The ‘Top End’ of the Northern Territory is a tropical oasis that consists of Darwin (the NT’s capital city), World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, remote Arnhem Land in the north-east corner, and the Katherine region where the tropics meet the outback. There are so many unique accommodations in Kakadu and the rest of the Top End designed to boast the best of outdoor living. Explore the adventure, wildlife and Aboriginal culture that await with our handpicked selection of boutique stays. From glamping to staying at idyllic unspoilt beaches, bird filled lakes, rivers, hills and forests around the exotic natural splendours that is the Top End.
Photo credit: Cooinda Lodge
Cooinda Lodge
Cooinda Lodge is the gateway to Yellow Water Billabong in the heart of Kakadu where location cannot be more perfect to explore the treasures of the region. Boasting 48 lodges of family and superior styled rooms make it deal for any type of traveler. Unwind to the delights of a tropical lagoon pool and top-notch down to earth Australian dining at its bistro. Home to the world-renowned Yellow Water Cruises, where crocodiles and birds are seen on the flood plain, haul yourself out of bed for a dawn cruise rivalling the most spectacular sunrise. Take on a private fishing adventure at dusk and spend your days with easy access exploring Waardjan Culture Centre and the legendary waterfalls that make up Kakadu including Jim Jim, Twin, Ubir and Nourlangie Falls.
Room Style: Lodge rooms
Location: Kakadu National Park
Getting there: 3 hours dirve from Darwin
Photo credit: Cicada Lodge
Cicada Lodge is designed for the sophisticated traveler looking for an authentic Indigenous and natural Australian experience-of-a-lifetime. Owned by the Jawoyn people, a stay here will bring connection and inspiration to the ancient culture of traditional owners of the land balanced with the discovery of the ancient landscapes of Nitmiluk Gorge. Enjoy opulence from your stylish and meaningful rooms featuring Indigenous artworks, sunset drinks and canapes on the deck and be surprised by dining adventures revolving around the Chef's menu featuring specialty dishes based on the season and availability of quality produce.
Room Style: Rooms
Location: Nitmiluk Gorge
Getting there: helicopter flight or just over 3.5 hour drive from Darwin
Photo credit: Bamurru Plains
Bamurru Plains
Echoing an African wilderness camp, Bamurru Plains boasts all the wildness of a remote bush camping adventure with ultimate luxury. Home to just an exclusive 9 safari bungalow tents built on stilts allows you to watch the parade of wildlife emerge to feed on the floodplain from the comfort of your bed! Unlock Bamurru’s wild secrets on this 300 km² private property where immense diversity of wildlife thrives from wild brumbies, wallabies and an arrray of Australian birds. Truly escape from the modern world, with no TV or internet to distract you. Drink in the wild plains and all it has to offer from airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises in search of sunbaking crocodiles, bird watching, bush drives, astronomy evenings, quad bike safaris to day trips out to close by Kakadu. When you're taking a break from exploring, unwind on the outdoor deck with fire pit, open air pavillions with comfy couches for lazing on and an infinity pool that is perfect for watching wildlife at play on the floodplains to evening stargazing.
Room Style: Bungalows
Location: edge of Kakadu National Park
Getting there: 25 minute flight or 3 hour drive from Darwin
Photo credit: Tiwi Island Retreat
Tiwi Island Retreat
An oasis to escape the crowds and go off the beaten track, Tiwi Island Retreat is a place for the intrepid adventurer. Located on ‘the island of smiles’, Tiwi Island, this retreat is home to a boutique of 10 beachfront rooms and is located on one of the world’s most remote destination, the South West coast of Bathurst Island. Where the theme is off the beaten track, immerse in unique, pristine environments, activities and culture while here. Savour exclusive beachfront location, laze by the pool or trek on outback adventures from world renowned barramundi and blue water fishing, mud crabbing, Indigenous arts to unique wildlife encounters.
Room Style: Beachfront rooms
Location: Bathurst Island
Getting there: 30 minute charter flight from Darwin
Photo credit: Banubanu
Banubanu Beach Retreat
If you are in pursue of unwinding next to world class beaches in the outback than look no further. This eco resort is nestled in the coves of Bremer Island in north east Arnhem Land. Ultimately exclusive, Banubanu Beach retreat is home to only 12 guests at a time with only five private beachfront rooms and an exclusive elevated penthouse. Intimate and spell-bounding, enjoy finding your slice of paradise in one of the most remote location on offer. Enjoy the simple luxuries of fan-cooled en-suites rooms with beachfront decks to drink in the ocean views. A day’s adventure onsite see’s you bluewater fishing, birdwatching and turtle nesting, bush walking or beach combing to simply unwind from reality. Retreat to its elevated restaurant, bar and pool overlooking the western bay boasting stunning views of the Arafura Sea.Dining affair are a delight with innovative cuisines boasting homegrown herbs and locally sourced seafood.
Room Style: Beachfront rooms
Location: Bremmer Island
Getting there: 15 minute charter flight from Gove Airport or 1 hr boat transfer.
Katherine Outback Glamping Experience
Katherine Outback Experience Glamping is the newest experience offered by the national award winning Katherine Outback Experience providing a unique window into the life on the land. Located on an operating farm just 6km from the centre of Katherine, the Glamping compliments the Outback Show and Horse Riding Experiences perfectly, providing you with a complete Farm Stay experience. You can’t miss out on the Homestead dinners and breakfasts that emulate the warm country hospitality of life on outback cattle stations, dining with staff and family. A truly immersive experience! The Katherine Outback Glamping is an exclusive adventure limited to just 10 spacious bell tents complete with king size bed and a communal campfire perfect to drink in the stunningly rich Top End sunsets. Savour a communal sundowner of two complimentary beverages per person and shared grazing platter to add to the grandeur experience.
Room Style: Bell tents
Location: Katherine
Getting there: 3.5 hours drive from Darwin
