If you had to choose between visiting Cairns and the great barrier reef (probably wont be diving, maybe snorkeling) and visiting Darwin- with one or more of the following: Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine Gorge, which would you choose that is more scenic? Not interested in wildlife, animals, only beautiful scenery. tia

Both are spectacular for scenery, Cairns has the mountains in the hinterland, with beautiful rainforest.

I would choose Darwin though, Kakadu is stunning, as is Nitmulik National Park (Katherine Gorge). If you had time and the inclination, the Kimberley region in WA is even more breathtaking scenery wise.

What time of year are you coming ? Best time for the northern parts is May - October.

I'm off to Cairns in August for a wedding - I can't wait!!!

I've been to both Darwin (and the Top End) and Far North Queensland (Cairns/Port Douglas) many times. If your criteria is scenery, then I would choose Darwin because I find the scenery in the Top End not only beautiful, but unique. Nowhere have I seen the things (red, red soil, huge termite mounds, amazing waterfalls into natural pools, etc) that I have seen in the Top End.