Up in Australia's Top End, there's a lot to see – but award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Nick Volpe reckons no visit is complete without meeting the incredible animals who call this part of the world home. The Darwin-based nature lover is here to show us his favourite spots in Darwin for encountering native animals, with a sunset beach walk and waterfront dinner along the way.
Territory Wildlife Park
Start your morning with the locals – aka wallabies and wallaroos – at Territory Wildlife Park. This 400-hectare park is home to a mix of wild and captive creatures that are only found in the Top End of the Northern Territory. Make friends with sugar gliders, brown tree snakes, exotic-looking birds and even saltwater crocs.
Crocosaurus Cove
Are you brave enough to enter the Cage of Death, where you’ll find yourself submerged for 15 minutes with crocodiles lurking only metres away? Or would you prefer something a little safer, like feeding a sweet baby crocodile? You can do both at Crocosaurus Cove, Volpe’s go-to spot to see the Northern Territory’s most famous inhabitants.
Casuarina Beach
Baby turtles, manta rays and rainbow bee-eater birds are just some of the locals you might spot on the sands and shores at Casuarina Beach. Volpe loves driving down to the beach for a sunset stroll and looking out for the diverse wildlife that call this vast piece of coastline home.
Bellabar
For food-loving visitors to Darwin, Larrakia land gives plenty of reasons to linger. Volpe recommends rounding up your perfect Darwin day with dinner on the waterfront at Bellabar. This Mediterranean tapas bar showcases seasonal produce and seafood inspired by the Middle East. Start with ras el hangout spiced calamari and Coffin Bay oysters dressed with Limoncello granita, before loading up on fresh pasta and pizza.
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