The Top End region of the Territory is renowned for its tropical weather, rich indigenous culture, national parks and fantastic, laid-back lifestyle. It is home to an eclectic mix of cultures whose outdoor lifestyle is complemented by brilliant sunsets, fantastic fishing and a colourful calendar of outdoor events.
The region encompasses an area that spans from the tropical capital city of Darwin to Katherine and out to Kakadu National Park. While this vast area may be remote, it is still highly accessible.
You can explore the Top End independently or as part of a tour, take a scenic flight over the wetlands and escarpments of Kakadu, zoom through the ancient sandstone gorges of Nitmiluk National Park in a helicopter, hire a four-wheel drive and go off-road, or get up close with nature on a Top End bushwalk.
Kakadu National Park
The largest national park in Australia. It contains one of the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art sites in the world; the most famous examples are at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr.
Kakadu is shaped by water, being the catchment area for the South Alligator, East Alligator, Katherine, Roper and Daly Rivers. From November to May, waterfalls are at their most spectacular and the lowlands are flooded, attracting millions of migratory birds.
The unique and diverse avian life in Kakadu includes jacanas, azure kingfishers, cuckoos, rufous owls, magpie geese, jabiru and more. Nature and wildlife abound in this area, which is known for its level of biodiversity.
Breaking up your trip through the Top End with a cooling swim at one of the many tropical waterholes and waterfalls can usually be one of the most rewarding experiences.
Try the array of cool dips in Litchfield, Nitmiluk or Kakadu National Parks surrounded by landscapes of monsoon forests, pandanus fringed pools and rocky escarpments. Soak in the gentle rapids for one of nature’s famous massages, take a trek into the pleasant surrounds or relax beside a stream.
You will discover a treasure trove of flora and fauna, from gorges and water-lilied billabongs to vivid bursts of birdlife and lurking reptiles, all spread across the myriad of landscapes in the North.
Note: The optimum time for waterfall seeking in the Top End is from November to April, when the landscape is illuminated to incandescent green after the first rains have fallen.
Much of the Top End’s social activities take place at markets and festivals - in parks and reserves, by the beach or on boats down on Darwin Harbour. Even movie buffs prefer to enjoy the flicks outdoors at the Deckchair Cinema from April to November.
Darwin's calendar of annual cultural events and festivals also make the most of the weather with the majority held between May and September as the Territory sun shines while southern Australia rugs up for winter. Open-air markets are held across the city every weekend in Parap, Rapid Creek, Nightcliff, Palmerston and further out of Darwin in Coolalinga. No holiday to Darwin between the months of May and October is complete without a visit to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
If you over indulge at the markets, there's no shortage of scenic areas and open spaces in which to exercise. A network of bicycle paths and walking tracks follow the city's coastline through mangroves, monsoon forests and beaches.
The Darwin Festival, held annually every August takes place in venues stretching from Darwin's Botanic Gardens to the foreshore of its harbour and lively entertainment district. For something a little more irreverent, the Darwin Beer Can Regatta is a free-for-all race of boats built entirely of beer and soft drink cans held every July.
The fourth largest town in the Northern Territory, Katherine is known as the crossroads of the North and home to the magnificent Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a sandstone plateau carved over thousands of years by the Katherine River.
Here you can take a spectacular 5 day bush trek known as the Jatbula Trail, canoe the first two gorges, take a boat cruise or see all 13 gorges from a thrilling helicopter adventure.
Also in Katherine are the Cutta Cutta Caves, home to five species of bats, including the rare ghost and horseshoe bats. The Cycad Gardens and Hot Springs are a must, along with a camp fire dinner with local larrikin Marksie at the Katherine Museum.
There are all types of accommodation, including caravan parks and campgrounds, backpackers, motels and more, perfect two spend a week visiting the amazing attractions of this region.
Crocodiles are the world’s largest living and most ancient reptiles. They have existed unchanged for nearly two hundred million years. Here in the Top End, we have two types of crocodile, the freshwater and the estuarine/saltwater crocodile. Local crocodile expert Grahame Webb tells how the saltwater crocodile is a clever predator. Like submerged submarines, they wait for the opportune time to strike and when they do, it’s a flurry of activity that leaves prey with no chance to escape.
