Top 9 things to do Between Darwin and Katherine (Northern Territory).

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When spending time in the Northern Territory in Australia here are so many amazing stops to make and things to do. I've made a little collection of 9 of the things I loved and would recommend people to stop by when they are in the area and want some beautiful nature experiences. Enjoy..

9. Darwin
As a state capital, Darwin is worth a visit. You would normally land here if you fly to NT, and spending the day exploring this 'Bush Capital' is a nice stop and gives a vibe on what the Northern Territory is about. Darwin is famous for its nightlife and people seem to be able to drink an enormous amount of alcohol. Besides the partying Darwin is a quaint kind-of-sleepy city where things only start to happen once the sun sets.

Watching sunset over the sea, Darwin, NT


Checking out the city from the viewpoint, Darwin, NT

8. Umbrawarra Gorge, NT

 This park protects a beautiful and isolated gorge with steep red cliffs. Take your time to wander through the gallery of nature. Umbrawarra should be visited if you like walking, rock hopping, swimming and exploring hidden and secret places few have gone before. The land belongs to the Wagiman People and has important Aboriginal significance. The rules of the park should always be obeyed whether you come for an hour walk or a weekend camping trip.

Umbrawarra Gorge, Northern Territory

Umbrawarra Gorge, Northern Territory

Umbrawarra Gorge, Northern Territory 


7. Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park, NT

Have you been sweating all day, drinking heaps of water and trying hard not to die in 40 degrees? Chill-out, relax and act all cool while jumping in Bitter Springs. Lay back in the spring-fed thermal pools and enjoy the tropical woodlands in Elsey National Park. Elsey National Park offers plenty of camping options if you want to spend time exploring much more here.
Bitter Springs, NT

Bitter Springs, NT

6. Mataranka Homestead and Rainbow Springs

Visit Mataranka to dig into and get a feel for the isolation and hardship these early settlers were facing. It is claimed that once you visit Mataranka, you'll Never Never leave. Mataranka offers hot Rainbow springs where you can cool off and beat the heat. These pools are surrounded by bat-inhabited palms. The chattering of the flying foxes can be heard no matter where you are in the area around the pools. If you like animals, this is an extraordinary encounter. You can sit in and hear them communicate, and even though it isn’t words you can tell these foxes are having a complex discussion.



5. Katherine Hot Springs

This splendid little haven gives you a shaded place to cool down and have a siesta when the heat is too much. The water is crystal clear, and just what you need on a hot day. The pools are constantly an idyllic 32 C. However, like everywhere around Katherine you need to watch out for Crocodiles. Saltwater Crocodiles are dangerous and can injure and kill humans, they occasionally swim into the hot springs undetected. Likewise, freshwater crocodiles inhabit the area and can be aggressive if disturbed. It is located close to Katherine, so when the locals get off work you can often meet and greet your mates here cooling off in the water.

Katherine Hot Springs, Katherine, NT

Katherine Hot Springs, Katherine, NT

Katherine Hot Springs, Katherine, NT

4. Nitmuluk National Park, NT

Nitmuluk consists of 13 majestic natural gorges carved through sandstone, with huge rocks and boulders separating each gorge. The weather is really hot in Nitmiluk, so seek out this treasure as early as possible.
When the temperature hits 40 C at the bottom it is generally around 50 C at the top and the sun is unforgivably burning, making it extremely hot as soon as it rises. That being said do not miss out on this spectacular place.
Insider tip: Want an experience out of the ordinary? Enjoy the sunset with a magnificent view from lookout points in Nitmiluk. Bring a bottle of white wine and some cheese and crackers and make it a sunset picnic. It is an extraordinary adventure.


Nitmuluk National Park, NT

Nitmuluk National Park, NT

Nitmuluk National Park, NT

3. Leliyn (Edith Falls), Nitmuluk, NT

Offers nice cooling-off in natural pools with beautiful waterfalls providing each pool with flowing fresh water. Trekking from the bottom pool to the top gives you amazing views and plenty of options to stop and catch your breath while pretending to just stop for a Kodak-moment. This is one of the places with no crocodiles and where the water is actually cold.

Edith Falls, Nitmuluk National Park, NT

2. Adelaide River

Opposite popular beliefs Saltwater Crocodiles do not only live in saltwater. On the Adelaide River, you can observe saltwater crocodiles as they leap from the water to snatch the raw meat that is being dangled around above them. You have to book a tour, as these are wild and dangerous animals. From the safety of the boat, you can spend an hour seeing how these enormous animals jump out of the water to get their lunch. 
Should you fall in the water the locals have told me that crocodiles are attracted to bright colors and splashing - so good luck.  



Catching saltwater crocodiles, Adelaide River, NT

Catching saltwater crocodiles, Adelaide River, NT

Catching saltwater crocodiles, Adelaide River, NT

1. Litchfield National Park, NT

Litchfield National Park is part of the woodlands. This 1500 km2 park holds spectacular waterfalls, and termite mounds three time your own size. Did you think termite mounds looked the same? Stand to be corrected. When just entering the park surreal, a tombstone-like field of giant termite mounds feels the green fields. These castles are built  on a north-south axis to protect the interiors from the intense sun. Next stop is the thundering falls and cool plunge pools where you can cool off and lay back and relax while the world runs its course.


Termite home, Litchfield National Park

Termite home, Litchfield National Park

Viewpoint, Litchfield National Park

Cooling of in the pool, Litchfield National Park


* All photos are private and taken by me

Location: Northern Territory, Australia

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