The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Top End, Northern Territory

July 19, 2021 Jana Sager

Discover the best top things to do in Top End, Australia including Ubirr, Maguk Gorge, Katherine Outback Experience, RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin Aviation Museum, Mindil Beach, Mindil Beach Markets, Jim Jim Falls, Berry Springs Nature Park.
Restaurants in Top End

1. Ubirr

Oenpelli Road, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8938 1120 [email protected] http://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/rock-art/ubirr/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 887 reviews

Ubirr

Ubirr, home to some of the world's most outstanding Aboriginal rock art, depicting sources of food, wildlife and the creation ancestors. The panoramic views at the top show surrounds of Kakadu National Park, the East Alligator River and Arnhem Land, a view that is favoured at sunset.

Reviewed By L7839VIjohnp - Beaconsfield, Australia

Great place to view ancient artwork and to climb the top of the rock to view the open country side.Can easily spend a few hours here taking in the scenery and the history.

2. Maguk Gorge

Barramundi Gorge, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory 0822 Australia +61 8 8938 1120 [email protected] https://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/waterfalls/maguk/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 225 reviews

Maguk Gorge

A short monsoon rainforest walk delivers you to this stunning location where lush vegetation and beautiful wildlife is found. A pristine waterfall that flows into a crystal clear plunge pool surrounded by steep gorge walls. Located only an hours' drive south of Cooinda and is accessed off of a 14 kilometre 4WD track off Kakadu Highway.

Reviewed By LozArthur - Darwin, Australia

Maguk is a great place for all sorts of travellers. The swimming hole is absolutely beautiful and great for all ages to have a dip. Highly recommend bringing a noodle or floating device as it's deep throughout the main swimming hole. Water temperature is perfect! There is a track that leads up to the top of the falls but has been closed this dry season. Camping is a simple bush camp with drop toilets. The road in is recommended 4WD but we went slow with our Subaru Outback (AWD) and were fine. Lots of corrugations as the road isn't regularly graded.

3. Katherine Outback Experience

115 Collins Road, Katherine, Northern Territory 0850 Australia +61 1300 818 612 [email protected] http://www.katherineoutbackexperience.com.au/
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 780 reviews

Katherine Outback Experience

The national award-winning Katherine Outback Experience was awarded Best Tourism Attraction in the NT in 2018 and 2019. We offer a number of Experiences including our Outback Show, Horse Rides and Live Music Events. The show is renown for being raw and real. If you have ever wanted to ride a horse in the outback or learn how horses and dogs are trained to muster cattle, then this is the place for you! Prepare to be captivated as multiple Golden Guitar winner and horseman extraordinaire, Tom Curtain, provides real life horse-starting and working dog demonstrations, highlighting life on the land on outback Australian cattle stations. Without giving too much away, this outback show is truly an authentic and hands-on experience, entwined with humorous station tales. The show is in a constant state of evolution, it is an experience not to be missed! BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL! Shows are seasonal. Horse Riding is available all year either permitting. See website for specific show times.

Reviewed By 453suzannep - Sydney Olympic Park, Australia

We were travelling on the Ghan in May and this was one of the choices for an excursion. What a wonderful choice, lived up to all of our expectations and more could not recommend a visit to to Katherine Outback Experience highly enough. This would satisfy everyone of all ages the animals the singing the afternoon tea were all exceptional an experience we will always remember, they even brought around ice blocks while we watched the show. If you are lucky enough to visit Katherine do not miss a visit to this place.

4. RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility

45 Stokes Hill Road Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia +61 8 8983 5700 [email protected] http://rfdsdarwin.com.au/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 995 reviews

RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility is an exciting attraction on Stokes Hill Wharf that brings to life two iconic Australian stories. Both iconic stories are retold using state of the art technology including Virtual Reality headsets, hologram movies, audio-visuals and touch screen TVs as well as the fascinating story boards. The first story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known as the RFDS. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, it began its aero-medical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. The second story is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. The bombing raids by the Japanese, brought destruction to the city of Darwin and many of the events that happened that day are featured. The RFDS Tourist Facility is a must see in Darwin for visitors of all ages and families to have an interesting learning experience about Darwin's history.

Reviewed By Mighty-yt-au

Well worth a Visit great insight into the history of this iconic Australian institution it is also part of the WWII Bombing of Darwin museum

19 Conacher St Bullocky Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801 Australia +61 8 8999 8264 [email protected] http://www.magnt.net.au
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,402 reviews

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is the NT's premier cultural institution. Enjoy permanent exhibition highlights such as Cyclone Tracy, Natural History and Sweetheart, a famous croc as well as exciting temporary exhibitions. Enjoy a meal at the picturesque Saltwater cafe overlooking the sea or purchase a book or gift at the Store at the Museum. Entry is free. MAGNT runs an engaging series of talks, public programs, workshops and school holiday programs. Check out the website for details

Reviewed By 341ceceliac

What a lovely gem of a place. Beautifully laid out with some amazing pieces. The area allocated to Cyclone Tracy was incredible - all Australians should experience the exhibit particularly the sound booth which recreates the sound of the cyclone. And Sweetheart is here too - poor Sweetheart - finally left in peace. Such an extraordinary creature. The bird exhibition is also amazing. Don’t miss any of it.

