NORTHERN TERRITORY

Australia offers you many unique sights and curious, delightful and awe inspiring travelling experiences. Choose where you will visit taking into account a comfortable travelling pace for you and what particularly excites your interest. This campervan holiday is a wonderful opportunity to unwind and savour what is on offer: natural beauty, great food and wine and the thrill of much exploring and adventuring. The following are possible locations you may wish to explore in the Northern Territory. Visiting them all may take a longer time than you have available, so choose a broad area of particular interest to you and focus your attention there.

Darwin
Darwin is the multi cultural capital of the Northern Territory known for its tropical weather, rich indigenous culture, national parks and laid back lifestyle. It hosts hosting many markets, festivals and outdoor events. Litchfield National Park Litchfield National park is an aesthetically stunning landscape, shaped by water and time, culturally rich and steeped in history. There are thundering falls, walks to the Tabletop Range, rainforest pockets, historic sites, the intriguing magnetic termite mounds, pardanus lined pools and 4 wheel drive tracks.

DARWIN INFORMATION

Safety Tips
Never drive at night, dusk or dawn. The wildlife in the Top End is everywhere!
Always carry plenty of drinking water Always refuel and top up the water tanks whenever you have the opportunity

Crocodiles:
Two types of crocodiles inhabit Kakadu - estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles and freshwater crocodiles: 
Estuarine crocodiles live in fresh, estuarine and saltwater environments, such as floodplains, billabongs, rivers and coastal waters. They are aggressive and dangerous and have attacked and killed people in Kakadu. 
Freshwater crocodiles generally inhabit the upper reaches of freshwater creeks and rivers. They are usually shy animals but can become aggressive if disturbed, particularly during the breeding season (September and October).
Your safety
• Look out for crocodile signs
• Obey 'no swimming' warnings
• Remove rubbish from your campsite: it can attract crocodiles
• Scale and clean fish at least 50m away from the water's edge
• When camping in areas near water bodies, set up the tents at least 50 metres from the water's edge
• Do not approach freshwater or estuarine crocodiles.

Mosquitos:
Insects such as mosquitoes can carry and transmit very debilitating viruses - the Ross River virus is an example - so always cover up and if necessary use a tropical strength repellent.

Darwin Information Sheet
Accommodation Options

1. Darwin Free Spirit Resort
Nestled amongst lush gardens and swaying palms and situated just 15 minutes drive south of the Darwin CBD, is Darwin FreeSpirit Resort. Darwin FreeSpirit Resort is an excellent holiday destination for your next family holiday. Powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites offer plenty of shade. Some of the Premium Powered Sites even give you access to your own private bathroom. Experience the magic of Darwin with its vibrant sunsets, amazing National Parks, get up close and personal with a Crocodile or take a leisurely stroll around the famous Mindil Beach Markets. After your day out sightseeing take a refreshing swim in one of the 3 resort pools, sip on an icy cold drink from the Palms Bar or enjoy a meal from the Poolside Bistro while the kids happily play on the giant jumping pillow.
Phone: 1800 350 888
Web: http://www.darwinfreespiritresort.com.au

2. Coolalinga Caravan Park
Conveniently located 26km south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway and just a short drive from Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Coolalinga is a great base for exploring the Top End. With facilities galore and clean, reasonably priced accommodation, the Coolalinga Caravan Park is your ideal one stop holiday spot. Coolalinga Caravan Park is situated on the Stuart Highway but most of the park is nestled far back from the highway with shady established gardens, peace and privacy. Perfect for the whole family, the park has wide open spaces for the kids, a lovely large swimming pool and it's only a short stroll to a major supermarket and additional small shops. The grounds are only a 10 minute drive to Palmerston, Darwin's 'satellite city' with a shopping centre and everything else you could possibly need, including
• Large Ensuite Sites
• Powered /Unpowered sites
• Large Shaded Camp Sites

The park is also handy to the Darwin Crocodile Farm, The Famous Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruse, Berry Springs Nature Park, The Territory Wildlife Park, fishing locations and lots more.
Phone: 08 8983 1026
Web: http://www.coolalingacaravanpark.com.au

