- DESTINATIONS / Australia
- 5 April 2020
LOCATED CLOSER TO BALI than it is to Sydney, Darwin is sometimes referred to as Australia’s frontier – and this tropical city certainly has a laid-back, quintessentially Australian vibe that is utterly unique.
Expect dramatic sunsets overlooking the Timor Sea, relaxed alfresco restaurants, Indigenous art galleries, and an exotic mix of nationalities and cuisines.
Then, take time to explore the emerald rock pools and croc-infested rivers of the lush Kakadu National Park or venture deep into the red centre where Uluru rises up over a hauntingly beautiful landscape and emus and kangaroos roam the desert sands. Feel alive in the Northern Territory …
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Two-hour cruises on the breathtaking Yellow Water Billabong will take you on a remarkable journey through the region’s wetlands, exposing you to its rich wildlife and dramatic scenery. You’ll also spot wildlife on the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise along the East Alligator River, as well as learn traditional bush skills and hear creation stories from your Aboriginal guides. Watching the birds mass above the billabongs of Kakadu is one of the Top End’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
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Forget leaping lions or flying fish: nothing gives you a thrill like getting splashed by a five-metre crocodile as it propels itself out of the water with lighting speed beside your boat.
The Adelaide River near Darwin has one of the highest concentrations of saltwater crocodiles in the world and is the only place where you can join a Jumping Crocodile Cruise. Combined with a Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tour of surrounding wetlands, it’s an unforgettable day out.
There are many ways to explore the vast wetlands of Bamurru Plains’ working buffalo station and luxury lodge – whether on an open-top safari truck, by quad bike, on a river cruise or fishing charter, on foot or with a guide.
The most exhilarating option of all is by airboat, skimming across the lily-covered floodplains as a hundred thousand magpie geese fill the sky. Bamurru also offers private day trips into Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
The Katherine River carves a deep chasm through towering red sandstone cliffs to form 13 spectacular gorges, each separated by a tumble of boulders and rushing rapids. Explore by canoe or take a cruise with Nitmiluk Tours.
On their adventure-swimming and rock-art tours, the helicopter lands at a rock pool so remote you won’t find it on a map. Extend the experience with a stay at the luxe Cicada Lodge and enjoy a lavish dinner featuring native foods.
The inland billabongs, tidal rivers, mangrove-lined estuaries and pristine coastal waters make the Top End one of the country’s best sport fishing destinations. And the fish everyone wants to catch is the barramundi – one of Australia’s favourite eating fish and a famed fighter to boot.
In this region, it’s not uncommon to catch a 10-kilogram fish, with plenty weighing even more. Darwin-based operator Helifish can take you to remote spots by helicopter where the barra practically leap onto your hook.
Be whisked down to Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock) by private jet for a night sleeping beside the famous red monolith, which is at its most spectacular at dawn and dusk as it changes colours under a shifting sky.
Glamp it up at Longitude 131° luxury wilderness camp where you can watch Uluru emerge from the darkness without even leaving your soft bed. Enjoy the resort’s dune-top spa, pool and private dining, soaking in the view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta under a starry outback sky.
While visiting Uluru, a private guided tour with SEIT Outback Australia gives you the opportunity to meet unique Australian wildlife, as well as gain an insight into how the local people live and survive in such an extreme environment. Kids and adults alike love learning how to throw spears, tasting bush tucker and getting up close to the mammals, birds and reptiles. Australia’s Red Centre is home to some of the world’s most fascinating creatures, but spotting them can be difficult if you don’t know where to look.