The Top End is HOT right now, in more ways than one. There are more flights in and more hotels opening up every month and this happening part of Australia's Northern Territory is fast becoming a very popular destination for families.
Here are a few recommendations from the locals – junior travel guides from Bound Round, the travel app for kids, by kids.
1. Defence Of Darwin Experience
Follow a soldier's story at the Defence of Darwin Experience.
Unlike most museums, a lot of this museum is outdoors, so you can run around and have a bit of fun as you learn a bit about Darwin’s history. The exhibition space includes the bombing of Darwin gallery, with iconic objects from that time, firsthand accounts and original artefacts.
Start your experience by watching a short presentation about Darwin’s history, collect a map from the front desk, as well as a small ID card from the lucky dip. The lucky dip ID cards have people’s names on them, a photo and a little history – from this you can follow their story.
2. Deckchair Cinema
Kick back and watch the stars on and off the screen at Deckchair Cinema.
What better way to watch a movie in the tropics than in an open-air cinema? Sit outside in the warm air; watch the sun go down beside you over the water, BYO or purchase hot food and drinks. Deckchairs and pillows are supplied, so you can watch the stars at the same time as your film.
See salties and freshies in the wild: On A Croc-Sized Adventure
Brave enough to take a dip? Swimming In Australia's Top End
3. Crocosaurus Cove
Brave the Cage Of Death at Crocosaurus Cove.
No self-respecting kid could visit Darwin and not visit Crocosaurus Cove. Home to the famous Burt the Crocodile from Crocodile Dundee, this is where you can experience the Cage Of Death.
You can also feed the crocs here and there are a few options. If you’re brave enough, pick Burt, the movie star, who is incredibly large and the sound of his jaws snapping shut on a piece of meat will definitely make you shudder.
If you’re not that brave, you can choose to feed the little guys and if you’re game, there’s also an opportunity to hold a baby crocodile. But for the super-brave, there is of course the Cage Of Death. “The crocs jump out of the water really high! I’d probably give it a 10 out of 10.”
The Cage of Death is a glass cage that lowers you into an enclosure with a crocodile and you can watch as the croc swims around you (minimum age 15).
4. Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise
Jumping crocs will make you jump, too.
Just one hour’s drive from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway is the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. It’s a good idea to book a 9am cruise, as it starts while the temperature is still coolish, and make sure you grab a seat by the downstairs window if you want to be eye-to-eye with jumping crocs!
5. Litchfield National Park
Lush Litchfield National Park does not disappoint.
The landscape of Litchfield National Park is just beautiful. There are lush forests dotted with termite mounds as tall as trees, stunning rock formations, gushing waterfalls and rock pools to cool down in (look out for croc signs!)
There are plenty of ways to explore it, too – 4WD tracks, walking trails, swimming holes – and plenty of lookouts along the way. The picnic grounds at the top of the Florence Falls Walk are a great place to stop for lunch. It is just a short walk from here down the stairs to Florence Falls – a croc-free safe swimming area.
6. Tiwi Islands Cruise
New day tours departing Darwin twice a week make it easier to explore the 'island of smiles'. If you have a bit longer, three-day cruises give you a more in-depth experience, including visits to the old Catholic mission, fishing trips, a Sea Ranger beach tour and a sunset turtle discovery tour.
On the Tiwi By Design day tour you’ll be treated to a traditional welcome ceremony and morning tea (damper!) and a local guide will show you around the museum and the mission precinct before lunch. You can spend the afternoon with a local Tiwi artist and create your own work of art to take home with you.
About Bound Round
For more recommendations on activities for kids in the Northern Territory and the rest of Australia (and the world) get your kids to check out Bound Round, the kids travel app by kids for kids. The app is full of fun facts, games and video guides to all the best activities and attractions, narrated by local kids, the experts on what’s fun in their home town.
