Darwin and surrounds
Aqua Scene Fish Feeding - It's a rare sight. Every day at high tide hundreds of fish come to shore to be fed by hand. Voted 'the most popular attraction' in tourism surveys, this unique activity is fun for all ages.
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre - An impressive presentation of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory's involvement in aviation both civic and military. From the early pioneers and record breakers through WWII and the Jet Age. Guided tours are run daily.
Australian Pearling Exhibition - located at the Darwin Wharf Precinct, is a fascinating and informative insight into the history and growth of the pearling industry in Northern Australian Waters.
Crocodylus Park - A unique world-class attraction, which brings to you the secret and exciting lives of the world's crocodilians, as revealed through the latest worldwide research. Other wildlife includes: primates, emus, cassowaries, ostriches, turtles, iguanas and a white buffalo.
Charles Darwin National Park - This waterfront park located close to the city was developed to show visitors the rich mangrove habitats of Darwin Harbour. Opportunities for a relaxing picnic just a short drive from the CBD make this a popular recreation spot for locals.
Cullen Bay Marina - Just a short trip from the City Centre discover the unique atmosphere of Cullen Bay. Relax with a cooling drink or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and bars located around the Marina, or take one of the cruise vessels and experience the glorious sunsets over Darwin Harbour.
Darwin Wharf Precinct - Situated adjacent to Darwin CBD, Stokes Hill Wharf offers the visitor al fresco eateries, seafood restaurant, South Sea pearls, great sunsets, and cool breezes. Throw a line in and catch your own fresh fish.
East Point Reserve & Lake Alexander - East Point Reserve is a 200-hectare recreation area with natural forest and mangroves, open parkland, public picnic and barbecue facilities, and saltwater swimming in the safety of Lake Alexander. Evidence of East Point's role in the defence of Darwin are the WWII gun emplacements and harbour defences located on the Point overlooking the Arafura Sea. East Point at dusk is a 'must visit' experience. Looking south across Fannie Bay towards the twinkling lights of the city, witness the amazing and ever different colours of the sky as the sun sinks slowly below the horizon.
Fannie Bay Goal - depicts the early Territory penal system and was in fact still in use until 1979, when the Berrimah Gaol was officially opened. Come and look inside a cell and see the conditions the prisoners of yesterday had to endure.
Indo Pacific Marine - is one of only four such living exhibits in the world. This highly acclaimed marine display presents the magnificence of live coral reef eco-systems in their natural beauty without filtration or feeding. Guided tours in air-conditioned comfort for maximum visitor appreciation.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens - Darwin Botanic Garden's 42 hectares showcase the flora of Northern Australia and other tropical habitats around the world. You can wander through rainforest, coastal fore dunes, mangroves and open woodlands, see orchids, aroids, bromeliads and other striking foliage plants up close. There are over 400 palm species alone growing in the gardens. There is also a self-guided Aboriginal Plant Use walk.
Museum & Art Gallery of the NT - covers many aspects of the region's art, natural sciences, history and culture. Fantastic collections on Aboriginal Art and culture, visual arts and crafts including pieces from the South-East Asia and Pacific regions, maritime archaeology and NT history. Great entertainment for all the family.
Lyons Cottage - also known as BAT (British Australian Telegraph House), is a fine example of early Darwin architecture housing a collection of European and Larrakia history.
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels - Constructed to protect Darwin's oil supplies from bombardment during WWII the tunnels extend from the Wharf and run under the city. The Tunnels now house an excellent photographic display of historic images of wartime activity in the Top End.
NT Parliament House - this beautiful building is a magnificent example of tropical architecture. The NT Library is also located here. Guided tours depart from the foyer at 10.00am and 12.00 noon every Saturday. Tours last 90 mins and are free though bookings are essential.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market - Each year, from April, and running through until the end of October, the Mindil Beach market folk come together for their world-famous 'show and sell'. Held every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon, the Market regularly attracts crowds of up to 15,000. It is by far Darwin's most popular market, with local produce, authentic fare from different countries, some of the most colourful Territorians plying their wares and services, and a galaxy of excellent street performers to keep you entertained.
Parap Village Markets - For 52 weeks of the year, every Saturday morning, come rain or shine, the Parap Markets is open for business. This market has become an institution with locals who just couldn't survive a weekend without their Saturday morning Laksa or choice of soups. It's set at a slower pace than Mindil Beach but possesses a charming intimacy not found elsewhere.

