THERE are always plenty of things to do around the Northern Territory so when you’ve already got four days off for Easter, why not go do them?
In no particular order, here’s the NT News’ suggestions for what to get up to:
1. Camp at Gunlom Falls
Gunlom Plunge Pool, located on Waterfall Creek in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, is a magical combination of seasonal waterfall and serene plunge pool, with picnic areas shaded by tall gums. From the top of Gunlom you will be rewarded with sweeping vistas of three habitats of the southern hills and ridges of the park - stone country, woodland and riparian (riverine) areas. At the top take a relaxing and well-deserved dip in the crystal clear pools. If something more sedate is more your style, take the flat easy walk to Murrill Billabong for some great birdwatching, or follow the short walking track to the main pool below the seasonal waterfall. The falls have reopened for the year and are expected to be busy. northernterritory.com/kakadu-and-surrounds/destinations/gunlom-plunge-pool
2. Get your history fix at the Darwin Military Museum
Visit Darwin’s oldest military history museum and be captivated by the audio-visual journey that is the Defence of Darwin Experience. The interactive display will immerse you in the drama of the Japanese bombing of Darwin as it unfolded, and changed the face of the city forever. Hear first-hand accounts from the men and women who survived the horror of that morning of 19th February, 1942. Sit back in the air conditioned theatre and watch the fascinating short film that uses actual footage from the attack to depict the bombing as it happened over 75 years ago. Then, wander through the lush gardens and discover a large range of military vehicles and larger artillery pieces. darwinmilitarymuseum.com.au
3. Party hard at the Daly Waters B&S Ball
The Daly Waters Pub’s infamous outback B&S Ball attracts hundreds of partygoers from across the nation, and tonight is its night of nights. Punters start arriving at the outback pub, about 620km south of Darwin, on Thursday afternoon, with most celebrating the entire Easter long weekend. http://dalywaterspub.com/
4. Explore Pine Creek
Pine Creek is essentially a gold mining town which stumbled into existence when the teams building the Overland Telegraph Line in 1870 dug up some gold while digging holes for posts. Since 1870 it has had a variety of gold rushes with, at one time, more than 2000 Chinese miners working in the area and over 15 mines all being dug in the hope of finding gold. Today it is a remnant of a past time. A quiet community where tourism, particularly interest in the Northern Railway (1889-1976) and in the mining relics, attracts people who are fascinated by the simplicity, hardship and tenacity of the miners. Of particular interest is the corrugated iron shed known as the Ah Toy Bakery. visitkatherine.com.au/surrounding-regions/pine-creek-hayes-creek
5. Visit Litchfield National Park
Discover misty waterfalls and lush waterholes, hit the trail in a 4WD, or take it nice and slow and wander through Litchfield National Park on foot. Plunge into crystal clear waterholes beneath the magnificent spring-fed waterfalls of Florence, or soak in the gentle three-tiered cascade shaded by rainforest at Buley Rockhole. For a drier option, take the short walk through cypress pines and cycads to the Tolmer Falls viewing platform. The caves in the red cliffs below protect two rare bat colonies. For adventurous souls, lace up your boots and don your bathers for a bushwalk. There are several at Litchfield, from the epic 39-km Tabletop Track and its secret waterfalls to the more serene 3.5km walk alongside pretty Walker Creek. northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/destinations/litchfield-national-park
6. Hunt for eggs at the Darwin Waterfront
Visit Mr & Mrs Easter Bunny in their majestic Bunny Burrow, take a photo and get a free chocolate egg and balloon. Photos will be taken by a professional photographer and shared on the Darwin Waterfront Facebook page after the event. There’ll be plenty of fun for children of all ages with two jumping castles, two water slides and an inflatable obstacle course. Dance the day away with a live kids’ DJ on the lawns playing festive songs to get you in the Easter spirit. waterfront.nt.gov.au
7. Watch a movie at Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema
Deckchair Cinema is Darwin’s premier outdoor cinema. Deckchair Cinema screens films seven nights a week and the box office is open nightly from 6pm, with films starting promptly at the advertised time. The licensed kiosk sells wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks as well as a range of Deckchair merchandise. Hot food is available on site every night. You are welcome to bring your own picnic, but strictly NO BYO alcohol. deckchaircinema.com
8. Get up close with creatures at the Territory Wildlife Park
