Visit Australia's Top End

Vast and beautiful, Australia’s remote Top End is one of the world’s last remaining true wilderness areas.

Kakadu is acknowledged as Australia’s most diverse and stunning landscape and its extraordinary natural beauty, unique biodiversity and cultural heritage make it perfect for real outback adventure travel.

The Kimberley region’s magnificent landscapes are unrivalled anywhere and the distant outback adventures to be had among the ancient rocky gorges of the Bungle Bungles, Karijini National Park and Gibb River Road are unmatched on the continent.

The seaside pearling town of Broome and the gorgeous Cable Beach mark the southern gateway to this spectacular expanse, while untamed Kununurra’s scorching red soils, wide-angle blue skies and unforgiving bush mark the easterly edge of the Kimberley’s wetlands, waterfalls and immense cattle stations.

The Ghan & Kangaroo Island

13-day tailor-made rail holiday from £6,235 pp incl. flights

Travelling from south to north, this tailor-made trip marries one of the world’s greatest rail journeys with tropical Darwin, Adelaide’s heritage and the wildlife of Kangaroo Island.

The Ghan Expedition: Wilderness to Wines

14-day tailor-made luxury rail journey from £8,360 pp incl. flights

Either side of this all-inclusive rail journey through the Outback, you’ll sample the wines of the Barossa Valley and enjoy a luxury safari in the wilds of Australia's Top End.

Top places to stay in Top End: Darwin, Kakadu & the Kimberley

The Ghan

Luxury train

Regarded as one of the world's greatest rail journeys, The Ghan takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Australia.

Bamurru Plains Lodge, Kakadu

Traditional safari lodge

Bamurru Plains is an ecologically sensitive camp in the midst of the Mary River floodplains, an area rich in bird and wildlife and where you can explore the magnificent landscape in the company of expert guides and hosts.

Cicada Lodge, Katherine

Contemporary lodge

This secluded lodge on the banks of the Katherine River serves as a luxurious base from which to discover the spectacular natural wonders of Nitmiluk National Park.

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, Swimming Pool

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, Broome

Traditional resort

Set on a world-famous beach, this luxury holiday destination features ocean pools, excellent leisure facilities and a choice of four gourmet restaurants.

See all places to stay

Where to go in Top End: Darwin, Kakadu & the Kimberley

Kununurra

Kununurra means ‘big water' in the local Aboriginal language and the town is the gateway to some of Western Australia's best natural attractions. From here visit the Purnululu National Park and Bungle Bungle Range.

Broome

Broome is a small pearling town in the state's north with an exotic history thanks to its world-famous South Sea Pearl industry. Today, a chilled out vibe, colourful lifestyle and vibrant environment have made it a Mecca for creative people of all types.

The Kimberley

Mighty rivers and wetlands teem with wild game fish and marine life and its vast vistas are infinite. One of the least populated places on earth, the area's isolated wilderness is truly awe-inspiring.

Arnhem Land

Of staggering size – 91,000 square kilometres – and filled with varied landscapes, Aboriginal-owned Arnhem Land is well worth spending some time in. In the middle of Australia’s northern coast, its boundaries are beautiful ones: Kakadu National Park, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria.

See all places

When to go to Top End: Darwin, Kakadu & the Kimberley

Average temperature (℃)

Average rainfall (mm)

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Max temp Min temp Rainfall

The dry season, which runs from April to September is the most popular time for visiting the Top End, although you should be prepared for high daytime temperatures but far cooler nights. The wet season, which lasts from November to March but reaches its peak in January and February, can make travel tricky, especially on the mainly dirt roads that lead to the more remote regions of Kakadu, Litchfield and Arnhem land. After particularly heavy rains, some roads may be closed altogether.

See regional weather

Top End: Darwin, Kakadu & the Kimberley articles

Australia: beyond the icons

If you've holidayed in Australia before you'll probably have ticked off a few highlights from the standard Australia bucket list. However, look beyond the icons and you'll find there's much more to Australia than the famous reef and that rock.

Australia’s top 10 iconic landscapes

Australia is one of the most varied landscapes on earth. It's got a range of stunning, idiosyncratic landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Australian Alps to wildlife-rich coral reefs, crystal-clear lakes, bio-diverse tropical rainforests, and dust-filled deserts.