Explore the Top End

Take a walk on the wild side and discover a territory like no other.

By Clair Morton
Published: Wednesday, February 13, 2019

When you think of the Northern Territory, what comes to mind – the arid outback, Uluru, maybe the wilds of Kakadu?

Long before I stepped foot in the NT, any mention of Darwin conjured images similar to scenes from a Mad Max film, with some crocodiles sprinkled in. I later came to realise my judgement of tropical Darwin and its nearby natural wonders was slightly off the mark (although I wasn’t wrong about the crocs).

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort holiday or a place for a shopping spree, the Top End probably isn’t the ideal destination. That’s because most of the fun here is outdoors.

Darwinians spend much of their lives outside, strolling along the beach, exploring the national parks, or sitting on their front decks watching the storms roll in. And why wouldn’t you? In the dry season, from May to October, temperatures hover between 21 and 30 degrees every day.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

One of the best ways to embrace these balmy temperatures is a visit to the lively Mindil Beach Sunset Market, held on Thursday and Sunday evenings throughout the dry season. If you’re looking for a year-round market that’s local-approved, head to the Parap Village Markets on a Saturday morning.

This unassuming Darwin suburb is host to food stalls that will delight the senses and tantalise the tastebuds. Ask a local to point you in the direction of Mary’s famous laksa, or indulge in a fresh mango lassi.

When the warm weather gets the better of you, a visit to Berry Springs Nature Park’s refreshing pools, or a quick trip to the Darwin Harbour Wave Lagoon – open year-round – are sure to cool you down. Further afield, but still within a couple of hours of Darwin, lie Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, which boast their own incredible water features.

Litchfield National Park, sometimes referred to as Kakadu’s little brother, is home to the stunning Florence, Tolmer and Wangi waterfalls. There are also the inviting ponds of Buley Rockhole, a shady rain-forested swimming spot.

Buley Rockhole, Northern Territory.
Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park

More adventurous souls will find plenty of bush walks, ranging from short 3km strolls to the epic 39km Tabletop Track. Take in the dramatic landscapes and keep an eye out for wallabies, sugar gliders and water monitors along the way.

The slightly more remote, world-heritage listed Kakadu is a 20,000km2 wilderness of rugged escarpments, dramatic waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal rock art, offering a blend of other-worldly nature and culture that’ll leave you wanting more. Many places are accessible by 4WD only, so it might be a good idea to take a guided tour if you want to explore the majestic Maguk Gorge or the 200m-high Jim Jim Falls.

If you strike out on your own to any of these places, be mindful that wherever there’s water in the Top End there could be crocodiles. Just how likely? Fun fact: there are an estimated 150,000 saltwater crocodiles in the NT, compared to the Territory’s population of 211,945.

That’s a ratio of 1.4 people for every potential man-eater. Your best bet is to swim only where recommended and always obey warning signs.

Jim Jim Waterfall, Kakadu.
Jim Jim Waterfall, Kakadu.

While you won’t want to come face-to-face with a crocodile while swimming, there are plenty of safe ways to get your croc fix in the Top End. Pick up a copy of the NT News and there’s every chance there’ll be a big saltie wrestling a shark on the front cover.

The Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise is a once-in-a lifetime experience that’ll have you feeling terror and excitement in equal measure. If you’re lucky, you might even get a visit from Brutus, an enormous three-limbed croc who shot to international fame in 2011, or his Adelaide River rival Dominator.

For travellers short on time, or those who just really love a good adrenaline rush, the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove is the NT’s equivalent of shark cage diving, and the only experience of its kind in Australia.

The Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove.
The Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove.

Aside from the opportunity to get up close to one of these prehistoric monsters, this downtown Darwin attraction is also home to the world’s largest reptile display,which will keep the family entertained for hours.

Yet another option – possibly the safest – is to visit Sweetheart, an aggressive 5.1m male crocodile who gained quite a reputation in the 70s for trying to eat the outboard motors of local boats. It may not sound safe, but the fact he’s stuffed and now resides in the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory might put your mind at ease.

While you’re here, take some time to appreciate the Aboriginal art and artefacts, and steel yourself for the chilling reality of the Cyclone Tracy experience.

Mindil Beach, Darwin.
Mindil Beach, Darwin.

There’s plenty for war history buffs to see and do in the city too. Darwin has a rich World War II heritage, and was the battleground for the largest ever attack on Australia by a foreign power, the Battle of Darwin. Relics of this time are strewn around the city, and you can even stroll through a series of oil storage tunnels built to protect oil reserves from Japanese attacks.

For more context, head to the Darwin Military Museum at East Point or the aviation museum on the Stuart Highway. Wash all your new-found knowledge down with a sunset drink at the Darwin Sailing Club, and you’ll feel like a true Territorian.

Members save

Just for being an RAA member, you can save on tickets and attractions across the Top End. Book your next domestic holiday with RAA.

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