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The Big Drift

Photography guide

Ubirr is the go-to place for sunset in Kakadu with expansive 360-degree views and interesting rock formations in the foreground, although in busy times it could be a challenge to get a clear view. Ubirr is open from 8.30am to sunset from April 1 to the end of November, and from 2pm to sunset from December 1 to March 31. A ranger will round up visitors as soon as darkness falls before shutting the gate.

Another often overlooked sunset viewing spot is Nawurlandja Lookout, which offers excellent views of Nourlangie Rock and over Anbangbang Billabong. Turn off a short distance before Nourlangie to reach a car park, the 600-metre climb to the lookout takes about 25 minutes.

Be aware that in the Top End there is little or no twilight or dusk, night becomes sunrise and sunset becomes night very quickly.

The type of photos you bring home will be heavily dependent on the weather and what time of year you visit. Visiting in the drier months means access to a lot more scenic spots, the likelihood of clear sunset views and wildlife is more concentrated in remaining waterholes such as Yellow Waters Billabong at Kakadu. But the big waterfalls are reduced to a trickle if they are flowing at all. Another annoyance can be finding the beautiful waterholes and waterfall plunge pools are full of swimmers. In the wetter months there are fewer visitors, many roads are closed and you are likely to get wet (it's also very hot and humid). But on the plus side the waterfalls are simply awesome, the wetlands are magnificent and you have the best places mostly to yourself. With roads cut off, a helicopter flight over Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls is highly recommended.

Pack a long lens for the Yellow Waters cruise - you will see lots of birds and other animals, most likely including crocodiles. Views from the boat here and on the Katherine River are fantastic, but attempts at landscape photos don't usually produce great results (an exception is a stunning sunrise over Yellow Waters). On the Katherine Gorge cruise there is a short walk between the first and second gorges where it's possible to snap some good views of the gorge - be quick, the boat won't wait!

If you're pushed for time the highlights of Litchfield can be visited in a day trip from Darwin, providing wild views with limited exertion.

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