What is the Top End of Australia?
The Top End is the northernmost part of the Northern Territory, including Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Arnhem Land. It has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
The region lies roughly north of Katherine and covers coastal wetlands, rivers, rainforest pockets and savanna woodlands. Its warm climate supports a huge range of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, wallabies and many birds.
The wet season, from about November to April, brings monsoon rains, spectacular thunderstorms and flooding. The dry season, from May to October, is sunny and warm, and most tourists visit at this time.
Culture and history
Aboriginal people make up a large part of the Top End's population, and many communities live on their traditional lands, particularly in Arnhem Land. The region is known for rock art sites, such as those in Kakadu.
Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is the main city. It was bombed during World War II and almost destroyed by Cyclone Tracy in 1974, and has since been rebuilt.
The Top End is a popular destination for fishing, especially for barramundi, and for exploring waterfalls and gorges.
Did You Know?
Locals sometimes call the season of building humidity before the rains the build-up.