Darwin Attractions

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
The world famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are renowned for awesome sunsets over the sea, in a relaxed, yet vibrant, tropical setting. The Mindil Beach Sunset Market will commence on the 29th April 2010 and will operate every Thursday and Sunday till the 28th October 2010. Thursday Markets are on from 5.00pm- 10.00pm and Sunday Markets are on from 4.00pm-9.00pm. There are many food stalls serving cuisine from five continents and over thirty different countries. With so much on offer, the hardest part is the choice. The market is famed for the huge range and quality of its art and craftwork. Visitors to the market get a taste of tropical life as stallholders converge on Mindil to sell their hand made wares. Crocodile, kangaroo and Barramundi products, Indigenous and Bush Art, clothing, sculpture, pottery, puppets, soaps and didgeridoos. You name it and it’s likely that you can get it at Mindil Beach. Book a tour, get a massage, have your palm read, have a Tarot reading, watch the buskers and performing artists, listen to the live bands or just kick back, eat great food and watch the sunset. Make sure you visit Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

Darwin Waterfront Precinct
A relatively new addition to Darwin the Waterfront Precinct offers something for everyone. Shopping, restaurants and cafes and of course the large safe swimming lagoon and wave pool. Wave Lagoon Darwin’s wave lagoon is a safe, stinger and crocodile-free wave and swimming lagoon. Including the shallow still water area for toddlers, the wave lagoon covers an area of 4,000 square metres. The lagoon depth varies from 2 metres at its deepest point with a slope to a depth of zero at the wet edge. The water is chlorinated salt and the lagoon has a concrete bottom. The wave lagoon is capable of a range of different waves up to 1.7 metres in height. The different wave types provide a range of experiences for all users and ensure the wave lagoon is suitable for the whole family – from boogie board riders to toddlers. Waves run on a cycle with a ten minute break in between.

Weather
Like all outdoor activities the Wave and Recreation Lagoons are affected by weather. From October to May wet season storms can pose a danger. Both lagoons will be evacuated if lightning is close by. If thunder is heard within 30 seconds or less after a lightning flash, lifeguards will evacuate both lagoons. All swimmers and visitors need to leave the water and lagoon areas to seek shelter. The Wave and Recreation Lagoons will be re-opened once the storm has receded and thunder is heard 30 seconds or more after a flash of lightning. For everyone’s safety listen to the lifeguard for instructions and obey immediately. Shade is provided at the Wave and Recreation Lagoon and everyone is encouraged to be sun smart by wearing hats, using sun cream and drinking plenty of water – which are available from various retail outlets around the Precinct including the Wave Lagoon kiosk. People are welcome to bring their own temporary, light-weight shade tents but nothing can be pegged into the ground without prior permission from the Darwin Waterfront Corporation.

Recreation Lagoon
A sea wall designed to protect the entire site from a 1:100 storm surge captures a permanent body of water providing for swimming and other water-based activities. Water is pumped in from the sea and the water quality is maintained through mechanical flushing and mixing. Mesh screens are in place to prevent marine stingers entering the Lagoon, and there is a stinger net providing more protection on the beach side. Further, lifeguards regularly drag and monitor the water and night spotting for marine stingers is carried out weekly. But, while the Darwin Waterfront Corporation takes all reasonable steps to ensure the Lagoon is free of marine stingers we can not guarantee this. A natural eco system exists including fish, algae, and Cassiopeia jellyfish. All play an important role maintaining a healthy environment. Large fish live in the Lagoon which at times have been known to brush up against swimmers. However, these large fish eat the jellyfish and we need them to keep the numbers down. If swimming with large fish isn’t the experience you are after then we encourage you to swim on the beach side of the stinger net, they are kept out of this area. Of course we will always monitor the situation and ask that people contact us if they have any concerns. Large fish will be removed periodically. As part of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation’s management plan water quality in the Lagoon is checked regularly. Swimmers are not to go beyond the floating pontoon as that side is a construction site. The Recreation Lagoon is free to use and lifeguards patrol the water seven days a week between 9am – 6pm. With the following exceptions: Christmas Day: Lifeguards on patrol between 2pm – 6pm. Weather Like all outdoor activities the Wave and Recreation Lagoons are affected by weather. From October to May wet season storms can pose a danger. Both lagoons will be evacuated if lightning is close by. If thunder is heard within 30 seconds or less after a lightning flash, lifeguards will evacuate both lagoons. All swimmers and visitors need to leave the water and lagoon areas to seek shelter. The Wave and Recreation Lagoons will be re-opened once the storm has receded and thunder is heard 30 seconds or more after a flash of lightning. For everyone’s safety listen to the lifeguard for instructions and obey immediately. Shade is provided at the Wave and Recreation Lagoon and everyone is encouraged to be sun smart by wearing hats, using sun cream and drinking plenty of water – which are available from various retail outlets around the Precinct including the Wave Lagoon kiosk. People are welcome to bring their own temporary, light-weight shade tents but nothing can be pegged into the ground without prior permission from the Darwin Waterfront Corporation.

