QUICK GUIDE TO THE TOP END OF NORTHERN TERRITORY
Many visitors flock to the Northern Territory's Red Centre to see Uluru and Alice Springs - but did you know that there is another side of NT worth adding to your bucket list? Simply known as The Top End, here you will find the gateway to natural beauty and Australian indigenous cultural experiences.
Top End Northern Territory
So you have heard about Darwin, Uluru and probably Alice Springs, so what is the Top End of Northern Territory? This region of Northern Territory is as you guessed in Northern-Northern Territory with the regions containing Darwin, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Katherine.
Things To Do In Darwin
Cage of Death - Crocodile Park
Just about every tourist who arrives in Australia has a slight fear of just about every animal eating them, so why not get up and close with one of the biggest predators in the outback? This thrill of a lifetime puts you in a see-through enclosure as you are slowly lowered into the pen containing giant crocs! Are you daring enough to do it?
Crocosaurus-Cove-Cage-of-Death
Visit the Mindil Beach Market at Sunset
Why not sit back with some local food as entertainers and buskers play the sunset away whilst it slowly dips into the sea in front of you. You can pick up some gifts and handmade arts & crafts before enjoying a beer whilst you enjoy the laid back Australian lifestyle.
Go On A Wetland Cruise
If you haven't got your fix of crocodiles yet then head to the Mary River Wetlands to get a taste of the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world. Cruises start from 1 hour right up to a full day tour.
Where to Stay:
Luxury:Sky City is the place to stay if you are wanting the ultimate in luxury. On site you will find a casino, pools overlooking the ocean, a gym and lagoon facing rooms. If you are after a suntan then head to Sky City's private tropical white sand beach to enjoy Darwin's beautiful weather.
Budget: Alongside a wide range of camping and caravan grounds you can also head to Chilli's Backpackers if you want a hot tub in a central location as well as being close to the beach.
Things To Do In Kakadu National Park
Ubirr Rock
If you plan to take in the culture of the Indigenous Australian's then why not start with rock paintings dating back to around 20,000 years ago. Kakadu National Park has an abundance of rock art with the main gallery viewable at Ubirr Rock.
15295948438_936295158d_o
Yellow Waters
We have all heard Waltzing Matilda and the famous line "sitting by the Billabong". Well why not cruise through a world-heritage billabong filled with an abundance of native Australian flora and fauna.
Jim Jim Falls
You haven't seen the natural power of Australia until you visit the Jim Jim area of Kakadu. Here you can see water gushing 200 meters into the gorge below it. Just make sure you plan to go before the end of the wet season or you will be met with just a trickle of water.
Jim Jim Waterfall Australia
Where to Stay:
It wouldn't be a complete aussie outback road trip if you didn't pull up to at least one caravan park, pitch your tent and watch the sunset. There are plenty of spots to camp around the national park.
Things To Do In Katherine
Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
The Katherine Gorge must be seen in person to truly appreciate. With so many ways to see this natural sight including helicopter tours, cultural trips and food tours this place needs to be on your top parks to visit.
Read More:Katherine Gorge: How Best To Experience This Taste of Australia's Outback
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvv5ZqVSiJk
Cutta Cutta Caves
As you head 15 metres below the surface through the limestone caves you will see plenty of native wildlife including the harmless brown tree snake as well as 5 species of bats. This self guided tour includes a wide variety of stalactites and stalagmites as well as over 170 species of birds in the park.
Bitter Springs
Do you want to swim in some of the clearest natural hot springs? I could not believe my eyes when we dived into the warm springs. Quick tip - bring a pair of goggles or snorkels to really take it all in.
underwater1-2
Where to Stay:
Cicada Lodge: Who knew you could find luxury in the middle of nowhere? Located right on the Katherine Gorge your private lodge includes views of the natural surroundings.
Read More:Cicada Lodge Review
Cicada Lodge
Things To Do In Arnhem Land
The Cobourg Peninsula
If you are planning to go to a place so remote that most Australian's (not located in the NT) wouldn't be able to tell you where it is? Then we recommend you head to the Cobourg Peninsula in Arnhem land. Less than 1500 visitors are permitted to visit this Aboriginal land to keep the pristine condition of the landscape.
3883414858_d36db2ccf5_o
Thanks to Tourism Northern Territory for kindly inviting Flying the Nest to experience the Top End of Northern Territory. As always, all opinions are our own.
READ NEXT: BARUNGA FESTIVAL: THE CENTRE OF AUSTRALIA'S INDIGENOUS CULTURE