Palmerston  Northern Territory

One of Australia’s newest cities, Palmerston is a thriving, satellite town 20km outside the Darwin metropolitan area. It is one of the nation’s fastest growing residential areas and has emerged as a dormitory suburb for the families of servicemen on defence bases in and around Darwin.

The Yarrawonga Park Zoo, the Territory Wildlife Park and Litchfield National Park are all within comfortable driving range.

Litchfield embraces an untamed wilderness area presided over by the red sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range which rears 220 metres above sea level. The mesa is topped by dry woodland which conceals springs whose crystal clear waters spill into gorges cut into the sandstone over millions of years. Visitors can experience this timeless landscape from lookouts and well-signed walking trails.

Palmerston is also within 15 or 20 minutes of the Howard Springs Tourist Park. The reserve’s spring-fed pool is safe for swimming and is set in a monsoon forest. The Springs Park boasts a kiosk, picnic areas and secluded spots from which visitors can observe the abundant birdlife.