Being late April, we didn’t realise that all the gorge restaurants would be shut until we arrived. Fortunately, the breakfast cafe was open so we could get brekky and coffee and a snack for lunch, and we had vast amounts of cheese in our esky. We were recommended a local restaurant, only a ten-minute drive from our gorge cabin, so we thought we would give it a try. We were so glad we did. We were again pleasantly surprised by the high level of quality food and service. Kumbidgee restaurant provided a superb three course meal, with great wine, delicious vegetarian options and even had my favourite panna cotta for dessert. All this only ten minutes from the gorge.
Being so early in the dry season, only one boat tour was available. It covered the first two gorges, by far the largest of all the gorges, so it was still well worth the trip. Nitmiluk gorge is just stunning. Although I have been there twice before, it still takes my breath away. The wall of Indigenous art we visited on the tour is an incredible slice of the local history of the Jawoyn tribe, traditional owners of the park. It is a credit to the Jawoyn people, that they are willing to share their beautiful country and tell its stories.
Heading further north on our way back to Darwin, we stayed at Litchfield National Park for the night and spent the next day exploring the waterfalls and waterholes. Wangi falls was flowing but closed for swimming. It certainly looked like a crocodile’s paradise with the deep water and overgrown vegetation. Buley Rockhole was open and is a great swimming spot. We and many other locals and tourists spent a good couple of hours cooling down in the rock pools. Then we visited the beautiful Wangi falls. This was closed to swimming due to the crocodiles probably still swimming in there, but we were able to go for a walk and take some photos of this beautiful spot.
After getting our fill of rockholes, we drove through the park towards Darwin, keen for a late lunch. One of the best things about driving rural NT, is the number of pubs and taverns that serve food until late. We found Berry Springs tavern on the northern end outside the park and they had an all-day lunch. They easily accommodated my friend who is vegetarian (but hates eggplant!), and I ate the most delicious eggplant Parmy I have ever had in my life. Just writing about it makes my mouth water. I still sadly haven’t yet found its equal back on the east coast.
As all good things must come to an end, we reluctantly drove into Darwin for our last night in the NT. We explored the huge street art murals in the city and visited the Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery. The room that replicates the sounds of Cyclone Tracy is an eerie experience and a great way to understand what it must have been like. We ate dinner at the Mindil Beach markets and sat on the beach at sunset watching the sun set over the ocean with a glass of wine. Ahh, the serenity. What a fabulous way to end our trip.
I keep returning to the Northern Territory time and time again for its ancient beauty, Indigenous history, friendly bush hospitality and relaxed lifestyle. I am already planning my next trip (with my bestie of course, but this time we might bring our husbands too).
A House Swap holiday based in Darwin, or Alice Springs would certainly make an NT trip a much more affordable travel option. There are some great flight deals happening at the moment, and without paying for all your accommodation, it would make a fabulous holiday. With International travel still returning and quite expensive, you won’t be disappointed if you book a trip to the Northern Territory. The Top End, the Red Centre, or both. They are equally beautiful in their own ways and not to be missed.