Kakadu national park
No visit to the Top End of the Northern Territory can ever be complete unless you experience the magnificent Kakadu National Park. It is supremely beautiful and immensely important for its Aboriginal history and unique ecology. The 19,000 square kilometre World Heritage listed park is 260km east of Darwin on the sealed Arnhem Highway. Most accessible in the dry season from May to September, it is at its most spectacular in the Wet as evening storms deluge the land creating massive lakes teaming with birdlife. Though you may not be able to see the entire park's most beautiful places, such as Jim Jim and Twin Falls, any time is the right time to go to Kakadu. What you do see you will never forget.
Allow as much time as you can to visit Kakadu. A day tour from Darwin is a great introduction, though if time permits stay overnight so you can give yourself at least two full days if you can. The park headquarters at Bowali, near the main town of Jabiru, and entry stations on the Arnhem and Kakadu Highways have detailed maps and brochures. You can see much of the park in a conventional vehicle but some areas are accessible only to four-wheel drives. Some roads are closed from the start of the Wet for six months.
Drive yourself or take one of the many guided tours from Darwin. Kakadu is a very varied and complex place, so even if you have a rental vehicle, take a guided day tour which concentrates on either Aboriginal culture or the environment. These generally operate in the dry season from Jabiru, though some are year round. At Kakadu there is a full range of accommodation. It is possible to camp out or stay in hotels ranging from budget to first class. Hotel/motel style accommodation is available at Cooinda, Jabiru and South Alligator River.

Bowali Visitor Centre - Kakadu Highway, 2.5 kms from Jabiru, Free of charge, Daily 8am to 5pm. Make sure that the Bowali Visitor Centre is the first stop on your visit to Kakadu. Informative displays and activities, and an extensive range of maps and fact sheets will help the visitor better understand and appreciate the unique qualities of Kakadu National Park
Jabiru - Driving to Kakadu you will invariably pass through this charming town - the winner of multiple Tidy Town Awards. The township of Jabiru was established after the commencement of mining operations in the area in the 1980's. Home to the famous 'Crocodile' Hotel, facilities in the town include a sports and social club, caravan park, shopping centre, bakery, service station and airstrip.
Jim Jim Falls - 60kms off Kakadu Highway, Seasonal Access only, Free of charge, 4WD only - No 2WD access. After the rains, when water the cascading thunders from the soaring sandstone escarpment, Jim Jim is an awe inspiring sight. During the Dry season the rock pool with its white sandy beach is permanent.
Maguk - 12 kms off the Kakadu Highway, Seasonal Access only, Free of charge. A 2kms return walk through the beautiful monsoon rainforest leads you to a small waterfall and clear plunge pool. The perfect spot to cool off after your walk and one of the many beautiful places in Kakadu.
Mamukala - 29 kms from Jabiru 1 km off the Arnhem Highway. Beautiful to visit all year round, Mamukala is at its most dramatic during the late Dry Season when thousands of Magpie Geese congregate here to feed. Walking trails, from 1 km to 3 kms, allow the visitor to see more of these wetlands. Well worth calling in to have a look.
Nourlangie Rock
12 kms off Kakadu Highway, Free of charge, Open all year round. A 1.5 km circular walk will take you past an ancient Aboriginal shelter and several outstanding displays of Aboriginal rock art. For the more adventurous visitor there is an opportunity to make a moderately steep climb to the Gunwarddehwardde Lookout - worth making to experience the impressive views over the Kakadu Escarpment and Nourlangie Rock.
Twin Falls - 70 kms off Kakadu Highway, Seasonal Access only, Free of charge. Twin Falls is accessible only by water. Take a leisurely half kilometre swim or float down on your airbed and you will be rewarded with a secluded crystalline sandy beach surrounded by dense forest - a tropical oasis. Two spectacular waterfalls plunge from the towering escarpment into the crystal clear plunge pool.
Ubirr - 40 kms from Jabiru, April - November 8.00am to Sunset, December - March 2.00pm to Sunset, Free of charge. Ubirr has fine examples of culturally priceless Aboriginal rock paintings and offers sweeping panoramic views over the surrounding Kakadu wetlands. Late afternoon visitors who take the time to climb Ubirr can witness the most stunning sunsets over the wetlands.
Warradjan Aboriginal Centre - 4.5 kms off Kakadu Highway, daily 9.00am to 5.00pm, Free of charge. The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre displays the creation era as interpreted by the Bininj people. Signs invite the visitor to move through the display as a Rainbow Serpent (creation ancestor) moves through the country.

