Travel down the Stuart Highway and enter the park via the tiny township of Batchelor, stopping at the magnetic termite mounds before exploring the plunging waterfalls at Florence Falls, or floating inside a network of peaceful waterholes at Buley Rockhole. A walking path links the two popular spots, so take your time ambling along this route, pausing for regular dips in the adjacent waters.

Make Fogg Dam Conservation Area your first stop, where you can choose between the wetlands or a walk. Up to 200 species of birdlife gather among the lilies and reeds in the wetlands, including rainbow pitta birds and crimson finches. You might spy the odd croc, too.

There are two pools and boats for hire, or simply relax on the deck. If you’re a keen angler, don’t forget to register to catch the Million Dollar Fish. If you want to leave the car at home, jump on a ferry and head over to Crab Claw for a seafood lunch overlooking the beach. The ferry departs from Cullen Bay in Darwin mid-morning and returns late afternoon. Check departure and arrival times directly with SeaLink.

Travel south from the city and turn off at Cox Peninsula Road to get to the park, located just 50 minutes’ drive from Darwin. Pull in at Territory Wildlife Park on the way to explore its vast 404 hectares, home to almost every variety of native bird, reptile and macropod.