Planning a visit to the Top End?

Get yourself set for the best experience possible on your next holiday.

There are plenty of websites about what to do, where to eat, and where to go while visiting Darwin and the Top End. This isn't what my site is about.

Mine is a bit more focused on enjoying just your swimming experiences, and also what to honestly expect when you get here. Swimming in rock holes in the Top End for example, is like nothing else.

The help of some local knowledge will make life a bit easier, and much more enjoyable... and after all, sharing is caring.

Darwin City

The city of Darwin is like no other. Tropical, with a mix of old and modern. The city is small and it's far easier to get around by car than by public transport.

Darwin City

In the CBD there is The Waterfront Precinct with a wave pool and a small artificial beach. A few minutes drive away at East Point, is Lake Alexander, and a little way out of town is Berry Springs. These are all safe places to swim.

Berry Springs

Most people think of Kakadu when they think of Darwin. You'll find not that many Darwinites visit Kakadu that often. It's all about Berry Springs and Litchfield for the locals... and for good reason.

Litchfield National Park

My mate Keith from Sydney taking a cooling dip in Buley Rockhole

Buley Rockhole & Florence Falls

An hour and a half drive south of Darwin will get you to Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park. You pass the Magnetic Termite Mounds on the way, which are worth a stop.

Mataranka & Bitter Springs

Elsey National Park

An hours drive south of Katherine takes you to the amazing thermal pools of Bitter Springs and Mataranka Hot Springs in Elsey National Park. These truly are an oasis in the middle of nowhere. With water temperatures of around 28C year round, make sure you pack your bathers and pool noodles.

Katherine Gorge

Nitmiluk National Park

If you fancy venturing a bit further afield, then the town of Katherine is 3 hours drive south of Darwin. Of course Katherine is gateway to Nitmiluk Gorge. If you've come this far... why wouldn't you?