Two week road trip in Australia's tropical Top End

By Morgan Edwards

When I set off for Australia’s legendary Top End, I had no idea what was in store—aside from visions of red dirt, Akubra hats, and crocodile-infested waters. Little did I know, the next two weeks would become the most unforgettable adventure my family and I had ever experienced in Australia! From jaw-dropping landscapes to thrilling wildlife encounters, the Top End completely captured our hearts. We travelled in September, as the dry season was winding down, and it turned out to be the perfect time for this epic journey.

Our adventure began in Darwin, and the moment we stepped off the plane, the balmy warmth hit us, sparking instant excitement for the swimming adventures that awaited. The locals couldn’t have been friendlier! One even joked that they owned two pairs of thongs—one for everyday life and one for going out. That easy-going attitude set the tone for the entire trip. Darwin was laid-back, warm, and welcoming.

Darwin is an absolute dream for families—there’s so much to do that you could easily spend days just at the waterfront. With its shaded playground, lively restaurants and bars, and a warm, safe lagoon perfect for splashing around. The kids were obsessed with the inflatable water park, bouncing and climbing for hours. Paddleboards were available for hire (my personal favourite), and the open-air wave pool was another highlight. We spent an entire day riding the waves and splashing about.

No trip to Darwin is complete without a visit to the Mindil Sunset Markets, open on Thursdays and Sundays. The legendary laksa absolutely lived up to the hype, and watching the sunset amidst multicultural performers, art and craft stalls, and delicious treats was an experience not to be missed.

We also embarked on a day trip to the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise, just under an hour from Darwin (including passing through the fantastically named Humpty Doo). It was an absolute highlight for everyone—especially the kids. We saw five jumping crocodiles—although, spoiler alert, it’s actually called vertical swimming. We'd highly recommend this day trip as a safe and entertaining way to see Saltwater crocodiles up close.

Leaving Darwin behind, we explored further into the outback for a truly unmissable adventure. Cruising down the Stuart Highway was an adventure in itself; the road trains were something to behold! We spent time at the beautiful Litchfield National Park, where plenty of designated campgrounds made it the perfect place to stay for a few days. With heaps of waterfalls, swimming holes, and hiking trails, it was an ideal spot to unwind. My top tip for visiting would be to bring a pool noodle or two—there’s nothing quite like floating in the huge Wangi Falls to escape the heat.

Our adventure ended at Nitmiluk National Park, home to the world-famous gorge (previously known as Katherine Gorge). Nitmiluk is an adventure playground waiting to be explored, with a campground on-site featuring a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant—a welcome relief at the end of a day’s exploring. We were also lucky to secure spots on the very popular 6-day Jatbula hike, which requires booking in advance as it only allows 15 hikers per day. Walking through beautiful outback terrain, spotting flora and fauna, and admiring incredible indigenous rock art was an unforgettable experience. Spending each night camping beside a series of increasingly stunning waterholes was equally memorable. We also camped at the end of the hike at Leliyn (Edith Falls), another beautiful spot, with a kiosk serving some of the best pies we’d ever tasted.

Travelling in a Star RV allowed us to fully explore all that the Top End of the Northern Territory has to offer. Our journey was unforgettable, and we're already looking forward to our next visit.

If you've got more time in Australia, check out our 10-day Western Australia itinerary.

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