Top Things to do in Top End
Things to do in Top End, Northern Territory: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Top End, Australia including Maguk Gorge, Nina's Ark Wildlife Sanctuary, Nitmiluk National Park, Territory Wildlife Park, Anbangbang Billabong, Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Mamukala Billabong, East Point Reserve, Casuarina Coastal Reserve.
Restaurants in Top End
1. 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.
2. Nina's Ark Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Nina's Ark is a rescue, care and rehabilitation Open Sanctuary. We release all wildlife that come to us into the surrounding bushland. Most animals continue to stay around the homestead. A unique opportunity to get close to and learn about our Aussie Wildlife. All visitor interaction is with FREE animals. A tour by myself "Nina" will enlighten your heart. This Sanctuary has a Gift shop on site . We also offer overnight accommodation in our Solar Powdered Safari Glamper , meals included . Please inquire when you book your tour. Get caught up in my passion for Wildlife. EFTPOS available.
Reviewed By Lisb3thVIE
at Nina's you will get more than what you expect. There are many many wild Roos or wallabies around, but also some not so wild ones she is taking special care of. If you get lucky she also has some Joeys in her kindergarten. If you are there for the nocturnal tour you'll definitely see some cute and hungry possums and sugar gliders. If you decide you want to stay overnight (which is possible and I would definitely recommend to book a stay!!) You will eat, shower, go to sleep and wake up right next to Aussie Wildlife. Nina's food tastes delicious, she has some great stories to tell. There is an Outdoor kitchen as well as a fireplace. The shower is outdoors but private. It is a great place to experience remote living and sharing space with animals. Please Don't just go there. Call her and book a tour or trip. It is very important for the Wildlife not to be disturbed unannounced (she will tell you more about why it is important).
3. Nitmiluk National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Located on the lands of the Jawoyn people, Nitmiluk National Park draws travellers from all over the world to experience its majestic beauty and sheer size of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Ancient rock art sites dot the park and the dreaming stories told by Jawoyn people bring the silent gorge walls to life.
Reviewed By N1817ZLlauried - Kanata, Canada
The Nitmiluk National park is an absolute gem, 9 different gorges to visit and paddle through (with some portaging depending on the water level), so beautiful! Not many places to kayak inland in the Top End, this is the spot, a few hours to a few days of back country camping and kayaking, Nitmiluk has it. Great swimming throughout too!
4. Territory Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Territory Wildlife Park is a 45-minute drive south of Darwin city. It occupies 625 hectares of native bush adjacent to the Berry Springs Nature Park. The Wildlife Park showcases animals and plants of the Top End in both natural settings and exhibits for ease of viewing, as well as the diversity of natural habitats of the Top End. The Park is spread out around a 4km loop road with free shuttle trains and natural walking paths linking the attractions. The Main Station Cafe, Nocturnal House and Aquarium are air conditioned.
Reviewed By 336wallyh - Perth, Australia
I have an interest in conserving our native wildlife and I think this place is amazing. A short drive south of Darwin and you can immerse urself for most of a day. There is a free “train” that runs around the park (on a road) every 30 mins so before you visit check out the web site for times of presentations snd talks. We did the Billabong Pelican Brekky (freshies, night herons, turtles, kites etc), the Flight Deck Nature Display (owls, emus, parrots, kites etc), the Oolloo Sandbar display (Barra, Freshwater Whiprays, Tarpons etc) and started the Salty talk when our train arrived. Full marks, more than 5 stars if I could, these guys are doing an amazing job educating us on our very own wildlife
5. Anbangbang Billabong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
During the sry season only. A billabong, paperbark swamps, fringing woodlands and sandstone plateau scrub feature along the Anbangbang Billabong and Nawurlandja lookout walks.Follow the yellow-tipped posts around Anbangbang Billabong to see lilies, waterbirds and stunning views of Burrunggui (Nourlangie Rock).
Reviewed By mazzaintazza - London, United Kingdom
We parked at the Nawurlandja parking area which also gives you easy access to the glorious lookout. Sunscreen, water and insect spray recommended. The billabong is a tranquil spot, and an easy circular walk on grass takes you round the water. Lots of bird life, a few wallabies,some gorgeous views. Keep your eyes peeled - my wife almost stepped on a snake! This walk was one of our Kakadu highlights.
6. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is one of several parks in the lower Adelaide River catchment that provide havens for wildlife in Darwin's developing rural fringe. One of the few wetland systems accessible to visitors all year round. Enjoy the many walks and viewing areas. Fogg Dam is 70 kilometres east of Darwin. Camping, swimming and fishing are NOT permitted
Reviewed By mazzaintazza - London, United Kingdom
Well worth a trip to spend a few hours at this lovely spot. I got there around 5pm and parked just before the dam itself. From there I did the 1hr Woodlands to Waterlilies walk which takes you through a variety of habitats and onto a well built walkway above the water. Loads of birdlife, a few wallabies but not too many lilies at this time of year. Back to the car then drove across the dam to the main lookout over the wetlands for sunset - bring your binoculars to look for brolga, kites, geese, ducks etc. There’s a donation box there for the Friends of Fogg Dam who care so well for the Reserve. Then back across to the first car park and a 1hr night walk towards the water which starts near the toilet on the other side of the road. I took a torch and enjoyed a dark walk with bats aplenty. No snakes or rats on view, and sadly I spotted 3 healthy-looking Cane toads. Fogg Dam is a treat anytime for bird & animal spotting, easy walks and awesome night skies.
7. Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,534 reviews
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is a deep gorge carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. Situated within the Jawoyn-owned Nitmiluk National Park, characterised by its sandstone country features above the gorge, lush rainforest gullies in the gorge walls, and broad valleys meandering through both the high and the low country. Enjoy a boat tour, helicopter flight, various walks, camping and canoeing.
Reviewed By Fionaon23
Loved this place.. we were lucky enough to be here in the quiet wet season.. take a tour up the river to experience the sheer beauty .. lovely centre and cafe for a coffee and snack.
8. Mamukala Billabong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By MarkE20 - Whitianga, New Zealand
Just a short drive off the main road. Good parking then a short walk to the viewing platform. Platform has seating and info on the wall. Good bird life over a huge wet land area. You may need a good zoom on your camera. Lots to see, just have to be patient. Make sure you have lots of insect repellent.
9. East Point Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By GregA808 - Darwin, Australia
I love visiting the reserve with my family. I can kick back and let the kids enjoy the beach or playground. All year safe swimming makes it though.
10. Casuarina Coastal Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Casurarina Coastal Reserve protects about 1500ha of coastal habitats between the estuaries of Rapid Creek and Buffalo Creek. It features 13km of sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and shady casuarina trees. Behind the dunes lie tropical coast plant communities including patches of woodlands, monsoon forests, mangorves and paperbarks.
Reviewed By MaryW391 - Darwin, Australia
A must do while in Darwin great location for family picnics especially the weekends. Great view for tropical sunsets.
