The Region

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 itself 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, is still easily 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 ancient sandstone gorges in 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. 

Darwin Boasting a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, Darwin enjoys warm weather all-year round and is a vibrant tropical harbour city. In Darwin you will find: A multicultural mix of alfresco restaurants and outdoor markets offering tropical delights. A rich and interesting history of World War II artefacts and preserved sites. The renowned Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Outer Darwin Just out of Darwin is a wealth of nature and culture experiences. In Outer Darwin you will find: Massive barramundi and families of turtles swimming in the shady Howard Springs. The Mary River National Park, enroute to Kakadu, where you can spot wildlife, fish for barramundi and go bushwalking. Jumping crocodile cruises on the Adelaide River, where huge crocs leap from the water for bait right before your eyes. Tiwi Islands Explore the Tiwi Islands, a 35-minute flight or two-hour ferry ride from Darwin, as part of a one-day or overnight tour. On the Tiwi Islands you will find: Aboriginal art galleries featuring authentic and valuable Tiwi art, pottery, sculptures and wooden carvings. The Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final and Art Sale, which is held annually in March. This is the biggest event of the year for the football-loving Tiwi people. The Tiwi Ladies, who will prepare a morning tea of damper and billy tea straight from the fire. Dense rainforest, sandy beaches and rock pools to swim in. Adelaide River and Batchelor Heading south along the Stuart Highway, travellers can stop at the small townships of Batchelor and Adelaide River.    At Adelaide River you will find: The Adelaide River war cemetery, which is Australia’s largest war cemetery and a sombre reminder of the Northern Territory’s role in World War II. Delicious barra and chips at the Adelaide River Pub – a true Territorian meal at a real outback pub. At Batchelor you will find: The Butterfly and Bird Farm and the Coomalie Cultural Centre. Accommodation to base yourself while visiting Litchfield National Park. Litchfield National Park Litchfield National Park is an easy day trip or a popular camping spot from Darwin where you can picnic alongside waterfalls and soak up the tropical atmosphere. At Litchfield you will find: Several types of typical Top End habitats including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades. Permanent spring-fed waterfalls (Florence, Tolmer and Wangi), cascades at Buley Rockhole and fields of magnetic termite mounds. The ruins of Blyth Homestead. Built in 1929, the ruins highlight the region's colourful pioneering and pastoral history. Katherine Journey to Katherine and discover why it is often described as the place where `the outback meets the tropics'. In Katherine you will find: The magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge with towering sandstone walls and cool clear water, ideal for canoeing or cruising. Fascinating calcite formations of up to 500 million years old at the Cutta Cutta Caves. A large, open swimming hole at beautiful Edith Falls, just north of Katherine. The Jatbula Trail Walking Track – one of the most popular and challenging walks in the Top End. 66 kms from hot sandstone escarpment to wet paperbark forests and features waterfalls, cultural sites and deep sandstone gorges. Borroloola and the Gulf Country The Gulf country is a huge area that sweeps east of Katherine to the Queensland border. It is well known for its spectacular landscapes and awesome fishing. In the Gulf country you will find: Some of Australia’s most remote and unspoilt waterways, making it an exciting fishing destination. The ever-changing landscapes along the Savannah Way tourism drive that links Cairns and Broome. Cape Crawford, 100km south-west of Borroloola, an area surrounded by savannah woodland, rock escarpments, waterfalls and waterholes. Douglas and Daly River Region Just north of Katherine, this area encompasses many unique ecosystems, including hot springs and gorges, making it a fantastic spot to camp and bushwalk. In the Douglas Daly region you will find: Aboriginal artists at work at the Merrepin Arts Centre. Thousands of butterflies seeking shelter in the crevices of sheer rock faces at Butterfly Gorge Nature Park. The Douglas Hot Springs, where the springs can bubble at temperatures reaching 60 degrees Celsius and an ideal camping spot. Mataranka, Stuart Highway and Roper River Famous for thermal pools and fabulous fishing, the small town of Mataranka sits on the upper reaches of the Roper River just south of Katherine. In the Mataranka, Stuart Highway and Roper River region you will find: Elsey Station, made famous by Jeannie Gunn's book We of the Never Never. Plenty of refreshing thermal pools to relax in. Art and craft at the Aboriginal community of Manyallaluk. Pine Creek The only original mining town remaining in the Top End from the gold rush era of the 1800s, Pine Creek is a treasure trove of heritage bush buildings and mining sites. In Pine Creek you will find: Refreshing mango smoothies at Mayse's Café. Machinery relics in Miners Park and the Railway Precinct. The Grove Hill Heritage Hotel along the Northern Goldfields Loop. Timber Creek and the Victoria River The Timber Creek and Victoria River region is located south-west of Katherine and is most often visited enroute between Katherine and Western Australia's Kimberley region. In the Timber Creek and Victoria River region you will find: The mighty Victoria River, a Mecca for barramundi anglers. Colourful scenery, grassy plains, boab trees and majestic gorges carved by rivers out of sandstone escarpments. The spectacular escarpment landscapes of Gregory and Keep River national parks. Kakadu National Park Rugged escarpments, lush wetlands, plunging gorges and cascading waterfalls exist side by side in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. In Kakadu National Park you will find: The world-famous Yellow Water Billabong, where you can cruise at dawn and dusk to spot wildlife, birds and crocodiles. One of the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art in the world. The best examples are at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock. Waterfalls and plunge pools like the famous Twin and Jim Jim Falls, and Gunlom and Barramundie Gorge in the southern end of the park. Arnhem Land Encompassing 91,000sqkm, Arnhem Land is blessed with wild coastlines, deserted islands, rivers teeming with fish, lush rainforests, soaring escarpments and savannah woodland. In Arnhem Land you will find: Some of Australia’s, if not the world’s, best sports fishing opportunities. Anglers even catch marlin and sailfish off the north-east coast. Some of the Territory's best-known Aboriginal artists – invest in their work at a local gallery. A range of unique accommodation, from a five-star wilderness lodge to fishing safari camps and remote National Park camping at Cobourg Peninsular. More Information For more details on any of these attractions, contact Tourism Top End on 1300 138 886.    If you would like a copy of the Top End Holiday Guide please click here.