6. Darwin Aviation Museum

557 Stuart Highway, Darwin, Northern Territory 0821 Australia +61 8 8947 2145 [email protected] http://www.darwinaviationmuseum.com.au/
Excellent
59%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 915 reviews

Darwin Aviation Museum

A B-52 bomber (one of only two on display outside the U.S.) is exhibited here along with other military aircraft, engines and the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter shot down in the 1942 air raids on Darwin.

Reviewed By marinemw - Nottingham, United Kingdom

A fantastic aviation museum with the only B52 bomber in the southern hemisphere, surrounded by many Aussie warplanes and history of the Australian aviation. Darwin was 1st port of call in the early days of international flight when it used to take a couple of days to get to Singapore and S.E.Asia and 10 + days to reach Europe, and early aviators made landfall in Darwin. Great museum and exhibits.

7. Mindil Beach

The Gardens, Darwin, Northern Territory 0820 Australia http://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/explore/out-and-about/find-a-facility/mindil-beach
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,839 reviews

Mindil Beach

Situated just 5 minutes from Darwin City, Mindil Beach is a local’s favourite for watching tropical sunsets over the ocean. With a palm filled, grassy reserve, Mindil Beach is popular for markets and events. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets take place here every Thursday and Sunday evening throughout the dry season (April to October). Follow the surrounding walking paths, which take you from Mindil Beach to Fannie Bay and East Point Reserve.

Reviewed By Billatraveller - Perth, Australia

Have visited Darwin many times over the last 30 years and a visit to Mindil Markets and to view the Sunset is always a must do on every visit, The variety of food stalls is amazing and they really highlight the diversity of Darwins population. Market stalls are always worth a browse and the sunset has never let e down. Go see for yourself.

8. Mindil Beach Markets

Maria Liveris Drive Mindil Beach, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8981 3454 [email protected] http://www.mindil.com.au
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 770 reviews

Mindil Beach Markets

The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets see the congregation of over 200 unique stalls, ranging from incredible local and international cuisine to an array of arts, crafts and services stalls. The Market also supports and provides opportunity to Darwin and regional NT artists from all genres of creative and performing arts to showcase their talent. The combination of amazing food, arts and culture, set to the backdrop of the spectacular sunset, creates an electric atmosphere.

Reviewed By BonzoD - Newcastle, Australia

As far as markets go Mindil Beach Markets is a good one. With a plethora of food choices, including a number of healthy food options and numerous juice bars, the intrepid visitor is sure to find something to captivate the senses and titillate the taste buds. When you add the vista of a spectacular sunset over Mindil Beach to the mix (check times and synchronise accordingly) - see photo attached - the Mindil Beach Markets is a must-see for anyone in Darwin with a couple of hours to spare on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

9. Jim Jim Falls

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8938 1120 [email protected] http://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/waterfalls/jim-jim-falls/
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 272 reviews

Jim Jim Falls

Spectacular all year - see this area from the ground in the dry season, and from the air in the wet season.The Jim Jim Area is only accessible by 4WD during the dry season. Visitors can explore the spectacular and challenging walks or take a boat shuttle ride to Twin Falls over crystal clear waters (charges apply). Scenic flights are also very popular, and allow visitors to see the spectacular Jim Jim Falls, which are in full flow only during the wet season

Reviewed By stevel179 - Darwin, Australia

This was worth the trek over large rocks and boulders. The kids in our group are 9 and 12, capable of climbing and jumping and had fun. When we reached the end it was spectacular and half our group entered the freezing water!! Water was clear and inviting after the trek and cooled our feet. We would love to see this in the wet season! There was only a small tickle of water coming down from the top.

10. Berry Springs Nature Park

Cox Peninsula Road, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8988 6310 http://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit/berry-springs-nature-park
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,054 reviews

Berry Springs Nature Park

Berry Springs Nature Park, is a great location close to Darwin where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a BBQ. A great place to unwind after spending a day at the Territory Wildlife Park. Please check our website for access to swimming. During the wet season, October-April, the pools may be closed when swimming is considered to be unsafe.

Reviewed By RobbieTain

Don't get me wrong, Litchfield is certainly a special place and one worth visiting, but Berry Springs has all of what Litchfield has with none of the frenetic tourist hustle and bustle. As soon as you dip below the surface of the crystal clear spring waters you are met with sense of warmth and peace. The spring keeps the water at a constant temperature year round. It's like being in a perfect bath, only with minature waterfall and tropical rainforest surrounding you. There are bbq facilities and ample space to share a picnic lunch and as soon as you have spent enough time in the sun drying off it's a perfect time to grab a floating noodle and head back in.

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