The Top End of Australia's Northern Territory is one of the last remaining genuine outback regions where you can fully experience the awesome grandeur of nature first hand. There are not many places left in the world that offer a magnificent, remote natural environment to wander and explore. The Top End is just what it says, the most northern part of the Northern Territory. It is lush, green and tropical - a total contrast to the harsh, arid beauty of The Red Centre. The modern multicultural city of Darwin, the Territory's capital, is the northern gateway to Australia. The Top End occupies the huge square bump at the top of the Australian map, half of which is the vast area of Arnhem Land, owned by the country's traditional Aboriginal people.

Internationally recognised, the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park is one of the Nation's most prized cultural and ecological treasures. Almost 20,000 square kilometres in size the park is almost three hours drive east from Darwin. South of Darwin is Litchfield National Park a favourite area among Darwin outdoor lovers, the park comprises 1500 sq kms of largely untouched landscape. Nitmiluk Gorge is the major natural attraction in the Katherine region. The town of Katherine itself has many places of interest including the historic Springvale Homestead, the River Corridor, Katherine Hot Springs and various museums and historic buildings.

Large areas of the capital of the Northern Territory Darwin, have been destroyed in1974 by Cyclone “Tracy”. This opportunity has been used to rebuild a brighter, more modern and safer city. You can find plenty of information about the use of plants by local Aboriginals in the Botanic Gardens or just enjoy a stroll and rest in the shade of one of 400 palm trees. The Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory exhibits an excellent collection on Aboriginal paintings from the Tiwi Islands and from the nearby Arnhem Land. Additionally there is detailed information about life before and after cyclone Tracy and a sound recording of the storm which you will remember for a while. The Fannie Bay Gaol Museum was used as the local jail for more than 100 years and you can get a good impression about life as a prisoner at that time with a wander around the cells.

On this week in Darwin

When cyclone Tracy razed the city in 1974, it nearly vanished. However, these days Darwin is back as ever before and has turned into a modern energetic city. The city has a sparkling nightlife and extensive shopping areas. You can walk the city main sights in a day but you’ll need some extra days when you want to see the museums, the harbour site and the beaches. Darwin has two weird but very famous annual events, the Beer Can Regatta (vessels constructed almost entirely of beer cans race on Darwin Harbour), and the Mud Crab Tying Championships. Check out for yourself. Every thursday and sunday night from April to November, the Mindil beach sunset markets are great to explore. There are many different foods, crafts and entertainers from a variety of cultures and its a brilliant chance to see the amazing territory sunsets. Another great way to view a sunset is to take a drive out to East point. Have a picnic by the sea with friends and family, you might even see some of the resident wallabies. East point is also home to the Military museum which is worth a look as Darwin was once home to (and still is) many military personal in training. Also see the aviation museum on Stuart highway. Berry springs is a great place to view the local wildlife. About an hour from the city, Berry springs is home to the Territory wildlife park and of course the springs. Swim in the springs in the dry season or take a stroll around the wildlife park. For shopaholics Casuarina Square is a great place to have a shopping spree! A free shuttle leaves from many of the motels/hotels in the city every hour on the hour and will even drop you home afterwards. The square (more a large mall) has a huge array of shops to suit everyone! Take a stroll along the lovely bicentenial park on the esplanade or look around the botanic gardens just a few minutes walk from the city near Mindil beach.

Activities: Swimming, Scuba Diving, Cycling, Golf, Sailing, Climbing, Parasailing, Scenic Flights and Parachute Jumps

The whole area of Northern Australia has two seasons. The Dry (May till October) and The Wet (November till April) In the Wet it is common for parts of this region to be completely cut off and streets will flood and may be impossible to pass.

Another reason to avoid travelling in the wet season to Northern Australia is the Box Jelly Fish, which is very dangerous to humans and is active during this time in the ocean around Northern Australia.

Depending on your travel time, you will have very different impressions. In the months March/April at the end of the wet season the rivers and waterfalls will be filled and overflow, the forests lush and green, the flowers will blossom and the wildlife will be spread out over the whole area. While you will find the complete opposite in October/November and the wildlife will be close to the few waterholes.

