Darwin Vacation Package

With its balmy nights, colourful characters and outdoor adventures, laid back Darwin, Australia's smallest state capital, is a great introduction to the Northern Territory and Australian Outback. The arts thrive here. As well as markets and setting off departure poits for crocodiles and adventure cruises, you'll find a strong Aboriginal cultural presence and vibrant Aboriginal art that fills the city's galleries and museums. The city's proximity to Asia means you'll also find strong Asian influences, especially in the food scene and the night markets.

Feast in true style at heritage listed admiralty house overlooking Darwin, Char Restaurant.

The night market is a great place to sample some Asian inspired cuisine.

The markets are the perfect place for some retail therapy as well, with many handmade trinkets for sale.

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or MAGNT offers a wide range of National art.

MAGNT is also full of information and displays of Australian native animals.

Kakadu National Park is just one of several national parks within driving distance of Darwin. The World Heritage Kakadu is the biggest in Australia, covering an area of 7,646 sq miles.

The terrain includes vast wetlands, rivers and sandstone escarpments and is home to some 2,000 plant species and wildlife from saltwater crocodiles and flatback turtles to incredible birdlife. 

This unique archaeological and ethnological reserve has been inhabited continuously for more than 40,000 years. The cave paintings, rock carvings and archaeological sites record the skills and way of life of the region’s inhabitants, from the hunter-gatherers of prehistoric times to the Aboriginal people still living there. 

This is a part of Australia we have grown to appreciate over the course of our many visits, both in the dry and wet seasons. The beauty of Kakadu National Park and the incredible wildlife found here, especially the birdlife that migrates from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to the north, is awesome.

Seen here on the map its easy to see how Kakadu is Australia's largest National park, taking up a

huge part of the Northern Territory.

The entrance to Kakadu National Park.

Aboriginal rock drawings and paintings are a must see when in Kakadu.

One of the many stunning waterfalls to be seen within the park.

Due to the salt water crocodiles abundant population in Kakadu there are many chances to spot 

them in their natural habitat.

The wetlands within the park creating an eco-system for many plant and animal species.

In 1971 the Australian saltwater crocodile was thought to be facing extinction and declared a protected species. Today there are more than 80,000 of them roaming the Northern Australia waterways, but they are rarely ever seen. 

The crocodile is a cold blooded animal and in the cooler months of June, July and August you can see them basking in the sun. In the warmer months crocodiles bury themselves in the mud or hide under the shade of a tree. They know the boats that visit each day and they leave their place of hiding, knowing they might be fed. 

The 'crocs'  have learned to jump out of the water to snag small pieces of meat dangled from lines, offering a up-close view of these aggressive and dangerous reptiles in the wild.

Located about 40-miles east of Darwin on the Adelaide River, the Jumping Crocodile Tour has been in operation since 1985. An ex-crocodile hunter who wanted to find a way to continue to make a living from his beloved crocs began the tour. 

Then along came the international success of Paul Hogan and the Crocodile Dundee movies and that ensured the success of the venture. Today the Jumping Croc Tour is one of the most popular tour destinations in the Northern Territory. 

The Adelaide river has a large population of these incredible prehistoric beasts.

The crocodiles have become accustomed to "jumping" out of the water for meat giving you a very close view.

The boat cruises the river and creates the perfect angles for some splendid photo opportunities.

The "Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise" river boat.

This is a favorite meeting place for visitors to Darwin. Friendly wharf retailers offer fresh seafood and the best Asian cuisine in one of the city's largest outdoor eateries, set against panoramic harbour views. 

Learn about local marine life at nearby Indo Pacific Marine, sample seafood at Ocean Fresh and take a scenic walk along the new waterfront promenade skirting the iconic Darwin Convention Centre, an architectural masterpiece, creating an eye-catching focal point for the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.

The inviting man-made crystal blue waters of the Wave Lagoon is at the centre of the precinct with 10 different wave patterns to excite people of all ages. 

The cool, aquamarine water of the nearby Recreation Lagoon laps at a sandy beach perfect for sand castles or a place to relax and enjoy a safe swim to escape the tropical heat. 

Just like the ocean, the Recreation Lagoon is a natural ecosystem with fish, algae and small Cassiopeia jellyfish.

The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is connected to the heart of Darwin city by a Sky Bridge and the Smith Street East Walkway. A piece of art in its own right, the Smith Street East Walkway is lined with shady raintrees. Take a stroll through it to the Smith Street Mall, scenic parklands of Civic Park, the old Town Hall ruins and Parliament House in State Square. Intricate artifacts, symbolic construction materials and interpretative signs along the walkway explain Darwin’s history and progress.

Catch up with friends or colleagues at the Coffee Club, Fiddlers Green, Il Lido, Ocean Fresh or Curve Cafe and Bar.

Fresh fish down by the harbor at 'Ocean Fresh'.

The Darwin Convention Center with the wave pool in the foreground.

The lagoon and wave pool offer a safe and wonderful family environment for swimming and relaxing.

Discover rich history in cultural precinct

A network of walkways, promenades and decks lets visitors walk, jog or ride between the land and water, spanning both new and historical landmarks of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.

A heritage and cultural trail, marked out by an informative map, retraces the steps of early settlers. The trail provides an inspirational journey through Darwin’s maritime history, Larrakia sacred sites, oil storage tunnels and the site where the first Japanese bomb fell in 1942.

Enjoy a walk or take the family for a bike ride along the waterfront promenades to appreciate the peaceful, parkland setting and views of Darwin Harbour.

Intriguing public art is well-placed along the promenades and pays homage to the characters, forebears, culture and rich history of Darwin’s vibrant city.

For a truly tropical experience from a past era, watch a movie at the Deck Chair Cinema, located at the end of Kitchener Drive on the foreshore of old Lameroo Beach. Enjoy one of the classics in the outdoor cinema or catch a new movie release.

An overpass connecting the city to the harbor.

The outdoor deck chair cinema is a fantastic way to end an evening in Darwin.

Cycling is a great way to take in the city with pathways leading down to the harbor and alongside beaches.