I never planned on visiting the Northern Territory when I came to Australia. But when I decided to go for a Lap, the decision was made to go across the Top End – and I’m so glad I did. This part of the country is one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited. I can only try to describe it; even as a writer, I struggle to put the beauty of this place into words. There’s so much to see here: epic national parks, beautiful waterfalls and swim spots, and that classic red dirt that epitomizes the area. Here are the best places to visit in the Top End, Northern Territory.

The Best Places in the Top End Around Katherine

Daly Waters

This is a township with an iconic pub, located just off the Stuart Highway south of Katherine. Daly Waters Pub started as a roadhouse, and grew into an institution. People come from all over just to visit this pub! They have plenty of accommodation options, from two-bedroom cabins to powered and unpowered sites. I wish I’d been able to spend a night here – those refreshing cold beers would taste even better after a long day of driving!

Mataranka Hot Springs

These hot springs are perfect for a relaxing dip – they’re at a temperature of about 34˚C (93˚F) year-round! The water at Mataranka Hot Springs is super clear. It’s a short walk from the parking area to get to the springs.

Bitter Springs

Bitter Springs was one of my favorite swim spots in the Top End! Bring a floatie (and maybe a snorkel, for that crystal-clear water) and let the current take you down the river. Float along until you reach the final exit point – then head back to the start and do it all over again!

Katherine Hot Springs

Another great swim spot, these hot springs are in the town of Katherine itself – so they’re really easy to get to. Choose from two large pools, or swim down the river between the two. It makes for a really relaxing day.

Katherine Gorge

This stunning gorge, in Nitmiluk National Park, is one of the most incredible places to visit in the Top End. You can take a cruise down the gorge, or rent kayaks. If you prefer hiking like I do, you’ll want to do the short hike to the Baruwei Lookout (it took me 40 minutes in total from the visitor center). If you’ve got more time, I highly recommend hiking the Butterfly Gorge Loop, which takes you to Pat’s Lookout and Jeddas Rock. These viewpoints are phenomenal – this is actually how I spent my 31st birthday! The hike was 15km and took me 4.5 hours in total.

Edith Falls (Leilyn)

Nitmiluk National Park is split into to main sections: the part by Katherine Gorge, and the area by Edith Falls. There’s a massive plunge pool here – otherwise you can hike to the upper falls, where there’s also lots of spots to swim.

Sweetwater Pool

Sweetwater Pool is an 8.6km (return) hike from Edith Falls car park, but it’s well worth it. This was one of my favorite Top End swim spots – and I nearly had the whole place to myself! The trail goes through the bush until coming out at the large pool. Walk out along the ledges and get a free shoulder massage from the waterfalls here.

Robin Falls

Robin Falls is off the main Stuart Highway, and often gets missed on most Top End itineraries. But it’s home to an awesome free camp (no toilets or bins, so be sure to leave no trace) and a great place to relax and chill. The waterfall itself was pretty dried up when I was there, but it looks stunning in other photos I’ve seen.

Escarpment Walk and Nawilbinbin Walk (Judbarra Gregory National Park)

Judbarra Gregory National Park is a lesser-visited spot in the Northern Territory. It’s located right on the Victoria Highway, between Katherine and Kununurra. There are two easy hikes you can do: the Escarpment Walk (3km, which took me about 50 minutes) and Nawilbinbin Walk (1.7km, 35 minutes). If you’re driving between Northern Territory and Western Australia on the Victoria Highway, stop here and stretch your legs. If you have more time and a 4WD, there are a lot of other areas of the national park you can explore south of the highway!

The Best Places in the Top End in Litchfield National Park

Florence Falls

Florence Falls is one of the most popular stops in Litchfield National Park. The plunge pool here is enormous – even when it’s busy with lots of people, you’ll still have room for swimming! Be sure to stop at the viewpoint on your way to or from the pool.

