Darwin
Darwin is best known for its history that has endured many hardships and is on its way to establishing itself as the gateway to Asia. Darwin is situated on the edge of a harbour bigger than Sydney's and has become a beautiful, fascinating tropical city. The friendly laid-back lifestyle is attributed to its cultures and melting pot of people. Darwin has become a sophisticated, modern city with a thriving hub of activity in terms of tourism with its world-class natural and cultural attractions, nightlife and retail. Visit World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park with around 1,000 plant species, a quarter of all Australian freshwater fish species, and over one third of Australian bird species can be found in the Park. Cruise the Yellow Water Billabong or take a flight in the Tropical Summer (November – March) for a breathtaking view of Kakadu’s majestic Twin and Jim Jim waterfalls. Not to be missed is Litchfield National Park and is just only an hour-and-a-half drive from Darwin.
Katherine
Katherine is best known for the famous Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk). With a rich indigenous and pioneering history Katherine and its surrounds are the place for great fishing and hidden natural wonders. Katherine is around 300 kilometres south of Darwin and is set on the banks of the Katherine River. Cruise or canoe The Katherine River as it flows through 13 separate gorges. Swim between sheer cliffs to the sandy freshwater beaches of the main gorges, and view ancient Aboriginal rock paintings high on the rock faces. Highlights of the area include: waterfalls, rock pools, walking tracks, museums, art galleries, historic sites and character-filled pubs. Also within easy reach of Katherine include the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, the Katherine Hot Springs and Edith Falls.