Territory wildlife park
The Territory Wildlife Park is an excellent introduction to the wildlife of the Northern Territory. About 60 kilometres south of Darwin, the park covers 400 hectares (about 1000 acres) in natural bushland. There are 6 kilometres of walking trails through this multi-award winning park, and a free shuttle train link between major exhibits. It has an aquarium, aviaries, a nocturnal house featuring unique Australian animals which can be seen only at night, and a Birds of Prey Display where trained hawks and eagles fly free The beauty of the birds and the skill of their handlers is not to be missed. Allow at least four hours to enjoy the park where kangaroos roam free and there are hundreds of birds. Animals are kept in their natural habitats. The Territory Wildlife Park has a natural lagoon teeming with water birds and a Monsoon Forest Walk. Just 45 minutes drive from Darwin on the Cox Peninsula Road a few minutes off the Stuart Highway, the park is open daily from 8.30am to 6pm. Entry closes at 4pm, but two hours is simply not enough.

Arnhem Land
Arnhem Land is a huge area of Aboriginal territory occupying about 94,000 square kilometres right at the top of the Top End. It stretches from the Kakadu National Park north to the Arafura Sea and east to the Gulf of Carpentaria. There are only two areas accessible to visitors - the Cobourg Peninsula on the western edge of Arnhem Land and the Gove Peninsula at its eastern tip. The Cobourg Peninsula is almost totally given over to the 2200 square km Gurig National Park and is surrounded by the Cobourg Marine Park. It is one of the very best fishing spots in Australia with 250 recorded species including Barramundi and superb reef fish. The peninsula is paradise for light tackle anglers. The marine park is also home to many protected marine species including manta rays, dolphins, dugongs, turtles and crocodiles.

The only sure way to reach Gurig National Park is to take a 220 kilometre charter flight from Darwin. There is a road through from Jabiru in Kakadu, but it is strictly limited to four wheels drives and barely reliable even in the dry season from May to October. Whichever way you travel, you must have a permit to enter the park from the Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary and Marine Park Board.

The Gove Peninsula is a major bauxite mining area and much more accessible on scheduled flights from Darwin or charter aircraft to the main town, Nhulunbuy (Gove airport). Nhulunbuy is a modern seaside town of about 3500, 15km away from the Nabalco mine. The town is a major centre for Aboriginal art and craft and offers a big range of things to do. Fishing is excellent and the surrounding wetlands teem with bird and animal life, including buffalo, crocodiles and reptiles. Activities include snorkelling and scuba diving, reef walking, scenic flights, and sunset cruises. Spend a whole day with a Yolngu family and learn what traditional Aboriginal culture is about. Take part in daily activities such as food gathering, hunting, cooking and painting. Permits are required if you drive to Nhulunbuy or fly in and want to visit recreational areas around the town. Arnhem Land is remote, sparsely populated, beautiful and quite different to the rest of the territory.

Litchfield national park
Litchfield National Park is a largely pristine wilderness with monsoon rainforest, large groves of cycads (plants resembling palms), the impressive Tabletop Range and a network of creeks and waterfalls. You can drive from Darwin into the western corner of the park in two hours if you choose the partly unsealed Cox Peninsula Road, or take a little longer on sealed roads through Batchelor via the Stuart Highway and enter Litchfield from the east. Roads allow access to several waterfalls, though in most cases you have to take a hike before you can cool off in the pools below.

