NRL Travel Itinerary
The Northern Territory’s tropical capital is full of adventure. From four- and two-wheeled experiences to close encounters with wild animals, there’s so much on offer you’ll need to spend a few days here to make the most of it. Here’s our top picks if you’re here for the weekend.
DAY 1 – FRIDAY
Today is game day! Start your day like a local with breakfast at a waterside venue, such as Fannie Bay Cool Spot, The Foreshore Café at Nightcliff or The Boatshed Coffee House at Cullen Bay.
Then make your way to Crocosaurus Cove in the heart of Darwin’s CBD. As well as catching the crocodile- and fish-feeding shows you can get your heart racing in the Cage of Death. The ultimate adrenalin rush, here you come nose to snout with a five-metre saltwater crocodile – with just a piece of plastic between you!
Keen for something on the water? Try a jet-ski tour on Darwin Harbour. Fast, fun and with a range of tours on offer, this is an incredible way to see Darwin from a different viewpoint.
Next, it’s off to TIO Stadium to cheer on your team. Get in early to enjoy the pre-game fun and activities.
DAY 2 – SATURDAY
Whether you’re celebrating a win or nursing a loss, a famous breakfast laksa at Parap Markets will sort you out. This iconic Malaysian spicy coconut noodle soup is legendary among Territorians as a fitting start to the day – don’t knock it until you’ve tried one. If laksa for breakfast is a bit too much, the markets are open until lunchtime.
Then grab your bathers and head down to Darwin Waterfront for a day swimming and lounging around the Recreation Lagoon or catch a wave in the Wave Pool.
If you’re keen to get back to nature, join an organised day trip or drive yourself 120km south-east of Darwin along sealed roads for a plunge in the stunning waterholes at Litchfield National Park – nature’s own water park.
Bushwalk a rainforest trail, relax under a cascading waterfall and marvel at the massive termite mounds that stand up to six metres tall.
Discover the local wildlife at the nearby Territory Wildlife Park, where you can experience the birds of prey show or hand feed the whip rays and barramundi at Oolloo Sandbar. Wander through treetop aviaries, around a natural lagoon and through the aquarium.
On the way back to Darwin, call in at Berry Springs Tavern, Noonamah Tavern or Darwin River Tavern for a rural watering hole experience and a pub feed to fuel up for the drive back to the city. Or head straight back to town and into the city to sample the hospitality on offer.
DAY 3 – SUNDAY
Start your day the right way with a stroll around Nightcliff Markets, where you can take your pick from a range of foodie offerings. Grab a freshly brewed coffee, some local tropical fruits, and maybe a gift or two for those back home.
Keen to try your hand at bagging a famous Territory barra? Head out on a fishing charter. If you’re more of an open-water kind of fisho, there are plenty of options for bluewater fishing too. Half-day or full-day charters are available.
If you’re keen for more crocodile action, head less than an hour down the track (the Stuart Highway) for a jumping crocodiles cruise. You won’t believe your eyes.
After something a bit more serene? Unwind on a sunset cruise around Darwin Harbour, where you can sit back and reminisce about your epic weekend.
ALSO NOT-TO-BE-MISSED…
1. Try a heli pub crawl and visit out-of-the-way watering holes like Goat Island Lodge and Crab Claw Island Resort
2. Jump on a quad biking tour at the NT Adventure Park at Rum Jungle
3. Paddle through stunning Nitmiluk National Park in a canoe
4. Grab your rod and join a heli-fishing tour