Deckchair Cinema
Deckchair Cinema, operated by the Darwin Film Society, is unique in many ways. It is fully independent and screens films that are often otherwise unavailable to local audiences. Take a picnic and enjoy dinner while watching a Top End sunset an unbeatable experience. The Deckchair Cinema runs seven nights a week during the dry season (April – November) screening a range of movies from family favourites to festivals and foreign films. The kiosk sells wine – by the glass or bottle – beer, soft drinks and snacks as well as a range of Deckchair merchandise. The box office and kiosk open at 6.30pm every night allowing plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere. There are 250 deckchairs as well as about 100 straight-backed seats. They do supply some cushions, but recommend that people bring their own for extra comfort. Deckchair Cinema is accessible via the walkway from the Esplanade. This path has recently been upgraded and is well lit before and after each screening. The cinema is also accessible from the end of Kitchener Drive, turn right into Jervois Road, in the Wharf Precinct. There is plenty of parking available.
Ph: (08) 8941 4377
Web: http://www.deckchaircinema.com

WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
Opening hours May to September: Monday - Sunday 9 am - 4 pm October to April: Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays 9 am - 1 pm TUNNELS ARE CLOSED DURING DECEMBER & FEBRUARY Tickets are available at the tunnel entrance: Please call our friendly staff Ph(08) 8985 6333 Fax (08) 8985 6366 About the tunnels The World War II Oil Storage Tunnels were built during WWII by the Civil Construction Corps. This unique tourist attraction located in the Darwin Wharf Precinct on Kitchener Drive was reopened in 1992 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Located beneath the cliffs of Darwin city, a short walk from the city centre and the Esplanade this exciting tourist facility is self guided. Your well informed tour guide provides historical information relating to the concept of the tunnels. The WWII Tunnels these days feature a photographic display of Darwin during WWII including photographs of the brave men and women who served in the protection of our great country. How to get there A brief walk from the city past Survivors Lookout to the entrance of Tunnels 5 and 6 on the lower level Kitchener Drive. You may wish to incorporate a visit to the WWII oil Storage Tunnels with the Tour Tub City Sights tour. This option provides a $1 discount on entrance price.

Aquascene Fish Feeding
Aquascene Doctors Gully Darwin Northern Territory For a truly unique experience try Aquascene in Darwin. Hundreds of Fish visit the shallows of Doctors Gully every hide tide looking for a free meal. You can feed and even touch fish species including milkfish, bream, catfish, mullet and barramundi among others. A family experience not to be missed with Adults and Children alike sharing in the action. About Us This unique and increasingly popular attraction gives you an introduction to several of the marine species living off the Darwin coast. At high tide hundreds of fish come into the shallows looking for a free feed - and they certainly get it at Aquascene! It is a ritual that began in the late 1950's when a local resident threw scraps of food to a few mullet. Somehow word got around in the fish populace and now milkfish, bream, catfish and many other species join the mullet in the skirmish for a meal. The Experience Staff supply visitors with bread to feed the milling fish. Adults and childrens alike can wade in the warm waters while hand feeding the throng at the bottom of a sloping ramp. Tier seating is available for those who wish to throw food to the fish from a distance or to just sit and watch the activities. Recent expansions to the feeding area offer increased access to the fish and added comfort for visitors. Feeding Times Aquascene operates twelve months of the year and is open every day that the tides and weather permit (except Christmas Day). Opening times are totally dictated by tidal movements and change from day to day. It is therefore most important that any potential visitor check this information before going to see the fish feeding. Opening times are advertised in local publications - also available from accomodation houses, caravan parks and tourist information offices. Alternatively, you can telephone Admission Prices Entry Prices to Aquascene are as follows - ADULTS $11.00 - CHILDREN $7.00
Ph: (08) 8981 7837 or check online.
Web: http://www.aquascene.com.au

