Unrivalled biodiversity, Indigenous cultural experiences, and some of the world’s most breathtaking natural beauty make the Northern Territory’s Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks musts for any visitor to the Top End. Whether you’re after a sensory feast or an exhilarating adventure, you’ll find it here. [Photo: Ubirr, ⓒTourism NT/Daniel Tran]

Just a 90-minute drive from Darwin is the Northern Territory’s best-kept secret, Litchfield National Park. Here, you’ll find bucket-list-worthy adventures and experiences – and some of the most breathtaking, crystal-clear spring-fed waterfalls you’ve ever seen. [Photo: Buley Rockhole pool, ⓒTourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo]

In a pocket of monsoon forest, Florence Falls is not only spectacular, but the natural plunge pool at its base is irresistibly inviting. Beautiful and accessible, Wangi Falls is a popular swimming spot with manicured picnic grounds, while the cascading pools of Buley Rockhole can be found among the rainforest, not far from Florence Falls. [Photo: Florence Falls, ⓒTourism NT/Sean Scott]

As well as impressive waterfalls and swimming spots, Litchfield National Park is also well known for its magnetic termite mounds. There are hundreds of these marvels of insect engineering to observe. They stand up to two metres high, with some dating back 100 years. Cathedral termite mounds also dot the park – these can stand up to four metres tall. Litchfield National Park is the ideal place to see and learn about both specimens. [Photo: Litchfield National Park, ⓒTourism NT/Nicholas Kavo]

An excursion to the intriguingly named Lost City within Litchfield is a must for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. When you get there, you’ll be rewarded with the magnificent sight of natural sandstone structures formed by thousands of years of erosion from wind and rain. Spread over an area the size of a small town, the freestanding block and pillar formations look like the ruins of a man-made city. If nature and adventure are at the top of your bucket list, Litchfield National Park is where you need to be. [Photo: The Lost City, ⓒTourism NT/Peter Eve]

Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park, is a spectacular natural playground. The biggest challenge is deciding where to start exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. As renowned chef Matt Moran recently discovered, one of the best ways to get a taste of the region is on a bush-tucker experience with a Kakadu tour company offering an immersive insight into Indigenous food and culture. [Photo: Ubirr, ⓒTourism NT/Nicholas Kavo]

Head to Ubirr, one of Kakadu National Park’s renowned rock art galleries. There are three main rock art sites to see here, plus a lookout offering views across the floodplains that are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. [Photo: Kakadu, ⓒTourism NT/Salty Wings]

To get up close with the diverse fauna within the park, book a sunrise or sunset cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. Here you’ll find crocodiles, buffalo and a huge variety of birds. [Photo: Yellow Water, ⓒTourism NT/Katie Goldie]

For a refreshing swim, it’s hard to beat Gunlom Falls. Options here include a crystal-clear plunge pool at the base of the seasonal waterfall and a natural infinity pool with sweeping views. Then head for another swim at the lesser-known Maguk, a pristine waterfall with a pool at its base. [Photo: Kakadu, ⓒTourism NT/Salty Wings]

Be sure to take a scenic helicopter flight if you visit Kakadu. You’ll experience a bird’s-eye look at wonders such as Jim Jim and Twin Falls that will make your trip all the more unforgettable. [Photo: Kakadu, ⓒTourism NT/Jewels Lynch]

If you think you have to head overseas for unique flavours, think again. Darwin serves up a tantalising smorgasbord to satisfy any wanderlust – from Asian-fusion restaurants and markets to seafood and cocktails by the water. Darwin’s culinary hotspots reflect the Northern Territory’s rich diversity of cultures and stunning local produce, plus there are plenty of arts and cultural experiences to enjoy between meals. [Photo: The Trader Bar, ⓒTourism NT/Shaana McNaught]

For a uniquely Darwin breakfast, it’s hard to go past a bowl of one of the famous laksas at Parap Markets. Held on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm, the markets are also the perfect place to pick up some local produce, arts and crafts. Coffee lovers should make time for the nearby Laneway Specialty Coffee, a neighbourhood favourite with a great all-day café menu. [Photo: Parap Markets, ⓒTourism NT/Matt Cherubino]

Back in the CBD, less than a 10-minute drive from Parap, you’ll find galleries, laneways and street art that give Melbourne a run for its money. Look out for large-scale pieces that have been given a technological makeover using augmented reality, allowing viewers to see them as three-dimensional animations using an app. [Photo: Darwin Street Art Festival 2019 – Elle, ⓒTourism NT/Darwin Street Art Festival/Elle]

A tour of Darwin isn’t complete without stopping at Austin Lane, also known as graffiti lane. There you’ll find tempting share plates featuring fresh local seafood at kitchen-bar PM Eat & Drink, and chef Chung Jae Lee’s flavour-packed modern take on Korean charcoal barbecue fare at Little Miss Korea. The adjoining bar, The Loading Bay, is also a worthy pitstop for cocktails using local seasonal produce – a spicy mango margarita, anyone? Within walking distance from Austin Lane, you’ll find The Trader Bar, a popular choice for an espresso hit by day or a cocktail by night. [Photo: PM Eat & Drink, ⓒTourism NT/Nick Pincott]

Darwin’s waterfront precinct has long been a drawcard for locals and tourists alike, but a few recent additions – including two venues from award-winning bartender David Robinson – have made it a must-dine destination. Both of Robinson’s venues have a focus on seasonal local produce and, unsurprisingly, an impressive drinks list, but each offers a distinct dining experience. Snapper Rocks is a family-friendly restaurant with views of Stokes Hill Wharf and bright, beachy interiors reflecting the menu’s seafood focus, while buzzy Hot Tamale is the place to go for a fresh take on Mexican food and an extensive range of tequilas, mezcals and South American beers. The new kids on the waterfront block join local institutions such as Wharf One Food & Wine, which specialises in wood-fired barbecue cooking. The unrivalled location is matched by fine fare fit for any occasion. [Photo: Wharf One, ⓒTourism NT/Shaana McNaught]