This part of Australia is the best place to see saltwater crocodiles. These larger than life natives are a protected species, and the best way to experience them up close and personal is on an organised tour or at a wildlife park. Take a cruise on Yellow Water, a landlocked billabong in Kakadu National Park that’s home to crocodiles, wild horses, and an array of birdlife. Or watch these prehistoric giants leap out of the water for a tasty treat on an Adelaide River boat trip. Brave souls can come eye-to-eye with a scaly five-metre-long predator in the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove, a capsule that’s lowered into the crocodile’s pool. Be sure to pick up some croc-themed souvenirs, from tea towels to t-shirts, and if you do buy any crocodile leather, make sure it has a valid CITES certificate. You’ll also spot croc on the menu at many places, in the form of burgers, schnitzel, and skewers.

The Northern Territory may be rugged, but you can still explore this vast landscape in comfort and style. Make the most of your days in the wild, Aussie Outback and rock up to a comfortable bed at night - there are fabulous luxury lodges and glamping experiences on offer. Soak up floodplain views from your private veranda at Finniss River Lodge, a working cattle station near Litchfield National Park with a stylish restaurant. Or watch the wildlife from a safari bungalow on the 300km² Bamurru Plains estate, accommodation which rivals the luxury camps of Kenya or Tanzania. For an incredible sunset, late-night stargazing and comfort under canvas, Top End Safari Camp offers an unforgettable glamping experience.

The area south of Darwin is home to some spectacular waterfalls, refreshing waterholes, and relaxing hot springs. Just a short 50km drive away, Berry Springs, is perfect for a day trip. This idyllic swimming spot boasts clear water, shaded pools and manicured lawns. Another day-trip destination, Litchfield National Park has glorious hiking trails, towering termite mounds, and plenty of waterholes for a dip. Try the pools below Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, or the Buley Rockholes. Further afield and worth the drive are the waterfalls of Kakadu National Park, including the spectacular Jim Jim and Twin Falls, and the natural thermal pools of Bitter Springs and Mataraka.

With an endless ocean, countless rivers and plenty of billabongs within easy reach, being beside - or on - the water is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of Australia’s Top End. Sailing or cruising around Darwin is a must, whether it's a day trip on a luxury catamaran or a longer voyage out to the Tiwi Islands. Add a sunset cruise to your itinerary and enjoy a lavish, champagne dinner or a fish and chip supper with stupendous views. Or throw in some thrills with a sunset jet ski experience. Further afield the sunset dinner cruises on Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge are worth the trip - enjoy a three-course dinner cooked fresh on the boat, as you float between the towering cliffs. And don’t miss the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. This twice-weekly celebration captures the essence of Darwin’s multicultural spirit and laid-back lifestyle.

Dive into Darwin's tropical lifestyle at the city’s waterfront, where you’ll find lush parklands, a man-made beach, and a huge recreational lagoon. The saltwater lagoon boasts an inflatable aqua park, beach volleyball court and a waterfront beach club. Linger over lunch or stop for a sensational sundowner - there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, from Mediterranean to Mexican. Here you’ll also find the popular Waterfront Wave Lagoon, a palm-fringed swimming pool with a wave machine. Wind up your day at Darwin Waterfront with a film at the open-air Deckchair Cinema, seven nights a week from mid April to mid November.

Darwin was the target of heavy Japanese air raids during World War II. In fact, the bombing of Darwin in February 1942 was the largest ever single attack on Australia by a foreign power. As a result, the region became a significant base for Australian and American military, and there are dozens of fascinating heritage sites throughout the Territory. You can discover ammunition bunkers, airfields, oil storage tunnels, explosives stores and watch towers. The Darwin Military Museum and the Defence of Darwin Experience at East Point Reserve showcase artefacts, uniforms, weapons and artillery, while at the Darwin Aviation Museum you can see a massive B-52 bomber. Or choose from several land or sea-based tours of WWII sites, including the underground oil storage tunnels.

Darwin is surrounded by sparkling sea, with plenty of access to bluewater fishing. Darwin Harbour is much bigger than Sydney Harbour, and is prime barramundi habitat. With sunken warships and other shipwrecks, too, it’s a great artificial reef, home to many other species of fish. It’s ideal for anglers of all abilities, with daily charters leaving from Cullen Bay Marina, and professional fishing guides available to escort you on a one-day or extended barramundi fishing tour. There are boat hire outlets and tackle shops, too, if you’re able to go it alone.

Aboriginal culture is an intrinsic part of the identity of Australia’s Northern Territory, from traditional ceremonial practices to world-class contemporary arts. Take a Tiwi island tour with Tiwi By Design , where you’ll be immersed in Aboriginal island life, learn about cultural links to the landscape at the indigenous-owned Nitmiluk National Park, or explore Kakadu’s ancient rock art with Ayal Aboriginal Tours. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) in Darwin is home to internationally renowned collections, and hosts the annual Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. And every September, Darwin’s streets burst into colour as blank walls become giant canvases for the Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF).

Get the full perspective on Australia’s Northern Territory from above - a scenic flight from Darwin can take you over this dramatic landscape in a matter of minutes. Soar over the plunging gorges and misty waterfalls of Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site, or spot saltwater crocs on the floodplains of the Adelaide River and along the pristine banks of the Mary River. For the ultimate indulgence, the Heli Pub Crawl will take you to some of the region’s most iconic watering holes, by chopper, pausing for ice-cold beverages and an outback pub lunch along the way.

Darwin's buzzing festivals and events are another reason to explore this Northern Territory destination. The region’s biggest music festival, Bass in the Grass, hits Darwin's Mindil Beach in May - expect banging tunes and epic sunsets. Every August, Darwin Festival transforms Australia's tropical Top End into a wonderland of music, theatre, comedy, and visual arts under the stars. Thrillseekers will assemble in September for MXGP of Australia, a leading motocross championship on a purpose-built track at the Hidden Valley Motorsports Complex. And October brings the more sedate Darwin International Laksa Festival, when locals and visitors are encouraged to follow a Laksa Trail around the region, to taste the variety of Laksas and Laksa-inspired dishes to be found in the Top End.