Kakadu, Katherine & Arnhem Land

You can discover the best of the Northern Territory’s “Top End” on one of our fantastic tours, or branch out on your own to enjoy independent activities. However you want to travel, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your holiday to Kakadu and beyond. Hike the mile-long circular walk to discover the rock shelter and lookouts of Nourlangie. Enjoy the peace along designated bushwalk paths, or follow a local guide who will recite ancient stories as they lead you through the bush.

You can see the incredible rock art and x-ray paintings of Ubirr. Cruise Yellow Water Billabong, or take a scenic flight over the dramatic waterfalls of Kakadu. Fish for barramundi and more in the thriving habitats of Arnhem Land. See Aboriginal bark paintings, carvings and artefacts at Yirrkala. Take an Aussie safari at Mount Borradaile, or enjoy an Outback experience at a real Australian cattle station.

Kakadu National Park is a true jewel of the Northern Territory. It’s so large that its northern weather pattern is different to the one it experiences in the south. Thundering waterfalls, rivers, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails spread through the lush wetlands, arid country, mangrove swamps. This World Heritage wilderness is also home to some of Australia's most renowned Aboriginal art, found at Ubirr and Nourlangie.

After a hike, why not go for a dip in the clear water pools of Maguk? Or cruise gracefully through Yellow Water Billabong in search of wallabies, wild horses, and buffalo gathered around its banks, while crocodiles lurk in the river below. Twitchers will be in their element, too, as there’s a wide range of birdlife here, attracted to the rich habitats of Kakadu.

An impressive 13 gorges carved into the natural sandstone by thousands of years of river flow make up the world-famous Katherine Gorge. It was renamed Nitmiluk Gorge in 1989, when the land was handed back to its original owners, the Jawoyn Aboriginal people.

This dramatic geological phenomenon is decorated with thousands of rock paintings telling fascinating Dreamtime stories. You can explore by river cruise or on foot, as you uncover a space where the majesty of nature is intertwined with the magic of ancient cultures. Explore a rich ecosystem with some of Australia’s most vibrant bird and plant life. Discover 160 years of pioneering history in the Top End’s third-largest town. And let your Jawoyn Aboriginal guide tell you ancient tales about the incredible lands that surround you.

While the Top End experiences a range of weather systems, this area broadly falls into the dry and tropical summer seasons of the Northern Territory’s climate. April to October is the dry season, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall less common. This is the best season for hiking, swimming, and most outdoor activities, as attractions and areas are guaranteed to be open and accessible.  

At the other end of the spectrum, November to March is the tropical summer season. The days are often hot and humid – but the plentiful wildlife and fewer crowds can make this a great time for intrepid travellers. The rains can make some roads difficult to pass, but the lush green countryside and dramatic night-time storms make this an even more exciting time to explore Kakadu, Katherine and Arnhem Land.