The easiest access is to Wangi Falls, which has a pool, barbecue facilities, and an interpretive walk. Buley Rockholes is a series of small waterfalls and rockholes also relatively easy to get to. It's a good spot to cool off on a hot day. Serious hikers can walk to the foot of Florence Falls, or you can drive to the viewing platform above. You will need a four wheel drive to reach an area known as the Lost City with its strange sandstone formations which look like buildings, statues, people and animals. The very pretty Tjaynera Falls on Sandy Creek is also 4WD country. It is a 3.5 km return trek to the falls from the parking area. Major falls are fed by springs so flow year round, but are particularly impressive in the Wet. Tolmer Falls is probably the most spectacular. Take your camera and a big picnic, and plenty of water. Visit the Magnetic Termite Mounds not far from the park entrance through Batchelor. Made by termites, they look like rows of gravestones.

Katherine
A short drive from Katherine in the Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge is actually a string of gorges cut by the Katherine River through the Arnhem Land Plateau. The two-hour small boat cruise through the main gorges is the most popular, but, water levels permitting, there is a full day excursion which takes in five gorges. There are several sites at the base of the sandstone escarpment where you can see Aboriginal rock art by the distant ancestors of the Jawoyn people. Canoes are available for hire, but stone bars separate the gorges and the upper reaches of the system involve difficult porterages. You can take to the sky in a helicopter and visit six gorges in a 15-minute flight and the whole system in 30. The views are spectacular. The best time to visit Katherine Gorge is between May and September as the river floods in the Wet season. Nitmiluk National Park covers about 290,000 hectares and has many marked walking trails, the longest of which takes five days! Camp sites are provided along walking trails and by the river for canoeists who want to camp out.

Nitmiluk Visitor Centre - located at Katherine Gorge. Information displays explain the geology, landscape and Aboriginal history of the National Park.
Nitmiluk National Park Leilyn - Edith Falls is part of the Nitmiluk National Park but has a different access to Katherine Gorge. Close to the car park at the base of Edith Falls is a large pandanus fringed plunge pool a popular swimming area. There are also some interesting walks in the park
Cutta Cutta Caves - located 27km south of Katherine. The Park covers 1499 hectares of limestone (Karst) landscape. The main feature of the park is the Cutta Cutta Caves. Guided tours are available into the cave. Next to the car park is a short "Tropical Wonderland" walk has been constructed for visitors to experience.
Katherine Hot Springs
Located a 5 minute drive from the town centre. The springs consist of a number of crystal clear pools winding through the trees then out to the Katherine River. The pools are a constant 32 degrees C a perfect swimming temperature to soothe away those aches and pains from travelling.
Katherine Museum - The Museum is located at the original Katherine Aerodrome at nearby Knott's Crossing. The Museum displays are housed in the original terminal buildings and provide an insight into the early history of the Katherine Region. Displays include information about early pastoral activities, World War II and communication. The main exhibit features the original De Havilland Gypsy Moth flown by the first 'flying doctor', Dr. Clive Fenton, which he used in providing medical assistance to remote stations.
Katherine Barra Farm - Located on the way to Katherine Gorge is this small farm set up for those wishing to catch that elusive barramundi. Fishing equipment and lessons are available on site as well as barbeques and an ablution block
Katherine School of the Air - The School of the Air is the World's largest classroom. Students are taught via radio and distance education material. Learn about education in remote areas of the Northern Territory and beyond.
Manyallaluk - is an aboriginal owned and operated tourism business which provides the opportunity to learn about the aboriginal culture in a family type setting. The name Manyallaluk (Ma-yalla-look) means frog dreaming and refers to a site just east of the community. To reach the Manyallaluk community, from Katherine drive south for about 50 kms, take the Mayallaluk turn off on your left, drive for 15 kms, then left again for about 35 kms.

Cullen Bay - A modern and attractive marina suburb built in the 1990's. Cullen Bay is the wealthy side of town with permanent boat moorings and a number of exclusive apartments and houses. The unique two stage loch protects the bay and its houses, from the 7m tidal movements in the harbour.

