For the newbie exploring thinking of a wild one around Australia, the major metropolises of Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra plays like a highlights reel, all of them making it hard for you to pick a starting point. But forget about going east or trekking west because it’s Darwin that gets our vote more than any other, and a huge part of that is the day trips you can enjoy from here.
Everything from mesmeric waterfalls to spellbinding lagoons, wide rivers to ginormous national parks; this city really does deserve its moniker of being a truly tropical city.
The Mindblowing Mary River
An hour a bit along the Arnhem Highway and you’ll find yourself touching down in the Mary and Adelaide River region. To put this into adventure terms, you’re in the best place to see crocodiles jump out of the water on a river cruise. Yeah, you get to explore croc-infested waters and then witness crocodiles leap feet out of the water, the jaws wide open and their eyes locked on the buffalo meat hanging from a hook. Then, once you’ve got once you’ve gotten over this feast on the eyes, head down to the Fogg Dam Conservation Area, which is a wetland rife with amazing wildlife and rainforests prime for hiking.
The Lovely Litchfield National Park
If you want to wing this one, then pack a pair of swimmers, drive a couple of hours south, stopping only to gaze at the incredible feats of nature that are the magnetic termite mounds before making a splash in the Wangi and Florence Falls. If, however, you want to squeeze every last drop of adventure out of this day trip, then sign up for one of the OutbackFree tours and get taken to all the hotspots that will make your heart skip a beat – the cathedral termite mounds, the wallabies wandering these parts, Loopwalk through the Monsoon Forest and then take a dip in the most magnificent waterfalls you’ve ever seen.
Real Fun to be Had At Robin Falls
Of all the treks to be enjoyed in this area, it is the one along Robin Falls takes you along a creek to twin waterfalls so perfect it’s as if they’re made for a swimming (if you get there in the dry season between May and September that is). It’s a place for those that want to really up their Instagram game. Then, once you’re done splashing about in these idyllic pools, head to the Adelaide River Resort Pub for a late lunch, which is where they filmed the genius that is Crocodile Dundee. Trust us, lunch set amongst the trees here will blow your mind.
Sweet dreams To Be Had At Sweets Lagoon
If you were to ask us, then the best day trips are the ones that get your heart thumping and your hairs saluting, which is why you need to check out Sweets Lagoon and the Finniss River, which is where they caught Darwin’s infamous five-meter croc. Anyway, to really get the most out of this trip, sign up for one of the adventure tours here. Just make sure you sign up for a boat tour that offers a hot lap, which is basically when you cling on to the sides while the boat does a three-sixty spin. Anyway, to relax afterwards, head to the Berry Springs Nature Park. From amazing nature to swimming holes, this place has it all.
