25 Unique Things to do in the Top End
1. Enjoy a scenic helicopter tour to see the majestic sandstone pillars of the Lost City at Cape Crawford

Photo: Lost City, Cape Crawford
An ancient wonderland of large outcrops of rock formations formed 1.4 billion years ago. The sandstone pinnacles rise up to 25 metres in height and the extraordinary formations one of the oldest in the world, twice as old as Uluru.
2. Take a cruise on Corrobboree Billabong

Photo: Corrobboree Billabong, Wildlife and Wetlands Region
Part of the Mary River Wetlands and apart from teaming with birdlife it is home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world.
3. Purple Mango Café and Brewery – homemade pizzas, chutneys and mango beer!

Photo: Purple Mango Café and Brewery
Biggest wood fired pizza oven in the Territory can produce mouth-watering pizzas in no time at all. Fully licensed so compliment your meal with a cold bottle of wine or craft beer.
4. Have lunch on top of Injalak Hill looking out over the floodplains & Arnhem Land Escarpment

Photo: Injalak Hill, Arnhem Land
Experience its outstanding ancient rock art galleries, located in Gunbalanya, is one of the most important rock art areas in the world.
5. Discover the Mary River Wetlands up close on an exhilarating tour by airboat

Photo: Mary River Wetlands, Wildlife and Wetlands Region
This type of craft does what no others can do which is to get you out to the edge of these world class floodplains.
6. Visit Cobourg Peninsula and catch your own seafood dinner

Photo: Cobourg Peninsula, Arnhem Land
Located 570 km northeast of Darwin, the region is known as a world class fishing destination and home to a variety of other amazing aquatic creatures.
7. Aboriginal Cultural Experience and learn the art of spear throwing and basket weaving with Pudakul Cultural experience tour

Photo: Pudakul Cultural Experience, Wildlife and Wetlands Region
In the Adelaide River Wetland region just 45 minutes drive from Darwin.
8. A visit to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets & listen to EMDEE play their didgeridoos

Photo: Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Darwin Region
Stay entertained as you watch the sunset over Darwin's iconic beach. Fire breathers, whip crackers, live music, and more!
9. Guided Day Tour to Tiwi Islands & come home with your personal art/fabric screen print memento

Photo: Tiwi Islands
Traditional welcome ceremony and morning tea - Learn the culture and history of the Tiwi People - Screen printing session with a local artist to create your own art piece to take home.
10. Take a Segway tour through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Photo: George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Glide through amazing boab plains, monsoon forests, cycad gardens and much more! Enjoy the fun of gliding on a Segway and without too much physical effort!
11. Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise on Katherine Gorge

Photo: Nitmiluk Tours, Katherine Region
A two Gorge Cultural Cruise. Experience the spectacular beauty of the Gorge by candlelight whilst enjoying delicious Australian cuisine. Complimentary glass of sparkling wine, four course meal with Chef cooking on board.
12. Sunset Dinner Cruise on Darwin Harbour

Photo: Darwin Harbour, Darwin Region
Watch the sun set over the magnificent Darwin harbour and enjoy the culinary delights on offer.
13. Do a heli pub crawl with your mates stopping in at three iconic Territorian pubs

Photo: Darwin Harbour, Darwin Region
Voted as one of the top 10 Things to do in Darwin!! This tour is an absolute must do for locals and visitors alike. Arrive at iconic outback watering holes with a rock star landing in your very own helicopter.
14. Get an adrenaline rush with a tandem Skydive over Darwin’s coastline & dropping down onto Lee Point Beach

Photo: Top End Tandems, Darwin Region
Enjoy the thrilling adventure of falling at speeds of up to 200km per hour over Darwin's fantastic beaches.
15. Crab Claw Island lunch cruise

Photo: Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin Region
Cruise with SeaLink to the Island, on arrival enjoy a seafood buffet lunch overlooking Bynoe Harbour, then relax for the afternoon. There are two pools, boats for hire, or simply relax with a cool beverage on the deck.
16. Join a fishing tour to catch barramundi or golden snapper

Photo: Bamurru Plains, Wildlife and Wetlands Region
Access the many varieties of fish Darwin Harbour has to offer, such as Barramundi, Queenfish, Goldies, Mud Crabs and much more.
17. Enjoy nature walks and bird watching at the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

Photo: Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Wildlife and Wetlands Region
The reserve is one of the most accessible places in the (NT) to experience spectacular wetlands and wildlife throughout the year.

Photo: Seven Emu Station, Borroloola
Enjoy the hospitality of the Shadforth Family - the ultimate self-drive wilderness adventure on a genuine Australian outback cattle station.

