Litchfield National Park
Known for its towering waterfalls, Litchfield National Park is a 1.5-hour drive from Darwin and can easily be visited as a day trip, although there are campgrounds on site if you'd like to stay longer.
Hiking trails and designated swimming areas are plentiful throughout the park, including Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and Tjaynera Falls. (These areas are surveyed by park authorities for saltwater crocodiles before being opened to visitors.) Check the park website for alerts and road closures before setting out, especially during the wet season.
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Katherine
A 3-hour drive south of Darwin, Katherine is the gateway to the Outback. With a population of just over 6,000 people, the town is a hub for mining and defence employment in the NT.
Nearby Nitmiluk National Park is Katherine's biggest tourist attraction, where you'll find Nitmiluk Gorge, Edith Falls, and a collection of rock art by the Jawoyn people, the traditional owners of the land. Take a river cruise through the gorges or hire a canoe and camp overnight. For the ultimate luxury, take a helicopter ride to your own private swimming hole. Visit the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre before setting off for all the essential information.