'''The Top End''' is situated in the 'Top End' of Australia.

Regions

  • The "Top End" of the Northern Territory.
  • The "Top End" of Western Australia, The Kimberley
  • The "Top End" of Queensland
  • Cities

  • DarwinThe Northern Territories tropical capital city
  • Other destinations

  • Kakadu National Park - the largest national park in Australia. The landscapes set the scene for outback adventure travel, aboriginal culture and nature activities.
  • The Kimberley
  • Understand

    The '''Top End''' of Australia includes the 'Top End' of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. The area is home to the largest national park in Australia, Kakadu National Park contains the highest concentration of Aboriginal rock art in the world and amazing nature and wildlife. A perfect example of '''Top End''' living can be found in Darwin, with its relaxed lifestyle and warm weather all year round. A colourful history and fascinating cultural mix make it the perfect place to experience culinary delights or wander through some of the weekly markets.

    Talk

    English is the most common language spoken in the Top End. Hundreds of different Aboriginal languages are spoken by the indigenous people in the, including Yolgnu Matha in Arnhem Land, which is the second most spoken language in the NT after English. The Top End is very close to Asia and has a large asian culture (including language and food) that is most seen in Darwin.

    People

    More than 50 nationalities make up Darwin's 100,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at Darwin's weekly markets, variety of restaurants and through the annual calendar of festivals and other Darwin events.

    In Kakadu Aboriginal guides enjoy teaching visitors about the daily aspects of their culture on various tours of the park. However the Bininj/Mungguy culture has its own set of social behaviours and customs, which are considered good manners. Show respect by not entering restricted areas. They may be sacred sites, ceremonial sites, burial grounds or even someone_fs home.

    Get in

  • Regular interstate domestic flights arrive into Darwin.
  • From South Australia, driving north you can take the Explorer_fs Way (Stuart Highway) from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory.
  • From Queensland, the most easily accessible route is the fully-sealed Overlander_fs Way (Barkly Highway) from Mt Isa to the west.
  • From Western Australia there are a few access points including the Savannah Way (Victoria Highway) and Butine Highway in the north and the Tanami Road that runs across the Tanami Desert in the south.
  • The schedules for several international cruises include a day stopover in Broome, Cairns and Darwin [http://www.nt.gov.au/dpa/assets/cruisships_2003.pdf].
  • The famous Ghan train travels from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs and Katherine and The Inlander from Queensland.
  • Get around

  • Qantas [http://www.qantas.com.au] offers regular flights within the Top End.
  • Charter flights can also be organised to more remote destinations like the Cobourg Peninsula, Tiwi Islands and Borroloola [http://www.regionallink.com.au/]
  • You can hire a car, bus, aeroplane, home on wheels, tinny or houseboat from a range of operators all over the Territory. There are five recognised themed drives in the Top End, the Explorer_fs Way, Savannah Way, Red Centre Way, Binns Track and Nature_fs Way, and each has its own story [http://en.travelnt.com/experience/driving.aspx/]. It also has countless four wheel drive tracks that snake through its various scenic landscapes. If opting to drive, 96% of the major attractions are accessible by sealed roads and the others are accessible via four-wheel drive tracks or charter flights.
  • See

    The Top End has some world-famous natural and cultural attractions that can_ft be missed.

  • '''Darwin Wharf Precinct''', Darwin Wharf, Darwin, ? +61 (8) 8981 4268. At 9.58am on February 19, 1942, the wharf was a target for Japanese bombs, which claimed the lives of many service personnel and waterside workers.
  • '''Katherine Gorge''' [http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/nitmiluk.html] - located in Nitmiluk National Park about 30 minutes northeast of Katherine. There are many ways to experience the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) and its world-renowned gorge system - you can walk, swim, canoe, boat or fly. Free entry
  • '''Aboriginal Rock Art Sites''' There are three main art sites to explore in Kakadu National Park independantly or on a tour - '''Ubirr''', '''Nourlangie Rock''', '''Nanguluwur'''
  • Itineraries

