The real start of my 4WD trip to Perth. Darwin is a quiet provincial town on the northwest coast of Australia and if there is a place that exudes the 'laidback' mentality of the country, this is it. It is between 25 and 30 degrees all year round with high humidity so you immediately get the tropics in your system.

About an hour's drive from Darwin and possibly one of the Northern Territories' best kept secrets, Litchfield National Park. My first time in Australia was here, but briefly and on my way to the larger Kakadu National Park. I would like to see more of the park and can immediately check the status of the camping equipment and easily return to Darwin for any additions.

The Gunlom Plunge Pool is located on the Waterfall Creek in the Kakadu National Park. Although I have been to Kakadu before, I cannot remember seeing this and judging by the stories and the website, it is something I should definitely check out.

At the junction of the 1 where you either turn west to Western Australia or continue south towards Alice Springs lies Katherine. It lies on the banks of the Katherine River and on the border where the Tropics become the Outback. Here I have to make the choice whether I leave directly for Western Australia via Timber Creek or travel south to visit Daly Waters with its historic Pub.