Crocosaurus Cove
If youre brave enough, come and visit Crocosaurus Cove and “swim” with the crocodiles! A large purpose built cage is lowered into one of the 4 croc enclosures for a dive encounter with a massive salt water crocodile. The cove is Open 9am – 6pm Check the website for more information and to book your up close and personal croc adventure!
Web: http://www.crocosauruscove.com/home

Crocodylus Park
Crocodylus Park, the brainchild of world-renowned crocodile biologist Professor Grahame Webb, was officially opened on 29 August 1994. It includes a unique, comprehensive crocodile museum through which the results of over three decades of crocodile research are extended to the public. There is no other museum like it! Outside, there are saltwater and freshwater crocodiles of all ages and sizes, and American alligators. Crocodiles range from small hatchings (30 cm) to giant 4-5 m long specimens, caught in the wild and relocated into sophisticated, unitised breeding pens. The breeding pens constitute 5-star accommodation for 20 pairs of crocodiles, and are used for research, production and tourism. Tourists can visit Crocodylus Park, the largest attraction in Darwin, to see crocodiles "close-up", to learn about their biology and ecology, to ponder the educational material in the museum, to see the collection of other animals (big cats, monkeys, birds, turtles, snakes,…) on display, and to have their curiosities satisfied with any questions. Regular daily tours, including crocodile feeding, leave no doubt as to the power, speed and stealth of these magnificent reptiles. Crocodylus Park is increasingly being used for functions during the day or at night because it provides a unique atmosphere, especially for visitors to the Northern Territory's "Top End". Totally owned and operated by Wildlife Management International (WMI), the staff of Crocodylus Park continue to research crocodiles and other species of wildlife, and promote the sustainable use of wildlife as a conservation tool. An arm of WMI, The Wildlife Company, puts that concept into practice, through the production and promotion of high quality leather products derived from managed resources. Crocodylus Park is an integral part of WMI's research and education efforts, and serves as a public education forum on crocodiles unequalled anywhere in the world. It is a great source of pride to all its staff. Travelling by Car Crocodylus Park is located at 815 McMillans Road, Knuckey Lagoon (opposite the entrance to the Berrimah Police Centre) overlooking Holmes Jungle Nature Reserve. Just five minutes drive from Darwin International Airport, and 15 minutes drive from the DARWIN CITY CENTRE.
Opening Hours Open 7 days, 9:00PM to 5:00PM (Except Christmas Day)
Telephone: (08) 8922 4500 [Australia] 
Street address: 815 McMillans Road, Berrimah, Northern Territory, Australia.

Territory Wildlife Park
Situated in Berry Springs, a 45 minute drive south of Darwin’s CBD, and conveniently located next door to Berry Springs Nature Reserve the Territory Wildlife Park truly is the Territory’s wildest wildlife experience! At the Territory Wildlife Park, not only do you see wildlife up-close in their natural habitats, you meet them walking through tree top aviaries, strolling around a natural lagoon and even get to interact with them during daily presentations. You stroll beneath the surface in our walk-through aquarium and meet some of the Top End’s most amazing aquatic life. You meet, nose to nose, with our giant Saltwater croc. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to a salty without risking a scratch! Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to visit the park, but I have heard it is brilliant and it will certainly be on the list for next time.
Open every day (except Christmas Day) 8.30am – 6.00pm

