Tag: Darwin

Backpacking & Hiking in the Top End

Backpacking in the Top End of the Northern Territory is an adventure through some of Australia’s most dramatic landscapes, featuring tropical waterfalls, ancient rock art, unique wildlife, and vibrant Indigenous culture. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or road-tripping, the Top End rewards those who come prepared and ready for the wild.

Top Destinations & Experiences

  • Darwin: The gateway city, offering backpacker hostels, markets, nightlife, and easy access to national parks.
  • Kakadu National Park: World Heritage-listed, with epic waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, wildlife cruises, and multi-day hikes like Koolpin Gorge and Baroaldba Creek.
  • Litchfield National Park: Famous for Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and the Tabletop Track-a 39 km multi-day hike through woodlands and escarpments.
  • Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge: Kayak, hike, or cruise through stunning gorges; the Jatbula Trail is a renowned 62 km trek from Nitmiluk Gorge to Edith Falls.
  • Katherine Hot Springs: A relaxing stop for a swim and a chance to do laundry before heading into the bush.

Swags

Swags

Best Hiking & Backpacking Trails

Trail/AreaDistance/DurationHighlightsDifficulty
Jatbula Trail (Nitmiluk)62 km / 5–6 daysWaterfalls, swimming holes, Indigenous rock artModerate-Hard
Tabletop Track (Litchfield)39 km loop / 2–5 daysWaterfalls, woodlands, solitude, escarpmentsModerate-Hard
Koolpin Gorge (Kakadu)VariableRemote gorges, wet season hiking, rugged landscapesHard
Baroaldba Creek (Kakadu)VariableOff-track, stone country, wet season adventureHard
Nourlangie Rock Loop12 km / 6–8 hoursRock art, plateaus, rare wildlifeModerate-Hard

These trails offer a mix of marked and off-track experiences, with swimming, wildlife, and cultural encounters along the way.

When to Go

  • Dry Season (May–September): Best for hiking and camping-clear skies, warm days, cool nights, and accessible roads.
  • Wet Season (October–April): Lush scenery and flowing waterfalls, but high humidity, heavy rains, and some road/trail closures. Some off-track hikes (like Baroaldba Creek) are best in the wet.

Backpacking Essentials

  • Clothing: Lightweight, sun-protective, quick-dry clothes; hat, sunglasses, swimmers, sturdy shoes/runners, and thongs for camp.
  • Gear:
    • Tent or swag (waterproof and well-ventilated)
    • Sleeping bag or liner (suitable for tropical nights)
    • Lightweight stove or cooking gear
    • Ample water bottles or hydration system
    • Headlamp/torch with spare batteries
    • First aid kit and personal medication
    • Insect repellent and sunscreen
    • Map, compass, or GPS (many areas have no phone coverage)
    • Baby wipes for bush showers
  • Permits & Bookings:
    • Book campsites in advance, especially in Kakadu and Litchfield.
    • Some remote areas and Aboriginal land require special permits.
  • Food:
    • Bring non-perishable, lightweight food; resupply in Darwin or Katherine.
  • Safety:
    • Be “Crocwise”-camp at least 50m from water, never swim unless signed as safe.
    • Tell someone your plans and expected return.
    • Check park alerts for closures or weather warnings.

Getting Around

  • Fly into Darwin: The main entry point for the Top End.
  • Self-drive: 2WD is sufficient for many main attractions, but a 4WD allows access to more remote areas, especially in the wet season.
  • Tours: Many backpackers join guided tours for convenience, safety, and local knowledge.

Unique Experiences

  • Wildlife Encounters: See saltwater crocodiles, wallabies, kangaroos, and abundant birdlife.
  • Cultural Experiences: Join Aboriginal cultural tours, visit rock art sites, and learn from Traditional Owners.
  • Waterfalls & Swimming: Enjoy safe swimming in marked waterholes and springs-iconic Top End experiences.

Useful Resources

Backpacking in the Top End is about embracing adventure, respecting the environment and culture, and being prepared for the region’s tropical extremes. With the right planning, it’s an unforgettable journey through some of Australia’s most remarkable wilderness.

Where to Hunt in The Top End

The Top End of the Northern Territory offers a wealth of hunting opportunities, from public reserves to vast wetlands and remote backcountry areas. Here are some of the best and most accessible locations for recreational hunting, along with what makes each unique.

Howard Springs Hunting Reserve

Howard Springs Hunting Reserve is a well-known and accessible hunting preserve close to Darwin, making it a convenient option for both locals and visitors. The reserve is suitable for families and is managed to provide a safe and regulated hunting environment. It is ideal for those seeking a structured hunting experience near urban amenities.

Mary River Wetlands (including Shady Camp and Point Stuart)

The Mary River Wetlands are internationally significant for their biodiversity and are prime hunting grounds, especially for waterfowl during the dry season. Locations like Shady Camp and Point Stuart are renowned for their concentrations of magpie geese and ducks as water recedes. The area’s vast floodplains and challenging access make it a favourite for experienced hunters seeking a true Top End adventure.

Harrison Dam and Lambell’s Lagoon Conservation Reserves

These conservation reserves are among the few public lands in the NT where recreational hunting is permitted, particularly for feral pigs and waterfowl. Located about an hour from Darwin, they offer accessible yet authentic Top End wetland hunting. The reserves also hold cultural significance and support rich wildlife, making them popular with both locals and visitors.

Shoal Bay Reserve

Shoal Bay Reserve is a designated public land hunting area, especially popular for wild pig hunting. A permit is required, and the reserve is managed to balance hunting opportunities with conservation. Its proximity to Darwin and clear regulations make it a practical choice for those seeking public land hunting experiences.

Judbarra / Gregory National Park

This vast national park in the Victoria River district offers diverse hunting environments, from sandstone escarpments to savannah woodlands. It is especially noted for bird hunting, including flock bronzewings and bustards, and requires self-sufficiency and remote area travel experience. The park’s scale and remoteness provide a true wilderness hunting experience.

Limmen National Park

Limmen National Park is known for its seasonal waterfowl and upland game bird hunting, as well as large marsupials. Its claypans and marshlands are particularly productive after the wet season. The park is best accessed with a 4WD and offers free camping, making it suitable for extended hunting trips during the early dry season.

Victoria River District

The Victoria River District is celebrated for both hunting and fishing, with seasonal wetlands attracting large numbers of game birds and the river itself offering excellent barramundi fishing. The region’s remoteness and iconic landscapes appeal to hunters seeking solitude and the challenge of the outback.

Back Country Hunting (BCH) Areas

The NT’s Back Country Hunting initiative allows residents, and their nominees, to hunt in designated remote areas, provided they meet accreditation and permit requirements. These areas are ideal for experienced hunters looking for self-guided, multi-day expeditions in true wilderness settings, often far from established roads or facilities.