Set in the tropics, the climate is cooler and dry from May to October, and April to November brings tropical storms and hot days. Bring some warm clothes but expect clear skies and incredible sunsets overlooking the ocean. Always come prepared with plenty of water if you are travelling out of the city, and remember that you can’t swim in the ocean or rivers unless there is a sign that says you can. Crocodiles and sharks are also a few of the locals.

You could spend a week enjoying the city of Darwin alone. One favourite of mine is the Thursday night / Sunday afternoon markets, located on the waterfront at Mindil Beach. Locals and tourists alike can be found here sampling the local cuisine, enjoying the entertainment and relaxing along the beach strip. The best time to wander down is around 4pm, as you can stay to watch one of the most famous sunsets in Australia. Sunset cruises are popular, or enjoy a glass of wine (with the multitudes) on the sand.

A great family event is the Aqua Scene Fish feeding. For decades at high tide the fish arrive in the droves to be hand fed. Fantastic for a Kodak moment, this is a must do! Expect to feed fish like the famous barramundi, bream and catfish.

Crocodylus Park is another well known attraction, which old and young alike will enjoy. You will find buffalos, emus, ostriches, iguanas and more, with crocodile shows throughout the day. This is a safe environment to see the well known wildlife that the kids will pester you to visit until you bring them here.

For a great night out, head to the Darwin Wharf Marina. Leave early as it is very popular, with fantastic views of the sunset, and plenty of seafood restaurants and delicious meal selections combining to bring a relaxing atmosphere. It is common for huge fish to swim below waiting for food to nibble on.

Afterwards, you could head to The Deckchair Cinema down the road, where you can enjoy an outdoor movie with the added bonus of the Darwin Harbour and starlit sky as a backdrop. Where else could you experience this?

My first impressions of the Museum and Art Gallery were of awe and wonder at how many collections of bird, mammal, reptile, insect displays, boats and ships, history and artwork could be found in the one place. There is an interactive room based the devastation of Cyclone Tracy which even has a recording of the actual event. Amazing!

Just a ferry trip away, the town of Mandorah is steeped in Aboriginal history, and there are great fishing spots not far from the jetty. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a drive around the top of the top end.

About 45 minutes out of town, the Territory Wildlife Park is fantastic for the whole family. There are long walking trails that take you through plenty of exhibits, with a nocturnal house, aviary, monsoon forest walk and all of the animals you would expect to find in the Territory. You need at least 3-4 hours to make the most of this vast park which stretches across 1000 acres.

Double up with a trip to Berry Springs Nature Park afterwards for a refreshing swim in the natural pools. Enjoy the rock waterfalls, and watch out for the little fish that try to nibble your toes.

The picture perfect views in the Kakadu National Park cannot be compared with any worldwide destination. You need a couple of days to get into the heart of Kakadu, and there are a number of camping sites located in the park. The Wet season is the best time to visit where you will experience incredible birdlife, scenery and of course crocodiles. It is advised to visit Alligator River with an experienced guide for obvious safety reasons.

Litchfield National Park is close to two hours out of Darwin, and apart from Kakadu, truly is an oasis in the desert. From the Tabletop Range to the cascading waterfalls and tropical paradise below, there is so much to see here. There are walking trails and camping spots scattered around the park. This is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten track.

Known for its aboriginal culture, vast horizons and magnificent scenery, Darwin has something for everyone. Enjoy the freedom of a campervan hire and choose when and where you will embark on your next adventure, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

-Jenny

Stay tuned, in my next post I will writing about my journey to the United States. I will be renting a car and taking a road trip across America; route 66 make way for Jenny!

Kakadu National Park is also ideal for a campervan holiday, with plenty of caravan parks for the stream of locals and tourists that all visit with one thing in mind, to experience the hidden treasure Kakadu boasts worldwide. With almost twenty thousand kilometres of swamps and terrain, this is Australia at its rawest.

There is also great respect here for the ancient aboriginal traditions and cultures that feature predominately in this area. The wet (October – April) and dry (May – September) seasons are so distinctive. In the dry the roads are all open so you can access nearly all the main attractions. There is not as much rain so the camping parks are ideal. However, there are a lot of tourists during this time, and there is not as much water in the river systems.

Visit in the wet and there will be less tourists, lower prices and plenty of wildlife. Everywhere you look there is colour and scenery, and even if you have to put up with a storm or two, this will add to the adventure of your outback holiday. Just make sure you pack insect spray, and some of the minor roads could be closed.

The South Alligator River is at the heart of Kakadu, and is one of the most popular places to visit as the vast river is teeming with wildlife. At Cooinda, the Yellow Water Billabong Cruises are one of many you can embark on to experience the richness of the river system, and you are guaranteed to see a crocodile or two. The sunsets here are indescribable, with a viewing platform the favourite place to enjoy nature at its best.

Plant lovers will feel right at home too, with over a thousand species to choose from (if you had to count). The large water lilies are dotted on the banks of most rivers systems, and are quite spectacular with their common deep purple or pink flowers. Birdwatchers flock to this region, due to the fact that a third of Australia’s birds can be found here. You could spend a day awestruck at the abundance of wildlife that could be seen in one place alone. All levels of bushwalkers will be in for a treat, with plenty of trails taking you to some fantastic viewpoints. There are aboriginal art sites that take you on a journey through time, wetlands brimming with birdlife and reptiles, and gorges that lead you to gorgeous waterfalls and a place to rest. Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls are the most accessible, and worth the hike.

My journey into these amazing wetlands was simply breathtaking. I had an eye out for crocodiles for the first day, slightly nervous at the prospect of being face to face with a man eating reptile, but after a while the warning signs became a part of the scenery, and as long as we stayed on the right paths we could relax and enjoy the lush wonderland that can only be found in the top end of Australia.

Nights are hard to describe. There are the ever present noises from the many bats, dingos, possums or noctural creatures that roam the undergrowth. You do feel closer to nature than ever before as gaze at the canopy of stars and appreciate the safety of your home away from home.

Whatever time you visit, plan to stay at least a few days to capture the sheer wonder of Kakadu. So what are you waiting for,  hire a car, or hire a campervan and get set for the experience of a lifetime.

Darwin is mostly used as a base from which explorations of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks are made. The varied landscapes of Kakadu are only a couple of hours drive away, althugh you will need at least a couple of days if you want to appreciate the Aboriginal heritage, hordes of wildlife and stunning scenery.

Litchfield, to the south, is even closer, and some say even nicer to visit than Kakadu. It is famous for having numerous waterfalls and high gorges, in which there are plenty of rock pools that have no crocodile inhabitants and are safe to swim in.

In Darwin itself you can get up close and personal with crocodiles and other animals in a safe environment at Crocodylus Park. You should also not miss Aquascene, a spot right in the heart of the city where thousands of fish come to shore to be hand fed by people on the bank and in the water. If youre in town on a Thursday or Sunday dont miss the Mindil Markets, which are a lively, fun and creative arena for displaying talents and selling goods!

Although the heat can sometimes be stifling, there is relief in the form of frequent thunderstorms which also provide a bit of excitement and drama. There really is never a dull moment in Darwin, and to appreciate it to the maximum potential make use of the Discovery Car Hire booking service and secure yourself reliable car hire in Australia! Or for the more adventurous, campervan hire is a great way to experience Darwin and the surrounding area.