Kakadu & Surrounds Information
Another of the World Heritage listed sites in Australia, Kakadu National Park is jointly managed by its Aboriginal owners and the National Parks Service. Covering a large area the size of Israel it is very ecologically and biologically diverse. It contains 4 major river systems, a range of landforms and has a remarkably concentration of wildlife. It is also a major centre of Aboriginal culture and has some of the best examples of Aboriginal Rock Art in Australia. There are many salt water crocodiles in Kakadu and they needed to be treated with a great deal of caution.
Accommodation Options

Kakadu Park Pass
Kakadu National Park has re-introduced a park use fee to help manage the natural and cultural values of the park environment and improve visitor services. The $25 fee (which is inclusive of GST) applies to all interstate and international visitors aged 16 years and over. All Northern Territory residents and children under 16 are exempt. Visitors can buy their passes at any of these locations:

Tourism Top End, cnr Bennett and Smith Streets Darwin
Bowali Visitor Centre, Kakadu National Park
Gagudju Lodge,
Cooinda Goymarr Interpretive Centre,
Mary River Roadhouse southern entrance to Kakadu
Aurora, Kakadu South Alligator, Arnhem Highway
Katherine Visitor Information Centre, cnr Lindsay Street and Katherine Terrace, Katherine

1. Mary River Park 
Halfway between Darwin and Kakadu, Mary river Park allows you to travel in comfort and take timeout to appreciate the landscape. Beautiful walking tracks at your doorstep, powered sites and camping sites surrounded by lush green grass all year round with lots of shade. Restaurant bar and pool for your complete relaxation Enjoy this accessible wilderness area with river tours, sunset river cruise including dinner, wetland safari, fishing and bird watching. We also offer powered and unpowered camping sites nestled between the shady trees or out in the open on our lush green grass, near the banks of the Mary River. All visitors have access to our swimming pool, bar and restaurant, walking tracks and wireless internet.
Ph: +61 08 8978 8877
Web: http://www.maryriverpark.com.au

2. Kakadu Lodge 
Kakadu Lodge is located on Jabiru Drive, Jabiru, Kakadu National Park. Kakadu Lodge is located 260 kms from Darwin and approximately 300 kms from Katherine. Kakadu Lodge has excellent facilities and services to make your stay enjoyable and relaxing, including the following: Front Desk 8am - 6pm Guest Laundry Relaxing BBQ area Free Parking Lagoon Style Swimming Pool/Spa Safety Deposit Box at Front Desk Free Tour Booking Service Baggage Hold Licensed Poolside Bar & Bistro Souvenir Shop and Kiosk
Ph: 1800 811 154
Web: http://www.auroraresorts.com.au/Accommodation/AuroraKakaduSouthAlligator/tabid/124/language/en-US/Default.aspx

3. Gagudju Lodge Cooinda
 Situated 3 hours from Darwin, Gagudju Lodge Cooinda offers convenient access to Kakadu National Park attractions. Take the Stuart Highway south from Darwin, then transfer to the Arnhem Highway towards Jabiru. Travel approximately 225 kilometres then turnoff to the Pine Creek Highway and travel 54 kilometres to the Cooinda turnoff. With full use of all leisure facilities, the camping ground and caravan park provides facilities for all travellers on any budget: independent group, backpacker, family and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
It contains:
• 80 powered sites
• 300 unpowered sites
Ph: +61 8 8979 0145
Web: http://www.gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au

4. Lakeview Park Kakadu 
Self-contained budget accommodation in Kakadu National Park. Located in Jabiru with easy access to all town facilities. Off street parking for cars & boats Cultural & scenic tours available. Lush tropical setting The only ensuite sites in Kakadu National Park Ample parking for boats and caravans Private ensuite toilet and shower facilities Features:
• Caravan or camper van site
• Power and water connections
• Parking for boats and trailers
• Shared gas BBQs
• Guest laundry facilites
Ph: 08 8979 3144
Web: http://www.lakeviewkakadu.com.au

Kakadu Attractions
Jumping Crocodile Cruises This is a really “Touristy” experience but well worth the money. There are quite a few options available and Adelaide River Queen Cruises are on the main highway.
http://www.jumpingcrocodilecruises.com.au/

Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre:
Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre Travel approximately 60km from Darwin along the Stuart and Arnhem Highways. You'll easily see the upswept line of the Visitors Centre roof, which reflects the contours of the hills in the area. There is a steep walk from the car park to the entrance of the Visitor Centre. However, a drop-off area is provided for less able passengers. Entry is free, and the Visitor Centre is open every day from 8.00am to 7.00pm. A visit to Window on the Wetlands can be combined with visits to nearby Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve.

