From Outback to Outpost

Darwin was my first Australian experience which really having now seen much more is the real scene setter for this wonderful country. I flew into Darwin from Singapore; the vastness of the landscape strikes you and the colour green is vivid and contrasting to the deep blue sea. This won’t be everyone’s bag, but to say it’s something completely difference won't over egg the stark contrast between Darwin and other major cities on this vast continent.

Having been totally rebuilt since Cyclone Tracy devastated the area on Christmas Day in 1974 it’s a selection of quick rebuilds with the Central Business District sticking out like a sore thumb. The heat can be oppressive depending on which time of the year you visit, but a walk along the upmarket Waterfront with its lovely collection of bars and restaurants is a must. If you want to go swimming whilst in Darwin then this is the place to go with a purpose-built crocodile, box jelly fish free lagoon with sandy shores. Swimming in the sea or in undesignated areas really isn’t a great idea unless you want to lose a limb or your life!

The city is fast becoming a regular stop on cruise ship itineraries and as a result money is being thrown into upgrading. Don’t come here for the shopping experience, enjoy the sea front walk, the history around the Cyclone at the museum (complete with an eerie wind chamber that replicates the sound of the cyclone) more history about the Japanese bombing in WW2 and as a staging point to discover the outback in glorious detail. There are a number of day trips from Darwin that make good sense if you have more than a day to spend here. I went to Nitimuluk National Parks near Katherine, about a four-hour drive on the very straight wildlife strewn Stewart Highway. Setting off at dawn and watching the sunrise over the outback is a must have option; you will not believe the size of these beasts.

On my next trip to Darwin I’m going to head a bit further out to and Kakadua National Park and the Mary River on the Arnhem plains, a cruise to the Tiwi Islands and a longer and much braver excursion to Kimberley on an organized camping trip with a Ranger. I have my bush hat ready and waiting…nothing to experience; breakfast stop at the Adelaide river is a welcome break from the straightest road I have ever seen. The park is a wonderful place where I tried controlled speed boat ride through the gorge, a spiritual experience home to ancient aboriginal tribes, bat watching, climbing to a very high outlook point in 40C. The Edith falls are spectacular at the right time of year and on the way back a stop at Litchfield National park is a must with stunning natural waterfalls and controlled swimming pools. Jumping crocs are also an stop me now!

Visit Darwin to inspire your sense of adventure and discover the spiritual home of the aboriginal indigenous people of the Northern Territory.