Top End

The Top End of the Territory is home to towering gorges, pristine beaches, lush rainforests and ancient landscapes on the edge of the Timor and Arafura Seas. The Top End offers a rich contrast to the arid interior, with vibrant vegetation spilling onto sun dappled beaches.

The Top End has two main seasons – the wet and the dry. In the wet the region is at its most spectacular and dramatic, with driving rains awakening the landscape to lush vegetation, while the dry brings throngs of visitors to explore its natural wonders. The Top End is a winterless wonderland with year round warm temperatures, humid conditions and long bursts of boiling heat. Bring clothes for the sun but also be prepared to defend yourself from mosquitos.The Territory’s capital Darwin is a modern city set on the edge of the Top End, and is known as the gateway to Asia. This is a multicultural city teeming with different cultures and city experiences including fine dining, casino and nightlife. Darwin is within easy driving distance of many of the Top End’s best attractions including the Litchfield National Park, nature reserves, wetlands and the Territory Wildlife Park.

Katherine Gorge also beckons visitors wanting to explore the grandeur of 25 million year old canyons and wild escarpments in Arnhem Land. Head to the Gove Peninsula for some stunning diving, sports fishing and reef viewing experiences in the crystal clear tropical waters. But take care when diving into the Territory’s waters as the local crocodiles don’t take too kindly to sharing their homes. Signposts and locals should be heeded when warning of the dangers of hungry wildlife !

The pearl of the Top End has to be Kakadu National park – over 19,000 square kilometers of natural wonders and biodiversity. Take a 4WD trek through the gorges to explore waterfalls and towering stone escarpments, or enjoy a taste of living history from the Aboriginal communities that call this land their home. Wander through living galleries of ancient Aboriginal rock art or learn the secrets of the land from tribal elders on guided tours of cultural sites.

Natural wonders, stunning vistas and amazing experiences abound in the Top End. Head to Australia’s far north to get a taste of adventure in a tropical wonderland.