What’s on: How to make the most of ‘adventure season’ in the NT

Last Sunday, my partner and I decided we needed to go for a drive. We both weren’t quite sure where – Kakadu felt like a bit of a trek, but Litchfield didn’t feel quite like enough of an adventure – so we hit the Stuart Highway, writes Kate Dinning.

Kate Dinning and her partner visited Grove Hill Historic Hotel - which has been closed for a few years - during a day of exploration in the NT.

Last Sunday, my partner and I decided we needed to go for a drive.

We both weren’t quite sure where – It had been a big week so Kakadu felt like a bit of a trek for the day, but Litchfield didn’t feel quite like enough of an adventure to satisfy our need to get out … so we grabbed a DTown coffee from the Rapid Creek Markets and hit the Stuart Highway.

Where to? We didn’t even know.

We got close to the Litchfield turn off, looked at each other and decided to keep going.

We’d reassess at Pine Creek.

After a few ‘it’s only 1400 km to Alice Springs from here’ jokes, we got to a turn that said Grove Hill Historic Hotel and thought what the hell – let’s see what happens.

I’ll give you the hint – it has been closed for a few years now, but that was the start of a day full of turning down the random roads that we’d always drove past on the way to somewhere else, wondering what we’d find if we dared to give ourselves the time to just explore.

Kate Dinning snapped this picture of Edith Falls in the Northern Territory.

So please, embrace ‘Adventure Season’ my friends.

In the spirit of that – Wangi Falls opened last week, and Walker Creek is open now too.

If you head Katherine way like we did, Edith and Sweetwater are open and refreshing – and Umbrawarra Gorge is also set to open next week.

That’s a great one to get in at the start of the dry.

In Kakadu, while the Yurmikmik walks and falls are open, we sadly learnt this week that Maguk isn’t forecast to open until July which is later than usual – so be sure to factor that into any camping plans.

With all that adventure on the cards, it feels like my duty to make sure you know that the 4wd, Boating and Camping expo is on this weekend.

If you want boats, trailers, fishing gear, camping gear, ideas for your setup – literally anything outdoors related – this is where you need to be.

There’s also freestyle motocross stunt shows, live performances, food, and icy-cold beer at the Darwin Craft Beer Festival.

Entry is from 10am, at the Darwin Showgrounds on Saturday and Sunday.

So you can save up for your new camping setup – I’ve rounded up a couple of great free things on this weekend – There’s free yoga and Ice Baths at the Darwin Waterfront again this morning – as part of the wider Darwin Pride event which includes a free family fun day – and The NATSIAA 2024 exhibition opens at 10am Saturday, June 22, at MAGNT, showcasing entries into the country’s longest-running and most prestigious Indigenous Art Award.

For a donation – you can also attend ICONIC by Darwin Symphony Orchestra at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre tonight for a wholesome orchestra of hits.

Be sure to register online.