Top Things to do in Top End
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Top End, Northern Territory
Discover the best top things to do in Top End, Australia including Ubirr, Maguk Gorge, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Mindil Beach, Mindil Beach Markets, Jim Jim Falls, Berry Springs Nature Park, Katherine Hot Springs, Leanyer Recreation Park, Gunlom Waterfall Creek.
Restaurants in Top End
1. Ubirr
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 887 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 225 reviews
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. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,402 reviews
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.
4. Mindil Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,839 reviews
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.
5. Mindil Beach Markets
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 770 reviews
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.
6. Jim Jim Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
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.
7. Berry Springs Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,054 reviews
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.
8. Katherine Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
These natural thermal springs are located just outside of Katherine Township and comprise of a series of clear pools framed by native vegetation. These bubbly springs have a constant temperature of approximately 25 - 30 degrees Celsius.
Reviewed By tastanic
Beautiful warm water can touch the bottom in most spots can become crowded in the early afternoon Good food and coffee from the cafe at the top near car park Current down stream can be strong for small children
9. Leanyer Recreation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
On November 15th 2010, the YMCA proudly assumed management of the Leanyer Recreation Park. Entry is free to this fantastic venue.The Park consists of dry and wet recreational area's. There are 3 massive water slides where you can ride the water, a water park with swimming area's and a water playground, just the place to get wet and splash around in. There is also a dry play ground, a skate park, a half basketball court, BBQ's, a Cafe and lots of shaded area'sThe newly opened cafe is a great place for a coffee and a bite to eat. it also has catering available to busy mums and other organizations. menu's are available on our website.The Recreation Park is open daily from 8am to 8pm. The Water Park is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm during school terms. During School Holidays we are open every day from 10am to 7pm. On Public Holidays we are also open from 10am - 7pm.
Reviewed By Kerrie0m - Ambarvale, Australia
What a brilliant place for the family! Great way to have a safe swim in NT. Very clean, spacious with a great atmosphere. 3 big slides for the big kids, big water play park, fountain area and massive playground and huge lagoon pool. BBQs and picnic tables under shade cloths around the park, plus a small cafe and vending machine. Several lifeguards at the lagoon and slides. Easy to get to with a car, plenty of parking.
10. Gunlom Waterfall Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kakadu National Park. Climb the stairs to the pristine plunge pools at the top of the waterfall with an infinity view of the park, or swim under the cascading waterfall at the base with a sandy beach and clear waters. Spend the night at the nearby Gunlom campground.
Reviewed By ShellFisherS - Melbourne, Australia
Google got us worried and we almost didn’t visit when it was suggested a trip to Gunlom would take us 3 hours! Luckily, the rangers told us it’s 3 hours return. We drove in a 2WD to Gunlom from Cooinda lodge, leaving early so we could avoid the peak of the heat. Visiting at the end of May, the track was open to 2WD. The first hour of the drive is the highway so no issue. Once you reach the turnoff the unsealed road begins. We were very lucky as yesterday when we visited, the road was being ‘compressed’ and it made it a lot easier to drive. We took it slow on the way there so it took around 45-50 minutes. A 4WD could do it in 30 minutes. Once there, there is ample parking, toilets, a grassed shaded picnic area and tables. The main swimming area at the bottom of the falls is ideal for kids with a sandy bank, and areas that are shallow. Only 200m from the carpark, it’s very easy to access for everyone. Swimming all the way to the base of the fall the water gets deep. It’s a beautiful, postcard place to swim in Kakadu. If you can’t make it to the top, don’t feel too disappointed, the bottom is still wonderful. The infinity pools at the top of the falls are amazing and if you up for it, worth the hike. We had our 10 month old baby with us and my husband carried her in a MacPac to the top. He is fit and a confident walker so managed with no problem. The walk up has a few ‘bums and hands moments’ for some but if you take it slow you’ll be fine. I’m not overly confident, and managed without any issues. People did the climb in thongs when we were there and we saw other babies in carriers and children ranging in age from 6 to 12 who all managed. (I don’t think carrying a baby up would be possible if they couldn’t walk so a carrier of some kind seemed like a must). As a guide, allow 30 minutes to walk up. Taking drinks and food is a great idea so you can enjoy your swim and not feel rushed to make the trip back down. At the steepest parts of the walk, closest to the pools, there are rails and at other points trees or rocks you can grab to help give you some support. If you have visited Ubir and found that difficult, then the walk/climb is perhaps not for you. The infinity pools are beautiful to swim in and we are very glad we visited. Swimming at Kakadu was on our bucket list of experiences and without doubt a highlight of our trip up North. A couple of tips for those with small kids - the rocks are slippery, the water is deep in parts and the water is naturally quite cold. Taking float toys and float safety rings/vests makes it a lot easier for babies/toddlers! Unless you can confidently tread water and get in and out of the water holding them, on slippery rocks then it’s worth lugging few extra things up. There are some parts that small children can stand up in if helped there. The walk up is quite sunny but once at the top there are shaded parts to sit & swim.
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