Northern Territory - The Top End

Swaying palms, monsoon vine forests, dancing birds, crocodiles in the waterways, ancient cultures, ecologically significant areas - it sounds so exotic, it’s hard to believe we’re talking about Australia - but we are. The Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory has all of this and more.

Environment

One of the best things about exploring this part of the continent is the landscape. It’s so dramatic it never fails to make a lasting impression and the number of places to go and things to do is almost endless.

Picture a sunny day in July, floating on a li-lo down the spectacular Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk). Or bushwalking with a guide through World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park and 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture, not to mention the 275 species of birds, the 1000 different plants or the reptiles and other animals that call it home. You won’t ever have seen anything as amazing as the pillars of the Lost City in the Gulf Region, a helicopter will drop your tour group into this natural wonder.

Climate

Forget about winter chills, the Top End is blue skies and sunshine. Holidaying in the Top End in the tropical summer is like walking into another world. From November to April the skies are alight with Nature’s light shows and waterfalls thunder in applause. Gone are the narrow waterways of the dry season and in their place a single sheet of water stretches to the horizon. The monsoonal rain falls mainly in the late afternoon and overnight, so you can still spend your days touring. The appeal of this time of the year is fast becoming well known but as yet it is not reflected in prices; off season rates apply and they make this time of year even more appealing. Did you know that the temperatures from November to April in the Top End are almost the same as those in Singapore, Bali and Cairns?

Culture

There are so many things to see in The Top End, it’s hard to list them all in a small space. Aboriginal art, history and culture are featured on the Tiwi Islands and at Manyallaluk, and ancient Arnhem Land offers a special experience. Wildlife is easy to find roaming free in the National Parks and it’s also well displayed at the Territory Wildlife Park and the Darwin Crocodile Farm. The jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River are something you have to see to believe. Litchfield National Park is just 105km by sealed road from Darwin and is largely untouched wilderness with spring-fed waterfalls that flow all year. A day or two relaxing there will really rejuvenate you.

The Top End is Australia’s tropical north and a region that gives its visitors an experience with a difference. Being closer to Asia than any Australian capital city, it has a distinct Asian flavour, especially in Darwin. One other thing that tops of its appeal is - you don’t need vaccinations. Just about all the locals speak English. Well there may be a few words that trick you like - “it’s only 310 km down the track” (the ‘track’ is the local slang for the Stuart Highway), or “would you like a white or a blue can?” - that means a can of Carlton or Fosters beer. You may be able to tell by now that the locals are pretty relaxed and friendly, so rest assured you will be welcomed and given a great holiday.

National Parks

There are many national and nature parks in the Top End. Although fees may apply for some camping sites, there is no entry fee for visitors to Kakadu National Park.

A two hour drive from Darwin is all it takes to reach the heart of a World Heritage region - Kakadu National Park. Its vast expanse is studded with natural jewels like Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, Yellow Waters, Jim Jim and Twin Falls. Litchfield National Park is located even closer to Darwin, with waterfalls, nature walks and colourful, ever-present wildlife. The beauty of the Top End extends further south into the Katherine region and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, featuring the magnificent Katherine Gorge, made famous in the Australian movie Jedda.

Australia’s tropical north, the Top End, offers year round attractions that are truly memorable and inspiring.