Characterised by a laid-back tropical lifestyle, fascinating Aboriginal heritage, world-class fishing and fun-filled festivals, the Top End, Australia is a brilliant destination year-round.
Ready to plan your Top End holidays? We've rounded up 10 experiences worth adding to your itinerary, from getting up close with giant saltwater crocodiles and exploring national parks to sunset markets, fishing trips and Darwin's annual festival.
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1. Visit Crocosaurus Cove
A must-do for first-time visitors to the Top End, the iconic Crocosaurus Cove is right in the heart of Darwin and one of the Top End's top tourist attractions. It's home to some seriously big saltwater crocodiles, along with a large display of Aussie reptiles. Whether you're daring enough to meet the salties face to face in the Cage of Death, Australia's only crocodile dive or prefer to watch the expert handlers in action from the safety of a viewing deck, rest assured, you're in for a 'croc-xperience' like no other.
2. Relax at Mindil Beach Sunset Market
A firm favourite amongst locals and Top End regulars, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a family-friendly classic that displays Darwin's multicultural melting pot at its best. Running every Thursday and Sunday from late April to October, BYO esky and picnic blanket, marvel at the mouth-watering smorgasbord of culinary delights on offer, wander through the arts, crafts, fashion and homewares market stalls, then head for the sand and watch the sun dip into the Arafura Sea.
3. Explore spectacular National Parks
Some of Australia's most breathtaking natural landscapes are located in the Top End, with Litchfield National Park around 120 km from Darwin, and Kakadu National Park further afield. Both are well worth the trip. Kakadu National Park, renowned as Australia's largest, and Litchfield National Park both offer spectacular settings to hike, cool down in rock pools, view thundering waterfalls, bird watch, fish and discover ancient rock art paintings that tell a fascinating tale of its traditional land owners.
4. Spot a mega croc in the wild
For a seriously wild adventure, the Top End, Australia offers a variety of guided wildlife cruises (such as Lord Safaris or Jumping Crocodile Cruises) that journey across the Adelaide River and Mary River wetlands, mangroves and billabongs, and give viewers the chance to spot one of these ancient reptiles as they bask in the sun, swim through the wetlands and even launch themselves out of the water to grab bait. Yep, saltwater crocodiles really can move that fast.
5. Experience Aboriginal culture
The Northern Territory is home to a captivating Indigenous culture that dates back over 65,000 years. Any Top End holiday is not complete without taking some time to learn about the traditional owners and their connection to Country. You can experience it in a myriad of ways, such as visiting one of the various Indigenous culture centres and art galleries, or signing up for a bush tucker tour under the guidance of a local, or touring Kakadu National Park and getting to see its incredible Aboriginal art.
6. Zip around wetlands with an airboat
It's unlikely you've explored by airboat before. Originally designed for navigating the shallow waters of Florida's Everglades, these flat-bottomed boats are right at home in the Top End too. Skim across surfaces at speed, exploring the Mary River floodplain or Corroboree Billabong. Zip past carpets of lotus lilies and keep an eye out for birdlife, water lilies and, of course, the odd crocs. Try Darwin Airboat Tours or Wildlands wetland safari cruises for an adventure you'll never forget.
7. Cruise Darwin Harbour at sunset
See the sights of Darwin from a different vantage point: aboard a luxury catamaran on a Darwin harbour cruise. By day, enjoy a scrumptious seafood lunch and watch a bevy of marine life frolic in their natural habitat, and by night, kick back with a sundowner as you witness an iconic Darwin sunset.
Before or after, chill out at Darwin's Waterfront Precinct, one of the Top End tourist attractions worth adding to your itinerary. There are two safe, stinger and crocodile-free swimming lagoons to choose from, plus loads of restaurants and cafés, and lush parklands.
8. Throw in a line
The Top End is renowned for its top-notch fishing. While on holiday, make time to throw a line in one of Darwin's many fishing hot spots, from billabongs to tidal rivers, mangrove-lined estuaries and offshore waters. Try your luck at catching barramundi, giant trevally, black jewfish, coral trout and countless others. Hire a boat, join a fully-guided fishing safari, or simply throw a line from the shore. Don't forget the Million Dollar Fish competition!
9. Step back in time with wartime history
During World War II, Darwin was the target of more than 60 Japanese air raids, and today you can tour sites that tell the story of when Australia was seriously threatened by the bombings. Explore underground oil tunnels, gun emplacements, explosive storage areas and more with a guided tour through the Darwin Military Museum and the Defence of Darwin Experience, which includes interactive footage and interviews. Or have cutting-edge virtual reality transport you to wartime Darwin with displays and holograms: Bombing of Darwin Harbour and Royal Flying Doctor Service Experience.
10. Celebrate at the Darwin Festival
Each year in August, the highly anticipated Darwin Festival draws a crowd of thousands of eager festival goers who time their travels to the Top End to coincide with the 18-day spectacle. A kaleidoscope of culture, food, live music, theatre, dance and arts, the celebrations strike a chord with visitors of all ages, particularly families.
The programme changes every year, so be sure to do some research before you go. From free outdoor entertainment at Festival Park to ticketed shows and performances around the city, it's a pretty good excuse to plan your Top End holiday around August.
As you can see, the Top End in Australia has a way of keeping you busy. From wildlife and Aboriginal culture to festivals and wartime history, there's plenty to explore on this corner of Australia.
And as for where to stay? Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel puts you right in the heart of Darwin, with the city and the wider Top End within reach. After a day out and about, come back, put your feet up and decide what tomorrow's adventure looks like. Not a bad way to do Australia.
