{"id":174011,"date":"2017-02-01T17:35:47","date_gmt":"2017-02-01T06:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=174011"},"modified":"2021-02-24T15:30:13","modified_gmt":"2021-02-24T04:30:13","slug":"the-northern-territories-natures-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nt\/kakadu\/the-northern-territories-natures-way\/","title":{"rendered":"The Northern Territory’s Nature’s Way"},"content":{"rendered":"
To describe the 550-kilometre Nature\u2019s Way drive from Darwin to Katherine as the \u2018scenic route\u2019 is a wild understatement \u2013 and this is not a region given to understatement, though the \u2018wild\u2019 part is true enough.<\/p>\n\n
Some of Australia\u2019s most iconic wilderness is closer than you think, with Kakadu National Park only a three-hour drive from Darwin. Turn the drive into a seven-day masterpiece and you\u2019ll see not only Kakadu and Katherine but the rainforests and waterfalls of Litchfield National Park.<\/p>\n\n
Lingering longer gives this incredible part of the world room to breathe.<\/p>\n\n
When you consider that Kakadu translates to 20,000 square kilometres of unbelievable natural diversity \u2013 almost half the size of Switzerland \u2013 then taking a few days to more deeply absorb its expansive wetlands and wildlife populations, soaring sandstone escarpments and deeply held cultural traditions makes a lot of sense.<\/p>\n\n
Taking a cultural cruise up the East Alligator River, you\u2019ll see the surrounding wilderness at its most pristine.<\/p>\n\n
Not only is there the chance to safely view crocodiles at leisure, and the complex network of birdlife, but you also have the opportunity to witness a display of traditional indigenous hunting and gathering implements.<\/p>\n\n
The atmospheric Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a must-visit to get to know the inexorable rhythms of Kakadu, as lived every day by the aboriginal people.<\/p>\n\n
There are not four but six seasons here, governed by the ebb and flow of nature. Your kids will never look at seasons the same way again.<\/p>\n\n
The hands-on nature of many Kakadu cultural and natural tours is perfect for families, guided by rangers and\/or traditional owners who bring with them intimate knowledge of this World Heritage-listed area.<\/p>\n\n
You can also be guided through painting and weaving in traditional ways, while the highly acclaimed, free walking tour through the famous rock art galleries of Nourlangie, guided by a ranger, is part art tour, part history book, and entirely amazing in its epic scope and the timelessness of the land.<\/p>\n
1.<\/strong> Be amazed at the diverse food-centric markets, such as the Mindil Markets<\/a>, which are situated right on the beach, offering many of the best dishes you\u2019ll ever taste.<\/p>\n\n 2.<\/strong> Spend a few days in Nitmiluk National Park<\/a>, home to some of the best adventure activities to be enjoyed in the Territory \u2013 canoeing, bushwalking, gorge cruises, swimming and camping out under the stars.<\/p>\n\n 3.<\/strong> Have a fun and educational cultural experience with Top Didj<\/a>, in Katherine, where you can make your own indigenous artwork, start a fire with sticks and perhaps try your hand at throwing a spear.<\/p>\n\n 4.<\/strong> Weave your own bracelet with traditional owners in Kakadu National Park<\/a>, and have something 5.<\/strong> Plunge into crystal-clear waterholes and be invigorated under cascading waterfalls at Litchfield National Park<\/a>, just 90 minutes\u2019 drive from Darwin.<\/p>\n\n
\nto remind you of your NT holiday.<\/p>\n\n