  • '''Savannah Way'''
  • The Savannah Way is a collection of linked outback roads and highways that form a spectacular touring route traversing northern Australia from Cairns to Broome. Whilst the majority of the Savannah Way is sealed there are large sections of unsealed, but well maintained gravel highways. A large four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. [http://www.en.travelnt.com/advice/itinerary-ideas/darwin-4-days.aspx]

  • '''Darwin'''
  • A week in Darwin gives you time to visit the city attractions, before heading down the track to Litchfield National Park for an overnight adventure, then spend a day learning about Aboriginal culture on the Tiwi Islands. [http://www.en.travelnt.com/advice/itinerary-ideas/darwin-4-days.aspx]

  • '''Kakadu'''
  • With a week up your sleeve, start a comprehensive tour of Kakadu and its surrounds at Mary River National Park. Take a wildlife cruise and fish at Corroboree Billabong before delving into Kakadu's waterfalls, wetlands, cultural centres and Aboriginal rock art sites. [http://www.en.travelnt.com/advice/itinerary-ideas/darwin-4-days.aspx]

    Do

    The '''Top End''' offers the visitor an amazing array of activities to immerse yourself in, from the adventurous to the more subdued. Most tours leave from Darwin.

  • Berry Springs Nature Park. Situated just 45 minutes from Kakadu National Park.
  • '''Merl''' This site in northern Kakadu National Park is perfect for campers who want to enjoy a famous sunrise or sunset at Ubirr. It's also an ideal base for bushwalking along the East Alligator River. There are showers, toilets and a generator zone. Camping fees are collected on site.
  • '''Crocodylus Park''' - Only 5 minutes drive from the Darwin airport, the park is home to more than a thousand crocodiles. It also houses exotic birds, primates, big cats and lizards. Children under 4 years have free entry.
  • Fishing in the Northern Territory is world class and there are many diverse fishing habitats on offer. Most tours leave from Darwin, Arnhem Land is home to some truly adventurous fishing spots.
  • Tiwi Island Tour. 300 721 365. ttp://www.aussieadventure.com.au. The Catholic mission established on the Tiwi Islands in 1911 greatly influenced the culture. Many Tiwi Islanders are prolific artists who produce distinctive art, pottery, sculptures and wooden carvings. The Tiwi Islands is a 20-minute flight or two hour ferry ride from Darwin. You must be part of an organised tour to visit Tiwi Islands.

  • Darwin Festival. The

    Drink

    The Northern Territory is famous for its legendary outback pubs. Every small town has somewhere you can drop by to chat with the local characters or learn some history. For some more sophisticated nightlife, head to the numerous clubs and bars in Darwin and check out some local music at Brown_fs Mart.

    Please note, within certain areas of the Northern Territory, there are restrictions on the consumption of alcohol in public places. More information on specific restrictions can be found at the Tourism Northern Territory website [http://en.travelnt.com/advice/essential-information/drinking-in-public.aspx]

    Stay safe

    Most of the Top End is the Australian 'Outback' Be prepared and plan your trip before you start it. Plan fuel stops and always carry extra fuel as on some highways fuel and towns can be up to 800 kilometres apart. It is advised to carry a satellite phone or HF radio for emergencies if leaving the major roads. Water and food are also very important. If you become stranded in the outback stay calm and stay with your vehicle so emergency services are able to locate you. If you have communication devices use them. Mobile (cellular) phone coverage is limited to the regional centres.

