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 The
Top End is a spectacular area rich in Aboriginal culture
and with a ragged coast of tidal inlets and islands,
huge quantities of endemic and introduced wildlife,
impressive bird life and thousands of square kilometers
of untouched national parks and waterways criss-crossed
by spectacular gorges and valleys.
There are only two major cities in the region - the capital of
the Northern Territory, Darwin, and the city of Katherine.
Darwin enjoys a relaxed, tropical lifestyle. Over the
years several summer cyclones have battered Darwin, the worst
being Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Day in 1974. However the town
always bounces back and today Darwin houses many fine
galleries and museums, including some excellent Aboriginal
collections as Aboriginal culture is very much etched into the
community.
Darwin is often just a transfer point, however if you do
overnight ask about our most highly recommended dinner
experience featuring excellent seafood, on the waters of
Darwin Harbour and in the company of a guide who will share
his passion and knowledge of coral reefs and the sea life that
sustains them. Aside from a wonderful meal you will come away
having considerably extended the bounds of your knowledge.
Bathurst and Melville Island are off the coast of
Darwin and are home to the Tiwi people who have their own
distinct Aboriginal culture. Visits to the islands are now
only allowed as part of organized tours in an attempt to
maintain the islanders unique traditions.
Katherine is located 315km
south of Darwin and is the centre of a large region
covering cattle country, farmlands and national parks.
The area also boasts magnificent Aboriginal rock art.
The township of Katherine has many galleries and
aboriginal communities are proud to show their
paintings, woven baskets and tell their stories of the
past.
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Enquiry!!
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Two hundred kms east of Darwin Kakadu National Park has
been declared a World Heritage area for both its natural and
cultural importance. Covering almost 20,000 square kilometers, it
is Australia’s largest National Park and is extremely diverse. It
houses a magnificent collection of flood plains, billabongs,
woodlands, rock plateau, rock escarpments and plummeting
waterfalls. Recorded to date are 275 species of birds, 75 species
of reptiles, 25 species of frogs, and over 10,000 species of
insects including 1500 species of butterflies and moths. This land
is over 2,000 million years old and whilst comparatively recent,
Aboriginal art in the region dates back at least a staggering
25,000 years. Kakadu is transformed by the different seasons and
during the wet many areas become impassable. At all times the park
is beautiful but in July & August the wildlife & bird life is
particularly abundant.
Litchfield National Park is made up of open eucalyptus
woodland and dense tropical rainforest dotted with the strange
sculptures of magnetic termite mounds. Waterfalls plunge into
refreshing pools from the rocky escarpment of the Table Top Range
and there are several pleasant swimming spots scattered throughout
the Park.
Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park is located 30km
from the town of Katherine. Over eons the waters of the Katherine
River have carved this striking gorge through the Arnhem Land
plateau. Take a boat cruise over the enticing deep blue water,
walk the trails on the rugged cliffs or by scenic flight enjoy the
sheer scope of the Park.
In Arnhem Land, Aboriginal heritage is an important aspect
of your visit and we encourage you to visit the region with a
guide who understands and respects the wishes of the traditional
landowners. Rock art in the region has been dated as originating
an incredible 50,000 years in the past and provides a pictorial
history and an understanding of the spiritual beliefs of the
people.
As you travel you will hear much of the “Dreamtime”, which
usually refers to the time when all things were created, while
"Dreaming" is in reference to an individual's or a tribal group's
creed of spiritual beliefs. Stories are passed down through the
ages by word of mouth, totemically, via rock paintings, ceremonial
dances (corroborees) and secret rituals for men or women. All
events and life processes are imprinted in the memory of the land
and ancestral spirits still live in the indigenous world of today,
in the form of animals, rocks, stars, hills and other sacred
places and objects.
Cobourg Peninsula is an idyllic setting where fish are
abundant and people are sparse. Prevalent marine life includes,
dolphins, sea turtles, crocodiles and the fascinating dugongs all
of which are protected and cannot be hunted except by Aboriginal
people who still harvest the sea creatures as a traditional food
using traditional methods, including spears. In addition to the
marine life, the historic sites, the scenic beauty and the
Aboriginal aspects Cobourg boasts a wealth of flora and fauna much
of which is endemic.
With the right guide you will leave the
Top End with a profound feeling of the spirituality of the
place, and a desire to return and experience more of the
heritage and culture of this ancient land.
Send
Enquiry!!
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