Top End Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

I will never forget #FoggDam, just off the Arnhem Highway, near Darwin - Australia. The amazing thing was that one can drive across the dam wall, seeing beauty in all directions; however, one could only stop in a few designated areas because of the risk of saltwater crocodiles. Well stop we did! I saw an abundance of flora and fauna. The birdlife was amazing, forever impregnated in my vision and not on my little iPhone. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve lies in the Adelaide and Mary River Floodplains with year round accessibility. There are also some adjacent, designated walking tracks if one has time! For me, I spent my time looking for lillys and bird watching! This photo was taken mid May during a #roadtrip around the Top End of the #NorthernTerritory. #iPhoneonly
I will never forget #FoggDam, just off the Arnhem Highway, near Darwin - Australia. The amazing thing was that one can drive across the dam wall, seeing beauty in all directions; however, one could only stop in a few designated areas because of the risk of saltwater crocodiles. Well stop we did! I saw an abundance of flora and fauna. The birdlife was amazing, forever impregnated in my vision and not on my little iPhone. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve lies in the Adelaide and Mary River Floodplains with year round accessibility. There are also some adjacent, designated walking tracks if one has time! For me, I spent my time looking for lillys and bird watching! This photo was taken mid May during a #roadtrip around the Top End of the #NorthernTerritory. #iPhoneonly
Wangi Falls in Litchfield NP.
I went to Ubirr to watch the sunset! The first thing to amaze me were the 360degree views at the top of the rocky outcrop, different in each 90degree arc. This view looks west and I was totally blessed. There is some smoke haze on the horizon, from seasonal burning in preparation for the dry season in Kakadu #NationalPark. Ubirr is easily accessible from the nearby township of Jabiru by road, then a walk and easy clamber over rocks to get to the top. The twilight descent was easy with the park ranger nearby! Kakadu is a #UnescoWorldHeritageSite in the Northern Territory of #Australia. #ILoveaSunburntCountry #GoldenHour #RoadTrip #iPhoneonly #hiking Ubirr
Mataranka Thermal Pool is worth a visit. Such a lovely place.

Where to stay in Top End

Darwin featuring street scenes

Darwin City Centre

4/5(1,671 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
Darwin Australia - February 22, 2019: Town Hall Ruins downtown now set in green park under blue sky with white clouds. Couple of standing walls are left.

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
Crocodylus Park showing general coastal views, dangerous animals and zoo animals

Knuckey Lagoon

Travellers like the zoo in Knuckey Lagoon, and Crocodylus Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Knuckey Lagoon
When in Darwin, Cullen Bay is a great place to stay. Nice village atmosphere and GREAT sunset views. Oh and the Boatshed cafe for coffee is the bomb!

Cullen Bay

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

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

Cullen Bay
Pier at Nightcliff! Spectacular sunsets!!!

Nightcliff

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

Nightcliff
Fried veg from Frying Nemo. Some great vegan food. #Trovember

Stuart Park

While Stuart Park isn't home to many top sights, Mindil Beach Sunset Market and Darwin Entertainment Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Stuart Park
Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

4 out of 5
64 Esplanade Darwin NT
The price is AU$155 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
AU$155
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly motel in Darwin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Tropical and quiet. Walkable

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Palms City Resort
Darwin City Hotel

Darwin City Hotel

4 out of 5
59 Smith Street Darwin NT
The price is AU$118 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$118
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Darwin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (633 reviews)
The room was very clean and modern, as was the hotel.The staff was very friendly and helpful and the hotel was in an excellent central location.

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025

Darwin City Hotel
Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

4 out of 5
Gilruth Avenue The Gardens NT
The price is AU$174 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
AU$174
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Darwin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great staff especially at check in

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Mindil Beach Casino Resort
See all 748 properties in Top End
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin

4 out of 5
6 Carey Street Darwin NT
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,718 reviews)
Great stay overall. The location is excellent, the rooms are a decent size and comfortable, and the rooftop bar is a real highlight with magnificent views.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

4.5 out of 5
7 Kitchener Drive Darwin NT
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Darwin Waterfront and Mindil ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,158 reviews)
Clean, spacious, just be incredibly careful when choosing your room to go by the text room description, not the images on the website

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments

3.5 out of 5
146 Dick Ward Drive Coconut Grove NT
Stay at this aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Mindil ...
7.8/10 Good! (512 reviews)
Great location easy to access everything in the area.

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Darwin Waterfront which includes swimming as well as a large group of people

Darwin Waterfront

4.5/5(798 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
Mindil Beach which includes street performance, performance art and night scenes

Mindil Beach

4.5/5(507 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
Kakadu National Park showing wetlands

Kakadu National Park

4.5/5(33 reviews)

Cruise past crocodiles, wander through vast eucalyptus forests to waterfalls and see ancient Aboriginal rock art in this national park in northern Australia.

Kakadu National Park
Darwin showing food

The Esplanade

4.5/5(672 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
Litchfield National Park showing landscape views, a cascade and swimming

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
Cullen Bay Marina featuring a coastal town, a sunset and a bay or harbor

Cullen Bay Marina

4.5/5(482 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

Activities

Waterbom Bali Admission Ticket

Waterbom Bali Admission Ticket

AU$64
per adult
Waterbom Bali Admission Ticket
Trans Studio Bali Theme Park Admission Tickets

Trans Studio Bali Theme Park Admission Tickets

AU$49
per adult
Trans Studio Bali Theme Park Admission Tickets
Bali: Balinese Full-Body Massage at your Accommodation

Bali: Balinese Full-Body Massage at your Accommodation

AU$22
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bali: Balinese Full-Body Massage at your Accommodation
Sea Walking Bali included Hotel Transfer

Bali Sea Walker Tanjung Benoa

AU$51
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bali Sea Walker Tanjung Benoa
Bali: Return Private Transfer for Night Safari

Bali: Return Private Transfer for Night Safari

AU$49
per traveller
Bali: Return Private Transfer for Night Safari
Bali Watersport Package

Bali Watersport Three in One Combo Fun Pack With Free Shuttle

AU$26
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Bali Watersport Three in One Combo Fun Pack With Free Shuttle
See all activities in Top End