kakadu National Park is so massive