    Stay safe

  • '''Emergency Call Devices''' [ECD] are available in remote locations throughout the park. Instructions on use are written on the ECD. These are for emergency calls only. See maps for locations.
  • '''First aid''' Lie the person down in a cool shaded area. Give them water in small quantities at a time (creek water is alright if you have no other water). If the person cannot keep the water down, or does not recover quickly, seek medical assistance. Contact the medical centre at Jabiru on 8979 2018.
  • '''Swimming''' Due to the risk of estuarine crocodiles in the park, the only public place we recommend you swim is in the Jabiru swimming pool. Some visitors choose to swim at their own risk, in selected natural plunge pools and gorge areas such as Gubara, Maguk, Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and in creeks on the plateau above Twin Falls, Jim Jim Falls and Gunlom. These areas are surveyed for estuarine crocodiles prior to opening each dry season. There remains some risk that estuarine crocodiles may move into gorges and plunge pools during the dry season. Read the crocodile warning signs in each plunge pool and gorge area and consider their information carefully.
  • Some of the most poisonous snakes in the world inhabit Kakadu, but luckily for visitors they are all very shy and are very rarely seen, let alone confronted. These species include the '''Taipan''', '''Death Adder''', and '''King Brown'''. They are seldom active during the day, hunting at night. '''DO NOT''' hike off any trails after dark.
  • '''Feral''' animals have become relatively common in Kakadu, some of which may pose a threat if harassed. '''Asian Water Buffalo''' and '''Wild Horses''' can cause serious injury or death if they charge.
  • '''Cliffs''' Climbing rock ledges and cliffs and walking or standing near cliff edges can lead to serious injury or death, especially when rock surfaces are wet. Keep well away from all cliff edges.
  • '''What to Wear''' During the heat of the day, you will be most comfortable in loose covering clothing which is cool but protects you from sunburn and insect bites. Use sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as the Ross River virus, so if they are biting, use a repellent.
  • '''Dehydration''' Early symptoms include feeling thirsty, excess sweating, headache, dizziness and nausea. If dehydration continues, it can result in seizures, a loss of consciousness and even death. To prevent dehydration limit your activity to the cooler parts of the day (mornings and late afternoons) and drink plenty of water. Most people need between 4 to 8 litres of water per day so start drinking water early (coffee, tea and alcohol don_ft count!). For every hour you walk, carry at least one litre of water per person.
  • '''Flash Flooding''' Please be aware of possible sudden rises in the levels of waterways, which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls such as Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast flowing water can be deceptive, creating strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions.
  • '''Driving Hints''' Top End roads can be hazardous. Plan ahead and allow sufficient time for travel. Slow down! Roads can become slippery in the wet. During the dry, dust from other vehicles can obscure your vision. When using 4WD tracks, put your vehicle into 4WD. Read your vehicle instructions: many vehicles need their front wheel hubs physically locked, before engaging 4WD from the driver_fs seat. At flooded crossings read the signs, look at depth markers and observe how quickly the water is flowing, before deciding whether to cross. Sometimes it is safer to wait until the water recedes. Remember crocodiles may be present. In the event of fires, make sure you park your vehicle in cleared areas rather than in flammable long grass. Use vehicle headlights if driving through heavy smoke, and drive slowly. If stopping, park well off the road and use hazard lights. Do not park on bridges or causeways at any time. Always check road access, by contacting the Bowali Visitor Centre on +61 (8) 8938 1120 or visit http://www.kakadu.com.au/access www.kakadu.com.au/access Watch out for wildlife. Every year hundreds of native animals are killed or injured on our roads. Drive slowly, look well ahead for animals on the road, and try to avoid driving at night. Sound your horn to alert wildlife on the road. Look carefully for large feral animals such as horses, pigs and buffalo.
  • Freshwater crocodiles (Madjarrki), (Crocodylus johnstoni) are only found in Australia, where they live in freshwater rivers, creeks and plunge pools such as Maguk and Gunlom. Freshwater crocodiles are usually shy animals but can become aggressive if disturbed, so do not approach them.

    In some visitor areas access is only available after park staff have trapped and removed any estuarine crocodiles that have moved in during the wet season. These areas, known as crocodile management zones, are extensively surveyed at the start of each dry season to ensure the risk for visitors is reduced. Traps remain in place for the entire dry season as estuarine crocodiles may move in at any time.

    Get out

  • Red Centre The heart of Australia
  • Darwin The Northern Territories tropical capital city
  • Katherine Remote outback town full of natural wonder
  • Kakadu National Park World Heritage listed National Park for its natural and cultural attributes
  • Arnhem Land Completely owned by Taditional Aboriginal Landowners
  • Alice Springs Australia's most famous outback town
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Home to Australia's most famous natural icon
  • Tennant Creek Remote outback town
  • Kimberley
  • Western Australia
  • Cairns
  • Queensland
  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Canberra Australia's capital city