Head to the Territory Wildlife Park this Easter long weekend and join in the hunt for Eddy the Emu and his eggs. There will be activity bags, chocolate eggs and backyard water play fun (so don’t forget your swimmers)! At the Territory Wildlife Park, not only do you see wildlife up-close in their natural habitats, you meet them walking through tree top aviaries, strolling around a natural lagoon and even get to interact with them during daily presentations. You stroll beneath the surface in our walk-through aquarium and meet some of the Top End’s most amazing aquatic life. The experienced team love sharing their knowledge of the wildlife and the habitats in their care. It’s what our people are passionate about. The more you ask, the happier they are to share. territorywildlifepark.com.au
9. Indulge in afternoon tea at Burnett House
There’s nothing better than sipping tea in beautiful setting, and what better place to do this in Darwin than at the elegant Burnett House, with its lush gardens and incredible views across the harbour. After surviving bullets, bombs and cyclones, Burnett House, one of the city’s best examples of tropical architecture, is now in the hands of the National Trust. Wind down after a busy weekend with a delightful afternoon tea, available Sundays from 3pm until 5pm. Savour delicious specialty cakes and scones with freshly prepared jam and clotted cream, along with tea and coffee. Take tea in the house’s original drawing room or on the veranda overlooking the garden. Afterwards, head upstairs for a peek at the small museum, which gives a good idea of life in Darwin during World War II. northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/food-and-drink/afternoon-tea-at-burnett-house
10. Explore and camp at Edith Falls
The lush, grassy campsites in a scenic bush setting make Leliyn/Edith Falls an idyllic spot for a camping and a well-appointed Kiosk provides a welcome meal for those who have just finished walking the Jatbula Trail or those just hungry after a swim. You can enjoy swimming in the paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls. The area is great for bushwalking with the 2.6 kilometre Leliyn Trail offering a challenging walk along a steep, rocky loop. There is a chance for a refreshing swim in the upper pool of Leliyn / Edith Falls half way around the trail. You can also enjoy the longer 9 kilometre return walk to Sweetwater Pool, a tranquil swimming hole. Leliyn / Edith Falls is the finishing point of the 62 kilometre Jatbula Trail walking track, which begins at Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/leliynedith-falls
11. Hike the Larapinta Trail
The Larapinta Trail, in the heart of Central Australia, runs 223km along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges. This long distance walking track is divided into 12 sections that each take one or two days to walk. The trail has many highlights including Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and Mount Sonder. The trail also links in with other walking tracks in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, so you can take side trips to explore further. The trail starts at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and crosses the range to end at the summit of Mt Sonder, the highest point of the trail. Each section has vehicle access, though some need a four-wheel drive with high clearance, so you can join or leave the trail at any of the trailheads. nt.gov.au/leisure/recreation/bushwalking-hiking/larapinta-trail
12. Picnic at East Point
East Point Reserve is Darwin’s largest park area. It is popular with locals and visitors for its safe year-round saltwater swimming at Lake Alexander, military history, and the uninterrupted views of Darwin and Fannie Bay and sunsets from Dudley Point. It is has an extensive network of walking and cycling paths, landscaped picnic areas with free barbecue facilities and playgrounds for the kids. East Point played a significant role in the protection of Australia during World War II. Visit the Darwin Military Museum to see footage of the WWII bombings of Darwin, its photographic and information displays, and explore the gun turret precinct. East Point Reserve is home to abundant wildlife, so go for a stroll to look for wallabies, bandicoots, brushtail possums and numerous species of reptiles, butterflies and birds. Take the 30-minute loop walk from the car park near the lake through monsoonal vine forest into the mangroves. Follow the boardwalk into the tidal region - look out for many species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/east-point-reserve
13. Handfeed a fish
Since the early 1950s a unique and natural phenomena occurs on the high tide amongst the tranquil tropical waters of Darwin’s Doctors Gully. Hundreds of friendly local wild fish swim to the shallow shoreline in search of a gratuitous meal of fresh bread. Over the course of this enduring 60 plus year tradition, the fish have shed their normal shyness and are willingly hand-fed to the delight of thousands of fascinated locals and tourists every year. Aquascene was established in 1981 and has become a magical attraction that all the family can enjoy – it attracts upwards of 70,000 visitors every year and has enjoyed widespread media coverage nationally and internationally. aquascene.com.au/
