Katherine and Kakadu Adventure If you have a ‘bucket list’ of things to see and do or just simply looking for holiday ideas, don’t forget our own backyard... like me, the Northern Territory will make you proud to be Australian. by Daryl Johnson

After a short stint working from our Darwin office, I boarded a Greyhound bus for the easy three and a half hour journey down to Katherine (this cost me just $62 and is definitely an option) where I joined Venture North’s ‘Natural Wonders of the Top End’ adventure. Although I missed the tour’s first day that explored Litchfield and the marvellous Wangi, Tolmer and Florence Falls as well as the 2 metre high termite mounds, my thinking is that this is just another reason to return to the Top End! There were 12 other travellers on this small-group adventure, meaning we were able to get to know each other and spent more time at each highlight.

As we cruised Katherine Gorge gazing upwards at the sheer sandstone walls, I was beginning to realise that it was incredible that all this beauty is found in our own backyard – and not all that far from my desk back in Sydney! Onto the inviting Edith Falls, and here I listened to the well-researched advice of our guide Brian and completed the Leliyn Walk (allow 1.5 hours) to reach the Top Pool. I went for a swim and was amazed at how beautiful it is, and the best part is, it is away from the crowds.

Entering Kakadu National Park I kept my eyes peeled for massive crocs but I was definitely taken by surprise when we cruised the Yellow Water Billabong. I was lucky and had a ‘window’ seat and straight away a 3m croc swam over to see what was happening. Just for a moment I felt like dropping my hand in the water to see how quick they really were, but I didn’t think work insurance would cover me for that sort of injury so I refrained from challenging the crocs! If you’ve ever seen photos or movies of Kakadu with crocodiles, incredible species of unique birdlife and literally thousands of magpie geese flying off into the sunset for the night; then this is just the start of Kakadu’s charms. I camped overnight at Travel North’s permanent safari camp which is not too far from the Yellow Water Cruise. They have a BBQ cook-up and I must say it is second to none. I was spellbound as I gazed upwards at the millions of stars in the sky before I went to bed, and I really believe that you will never see stars like this outside of the Territory! I woke up to the sounds of Kakadu’s native wildlife and headed off to explore Nourlangie Rock (check out the views of the Arnhem Land escarpment!) and Ubirr. I took some magical photos that have made my friends and family back home jealous!

If you have a ‘bucket list’ of things to see and do or just simply looking for holiday ideas, don’t forget our own backyard. Easy to get to and full of nature, culture and outback experiences – like me, the Northern Territory will make you proud to be Australian.

Do you have any holiday ideas for visitors travelling to the Top End? Comment below to share your Northern Territory holiday ideas!