The Top End.The Top End is, surprise surprise, the area at the Top End of The Northern Territory. It surrounds Darwin and stretches east to the Arnhem Land, south to Kakadu and north to the Tiwi Islands. 
The Top End is one of Australia’s last remaining genuine outback regions where you can fully experience the breathtaking splendor of nature first hand. There are not many places left in the world that offer a magnificent, remote natural environment to wander and explore. It is lush, green and tropical, a total contrast to the harsh, arid beauty of The Red Centre. This lush tropical crown on top of the remote desert regions of the red centre is a wild and fascinating wilderness area filled with arguably the most spectacular natural scenery anywhere in the world. The sheer cliffs and craggy escarpments which make the Top End so memorable also house a priceless heritage of Aboriginal rock art and is considered to be one of the most significant Paleolithic sites in the world.
Most visit during "The Dry" or between June and October, when all the Top End's services and attractions are accessible and open for business. From November to May the monsoon or "The Wet" transforms trickling creeks into gushing torrents and floodplains into wide billabongs, isolating many centres and making most roads in the Top End impassable. Brave souls who do dare to venture to the Top End during the wet will be rewarded by the regions breathtaking regeneration display. Darwin is the obvious choice when deciding on a base for explorations however, the towns and settlements found along the Stuart Highway (otherwise known as The Track) provide interesting alternatives, each giving its own vivid glimpse into the Territory's past and present. 
Heading south west from Darwin along the Arnhem Highway you’ll find Kakadu. As you travel there are some pretty places to stop and explore along the way including the small town of Humpty Doo. (Yes we do have some funny names...) North of the highway is the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, where you will get to see plenty of birds, however if crocodiles are more your thing then continue along the Arnhem Highway to the Adelaide River Crossing where you are sure to come across one or two. However brave, or foolhardy, you may be it’s as well to remember that crocs are wild creatures that live in the rivers and lakes of the area so stay on dry land and don’t get too close to the banks. The late Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter) knew what he was doing, you probably don’t so don’t be foolish and swim in these waterways, it’s suicide! Internationally recognised, the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s most prized cultural and ecological treasures. Almost 20,000 square kilometres in size the park starts almost three hours drive east from Darwin. South of Darwin is Litchfield National Park a favourite area among Darwin outdoor lovers; the park comprises 1500 square kilometres of largely untouched landscape.
Just north of Kakadu is the Mary River Crossing which is a popular spot for Barramundi fishing. If you want to catch a Barra then the run off is arguable the best time of the year to think about heading to the Northern Territory on your quest. Occurring at the end of the wet season when the vast flood plains of the Mary River are receding into the rivers and out to sea, the Barramundi congregate in the big tidal rivers in search of an easy feed. Shady Camp on the Mary River is a world renowned Barra fishery and during the run off Shady Camp consistently produces trophy Barra over the magic metre mark. An extended tour is the best way to experience the best of Top End fishing with more time on the water and less time spent travelling.
The Point Stuart Wilderness lodge provides comfortable accommodation and a Bar and Bistro to relax at after a hard day on the water.If you’re a fisher person (must be politically correct these days) there’s not much better than fighting a decent Barra and if you like to eat fish there’s no better tasting fish anywhere. There are numerous conservation reserves within the wetlands, which offer the perfect opportunity to see wildlife in the area and you can set up camp here if you wish. Further south along the Stuart Highway is the Territory Wildlife Park, which is home to a whole host of animals and wildlife. If you want to cool off, head to Berry Springs Nature Park where you can jump in the pools and see the beautiful waterfalls.
If you really must swim then just east of Darwin are some beautiful swimming spots at Howard Springs Nature Park, it can get extremely busy, but is crocodile free. Wherever you decide to go for a dip always, always observe the signs which are posted for your safety. Arnhem Land covering 94,000 square kilometres, is home to around 16,000 people. Wildlife in Arnhem Land is abundant and during certain seasons the swamps and rivers ream with ducks and geese. The Gove Peninsula, situated at the far north east end of Arnhem Land, is one of the last true wildernesses with sandy beaches, great fishing and diving and an abundance of flora and fauna. The Gove Peninsula is an excellent bluewater sports and reef fishing location with over 30 different species of fish in the pristine water of the Arafura Sea. 
Snorkelling and scuba diving are two very popular activities during the months of September to March, the many beautiful coral reefs in the area hosting an abundance of marine life. The main center of the Gove Peninsula is the township of Nhulunbuy which is the point where the Gulf of Carpenteria meets the Arafura Sea. This magic place has a population of 3500 and is the administrative center for the Arnhem Land region. Visitors can enjoy fishing, diving, sightseeing and 4 wheel drive tours, a 9 hole golf course, the sailing and yacht club, scenic flights and helicopter rides. The town also hosts Aboriginal arts and crafts centres and has all the facilities of a modern seaside mining town. Towards the end of the ‘dry’ people living in the Top End of Australia are inclined to go a bit 'troppo' or crazy, as the heat and humidity builds towards the wet season.
When the storms finally break, tropical northern Australia is treated to some of the most spectacular lightning shows in the world. The Top End of Australia is one of the most lightning prone areas on earth. At this time of year, the region gets its annual dose of massive thunderstorms. Last summer a single thunderstorm over Darwin produced an incredible 1,634 lightning flashes in just a few hours. Perth only gets this much lightning in an entire year. These thunder storms can cause chaos, as the Northern Territory's Power and Water Utility knows only too well. Manager of Network Maintenance, Chris Yam, says that for the first few months of the wet season, there will be lightning most nights. About 40 per cent of all the electricity outages are caused by lightning, and burn marks are frequently seen on local power poles and other tall structures. In Australia, lightning accounts for up to 10 deaths and well over 100 injuries annually, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The BoM predicts these figures are likely to increase, with the growing number of retired people engaged in outdoor, recreational activities such as walking, cycling, golf, fishing, boating etc. Of the many lightning strike injuries each year, about 80 result from people using fixed telephones during thunderstorms when the phone system may become highly charged near where lightning is striking. Related injuries may include hearing damage, burns, or even electrocution. 
The local Aboriginal people had a fiery Dreamtime spirit called the Lighting Man who carried a lightning bolt across his shoulders, and stone axes with which to make thunder.The extreme seasonality of the Top End has profoundly shaped the natural environment. After the hot dry season, the land is blackened by fires which burn throughout the winter across the tropical woodlands. With the coming of the rains, cycads, onion lilies and other plants burst into green new growth. It’s a spectacular sight. Do come and visit, do be careful, and most of all.......do enjoy. John. Our RSS feed will be updated periodically with all the latest travel deals and special offers. Please subscribe by clicking the button to the left (XML/RSS) to receive notice of these updates without any risk or obligation. PLEASE NOTE: If you don't know what an RSS feed is just click this link. Click here to return from the Top End to The Discount Travel Guide home page. |
A number of wonderful national parks including Litchfield, Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), and the awesome Kakadu, protect and manage this unique and culturally important landscape, as well as making them available for a rewarding and memorable travelling experience. 
Nitmiluk Gorge is the major natural attraction in the Katherine region while the town of Katherine itself has many places of interest including the historic Springvale Homestead, the River Corridor, Katherine Hot Springs and various museums and historic buildings.
Tumbling Waters is also a great place to visit, although, as I said, keep away from the water as it is a favourite amongst salties ( that’s salt water crocs, very dangerous). 