14. Explore the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
One of the great natural wonders of the world, Uluru towers above the surrounding landscape. Geologists say their formation began about 550 million years ago. Uluru is not only a spectacular natural formation, but its a deeply spiritual place. You can feel a powerful presence the moment you first set eyes on it. For the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park holds a special cultural significance. northernterritory.com/uluru-and-surrounds/destinations/uluru-ayers-rock
15. Cast a line
The Easter Family Fishing Competition is held annually by the Dundee Social and Recreation Club and they invite all members and the general public to join them. Held over the three days of the Easter weekend each year, the competition is based at Dundee Social and Recreation Club, 21 Lepanto St Dundee Beach and the public boat ramp at the Lodge of Dundee. You can fish in the Dundee and Bynoe area and the fresh water Finniss, with good boat ramps available at these locations. Prizes are awarded to the heaviest fish caught over the three day event from the following species - salmon, golden snapper, queenfish, jewfish, mackerel and the mighty barramundi. There’s also a prize for the heaviest mud crab weighted in. With lots of prizes for adults and children, this is a fun full weekend for all the family. northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/events/dundee-easter-family-fishing-competition
16. Take a dip at Robin Falls
Enjoy a refreshing dip into the scenic Robin Falls, south of the town of Adelaide River.
Robin Falls is an attractive three-tiered waterfall that’s just outside the boundaries of Litchfield National Park near the township of Adelaide River. The falls are reached by a short walk following a crystal clear creek through scenic bush surrounds. The area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna unique to the Top End and affords lovely views back over the cascading Falls. From the car park at the end of the road, follow the creek upstream. Allow yourself about 20-30 minutes each way to walk to the falls. northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/robin-falls
17. Explore Nitmiluk National Park
Make your way to the sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and explore the 13 stunning gorges on foot, by canoe, boat or helicopter. Nitmiluk National Park covers a vast area of escarpment country, including 13 gorges carved from the ancient sandstone country. Explore the world-famous park and gorge country on foot, by canoe, boat or helicopter. northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/destinations/nitmiluk-national-park
18. Cruise the Yellow Water Billabong
Yellow Water Billabong is at the heart of Kakadu offering a remarkable journey through the region’s wetlands, with its rich wildlife, dramatic scenery and ever-changing landscape. A Yellow Water cruise is a ‘must do’ experience when visiting Kakadu. This beautiful billabong is home to remarkable scenery and wildlife, Yellow Water Cruises will provide you with an intimate adventure tour that you will never forget. About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands. Whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese are the most abundant. Eagles can be seen hovering searching for prey, and at times you will see distinctive Jabirus and may even get to see Brolgas dancing. There are plenty of crocodiles in their natural habitat, and buffalo on the floodplains. kakadutourism.com/tours-activities/yellow-water-cruises/yellow-water-cruise/
19. Visit the Yidaki Didjeridu and Sound of Australia exhibition
This immersive touring exhibition tells the story of the origins of yidaki and illustrates the importance of the instrument in Aboriginal life and culture. For the Yolŋu people of north-eastern Arnhem Land, Yidaki is the living breath of their cultural traditions, set amongst the rugged coastline of the Northern Territory. Yidaki, developed by the South Australian Museum with Yolŋu Elder Djalu Gurrawiwi and his family, will take you on an experiential and intimate journey through Arnhem Land’s stringybark forests. Uncover the powerful music of the yidaki, evoking sounds of healing and spiritual life from the heart of the Yolŋu. facebook.com/events/627504127711603/?event_time_id=627504264378256
20. Ride in the Easter In The Alice Mountain Bike Race
The Easter in the Alice Mountain Bike Race is a Central Australian Rough Riders club event that has grown from a local Northern Territory event into one of the best mountain bike events in Australia. Outback Cycling Easter is a multi-day Mountain Bike Event based in Alice Springs; it is a one of a kind in Australia. The event has both racing components and social riding along with festival activities included over the three days. easterinthealice.com
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