Things to do in Top End

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT

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Top places to visit

1. Kakadu National Park

Experience one of Australia's best natural reserves at Kakadu National Park. Hike through sheer red-rock gorges, camp amid local wildlife or watch powerful storms roll across the sky during the wet season.
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Kakadu National Park featuring wetlands

2. Mindil Beach

Mindil Beach is one of Australia’s best beaches. Many visitors are surprised to find such a pretty tropical beach so close to a regional capital city. Some locals swim at Mindil during the dry season, but the possible threat of crocodiles and jellyfish makes this unwise for visitors to try. Better swimming is over at at Casuarina, which is patrolled by surf life savers, or alternatively at the Wave Lagoon water park and the free Leanyer Recreation Park. Still, at any time of day, a walk along the splendid Mindil Beach is not to be missed.
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Mindil Beach which includes nightlife, night scenes and performance art

3. Darwin Waterfront

Head to the Darwin Waterfront and enjoy the music, food and atmosphere of this lively precinct. Just a short walk from the CBD, this picturesque oceanfront esplanade is very popular with locals. Enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, escape the summer heat at its swimming areas or try some seaside dining.
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Darwin Waterfront showing swimming as well as a large group of people

4. Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is where you will find Northern Territory’s stunning natural environment at its best. Walk through rainforest trails, visit intriguing rock formations and cool off with a swim beneath dramatic waterfalls.
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Litchfield National Park showing landscape views, swimming and a waterfall

5. Crocosaurus Cove

Crocosaurus Cove is surprisingly interactive for a wildlife park that houses notoriously ferocious species. It offers up-close encounters with crocodiles for those willing to pay for the unique experience. Jump into an immersion cage with huge crocs, feed a small juvenile or hold a tiny baby “saltie.”
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This wildlife park offers the chance to admire a number of local species, as well as the safest encounter you can have with a saltwater crocodile.

Popular places to visit

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Kakadu National Park

4.5/5(9 reviews)

This protected expanse of grassy plains, maroon-coloured cliffs and monsoon rivers offers some of the best hiking, boating, and camping opportunities in Australia.

Kakadu National Park
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Darwin Waterfront

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Explore Darwin’s scenic waterfront, where you can swim in the wave pool, see turtles up close and dine in restaurants overlooking the sea.

Darwin Waterfront
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Mindil Beach

4/5(8 reviews)

Explore one of Australia’s best beaches by day or visit by evening to enjoy Asian food, a massage, live music and indigenous crafts at Darwin’s sunset markets.

Mindil Beach
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The Esplanade

4.5/5(18 reviews)

During your trip to Darwin, you can do some window-shopping at The Esplanade. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

The Esplanade
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Litchfield National Park

Bring a camera to capture the streaming waterfalls, unique rock formations and clear swimming holes of this dynamic landscape in Australia’s Top End.

Litchfield National Park
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Cullen Bay Marina

4/5(9 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Darwin with a trip to Cullen Bay Marina. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Cullen Bay Marina
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Crocosaurus Cove

4/5(3 reviews)

This wildlife park offers the chance to admire a number of local species, as well as the safest encounter you can have with a saltwater crocodile.

Crocosaurus Cove
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Mindil Beach Sunset Market

4.5/5(7 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Mindil Beach Sunset Market during your stay in Darwin. Wander the waterfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market
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Yellow Water Billabong

5/5(1 review)

Experience quintessential Kakadu in these diverse wetlands, where you can spot kingfishers, crocodiles and dazzling constellations from a cruise ship.

Yellow Water Billabong

Areas of Top End

Darwin showing street scenes

Darwin City Centre

4/5(33 area reviews)

Darwin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Smith Street Mall or The Esplanade.

Darwin City Centre
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Palmerston

Palmerston is well liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you want to see more of the larger area, you might add a stop by Howard Springs Nature Park to your list.

Palmerston
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Nightcliff

While there might not be top attractions in Nightcliff, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Casuarina Beach.

Nightcliff
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Cullen Bay

If you're spending some time in Cullen Bay, Cullen Bay Marina and Mindil Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Cullen Bay
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The Gardens

Beaches, restaurants and casinos are just a few things travellers enjoy about The Gardens. Check out SKYCITY Casino or Mindil Beach Sunset Market while you're exploring the area.

The Gardens
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Parap

Parap is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Parap Village Markets and 24HR Art.

Parap