Kakadu National Park Info
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/ Kakadu Travel Planner http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/kakadu/pubs/holiday_planner_eng.pdf

Jim Jim and Twin Falls
This is a fantastic day tour. The walk in is just about as awesome as the end result. I actually took the tour with Kakadu Tours and found Anja to be a wonderful guide with loads of local and cultural knowledge. The walk requires a reasonable level of fitness and really small children might find it a struggle. My then 6 year old son coped with it well, but was utterly exhausted by the end of the day - 6.30am – 6.30pm
http://kakadutours.net.au/

Bowali Visitors Centre:
Turn west off the Kakadu Highway, 5km west of Jabiru. Park staff are available to provide information to you. Videos, displays and a library are also available to assist you in planning your visit. Visitor Centre open 8.00am to 5.00pm.Allow a few hours to explore the centre and learn a little more about Kakadu. Ubirr Rock Formation: A fantastic opportunity to see some Aboriginal art sites via an easy 1 km circular walking track. During Winter Park Rangers give free scheduled talks about the ancient rock art. A moderately steep 250m climb gives you access to a rocky outlook where you can watch the sunset, not to be missed.

Scenic Flights:
My family and I really enjoyed a flight over Kakadu with views over Arnhemland. Available from Jabiru airport. I would suggest avoiding really early flights as the view can be hazy.

Yellow Waters Cruise Cooinda:
Unfortunately we didn’t make it to this attraction, but it certainly won’t be missed next time. Its supposed to be amazing, particularly the sunrise and sunset cruises when the animals are at their most active. Expect to see crocodiles, birds, fresh water mangroves and exotic tropical trees and more.

Nourlangie Rock Art Gallery:
This is a significant Aboriginal rock art site approx 30kms out of Jabiru and is arranged on a 1.5km circular walk. Its a very busy spot but well worth a look if of interest to you.

Katherine Gorge Information
Accommodation Options
1. Edith Falls (Leliyn): Picnic and camping is available however this park offers unpowered sites only. Really nice spot to have a swim subject to conditions at the time. Leliyn (Edith Falls) is on the western side of the Park and is reached by turning off the Stuart Highway 42km north of Katherine then following a sealed road for a further 19km.
Ph: N/A – first in best dressed policy – pay at the kisok on arrival at the park.
Web: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/nitmiluk.html

2. Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge):
The Campground allows visitors to experience the splendors of the National Park up close. The well maintained campground and 40 powered sites are centrally positioned below the escarpment entrance and just 600m to the departure point for boat cruises and canoes. The campground has a pool and bistro. A fantastic place to set up camp and enjoy all the beauty the Gorge has to offer.
Ph: within Australia 1300 146 743 Ph: outside Australia +618 8972 1253
Web: https://www.nitmiluktours.com.au/accommodation/

Katherine Gorge
I am still kicking myself on this one! We only took the 2 hour gorge cruise and I so wish we had taken the 4 hour cruise. Katherine Gorge was one of the highlights of my Top End experience. It was so stunningly beautiful I didn’t know where to look next. There are a few cruise options or you can hire a canoe for the day and “self sight see”. There are also heli flights available and guided walks if you are wanting to move about. Whatever you do, don’t miss it. Check out the website and figure out what you’ll do before you go.
https://www.nitmiluktours.com.au/tours/

Litchfield National Park Information

Accommodation Option
Batchelor caravan Park Batchelor is approximately 100 kilometers south of Darwin the capital city of the Northern Territory. The resort features many grassed, powered sites, all with concrete pads. Drive-through sites are usually available. Each site is conveniently located to showers, toilets and laundry facilities, the freshwater pool, mini-golf and children's activity areas.

