Kakadu
Australia's best known national park is world heritage listed for both its natural and cultural importance. Most who visit the Territory do so specifically to see this magnificent wilderness area. It is a real trip in more ways than one. You can look at 2 0,000 year old artwork painted on rocks, without the barriers, security guards and chardonnay set you might find in a more traditional art gallery. The rock-art 'galleries' at Nourlangie and Ubirr being the most significant of the public sights. Then there is the thousands of Freshwater and Saltwater Crocs kicking it in the tropical sun without a khaki wearing lunatic in sight. Although the odd guide, and some of them really are odd, will try to manhandle various wild animals especially when there's a couple of European girls in the crowd. But on a more serious note the Kakadu National Park is a truly wondrous area with hugely diverse species of flora and fauna. Over a third of all bird species in Australia live here as do thousands of species of mammals, insects and reptiles. Only a few hours from Darwin, there is no better way to see the Kakadu than with one of the many local tour companies that organise brilliant trips into the region. On the way most will stop at Jim Jim and Twin Falls, two of the most dramatic waterfalls in the Top End. All the tours we have listed in this section come highly recommended. For the real adventurer we can let you in on a little secret. Look for the underwater caves, you may even see someone swim through them. All the companies listed below provide fantastic tours into this region.
Litchfield
The less renowned but equally impressive Litchfield National Park is a popular day trip destination for travellers to the Top End. The main attractions are the abundant waterfalls and swimming holes which are largely crocodile free, making it a cool place to have a bit of a mince and swim without fear of ending up in a Steve Irwin style wrestle with a croc. Also got to mention the miles and miles of termite mounds that look like outback graveyards. The best day trips to this area are Kakadu Dreams and Wilderness 4WD. Both offer a good value day out which includes morning tea, lunch and water.