Bush Walking
The Top End of the Northern Territory, an immense
and beautiful region, contains several national parks
and nature reserves, with 1 of the best walking
destinations being the Arnhem Land Plateau (in Kakadu National Park),
the West MacDonnell Ranges along Larapinta Trail are also good for
bush walking.
Walkers are rewarded by habitual sightings of buffalo
and giant crocodiles. A camping permit is compulsory
outside established camping areas. Darwin is the standard starting
point for excursions to the area.
For further details, please contact the Parks & Wildlife Commission
of the NT,
Address: PO Box 496, Palmerston NT 0831
Telephone: (8) 8999 5511
Facsimile: (8) 8932 3849
Website address: www.nt.gov.au/ipe/pwcnt
Water Sports
The wetlands have several freshwater rivers and water holes, which
offer brilliant fishing, particularly the barramundi
(renowned for its aggressive nature and fighting characteristics),
which is so plentiful that the Northern Territory is known as Australia’s
‘barramundi capital’.
For details of state fishing regulations, contact the Department
of Primary Industry and Fisheries:
Address: Fisheries Division, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801
Telephone: (8) 8999 2144
Facsimile: (8) 8999 2065
Email address: phill.hall@nt.gov.au
Website address: www.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au.
Fine diving can be found around Darwin Harbour
and the offshore islands and reefs, including the Cobourg Peninsula
(680 kilometres / 423 miles from Darwin), the Vernon Islands (64
kilometres / 40 miles from Darwin), and the seas around Nhulunbuy
on the Gove Pensinsula (1114 kilometres / 692 miles east of Darwin),
where 100's of islands and reefs are located.
As an alternative to the sea, swimming holes are
situated at Jim Jim Falls and nearby Twin Falls in Kakadu National
Park. It is essential to check that the area is safe for swimming,
as salt water crocodiles are found throughout the region. Canoeing
is possible on the Victoria River and in Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk). |
