We visited the Gurig Ganuk Barlu National Park on the Cobourg peninsula as part of a volunteering project and found a secret paradise many Australians don't even know exists.

A full day's drive from Darwin, getting there isn't easy on a budget, but the peninsula has its own airstrip for those who wish to arrive in style. There are approximately 2,207 sq kilometres of fantastic scenery, including virgin white coastline, rugged red cliffs and wetlands with rare mangrove coral.

Only 20 vehicles are permitted in the area at one time, so such amazing scenery can be enjoyed peacefully - often many of the beaches are completely deserted. The wildlife here is incredibly varied, with Asian water buffalo (banteng), crocodiles, turtles, dugong, 250 species of bird and an ocean teeming with fish. If you've a penchant for angling, try catching mudcrab in the Aboriginal way with long sticks, or throw a line in and catch anything from queenfish to barramundi - this is perhaps the best region for fishing in the whole of Australia.

There are many day trips to be taken and beautiful scenic walks. If you're interested in Australia's colonial history, a visit to the infamous Victoria settlement is highly recommended. With beautiful cliff-top views and wild kangaroos in abundance, the Victoria settlement has a tragic history. Hundreds of British died attempting to colonise the area as a result of malaria, disease and failure to grow crops in the humid climate. The Cornish architectural ruins of the bakery and school are still standing since the settlement was abandoned in 1849. A truly fascinating place in every respect.