Darwin & Surroundings

Darwin was founded as Australia's most northerly harbor port in 1869, and its population rapidly expanded after the discovery of gold at nearby Pine Creek in 1871. World War II put the city on the map as a major allied military base for troops fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. Darwin again made world news when the city was rebuilt in the wake of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. More than 50 nationalities make up its 100,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at its weekly markets, the variety of restaurants and through its annual calendar of festivals and events.

Kakadu National Park and adjacent Arnhem Land comprise more than 42,000 square miles in the north-east corner of the Northern Territory. Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia. It contains one of the highest concentrated areas of aboriginal rock art sites in the world; the most famous examples are at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. Nature and wildlife abound in this area, which is known for its level of biodiversity. Closer to Darwin is the Mary River region. This area is renowned for its wetlands and wildlife, and is home to millions of birds, saltwater crocodiles and fish, including the mighty barramundi, which makes it a fishing hot spot. If you add this to your Wish List we will organize a 3 day excursion into the heart of Kakadu.

The 600 square mile Litchfield National Park is an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Darwin and can be enjoyed in a full day. The Park includes including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades. The Park also encloses much of the spectacular Tabletop Range, which is a wide sandstone plateau mostly surrounded by cliffs. The Park's traditional owners are the Wagait Aboriginal people, many of whom live in the area. The main attractions are permanent spring fed waterfalls of Florence, Tolmer and Wangi, cascades at Buley Rockhole, magnetic termite mounds, and a wildlife cruise along the majestic Reynolds River. Sealed roads link all main attractions.

Wholly aboriginal owned, the 35,000 square miles of Arnhem Land is known for its strong aboriginal culture, towering escarpments, wild coastline, savannah woodlands, lush wetlands and prolific wildlife. This massive land is one of the last great unspoiled areas of the world. Its small population is predominantly indigenous aboriginal people and their culture remains largely intact. The area is world-renowned for its distinctive, authentic Aboriginal art. Arnhem Land is real adventure territory. Most travellers fly in or visit Arnhem Land on a four-wheel drive tour and if you add this adventure experience to your Wish List we will include a 3 day escorted excursion in your itinerary.

For those who enjoy a driving challenge uplanit.com offers two fascinating self drives. The first is a 2 day drive from Darwin to Alice Springs. Don't look for fast changing scenery, you are driving though the Outback! The second is one of the great drives of Australia, from Darwin to Perth and a minimum of 3 weeks should be allowed. Both journeys provide fascinating stopover opportunities en-route. If either of these challenges appeal add this to your Wish List and we will contact you with all the details you will need. Neither are dangerous but they take good planning, common sense and a love of driving long distances.