The region of Darwin, Kakadu and Katherine is a spectacular area with an abundance of wildlife and tropical scenery. This is definitely one of Australia’s top holiday destinations with thousands of square kilometres of untouched national parks and waterways as well as spectacular gorges and valleys that will take your breath away. There are really only two major cities in this region and the first is the capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin, and the other being the city of Katherine. The most well known national parks in the region are Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks. Some of the regions best kept secrets include Katherine Gorge, Bathurst & Melville Islands, Mary River Wetlands, Edith Falls and Mataranka.

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, and enjoys a relaxed, tropical lifestyle. Darwin is an ideal base for visits to spectacular World Heritage areas including Kakadu National Park. Darwin has grown from an early and remote outpost to a thriving modern capital city. As well as galleries and museums, there are nightclubs, theatres, restaurants and a casino. The city houses an amazing history including 3 cyclones, with its worst being Cyclone Tracy in 1974, which destroyed most of the town. Darwin was miraculously rebuilt after the disaster and now houses many galleries and museums, including many Aboriginal collections. Aboriginal culture is very much etched into the community.

Kakadu National Park, 200km east of Darwin, is a World Heritage area both for its natural and cultural importance. Covering almost 20,000 square kilometres, the park is so diverse and contains approximately 275 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles, 25 species of frogs, 10,000 species of insects and more than a third of the Top End's plant life. The landscape of Kakadu incorporates flood plains, billabongs, woodlands, rock plateaux, rock escarpments and plummeting waterfalls.

Kakadu National Park contains both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles. The best chance of finding a saltwater crocodile (considered very dangerous) is on an East Alligator or Yellow Water cruise. Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls both have resident freshwater crocodiles as well as lizards, turtles and snakes.

Kakadu is transformed by the different seasons and during the wet season many areas become impassable and cut off. Perhaps the most popular time for visiting Kakadu National Park is the late Dry (July/August). At this time wildlife is abundant especially the bird life in the shrinking billabongs and watercourses.

Bathurst and Melville Island lie off the coast to the north of Darwin. These two islands are home to the Tiwi people, with their own culture distinct from the mainland Aborigines. Visits to the islands are now only allowed as part of organised tours in an attempt to maintain the islands cultures and history.

The town of Batchelor is the gateway to the Litchfield National Park. Numerous permanent waterfalls cascade down the outstanding sandstone plateau of Tabletop Range. There are many beautiful swimming holes, lookouts, walking trails and picnic areas. There are also many magnetic termite mounds to be found in the national park - their size will amaze you.

Katherine is located 315km south of Darwin. Katherine 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. Watch aboriginal artists create their paintings, weave their baskets and tell their stories of the past.

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park is located 30km from Katherine itself. Carved through the Arnhem Land plateau by the Katherine River, Katherine Gorge is one of the Territory's top tourist attractions. The waters of Katherine Gorge are an enticing deep blue, but it is the sheer scale of the gorge that is the most mesmerising feature. Boat cruises and flights allow you to experience the wonders of the magnificent gorges. There is also an extensive system of walking trails through the rugged surrounds.

Continuing southeast, reach Mataranka and Elsey National Park. Mataranka Thermal Pool is extremely popular, where you can swim in the crystal spring waters and enjoy the surrounding forest of paperbarks and cabbage palms. Nearby you can also go fossicking for gems.

Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Arnhem Land (The Top End) traditionally has only two seasons, known to the locals as the 'Wet' and the 'Dry'.

The 'Dry Season' falls between the months of May to October each year and is almost guaranteed to be rain free. Day temperatures of average around 25C and the cooler nights drop to 20°C, which makes for perfect living. Day temperatures can go as high as 33°C, but humidity is low and rainfall is minimal. The ‘Dry Season’ is a time of idyllic weather, sunshine, and fresh breezes and the Dry Season is so predictable that outdoor events can be arranged years ahead without fear of rain.

The 'Wet Season' occurs between November and April. This is a time of high humidity, spectacular thunder and lightening storms, gushing waterfalls and lush green countryside. Day temperatures rarely reach over 32C but a late afternoon storm is guaranteed to cool the day. Night temperatures average around 25°C. During the tropical summer season you can expect rainfall of 300mm to 400mm per month, mainly falling during the late afternoon and at night. During a monsoonal burst, flooding of some kind is very common particularly in outlying areas. Almost all of the Top Ends annual rainfall comes during this period.