Top Things to do in Top End
Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in Top End, Northern Territory
Discover the best top things to do in Top End, Australia including Ubirr, Maguk Gorge, Katherine Outback Experience, Tropical Light, Nitmiluk National Park, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Mindil Beach, Mindil Beach Markets, Territory Wildlife Park, Jim Jim Falls.
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. Katherine Outback Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 780 reviews
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. Tropical Light
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Bruce Munro: Tropical Light is the first major event for the tropical summer. It is a 2.5 km outdoor exhibition featuring 8 spectacular illuminated sculptures by world renowned artist, Bruce Munro. The exhibition is Bruce Munro's first city-wide exhibition in the world with the collection reflecting the artists personal history of visiting Australia and the Northern Territory. The exhibition is free to view and is connected by a self-guided path to wander along with each piece intended to inspire interest during the day and hold special significance when they illuminate each night at 7 pm. 'Tropical Light' is open 1 November 2019 and closing on 25 March 2020. Stay tuned for 2021 dates.
Reviewed By ntdanz - Darwin, Australia
We walked this trail after dinner at the Waterfront just as it got dark. Make sure you download the app to hear the stories behind the light sculptures, artists and there is also a great overview of the various street art spots in Darwin.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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
10. 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.
