Darwin's close encounters of the croc kind – in pictures
The Northern Territory capital has gorgeous beaches, but they are eerily absent of swimmers – nobody dares when the very real danger of a tangle with a crocodile lies under the surface of the water. Luckily, the Litchfield National Park is just a couple of hours south of the city, and during the right time of year make for an ideal day trip, with majestic plunge waterfalls and swimming holes offering tourists the chance for a cool, refreshing splash. And the action doesn’t stop when night falls – the Mindil Beach Sunset market is the place to pick up a bite to eat, with plenty of spicy, colourful cuisine on show
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Banyan tree
I’ve joined an AAT Kings tour to Litchfield national park, and a giant Banyan tree makes for cool shade during a quick pitstop. The dramatic weather of the Northern Territory – hot, humid and depending on season, monsoonal rain – means smart planning is essential. Stay tuned to Parks and Wildlife’s announcements for possible closuresPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds
An hour and a half’s drive south of Darwin, termite mounds begin to dot the landscape. These extraordinary natural structures can tower to 5m high, and each has just one queen termite presiding. The death of that queen leads to the disbandment of the colony. Luckily she can live to the ripe, old age of 40Photograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park
These won’t be the last waterfalls we see for the day, nor the only opportunity for a quick dip. For those more interested in walking, there is an easy 30 minute track called Shady Creek Walk and a platform at the top of the falls with wonderful panoramic views. There are also camping options herePhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Litchfield National Park
During the notorious wet season plenty of the park tracks are closed due to flooding. My guide mentions that crocodiles may inhabit the water during that time – another reason to avoid the park. But during the rest of the year, there’s nothing better than getting lost in the thick foliage of the forestPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Tolmer Falls, Litchfield National Park
The waters of Tolmer Falls plunges into a pool over 100m below. Access has been restricted due to environmental conservation measures, but there is still a chance to see its dramatic beauty from a safe viewing point. But it’s a small spot and crowds may mean you get jostled about as you drink in the viewPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park
Our guide tells us that Wangi Falls was once a sacred, women’s only swimming hole for the local indigenous people. These days, however, men and women alike – predominantly tourists – swim in the chest-high waters. Except, of course, when there are crocodiles aboutPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park
Last person in the Buley Rockhole is a rotten egg! This swimming hole was our last opportunity for a dip. And with the warm weather and prospect of a long bus ride back to Darwin, just about everyone on our tour changed into togs and splashed about in the cool, refreshing watersPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Basket weaving
Darwin is a mecca for Indigenous arts and craft, including exquisitely handcrafted baskets and carry bags. For the more adventurous, there are also opportunities to travel to remote parts of the state and learn from master weavers, such as the ladies of Marpuru and their micro-business Arnhem WeaversPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Mindil Beach, Darwin
Beautiful? Yes. Swimmable? No! The beaches of Darwin are tantalisingly blue, but beware of the croc that swims beneath the surface. Luckily spectacular sunsets make for a consolation prize, and each day at dusk you’ll find the city’s central beach Mindil lined with tourists and locals who’ve come to see the grand showPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Darwin
After the sun goes down it’s time for dinner. Wafts of delicious smells catch the wind to lead you to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market where any number of food stalls can satisfy your hunger pangs. Here a giant pan of paella is almost ready for a line of impatient customersPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Darwin
There is a youthful energy to Darwin, which is populated by tourists, students, and interstate workers. Every evening as the sky grows dark, street performers put on shows, often using fire, music and glowing neon lights. Here a whimsical-looking stall is filled with hula hoops, dancing ribbons and other curiosPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Darwin festival hub
Every August Darwin festival dominates the city’s cultural calendar. The festival hub is strung up with pretty lights and swaying palm trees give the city the feeling of living in tropical paradise. On this day Tina Arena and local boy band B2M were about to hit the stage nearby, to a packed housePhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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Seafood platter
Mitchell’s Grill at Hilton Darwin serves a tasty $45 seafood platter. Local NT prawns with chilli and garlic are served with Queensland scallops, crispy Chorizo, black jewfish fritters and a beetroot reduction and balsamic glaze. Local produce – fresh, light and zinging with flavour – perfectly complements Darwin’s summery weatherPhotograph: Hilton Darwin
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Chili mud crab
NT’s famous and mouth-watering chilli mud crab. Darwin’s relative proximity to Asia means food often comes with dashes of spice and lots of colour. Here crab is served with Asian greens, freshly pounded local chilli garlic sambal and coriander from Rapid Creek markets. Mitchell’s Grill at Hilton Darwin offers this at $75 for twoPhotograph: Hilton Darwin
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Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin
Close encounters with the croc kind. Your dutiful author took her last swim in Darwin (not in life) at Crocosaurus Cove, right in the middle of the city. My reptilian playmate pictured here is the octogenarian croc Chopper, who weighs 790kg and is missing two feet – injuries from former territorial battlesPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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With love from Darwin
There’s definitely more to Darwin than crocs, although they do seem to dominate local news headlines. And much like the totemic animal, the city oscillates between relaxed and action-packed, with nary a breath between. For those with more time, there’s plenty to do in the territory’s wild interiorPhotograph: Monica Tan/Guardian Australia
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