A sleepy fishing village in the 60s, Port Douglas has evolved into a sophisticated modern town and a more serene alternative to nearby Cairns for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Hailed as a scuba-diving and snorkelling paradise, this resort destination on the Coral Sea in North Queensland offers miles of pristine palm-lined beaches, and plenty of shopping, wining and dining experiences. A short distance out of town, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge are not to be missed.
Located in the south of Australia’s Northern Territory, the remote town of Yulara lies only 18 short kilometres from the sacred world heritage site, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. This isolated town serves as a service hub for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and offers some welcome comfort in the harsh Outback landscape. Visitors use it as a base when exploring the park and viewing the main attraction in the area, Uluru. This epic sandstone formation stands almost 350 metres high and measures 10 kilometres in circumference featuring hidden caves, ancient rock art and otherworldly fiery hues at sunset. Other popular attractions and activities include: the Field of Light Uluru, the Desert Awakenings Tour and the Wintjiri Arts & Museum.
Darwin is a tropical seaport in the Northern Territory of Australia that serves as a convenient access point to Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, with more than 50 nationalities represented here. With a strong Asian influence, you can expect a kaleidoscope of cuisines and a cultural blend of Thai, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian. Darwin's city centre buzzes with a lively tourist vibe, while unique museums celebrate the city's past and galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Sail to the intriguing Tiwi Islands, take a speedboat ride or go fishing in a tinny – the local version of a small boat.
Flowing through Australia's Northern Territory, the 225-kilometre Mary River winds through Mary River National Park, an area of extensive wetlands, monsoon forests and freshwater billabongs. A popular stop on the journey between Darwin and Kakadu National Park, the river is renowned for its abundant wildlife and exceptional fishing. Join a river cruise to spot saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos and wallabies, or experience one of the region's famous crocodile-jumping cruises. Nearby, Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is home to nearly 200 bird species, including kingfishers, herons and kites. Fishing charters on the Mary River are especially popular with anglers hoping to catch barramundi in one of Australia's premier fishing destinations.
