A popular getaway from Darwin is Litchfield National Park. The gateway to this fascinating tropical park is Batchelor, where the Butterfly Farm is well worth a visit. The National Park is famed for its magnificent waterfalls, including Wangi Falls, and its giant magnetic termite mounds. Much of the park remains accessible by 2WD throughout the year although flooding in the wet season can close some 4WD tracks. In the park, you can relax and swim in the pools beneath the waterfalls, but take care to observe signs warning of strong currents in some of the pools. Visit the "Lost City", a collection of weathered sandstone pillars. The park has a network of short and longer bushwalks through its varied terrain. It is also a popular destination with birdwatchers who may see some interesting species.

A visit to Katherine is a great getaway from Darwin, especially for a long weekend. Here, you can bask in the warm water of Katherine Hot Springs, visit historic Springvale Homestead and go underground in Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park. However, without a doubt, the most spectacular place to visit in the area is Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, with its spectacular gorges separated by rapids. The best way to see the gorges is by boat. Daily boat tours travel through some of the gorges and highlight the Aboriginal rock art high on the cliffs, or you can hire a canoe for a day or with a camping stop overnight. A scenic flight in a light plane or helicopter allows you to see the full splendour of the gorge and river system. For the bushwalker, the park has over 100 km of marked walking trails. The Nitmiluk Centre has a fascinating display about the park, a great lookout and a café.

Fishing

The waters around Darwin offer a huge range of fishing experiences, from the famous barramundi to big game species such as marlin and sailfish. For the less experienced angler, a fishing tour is a great introduction to the sport in the area. An experienced fishing guide will be able to show you the best spots so you make the most of your time on the water. Try this great helicopter fishing tour for the adventure of your life.