A Guide To Australia’s Top End.

Australia’s Top End (Northern WA & Northern Territory) is very different in comparison to the East Coast. It can be a  harsh and rugged landscape at times, but that is what adds to it natural beauty. There are some very special places in the north of Australia some you may have never herd of others you will know well but we will try and cover it all so you don’t miss out on a thing.

Getting There.

Flights to Darwin from Brisbane dramatically very in price depending on when you want to travel. If you give your self some time and plan well you should be able to get a one way flight for around $180.00. Once you arrive in Darwin it is extremely easy to make your way in to town the airport is just on the outskirts of Darwin.

The driving option unfortunately is not a cheap one, due to how remote the Top End is.  There are a few things you will need to think about before embarking on a journey like this one. First is making sure you have a car that is capable of driving that type of distance, also there are a lot of dirt roads on the way so making sure you car has spare tyres is a must. Planning out your route is very important because if you are relying on a GPS in the out back you are going to run in to problems.  The trip itself from the gold coast will take you about 41 hours covering a distance of 3500 km. In our opinion flying is definitely a good way to go.

 

Where To Stay.

Annie’s Place The Friendly Backpackers (Alice Springs)

Rooms start from $22.00 per night. Annie’s is the place to be in Alice Springs if you are looking for a great time. Good food, cheap drinks and great company. At Annie’s the staff there will always go the extra mile to make your stay everything you had hoped for. They can also help you to plan your trip to one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Darwin YHA (Darwin)

Rooms start from $35 per night. Located in the heart of the Northern Territory’s tropical capital, Darwin YHA is the friendly, quieter option on popular Mitchell Street in the city’s entertainment precinct. Experience our new ensuite bedrooms all with air-conditioning, plus their outdoor pool and BBQ area, internet and WiFi. The hostel’s tour desk can help you find the best backpacker tours and travel options around Darwin including Tiwi Islands, Nitmiluk, Kakadu National Park and the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve.

Cable Beach Backpackers (Broome)

Rooms start from. $22.00 per night. It’s never ever going to be boring at Cable Beach Backpackers.  They do plenty of great stuff on impulse like themed party nights  and Beach Parties. You just have to turn up and join in. This is your gate way to the amazing Kimberley National Park and the helpful staff at Cable Beach Backpackers will help you with all your tour plans.

Getting Around.

Public transport may not be your best option in this part of the world. It is a remote place and a lot of the things that you will want to see can be quite a distance away. We would strongly recommend hiring a car so you can get the most out of your Top End adventure.

Car hire starts from around $40.00 per day. Just make sure the car you are going to hire meets your needs and it is always advisable to travel with a friend so you can share the costs and the driving.

 

What To Do.

Kimberley National Park.

Some of the Kimberley National Parks are world famous, others you probably never heard of.Some are very easy to reach, some are as remote as it gets. All of them are worth visiting, and each one offers a very different experience… You can go on guided tours or jump in your car and start exploring. Just remember to have a good look around before going for a swim you are in crocodile country.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

The best place to start your journey. Learn about Anangu culture: see Anangu art, hear Anangu stories, and discover their connection with country. The Cultural Centre is also the spot to pick up your visitor guide, take a break at the café and meet some local artists at the two arts centres. Watching the colours change over this amazing landscape is a breathtaking experience. There are two special viewing areas to see Uluru at either dawn or dusk & the friendly staff will show you wear they are.

 

Kakadu National Park.

Located 240 kilometres east of Darwin in Australia’s tropical north, Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest terrestrial national park. Kakadu covers almost 20,000 square kilometres and is a place of enormous ecological and biological diversity. It extends from the coast and estuaries in the north through floodplains, billabongs and lowlands to rocky ridges and stone country in the south. Kakadu is considered a living cultural landscape. The traditional owners Bininj Mungguy have lived on and cared for this country for more than 50,000 years. Their deep spiritual connection to the land dates back to the Creation and has always been an important part of the Kakadu story.

Crocodile Tour.

Jumping crocodiles, Yes you did read that correctly. They get huge 6-metre croc’s to jump right next to the boat, then go and find many more croc’s that virtually eat out of your hand. To see crocs make sure you go with someone that knows what they are doing. The ADELAIDE RIVER QUEEN CRUISES has been working with these animals for 27 years and has the knowledge and experience to bring you back in one piece and delighted with the experience. Cost is approximately $30 for a tour.

Berry Springs.

During WWII, Berry Springs was part of a Rest and Recreation Camp set up by the armed forces for the 100 000 personnel based in the area. A number of huts and a weir were built at Berry Springs during this time. You can still see their remains around the main pool. Berry Springs continues to be popular with locals and tourists as a place for rest and recreation. If you swim with goggles you can see many small native fish and other aquatic life that live in the clear pools. Some of the more obvious fish can be seen from above the water. Many bird species can be seen as there is a zone where two major habitats meet. The forest species and the species that inhabit the creek line can all be seen on the walking track.

Pudakal Aboriginal Tours.

This is a genuine experience pact with information, knowledge and culture! A true aboriginal owned and established family business based on local knowledge and history.The rich culture and amazing landscape is captured in the bush tucker walk and talk, the didjeridoo and clapstick demonstrations and the basket and dilly bag making demonstrations where they will teach you about the common plant usages. You will be amazed at how much there is around you.

 

Eat & Drink.

Sticking with Australian tradition there is no shortage of amazing pubs, clubs, and restaurants in The Top End. Hear is our Top 5.

The Deck Bar (Darwin).

Offering over 80+ Beer varieties and cocktails galore, The Deck Bar is perfectly situated at the ‘top of town’ away from the hustle and bustle of Mitchell Street, a perfect venue to visit throughout the day open 7 days a week. This place is a lot of fun and well worth stopping in for a drink or bite to eat.

Discovery Bar (Darwin)

This would have to be Darwin’s most popular night spot. Set over 3 levels discovery bar plays host to some of Australia’s & The Worlds best Bands. There is always something on at Discovery bar and if your keen for a big night this is one place you must head to.

Bojangles (Alice Springs)

This place oozes character and is the perfect place for a drink in between the old photographs, motorbikes, lanterns and wagon wheels. Take a seat in a saddle or by an old Ghan railway sleeper. Bojangles broadcasts nightly live on the web and friends can shout you a drink online, that you then receive in the bar. So its the perfect place to talk to mum and dad or friends back home and get them to buy you a drink, so you can save your money for exploring the amazing part of the world.

The Bungalow Bar (Broome)

The Bungalow Bar Is Broome’s premiere night spot. Just opposite the water in beautiful Roebuck Bay.The Bungalow Bar is full of fun staff and fun people alike. There is some awesome local DJ’s that will keep you dancing all night and drink prices cant be beaten. 

Tides Restaurant &  Garden Bar (Broome)

The Mangrove Resort’s casual outdoor bar is perfect for a few early drinks while contemplating  Roebuck Bay. Very laid back atmosphere and some of the nicest staff I have ever met. You will feel right at home at this cool little out door bar.