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Melville and Bathurst Islands, known collectively as the Tiwi Islands, lie 80 kilometres north of Darwin.
Dense rainforest, sandy beaches and rock pools combine to create the landscape of the Tiwi Islands. The area of both islands combined is 8,000 square kilometres and Melville Island is in fact, Australia's second largest (after Tasmania).
The Tiwi people have lived on the Islands for thousands of years and their lives have been greatly influenced by the Catholic mission that was built on Bathurst Island in 1911.
Many Tiwi Islanders are prolific artists who produce distinctive and valuable art, pottery, sculptures and wooden carvings. Their work is displayed at a gallery on Bathurst Island and can be visited during the day tour. They are also passionate footballers, which is evident at the annual Tiwi Island Grand Final held on Bathurst Island in March.
You can only travel to the Tiwi islands on an organised tour, which includes the tour, permits and transportation.
Travel to the Tiwi Islands on 20 minute flight in a light aircraft from Darwin or cross the Timor Sea, in around two hours, on a ferry from Darwin Harbour to Bathurst Island.
On arrival travellers will be transported into the modern lives of one of the world's oldest living cultures. The Tiwi guides share their favourite places with visitors, while sharing stories about their culture, beliefs, ceremonies and renowned artwork. more
Litchfield National Park is an easy journey (an 1.5 hour drive) from Darwin and offers refreshing waterfalls, cascading waterholes amongst lush tropical forests.
The park covers 1,500 square kilometres and you can visit for a day or more adventurous travellers can stay two to three days. The park's traditional owners are the Wagait Aboriginal people, many of whom live in the area.
The park contains several types of typical Top End habitats including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades.
During the monsoon season, from October to May, the waterfalls thunder from the cliffs to tropical rock pools many metres below. During the rest of the year the waterfalls flow more gently and the waterholes perfect spots for a cool dip.
Litchfield National Park's main attractions are permanent spring-fed waterfalls, including Florence Falls and Wangi Falls for swimming and Tolmer for viewing only. The beautiful cascades at Buley Rockhole are nature's spa and perfect for a refreshing dip.
Wangi Falls is the one of the park's best swimming and picnicking spots. Its campground is complete with hot showers, toilets, barbecues, a kiosk and serves as a good base from which to explore the park. You can swim between May to October and watch the thundering waterfalls during the monsoon period.
Camping is available at Wangi Falls, Walker Creek, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls. Basic camp sites at Tjaynera Falls, Surprise Creek Falls and downstream from Florence Falls from May to October can be accessed by four-wheel drive. A range of caravan parks, motels and station stays are available within an hour's drive of the park.
Just outside the park's entrance is the small township of Batchelor, which serves as a gateway to Litchfield National Park. Travellers can stay overnight here in budget accommodation and caravan parks. Day-trippers can refuel, grab a meal and inspect a number of interesting attractions, including the Batchelor Butterfly and Petting Farm and the Coomalie Cultural Centre. more
Darwin is the tropical capital city of Australia's Northern Territory.
Darwin has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk National Park, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.
Darwin was founded as Australia's most northerly harbour port in 1869, and its population rapidly expanded after the discovery of gold at nearby Pine Creek in 1871. World War II put Darwin on the map as a major allied military base for troops fighting the Japanese in the Pacific.
Today travellers can see evidence of Darwin's World War II history at a variety of preserved sites including ammunition bunkers, airstrips and oil tunnels in and around the city. Darwin again made world news when the city was rebuilt in the wake of Cyclone Tracy in 1974 - an event well documented at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Its colourful history has contributed to Darwin's cultural diversity - more than 50 nationalities make up its 106,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at Darwin's weekly markets, variety of restaurants and through the annual calendar of festivals and other Darwin events.
The annual Darwin Festival, held every August, takes place in venues stretching from Darwin's Botanic Gardens to the foreshore of its harbour and lively entertainment district and showcases an eclectic mix of South-East Asian, multicultural and indigenous music, dance and performance.
For something a little more irreverent, the Darwin Beer Can Regatta is a free-for-all race of boats built entirely of beer and soft drink cans held every July. more
The tropical Top End is dramatic, vibrant and friendly, and offers a range of experiences. Darwin, the Northern Territory’s cosmopolitan capital, is a great place to begin exploring. The city offers a range of accommodation and facilities, and is a popular holiday destination, thanks to its relaxed charm and proximity to the region’s iconic natural wonders.
