From subtropical wetlands to vast red-rock desert, the northernmost region of the Northern Territory—or as Aussies call it, the Top End—is a wonder to witness. Unspooling across Darwin, UNESCO World Heritage Site Kakadu National Park (Australia’s largest national park), remote Arnhem Land (northeast), and Katherine, it’s a place to understand the First Nations culture that has been etched into this vast region.
The last few years have been marked by a fresh new chapter that recognizes the importance of deeply rooted Indigenous-owned tours, during which guides tell their own stories to visitors. Kakadu Tourism, the same team behind Yellow Water Villas safari-style bush lodgings, is one example, with new bush tucker walking tours offered by day and stargazing cruises (Algohgarrng) by night. Meanwhile, Northern Territory Indigenous Tours continue its intimate Muku Women’s Morning Tour, led by Tess Atie, from April to September. Soft-launched in 2024, the popular tour takes place in the lush beauty of Berry Springs or Tumbling Waters and is a safe, women-and-girls-only environment that allows for discussion about the past, present, and future. Plus, Ethical Adventures tour company will extend its offerings in 2025 to include the homeland country of Marrithiyal nation in the Western Daly Region, while still offering culturally immersive journeys (arranged activities with Indigenous Australian painting, storytelling, bush foods, or language experiences) through the ancient lands of Kakadu and untouched Arnhemland.
Finally, new in 2025, Davidsons Arnhemland Safari Lodge will join forces with Kakadu Air for an all-inclusive fishing day safari, during which guests have the chance to fish in untouched billabongs and visit the world-famous Arnhem Land rock art galleries. —Monique Kawecki
Looking for more inspiration? Read last year’s list of the Best Places to Go in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific in 2024.