Photo: NT Adventure Park, The Peninsula Way
Enjoy a ride on an all terrain buggy or Quad Bike with a guide through the pristine savannah woodlands on dirt tracks. adultcasinosgames.com
20. Join an Adelaide River Heritage Tour

Photo: Adelaide River Heritage Tours, Adelaide River
Tour of 4 Repair and Rescue Service Unit set up at Pell Mell property during World War II
21. Take a Bombing of Darwin chopper tour
Photo: Darwin Harbour, Darwin Region
Darwin was devastated and Australia seriously threatened by the Japanese bombings in WWII. See visible reminders and relics and hear what REALLY DID happen with graphic and entertaining commentary.
22. Marksie’s Stockman’s Camp Tucker Night

Photo: Marksie's Stockman's Camp Tucker Night, Katherine Region
Dine under the stars for this unique night, in the grounds of TOP DIDJ Cultural Experience & Art Gallery. Be entertained with Aussie humour; true and not so true yarns; the good, the bad and some a little bawdy.
23. Star gazing tours available to witness the Top Astrological Events seen from the Top End Region

Photo: Darwin Region
24. Art.Walk.Eat

Photo: The Darwin Sailing Club, Darwin Region
Guided tours of the CBD visiting iconic buildings, art galleries and restaurants – exploring the footpaths less travelled!
25. Katherine Outback Experience