Litchfield National Park
http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/pdf/LitchfieldNationalPark_09.pdf  

Near Batchelor, 100 km south-west of Darwin, the Park is generally accessible all year (sealed roads) via Batchelor. Litchfield was the overall winner for my Top End adventure. Kakadu was awesome but Litchfield offered something for all of us. My son spent his day swimming while I relaxed by bath temperature water rushing over cascading waterfalls....nothing short of magical. Most of the waterfall areas offer some fantastic short walks that you should take advantage of. NOTE: Some of the swimming holes can become dangerous after flooding and will be closed. Please take note of all safety signs.

Buley Rockhole
Buley Rockhole is a series of rock holes along Florence Creek as it cascades down a hillside. Swimming is allowed year round except in times of flooding. Buley Rockhole is only a short walk from the car park. Toilets are provided at the carpark.

Florence Falls
It is the only major waterfall on the eastern face of the Tabletop Range although many small creeks flow off this side of the range. The plunge pool is accessible from a series of 135 steps, you must enter the pool to see the falls. Swimming is allowed year round except during times of flooding. Toilets are provided in the car park.

Tolmer Falls
Tolmer Falls is one of three major waterfalls along the western face of the tabletop range. More large waterfalls are found along the western face of the Tabletop Range because the plateau slopes slightly to the west. You can spend 2 to 3 hours here.

Greenant Creek / Tjaetaba Falls
This is one of many smaller creek systems flowing out of the western edge of the Tabletop Range. Tjaetaba is an area name used by the local aboriginal people. Beside the car park is a well-shaded picnic area with a toilet. You can spend 2 to 3 hours here.

Wangi Falls
Wangi, is the local aboriginal name for the area. Wangi Falls is the largest and most popular attraction in the park, with a large grassed picnic area and toilets. Access to the plunge pool is easy with steps provided. Wangi Falls is a registered sacred site that is used by the local aboriginal women. Swimming is allowed here, but restrictions apply during the wet season once the water reaches a preset level. This is due to dangerous water currents and the risk of estuarine crocodiles entering the plunge pool with the increased water levels from the nearby wetlands. The Park Rangers will open the pool to swimming once the water level has dropped and a survey has been conducted to ensure no estuarine crocodiles have entered the pool during the closure. You can spend 2 hours to a whole day here, the plunge pool is a great place to relax and read a book or just enjoy the scenery.


Tennant Creek

Kings Canyon
Located in the Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is 270 meters high. The 3-4 hour walk around the rim of the canyon takes you past the tropical pools of the Garden of Eden and the beehive rock formations known as the Lost city. There is a shorter walk which can be taken through the Canyon and Scenic flights are also available..

RED CENTRE IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Australia offers you many unique sights and curious, delightful and awe inspiring travelling experiences. Choose where you will visit taking into account a comfortable travelling pace for you and what particularly excites your interest. This campervan holiday is a wonderful opportunity to unwind and savour what is on offer: natural beauty, great food and wine and the thrill of much exploring and adventuring. The following are possible locations you may wish to explore in the Red Centre. Visiting them all may take a longer time than you have available, so choose a broad area of particular interest to you and focus your attention there.

Alice Springs
The heart of Australia, in which Alice Springs is located, has cavernous gorges, boundless desert landscapes, remote Aboriginal communities and a charming pioneer history. Established as a mining centre there is still an adventure travel destination north of Alice, where visitors can fossick for gems. Many opt to explore the Australian desert while trekking, camping, four wheel driving or quad bike driving. In the Simpson Desert. There are many fine examples of Aboriginal art styles and many choose to explore the West MacDonnell Ranges which straddle Alice springs and run for 220 Kilometers..

West McDonnell Ranges

Wattaarka (Kings Canyon)

Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Situated 335 km south west of Alice Springs, in the Kata Tjuta National Park Uluru is very important to the Aboriginal people who are the traditional owners of this site. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. It is a very large sandstone formation which dramatically changes colour at different times of the day and though always an amazing sight it is particularly beautiful as the sun sets. A world heritage site, Uluru is the most widely recognised natural icon of Australia and it’s distinctive shape and colour are known world wide.

Kata Tjuta National Park