Australia is home to some pretty whacky sounding towns, and the town of Humpty Doo would have to come pretty close to the top of the list. This rural Australian town is positioned just 47 kilometers down the road from Darwin, in the top end of the Northern Territory. Its position on the Arnhem Highway makes it easy to find and a must-stop place for travelers to this unique part of the country.

Humpty Doo is perhaps most famous for being one of the great failed postwar experiments of the 1950's. However, before this experiment came to life, the area around the town was used to grow rice for the influx of Chinese Miners that flocked here in the 1880's gold rush. In contemporary times, the town looks more like the fringe of any large Australian city, with just enough infrastructure to be able to label it as a large country town.

Its population of just 5,400 people may not seem like much, but for a town in the Northern Territory, it is actually quite a large number. The people here get by through a combination of market gardening, low level servicing for the tourists that pass through to Kakadu and the small array of local shops.

The origin of Humpty Doo's strange name remains a mystery, but there are a few theories out there. Some say that is derives from the Army slang term "umpty", which was used in Morse code back in the war times. It may also be interpreted as a colloquialism to describe something "everything gone wrong or upside down'. However, the native locals believe that it derives from "Umdidi", and Umpty Doo is an English language corruption of an Aboriginal term which meant "popular resting place". Wherever the name comes from, it remains of the most unique for an Australian town.

At first glance, it may seem that there is not a lot to do here, but if you take a closer look you will find a great variety of things to see and do.

The highlight of the town (and perhaps its most famous icon) is no doubt the Boxing Croc. Support Australia's obsession for big things and pay a visit to the big croc, which is located at the Humpty Doo Service Station. A whopping 8x8m in size, this is one of the most hilarious manifestations you will find in the country. While it is cheesy, it is definitely worth a look.

Take a drive out to the Fogg Dam and you will find a lovely little nature area that is a hive of activity for the local fauna. The dam was constructed in the 1950's as part of the Humpty Doo project, and it has remained a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The wetland is located approximately 70 kilometers east of Darwin and attracts a large range of local and migrating water birds. This makes it extremely popular for birdwatchers. Snakes have also made a home of it, with one of the largest populations of snakes in Australia, habituating here. In the wet season, the saltwater crocodiles come out to play, so the area is best avoided during these times.

However, if you do want to get up close and personal with some reptiles, make a trip to Graeme Gow's Reptile World. This amazing attraction boasts no fewer than 300 different species of snakes, including most of Australia's deadliest varieties. It is also well known for its impressive collection of Australian lizards. Definitely worth a look if you enjoy hanging out with the creepy, crawly variety of animal.

Another great way to pass the time here is by playing a round at the local 9-hole golf course. It is nestled in a picturesque setting so the time will fly as you enjoy your peaceful and tranquil surrounds. You can also enjoy the wonders of nature at the Mary River National Park, which is home to some amazing freshwater billabongs.

Humpty Doo may not seem like your traditional tourist town, but it sure does offer some fun and exciting things to see and do. Offering a nice blend between nature and a rural township, this is definitely the place to visit if you are keen for a laid back holiday that doesn't really require you to do much at all.

Christine Barton