To see these magnificent creatures, you can visit a local crocodile attraction to see them up close, hold a baby croc, take a guided tour, cage dive with a croc, fish for a croc or even wear a croc after purchasing crocodile products from the gift shop.
If it’s in the wild, you can see them on a jumping crocodile cruise, on a nature billabong cruise or while on a fishing charter in local billabongs and estuaries. There is almost a one to one ratio of crocs to humans in the north, so you’re sure to come across them in Territory waterways. Always observe crocodile safety signs, and if you want to get up close and personal with this feared predator, go on an organised tour.
The Northern Territory is home to Australia’s largest population of Aboriginal people. Discover living aboriginal culture rich with traditions over 50,000 years old.
Weave a basket, throw a spear, enjoy storytelling and taste local bush tucker on a guided tour. Witness some of the oldest Aboriginal rock art on earth, or watch traditional dances and learn to play the didgeridoo at one of the many cultural festivals, or visit community art centres and watch the artists create their vibrant Aboriginal art.
Wherever you go in the Top End you’ll learn more about Aboriginal culture and art than anywhere else in Australia.
Art Galleries - Art Galleries are scattered all over the Top End region, in Darwin City, regional towns, communities and in some national parks.
Whether for investment or as a memento on the lounge room wall, you’ll find a diverse range of pieces to suit every taste and budget. Art Galleries also usually sell collectables such as weaved baskets and mats, didgeridoos, ornaments and more.
Cultural Centres - Interpretive cultural centres with displays for self discovery are located across the Top End. Be sure to call in and learn about the local people of the region, their history, different seasons, hunting methods, clan law and punishment and more.
Rock Art Sites - Rock art is an important part of Aboriginal people’s lives. It is used to tell a story, teach lessons and depict religious significance. More than 5000 rock art sites have been recorded in Kakadu and even more in Arnhem Land. Art has been dated back to more than 50,000 years ago depicting dreamtime stories being passed on for generations.
Guided Tours - When planning your trip in the Top End, consider taking a guided tour that incorporates an aboriginal cultural experience. There’s a vast array of options that include hands on cultural experiences as well as interpretive experiences to get the very best out of this ancient history that is still alive today.
Aboriginal Festivals - Many festivals are coordinated annually in regional areas and communities in the Top End. These events provide a great opportunity to interact with locals to celebrate traditions, enjoy an array of local entertainment and sports. Many communities usually require a permit to gain entry, however during festivals, you will find that many permits are temporarily waivered to encourage visitors to attend. This is a great way to experience local community cultures and values at a time when the local people are ready to share it in their home town.
When it comes to barramundi fishing, you would be hard placed to find a better destination than the Top End, with its lush billabongs, big tidal rivers and mangrove-lined estuaries.
You can achieve some awesome results all year round, with the vast networks of waterways offering a variety of world-class fishing options.
The calm water of Darwin harbour is the perfect spot to try a one-day fishing charter or target the elusive barramundi while on the Daly River – its estuaries boast some of the biggest barra ever caught.
Walking through the lush, tropical gardens of the WWII War Cemetery in Adelaide River, just south of Darwin, it’s impossible to remain untouched by the rows of headstones bearing messages from those who loved and lost during the battle for the North.
But the Top End is full of reminders of the defence of Australia during WWII. Darwin was bombed 64 times from 19 February 1942 and the city’s museums and monuments, along with the remains of air strips and defence force bases along the Stuart Highway, speak volumes.
EventsJanuary
Heineken Hottest 7's in the World Rugby held in Darwin.
May
Merrepen Arts Festival held near Daly River.
June
Barunga Festival held near Katherine.
July
1.Boonu Boonu Festival held near Borroloola.
2.Darwin Show held in Darwin.
July/August
Walking with Spirits Festival held near Katherine.
August
1. Garma Festival held at Nhulunbuy (Gove) in Arnhem Land.
2. Stone Country Festival held at Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) in Arnhem Land.
3. Darwin Cup held on the 1st Monday in August at Fannie Bay Racecourse.
4.Darwin Festival held in Darwin.
September
Mahbilil Festival held in Kakadu.
December
New Years Eve on the Wharf held in Darwin.