The Litchfield National Park is located about two hours drive south of Darwin and offers spectacular landscape, awesome waterfalls and pools which invite you for a refreshing swim. The area is excellent for hikes, where you will also see huge termite mounds as well as the beautiful scenery.

The Kakadu National Park impresses with striking scenery, abundant wildlife and a high cultural significance with outstanding Aboriginal paintings spread out over the whole area. Some of the best known features of this park are the Jim Jim and the Twin Falls, which are both accessible with a good 4WD, some adventurous spirit and very careful driving, only in the dry season. Both falls offer spectacular sights and a refreshing bath at the natural pools. A visit to this area is not complete without a boat tour on the Yellow Water or East Alligator River through the wetlands to see some of the huge saltwater crocodiles, sea eagles and much more.

For visitors who prefer to explore the park by foot there is a wide variety of hikes with different lengths and grades on offer.

Activities: Scenic Flights, Aboriginal Tours.

Arnhem Land belongs to the Aboriginals and borders on the east to the Kakadu National Park. This region can only be visited with a special permit. A journey through Arnhem Land will show you untouched and sparsely populated landscape with many rock paintings.

Katherine is the largest town on the road from Darwin to Alice Springs and is a starting point for tours into the Nitmiluk National Park, better known as the Katherine Gorge. The best way to explore this gorge (only during dry season) is by canoe, then you can pick your own best spot for a swim. Hikers will find many tracks varying in length and difficulty, the less active can take the option of seeing the gorge on a boat tour. A visit to the crystal clear natural thermal pools of Mataranka, surrounded by ferns and palm trees, can loosen up your muscles and is very relaxing after a long tour.

The Devils Marbles are located 750 kilometres (468 miles) south and are one of the best known features of the Northern Territory. Its red colouring is most spectacular at sunset.

Alice Springs is itself an attraction, but is mainly a starting point for tours to the famous red rock, Ayers Rock (Uluru), the Olgas (Kata Tjuta), the Kings Canyon and to the West MacDonnell National Park.

You can find in Alice Springs the headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service with interesting information about the white history of this area, the School of the Air and the old historic Telegraph Station. The Arid Australian Reptile House exhibits a good collection of native snakes and reptiles and offers a good opportunity to learn about these animals.
A hot air balloon ride will present this area with its wildlife, in the twilight of a sunrise in an unforgettable way.

The Ayers Rock or Uluru, as it is called by the Aboriginals, forms the red centre of Australia, is located about 450 kilometres (281 miles) southwest of Alice Springs and is the world’s largest monolith - 348 metres high and 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) around the base. It changes colour during the day and turns more and more into red as the sun sets. This big red rock has spiritual significance to the indigenous people of Australia. Before you decide to make the climb, we would like to suggest that you visit the excellent Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to get an understanding of the significance and history of this rock. A very good alternative is a tour around Uluru, guided by a local Aboriginal who will explain the meaning of the rock and cave paintings, thousands of years old.

Another 50 kilometres (32.2 miles) further west you reach the not less fascinating Olgas or Kata Tjuta. The Olgas are a collection of huge rocks with a similar colouring as Uluru. The highest point reaches 546 metres and a walk through the Valley of the Winds will show you the uniqueness of this fascinating landscape.

The Kings Canyon is located in the Watarrka National Park and is a distinctive geographic rock formation. A hard climb to the top of the canyon will be rewarded with exceptional views of the surrounding area.

The West MacDonnell National Park offers spectacular impressions with interesting colour displays. Some of the best known features are Simpsons Gap, a red coloured gorge with towering cliffs, Standley Chasm, a gorge which is only for one hour a day, lit up by the sunlight into a glowing red colour and Ellery Creek Bighole offers the chance for a very refreshing swim. For a visit to the Serpentine Gorge you have to first swim through cold natural pools, before you reach the actual start of the gorge, to be rewarded with excellent views. This National Park is an excellent hiking area, offering a variety of tracks from easy to difficult varying from one to several days in length.

Climate Tables:

Please note, that the following charts show average temperatures.