(110km south-west of Darwin)

Trip duration: One day, or overnight to explore the area more fully.

DARWIN

Darwin is the capital of northern Australia, it is a lively modern place with a young population, easy going lifestyle and cosmopolitan atmosphere. In part this is thanks to Cyclone Tracy, which did a comprehensive job of flattening Darwin on Christmas day in 1974. As a result, Darwin was rebuilt becoming a brighter, smarter, sturdier place and development has continued into the ‘post-cyclone’ phase.

The main features to see are the splendidly tropical 34 hectare Botanical Gardens, the few surviving historical buildings, churches, memorials the Reserve Bank. the Supreme Court, Darwin’s busy harbour area and the Beaufort Darwin Centre and the Performing Arts Centre on the Esplanade overlooking the harbour.

A lookout on the Esplanade, commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the bombing of Darwin in 1942. Day cruises are available around the harbour.

There are several interesting place of worship in Darwin particularly the Chinese Temple. Visitors are welcome to inspect the interior. One of Darwin’s most historic hotels, the Old Victoria in Smith Street Mall, has been restored into a modern shopping complex, at the same time retaining its colonial character with ‘punkahs’ to cool the Balcony Bar.

For those with cultural interests, the city boast a theatre group which welcomes visitors participation in its workshops held in Brown’s Mart. Several art galleries, including some which feature the art and craft of Aboriginal people, can be seen in the city area.

The Diamond Beach Casino in Darwin is a few metres from the shores of Mindil Beach.

To reach Florence Falls, follow the Litchfield Park Road, a well-graded winding road, which leads through rocky hills to picnic grounds where the waterfalls cascade down steep escarpments to a deep rock pool.

Follow a one kilometre walk to Buley Rockhole. From here, drive to Tolmer Falls and on to Wangi Falls and the magnificent waterhole.

On the road
Drive down the Stuart Highway, known locally as "The Track", travelling via Batchelor, 105km from Darwin. Travel the ring road passing through scenic waterfall areas ending at Berry Springs Road. The town of Batchelor has a variety of restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets.

Must see

Litchfield National Park, is a protected area of rocky escarpments, clean running streams and tumbling waterfalls. Situated 100km south of Darwin, it features four spectacular waterfalls that flow throughout the year. Swimming, photography, wildlife observations and bushwalking, ranging from a 20 minute stroll to an extended wilderness walk, are all popular activities. The park offers a true taste of the Top End with rainforests, winding road and glimpses of local Aboriginal history and culture.

If you decide to return to Darwin via Berry Springs, visit the following attractions. Berry Springs, 58km from Darwin via the Stuart Highway, offers safe swimming in pleasantly warm water. The birdlife includes lorikeets, parrots and honeyeaters. Nearby Territory Wildlife Park comprises 400 ha of bushland which is home to animals native to the Northern Territory. There is also a rainforest aviary and huge nocturnal house.

For further information, contact:

Katherine Region Tourist Association

PO Box 555
Cnr Stuart Highway & Lindsay Avenue
KATHERINE NT 0850
Phone: (089) 72 2650
Fax: (089) 72 2969

Litchfield National Park - North Australia National Park

Acknowledgement

Images courtesy of Northern Territory Tourist Commission

Northern Territory Tourist Commission releases materials solely for the purpose of positive promotion of Northern Territory as a tourism and travel destination. Any breach of this copyright condition could result in legal action.

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