The Top End
Darwin, Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks, Katherine, Mataranka, Daly River
The Territory’s top end is steamy, tropical, and home to some of Australia’s most spectacular untamed wilderness. Darwin has a fantastic multicultural feel, with many excellent ethnic restaurants, outdoor markets, an outdoor cinema, and a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. Cruise the harbour or visit the Darwin Wharf Precinct. Book tours to many of the Territory’s major attractions like Arnhem Land, Kakadu, and Litchfield National Parks. The Darwin Aviation Museum, located in Winnellie, receives rave reviews for its aircraft displays, including a B-52 bomber (one of only two on display outside the U.S.). See other military aircraft, engines, and the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter shot down in the 1942 air raids on Darwin.
The Outback meets the tropics at Katherine, 300 kilometres south of Darwin. Katherine is located on the banks of the Katherine River, which flows down from the world-renowned Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park). Other must-see places to visit are Knotts Crossing, Cutta Cutta Caves, and natural hot springs. The Katherine Museum (located on the way to Katherine Gorge) has a fantastic display and information on the region's history.
Day trips from Katherine can be taken north to Pine Creek or south to Mataranka. Pine Creek has a strong gold mining heritage and original buildings dating back to the 1800s. Mataranka is famous for its tropical thermal pool and nearby Elsey National Park. Northwest of Katherine is the Daly River region, another popular spot for fishing and camping with hot springs, gorges, and rivers. Katherine is a crossroad: you can head out to Gregory National Park and continue on to Western Australia or, follow the Stuart Highway south into Central Australia. East of Katherine, the remote Gulf region is untamed and perfect for adventurous anglers who enjoy camping and fishing in remote rivers.
The Top End… catch a barra, see a croc!
The Center
Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, National Parks
Central Australia is in stark contrast to the lush green ‘Top End’. Often referred to as ‘The Red Centre’, traveling through this remote region quickly reveals where it gets its name. It is a good idea to carry extra water and plan for fuel stops on this journey.
As you make your way along the Stuart Highway, you will pass through Tennant Creek, with its rich gold mining history. Visit the Battery Hill Regional Centre and Gold Stamp Battery, explore an underground mine, and a mining museum. Just south lies the famous rock formation called The Devils Marbles, an odd assortment of huge balancing granite boulders and one of the Northern Territory’s top tourist attractions. The Barkley Highway runs west from Tennant Creek into Queensland.
Alice Springs, ‘The Alice’, is almost right in the centre of Australia (1,500 km from both Darwin and Adelaide). Visit the many exciting galleries displaying Aboriginal art, textiles, and crafts. It is a great base to explore the region’s many natural attractions and National Parks. You can hire a 4WD, ride a camel, take a scenic flight, or book one of the many tours that operate from Alice Springs. Be sure to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, and the Simpson Desert. Look up at the night sky—you will be amazed at how clear and close the stars appear.
Central Australia, the vastness and vivid colours surround you…