Cullen Bay has a selection of good restaurants and boutique stores. It is also the pick up point for a number of watersport and Harbour sunset tour operators. Recommended.

Deckchair Cinema - An open-air cinema, that operates for six months of the year during the Dry between May & November. The Cinema shows classic and alternative films. Bring a pillow to get really comfortable on the deck chairs.

Australian Aviation Heritage Hanger - This aviation museum displays a full size B52 bomber. It is one of only two displayed outside the USA. The hanger was specifically designed to house the B52 so it takes up a considerable space!

FISHING

Arafura Bluewater Charters - are based in Cullen bay, Darwin, northern territory and specialize in bluewater reef and game fishing charters.

Our day tours are an exceptional opportunity to make the catch of a lifetime.  Our experienced crew operates three fantastic and well equipped vessels the ocean fox, tere tiki and our new addition Wai Tui.  http://www.arafurablue.com.au/

Darwin Reef 'n' Wrecks Fishing Charters - is a locally owned and family operated professional tour company in Darwin, with many years experience offering exhilarating 1/2 Day Harbour, Sunset & Night fishing charters and 2-5 Day Top End Expeditions from Darwin.

Travis Bancroft and his experienced crew operate a fleet top-of-the-range and well-equipped vessels, all vessels have large shaded deck areas, toilets, sleeping bunks and comfortable seating for up to 13 anglers per vessel, all safety equipment, and are crewed by qualified and attentive fishing guides who'll assist you from baiting hooks to cleaning fish. And, upon request, they'll even arrange to pack your catch up in an airline-approved fish carry box to take home.

Darwin Reef 'n' Wrecks Fishing Charters cater for all experience levels, and the family pride themselves on providing a fishing experience never to be forgotten. All tours depart from Cullen Bay in Darwin, Northern Territory.

Gift vouchers

Trips/Packages  Personalised Itineraries

Services  Memory Photos, Rod & Reel Hire

Activities  Cruises, Fishing, Game fishing, Marine Animal Viewing, Sightseeing, Bottom Fishing, Estuary Fishing, Lure Fishing, Reef Fishing, Sports Fishing

Vessel Types  12 berth, Fishing Boat, Range of Vessels

Vessel Equipment  Inboard Diesel Motor(s), Cold Shower, Depth Sounder, Electric Winch, First Aid Equipment, GPS, Manuals & Charts, Safety Equipment, Satellite Navigation, Sea Phone, Shower, Solar Shower Hot Water Bag, Toilets, Two-way radio

Vessel Attributes  Dive Deck, Flying Bridge, Fully Equipped Galley, Lounge

Included in Tariff  Breakfast, Dinner, Hot/Cold Drinks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Bait & Tackle, Fishing Equipment, Fully Catered, Light Lunch, Morning Tea, Refreshments, Snacks, Sunscreen, The Catch!

Operating Times  7 Days/Week, Closed Christmas Day, Open Public Holidays, Closed New Years Day, Open School Holidays, Weather Dependant

What to Bring/Wear  Bag for Wet Gear, Casual Clothes, Equipment, Hat, Seasickness Tablets, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Towel, Video Camera/Camera

Payment Method  25% Deposit Required, All Major Credit Cards, Australian Traveller's Cheques, Bank Cheque, Cash, Cash Payments Accepted, EFTPOS, MasterCard, Most Major Credit Cards, Secure Online Payments, Visa, Visa, Mastercard, Deposit Required

http://www.totaltravel.com.au/link.asp?fid=628292

Darwin Harbour Cruises

 Visit the following sites for more information on cruising the Magnificent Darwin harbour!

1. http://www.australianharbourcruises.com.au/
2. http://www.darwinharbourcruises.com.au/public/index.php?pageid=10070
3. http://www.totaltravel.com.au/travel/nt/topend/darwin/directory/boating
4. http://www.darwincruises.com/
5. http://www.cityofdarwincruises.com.au/

Send mail to brianroby@westnet.com.au with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 12/16/07