Photo: Katherine Outback Experience, Katherine Region
Tom Curtain's Show - demonstrations of horse breaking and dog training. Meet 'Bernie the Buffalo', and hear Tom sing some of his hit songs including 'Smack Bang'.
20 jaw-dropping storms
20 jaw-dropping storms that prove you NEED to see the Top End in the wet
Seen the Top End in the Dry Season? Now see it in the Wet! We're privileged to witness some of the most spectacular storms. Here is a round-up of 20 jaw-dropping photos from Top End travellers to show you why we love the wet season (and why you should too!).
#1: Storm chasing in Katherine with @jodibilske_photographics always produces some amazing captures of our Top End wet season! ☔️
#2: @jacciingham captured this lightening beauty near Adelaide River just an hour's drive from the Northern Territory's capital, Darwin ?
#3:Watching the storms roll in across the Darwin Harbour is definitely one of the perks of our wet season! Captured beautifully here by @bengfuller across Darwin's iconic East Point Reserve
#4: Perfect timing on a beautiful capture by @aussierambling ⚡ during an amazing Top End light show
#5: Mandorah Jetty put on a evening show over its glassy harbour ?
#6: A peek across the Darwin harbour from Wagait Beach just before a tropical storm in the afternoon ☔️ thanks to @snapperartsy!
#7: Many @cityofdarwin locals will tell you that the tropical summer is an exciting time for the region with Mother Nature cranking it up a few notches
#8: Look closely and you’ll see the Pilot Boat making it's way home before the storm ??
#9: A kicker of a Kakady storm! ??? Time to leg it @twolittleterritorians?
#10: What a way to start 2018, @melleessa_kate! Overlooking Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
#11: Our stormy wet season sunsets are something all nature lovers need to experience ? and @nath_lew captures them beautifully!
#12: The first line of showers were just popping around the corner as the sun set, lighting up beautifully with a pretty pink glow for @snapperartsy.
#13: @snapperartsy caught this sunset casting a glorious golden glow over the harbour. As the light faded crawler lightning lit up the sky.
#14: Stormy afternoon along Nightcliff Foreshore by @louisedentonphotography
#15: @macmichaelvalerie watching the storm roll in at Stokes Hill Wharf
#16: And @macmichaelvalerie was back at Stoke Hill Wharf again to watch the clouds roll over the ocean and light up the waters
#17: Taking a scenic flight in either a fixed wing plane or helicopter over the world famous Kakadu region should be high on your 2018 travel list! Witness magnificent storms, sunsets, waterfalls and majestic stone escarpments amongst our Top End tropical paradise
#18: A heart pumper of a storm breaking over the Wildman River in the Northern Territory's Top End experienced by @bradleuephotography
#19: A beautifully structured storm on approach to Darwin captured by @snapperartsy
#20: @mkh_visualaspect had a great view over the city as a storm rolls in.
Do you have some cracker wet season photos to add to this list?
Share them using #tourismtopend
Kakadu Lodge
Kakadu National Park is one of the famous parks not just in Northern Territory but the world over. It is famous for the rich heritage, wildlife and diverse flora and fauna found here. It has something new to offer each time you visit it. Several options for budget accommodation are available in Northern Territory. Homesteads and wilderness lodges in Kakadu National Park offer tourists a place to kick back, relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding region of the park. Kakadu lodges offer tourists the option to holiday in nature away from city life.
Lodges in Kakadu National Park
Kakadu lodges are located strategically in and around the park. Most lodges offer tourists with various accommodation options. You can choose to stay in shared rooms, single rooms, tents, or family rooms. Kakadu lodges may also provide powered and unpowered sites for caravans. These lodges are perfect for every type of group and person travelling to Kakadu National Park. If it is adventure you seek, you can camp under the stars. Relax with a beer while watching the sunset in this heavenly place.
Aurora Kakadu Lodge, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, and Hawk Dreaming Wildreness Lodge are some of the famous lodges in Kakadu National Park. You can choose your accommodation according to the locations you would like to explore or some specific amenities that you or your family might need when travelling. Needless to say, there are several accommodation options in Kakadu National Park for you to find a perfect match for your expectations.
Facilities at Kakadu Lodges
The lodges and wilderness retreats at Kakadu provide services and facilities aimed at improving their guests’ stay. Depending on the lodge and room that you opt for, various types of personal and communal services will be made available.
Several communal facilities like a barbeque, kitchen, dining area, swimming pool, car park, laundry, etc. may be available at the Kakadu lodge you choose for your stay. Lodges with communal cooking and eating areas are great for people looking to get to know their fellow travellers. You can socialise when dining in the common area or while barbequing some food for yourself at the communal barbeque.
We would be happy to help you find the perfect Kakadu lodge for you and your family or friends. Our friendly staff can also help you plan your itinerary depending on the length of your stay and the regions you would like to explore. If you like, you can plan your own itinerary on our website as well (and it’s free!).
Kakadu Resorts
Dial up the fun and adventure on your holiday by staying in a resort in Kakadu National Park. This beautiful region in the Top End is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species. Another great attraction at Kakadu National Park is the Aboriginal art. The rocks are covered with traditional artwork created by the Aboriginals who resided here. Many of their descendants still live in Kakadu National Park, their home.
The resorts here are located in close proximity to Kakadu National Park making travel to and from your destination extremely easy. Most resorts are located in the vicinity of restaurants and bakeries. Stay in the resorts for a refreshing experience. Most resorts are furnished with the latest amenities and facilities to ensure you have a great experience while you’re here. You can make use of the barbecue and outdoor dining facilities offered by most Kakadu resorts. The location of the resorts offers scenic views of the surrounding region. A stay in a Kakadu resort is nothing short of magnificent.
Kakadu Resort Facilities
Kakadu resorts are perfect for families, large groups and individuals. Most resorts provide tourists with accommodation options like A/C rooms, natural ventilated rooms, en suite van sites, tents and more. Given that Kakadu resorts are located in and around the beautiful park, they also feature lush tropical areas and gardens. The resorts make for a great experience while you take in the beauty and magnificence of Kakadu National Park.
Visit Kakadu National Park
Tourism Top End provides tourists with the option to plan an itinerary for their holiday. You can plan your holiday to Kakadu National Park or anywhere in the Top End by clicking here. In case you need more help with the plan or need some specific information, you can contact our Visitor Information Centre and we will help you with all your queries about Kakadu National Park. We would be happy to help you with details like car hire, booking a tour, reserving your accommodation and much more.
Enjoy your stay at Kakadu. We are sure you will have a great time exploring the beautiful region and its many inhabitants.
Kakadu Caravan Parks
The beautiful location of Kakadu National Park with its Aboriginal history and wildlife seen in their natural habitat is a place to visit for people of all ages. The sheer excitement of the experience coupled with the tranquillity of the park makes it an exceptional holiday. Visiting Kakadu National Park is a dream for most people. Here, you can witness the ancient rock art, which has the place listed as a World Heritage Site.
Camping at Kakadu National Park
Several camping areas are provided by the park. No bookings are needed in these camping areas. The spaces can be used depending on availability. A camping space on these sites is provided on first-come-first-served basis. Commercial camping sites are also available at Kakadu National Park. You can choose to camp in Gunlom, South Alligator Region, Jabiru Region, Nourlangie Region, Jim Jim and Twin Falls region, Muirella Park, and several other parks and regions. Depending on the locations you plan to explore, you can set up camp accordingly.
Camping at Kakadu Resorts, Motels and Lodges
Most resorts, motels and lodges in Kakadu National Park have a separate camping site for guests who wish to camp under the stars in this beautiful tranquil region. You can choose to camp on these power sites and utilize the facilities made available by the operators. These camping areas are suitable for individuals as well as large groups.
Free Camp Sites at Kakadu National Park
You can camp for free at certain sites in Kakadu National Park. However, bush camping locations might not have all the amenities you require. For example, drinking water may not be available here, so, you will be required to carry the same with you. Most free campsites might not have toilets as well. Hence, you need to be prepared when camping here. In addition, since these campsites are available on first come, first served basis, it is a good idea to check availability of space before arriving here.
Facilities at Camping Grounds in Kakadu National Park
Modern facilities are available for guests pitching their tents in the camping grounds in Kakadu National Park. Toilets, showers and generator zones are available in most paid camping areas. Some of these showers may be available with solar heated water. Most washrooms have wheelchair access as well.
Designated camping areas in Kakadu National Park offer scenic views of different parts of the park. Located strategically around lookout points, these camping areas are perfect for morning and evening walks. You can choose to stay at locations that are close to rivers, plunge pools, walking tracks, waterfalls, and many such beautiful attractions. You can explore the park at your own pace and choose to stay in locations that excite you the most.
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