Find Your Next Adventure in Australia’s Top End

Waterfalls tumble into deep gorges while wallabies dart through verdant forests and crocodiles linger in lily-topped billabongs. This is Australia’s Northern Territory (NT), where adventure abounds.

Running from the tropical shores of the north to the arid desert of Australia’s iconic Red Centre,; the Top End, marked by landscapes that run lush and wild, is unlike any place on earth. What will your next adventure be?  Find it in the Northern Territory’s tropical Top End with one of these not-to-be-missed experiences.

Rediscover Your Sense of Wonder in Nature

The Top End teems with lush, natural beauty that will help you rediscover your sense of wonder, whether your hiking through the verdant monsoon rainforest, swimming under a majestic waterfall, or relaxing on the balcony of a safari lodge.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia and not to be missed with ancient Aboriginal rock art, diverse landscapes and native wildlife. Litchfield National Park is a favorite for locals with its crystal clear waterfalls, swimming holes, and looming termite mounds. Safari Lodges in the region like Bamurru Plains and Wildman Wilderness Lodge provide comfort, luxury and private views of the floodplain system.

Follow in the Footsteps of an Ancient Culture

The Aboriginal people of Australia have lived on this land for more than 50,000 years, making it the world’s oldest continual culture. Take a step back in time as you visit one of the many rock art galleries found throughout the Top End and witness paintings of ancestral spirits, animals and recounts of European contact that date back thousands of years.

Uncover the traditions of the past as well as a modern culture as you tour with an Aboriginal guide and hear stories of the creation period, or “Dreamtime.” Stop off at the Digeridoo Hut near Darwin for a fine selection of authentic indigenous Australian arts and crafts.

Come Face-to-Face with Australian Wildlife

Come face-to-face with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife species in the Top End as you explore pristine and diverse environments. In the Top End, kangaroos and wallabies bound across Outback landscapes and lily-covered billabongs and waterways teem with water buffalo and the mighty saltwater crocodile.

Or take off on a birding adventure to discover the diversity of the Top End’s winged residents. Kakadu National Park is home to one-third of the country’s total bird population, with birding cruises, nature walks and safaris; there is no doubt you’ll view some incredible feathered friends.

Experience a Tropical Lifestyle in Darwin

The capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that offers world-class culture and cuisine. A tropical, outdoor lifestyle is enjoyed all year round at open-air restaurants, beach side markets and outdoor festivals.

Sample local food, art and music at the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market where locals start arriving at dusk to grab dinner and settle on the beach to watch the sun sink in a blaze of cover. For a different perspective on the setting sun, head to Darwin Harbor and cruise its sparkling blue waters.

Catch Your Own Barramundi

The Barramundi is arguably Australia’s most prized sports fish and the rivers, creeks and estuaries in the Top End are by far the best place to target them. Dinner doesn’t get any fresher than this!

Fish out on the Mary River floodplains by airboat or take a helicopter fishing tour to remote creeks teeming with fish. With guided fishing trips that include equipment and tackle, anglers of all levels will be able to catch their own barramundi.

For more adventures in Australia’s Northern Territory, visit Swain Destinations.

Article written by: Lauren Salisbury