Buley Rockhole

I personally enjoyed the rock pools that were just south of Buley Rockhole, more than the Buley Rockhole itself. But this is a top choice for swimming in Litchfield, with lots of different levels of pools and cascades you can spread out over. Although there is a car park here, it can get full during busy times. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the Florence Falls car park to Buley Rockhole.

The Lost City

If you have a 4WD and want to explore more of Litchfield National Park, head down the unsealed road to the Lost City! It’s 10km, with about 5km of that being a true 4WD track, with a few bits of soft sand. The rock formations here look like city buildings – there’s a short loop you can walk around that circles the site, which took me about 15 minutes.

Tolmer Falls

The waterfall wasn’t at its peak when I visited during the Dry season. But the views from Tolmer Falls over the woodlands of Litchfield National Park were wonderful – it’s only a short walk from the car park, but it packs a big punch. Note that there is no access to the falls itself, so this isn’t somewhere you can swim.

Tjaebata Falls

To avoid the crowds and get off the beaten path in Litchfield, head to Tjaebata Falls. This waterfall is accessed through a 20- to 25-minute hike through the bush, where there’s a viewing platform. At the top of the waterfall is an infinity pool – it’s not very big, but you can swim here! This is a great choice if you’re wanting somewhere quiet to swim.

Wangi Falls

Wangi Falls is a spectacular waterfall in Litchfield National Park. I spent a perfect day swimming here, going out to the twin waterfalls, relaxing in the sun, and just enjoying life in the Top End. Bring a floatie if you visit Wangi Falls!

The Best Places in the Top End Around Darwin

Berry Springs

Berry Springs is located outside of Darwin, and is a popular daytrip for people in the city. There are several different access points where you can swim. Again, this is one swim spot where you’ll want to bring a floatie!

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

These night markets are open on Thursdays and Sundays, from 4-9pm, between April and October. It’s one of the best things to do in Darwin! Wander through the stalls, get some tasty food, and head to the beach to watch the sunset. It may be busy and crowded, but it’s a great festival atmosphere. Try to time your visit to Darwin so you can go!

Darwin Waterfront

There’s so much going on at the Darwin Waterfront. There’s the city’s only man-made beach, which is one of the few safe places to swim in the city. Then there’s also a load of restaurants, cafes, and bars to keep you busy! This is a great place to hang out and relax in the heart of Darwin.

The Best Places in the Top End in Kakadu National Park

Cahill’s Crossing

If you want to see crocodiles in the Northern Territory, come to Cahill’s Crossing. This road in Kakadu National Park is home to hundreds of saltwater crocs, some of whom will lie out on the road to sunbathe or feed on fish. Try to time your visit around low tide, when they’re more likely to be out.

Ubirr Rock Art

This is easily one of the best places to see Aboriginal rock art in Kakadu, and in the Top End in general. I was totally blown away by the intricacy of the drawings here! Even better, Ubirr is an incredible spot to watch the sunset. If you’re visiting Kakadu, be sure to come to Ubirr for at least one sunset.

Nourlangie Rock

Another can’t-miss spot in Kakadu is Nourlangie Rock. This is also home to some of the NT’s most impressive and detailed Aboriginal rock art, which you can take in on a short walk along the cave wall galleries.

Nawurlandja Lookout

The view from Nawurlandja Lookout, over Nourlangie Rock and the savanna woodlands of Kakadu, is extraordinary. Be sure to come here for at least one sunset! Seeing the colors of the sky change over the rock and the landscape was such a special moment.

Jim Jim Falls

If you have a 4WD, you can’t miss a trip out to Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu. It’s tough work – 55km on unsealed, corrugated roads and 4WD tracks. From the car park, it’s a 30-minute hike scrambling over huge boulders to get to the gorge. But it’s absolutely worth it. It’s one of the most magical places I visited in the Top End – I had a glorious few hours swimming here. I’d give anything to come back in the Wet season on a helicopter tour, and see the waterfall in full force!

Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)

Maguk is another incredible place to visit in Kakadu. Again, you’ll need a 4WD to drive the 10km on very corrugated roads (with the very end being a bit of a 4WD track with a section of soft sand), but it’s so worth it. Hike for 20 minutes to get to the gorge, complete with its own beautiful waterfall. I loved spending the day here, swimming out to the waterfall and hanging out on the ledges!

Planning Your Trip to the Top End, Northern Territory

To experience the best of the Top End, you really need your own vehicle to get around. If possible, I highly recommend renting a 4WD – particularly for Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. You’ll be able to see and do so much more! If you’re not a resident of the NT and planning on visiting these spots, you’ll need a Northern Territory parks pass, which costs $30 for two weeks. If you’re going to Kakadu, that’s a separate parks pass. The Kakadu parks pass costs $40 for seven days (in peak season).

If you’re flying, Darwin airport is the best airport for flights to the Top End. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Interested in taking a tour to the best places in the Top End? Check out the tours below!

Where to Stay in the Top End

There are so many choices for accommodation across the area! I camped the entire time, besides when I stayed with a friend in Darwin (thanks, Mark!). Here are places I stayed on my trip through the Top End in Northern Territory.

• Jalmurak Campground (Elsey National Park), $15pppn book online in advance – lots of unpowered sites, suitable for 2WD, and with showers
• Buffalo Hill Bush Camp (near Katherine Gorge), $15pppn cash only – no shade, but a quiet spot with super-clean bathrooms
• Old Stuart Highway (near Edith Falls), free camp – lots of different areas to set up camp, close to the highway but next to no road noise
• Florence Falls Campground (Litchfield National Park), $15pppn book online in advance – easy access to Florence Falls, with showers and washing up area
• Wangi Falls Campground (Litchfield National Park), $15pppn book online in advance – super close to Wangi Falls, nice showers
• Merl Campground (Kakadu National Park), $15pppn cash on arrival – massive sites, great location close to Cahill’s Crossing and Ubirr
• Djarradin (Muirella Park) Campground – $15pppn cash on arrival – secluded campsite a ways off the main road, nice showers
• Gungurul Campground (Kakadu National Park), $6pppn cash on arrival – a few sites close to the main road, very convenient location (no showers)

If I’d have needed paid accommodation in Darwin, I’d have stayed in one of the hostels – probably MOM Darwin YHA! If you’re after different accommodation in Darwin, here are a few recommendations:

• Budget: Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel – hotel room or apartment accommodation, some with harbor views
• Mid-range: Cullen Bay Resorts – clean and comfy rooms, overlooking Cullen Bay Marina
• Mid-range: H on Smith Hotel Darwin – stylish and comfortable rooms, with an outdoor pool
• Luxury: Mindil Beach Casino Resort – plush resort with a private white-sand beach and a swim-up bar
• Luxury: Hilton Darwin – fabulous location by the waterfront, with all the facilities and amenities you might need
• Luxury: Darwin Lux Living – three-bedroom apartment in the heart of Darwin, with an indoor pool

You can search for more accommodation using the map below.

Booking.com

I was never planning on going to the Northern Territory on my trip to Australia. But wow, I am so glad I did. This is a spectacular part of Australia – there’s a magic here that’s hard to describe. But whether you go for the natural landscapes, unique wildlife, or Darwin’s fun city life, there’s something for everyone here. Don’t miss a visit to the Top End when you travel around Australia! I hope this guide helps planning your trip to the Top End, NT.

Have you been to the Top End, or anywhere in the NT? Where’s your favorite place?

You might also like my posts:

The Best Swim Spots in the Top End, Northern Territory

What to See in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

The Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Exploring the Waterfall Way: Bellingen to Wollomombi, New South Wales

How to Get a Work & Holiday Visa (WHV 462) for Australia in 2023

Australia Budget: Month 6 (September 2023)

All of my Australia posts!

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