Cruising the Yellow Water billabong in Kakadu. Credit: Tourism NT/KWP

With most state borders open again it might be time to consider planning your trip through the Northern Territory and in particular the Top End.

The Top End is raw natural beauty combined with adventure, spectacular wildlife and serenity. From Katherine to Arnhem Land, this region takes us back to a simpler time. The stillness of Katherine Gorge, mesmeric art etched onto rocks and caves, wildlife in its natural form and so much more make the Top End a distinctive holiday destination in Australia.

The Northern Territory is known for the World Heritage listed Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. The rich historical background, tropical weather and massive natural harbour make the Top End a great holiday destination.

THE HUMPTY DOO HOTEL

Built in 1970, we are one of the Northern Territory's longest continually licensed premises. We feature in several bush ballads, including ‘The Man from Humpty Doo’ by Ted, and Slim Dusty's ‘Humpty Doo Waltz’.

Opening in 1971, we survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974 and have since become a local icon. Even COVID-19 didn't faze us as we were only closed for 74 days. We are located 74km from Darwin, on the Arnhem Highway.

In May 2016, we had to change one of our rules. If a patron wanted to be served at the bar, his bare feet were fine, but he now had to be wearing a shirt. The Australian obsession with ‘big’ tourist attractions finds one of its most hilarious  manifestations in ‘The Boxing Croc’. It's just up the highway from us heading towards Darwin.

Don't miss your chance to grab a meal with the locals Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

We are open every day and have a great range of food, souvenirs, gaming, Keno, Tab and free wi-fi.

Try the famous Trio Burgers with a taste of the Territory, including local barra, crocodile, and buffalo. See the famous buffalo horns behind the bar that were known to be the largest found.

The self-contained RV park located on pub land and run by CMCA can cater for up to 35 RVs, has a dump point and fresh water and is an easy walk to the pub and all it has to offer.

Visitors will find that staying at the RV park provides a great launching pad to discover the nearby attractions including  Kakadu National Park and the Adelaide River Jumping Crocodiles. Close to the gateway to the Mary River and several other fishing destinations, you will be up and on the water in no time.

TOP END ATTRACTIONS

During the Second World War, Darwin was raided 64 times from air by Japan, giving it a bloody past and a permanent place in world history. As part of the World War II tours, you can visit East Point Military Reserve, Charles Darwin National Park, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, the Australian Aviation Heritage Museum, USS Peary Memorial/USAAF Memorial, Adelaide River War Cemetery and many more historically significant places.

World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, covering more than 19,000 square kilometres, is a landscape of contrasts. Beneath waters dotted with lotus flowers, saltwater crocodiles lurk. Parts of the monsoon rainforest are hidden behind the jagged peaks of towering escarpments. Pools are bordered by paperbarks, pandanus and cycads. A visit to the awe-inspiring Jim Jim Falls, browsing through a gallery of ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock, or exploring the scenic Yellow Water (a billabong teeming with wildlife) is a must when at Kakadu National Park.

Litchfield National Park is a 1500 square-kilometre park, and an important area to the Koongurrukun, Marranuggu, Werat, and Warray Aboriginal people. The Finniss exploration was the first European connection to the area and the park was named after Frederick Henry Litchfield, a member of the expedition.

Litchfield National Park’s major attractions are linked by a sealed road, although a 4WD is necessary to access The Lost City and the Reynolds River Track. It's also possible during the dry season to travel by 4WD down the Reynolds River Track to the Daly River Road.

Category: Destinations
Written: Thu 01 July 2021
Printed: July, 2021
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