The ‘Top End’ is a broadly defined area that covers the northern part of the Northern Territory, from the north coast south to a line extending very approximately from Timber Creek across through Daly Waters to Borroloola. Darwin, on the north-west coast, is the largest city in the region and the entry point for many visitors. About 320 kilometres (200 miles) southeast of Darwin is Katherine, the region’s other main population centre. The Stuart Highway runs from Darwin to Katherine and continues south through the Northern Territory all the way to Alice Springs, and is another major route of entry...

The normal northern hemisphere annual cycle of four seasons is not especially relevant in the Top End. Many residents simply refer to the ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons experienced in most tropical areas, while the Aboriginal people of the Kakadu National Park region recognized six ‘seasons’. Ultimately, the region’s climate is driven by its position relative to the belt of high pressure encircling the globe at a latitude of 30°S – directly over continental Australia. Its position is a result of the earth’s orientation relative to the sun but, importantly, the earth’s rotation around the sun throughout the year causes this...

The patterns of prevailing climate, water availability, soil type and local topography, as well as a number of other factors, combine to determine the vegetation that grows in any particular area. The physical environment and type of vegetation present are collectively referred to as the habitat and since this influences the animals that may occur in that area, it is helpful for the wildlife-watcher to have an understanding of what the basic habitat types are. The classification of habitats and vegetation types can be very complex, but this section of the book provides a simple breakdown of the main habitats...

The fantastic thing about wildlife-watching is that we can all do it, wherever we are. From Darwin’s city centre to the most remote parts of the Northern Territory, there is wildlife everywhere, waiting to be seen. Wildlife can be seen by simply keeping an eye out while you are travelling down the highway, or by taking a short walk, although sometimes an intense search is needed to find a particular species. This section outlines a few simple techniques, and suggests some equipment, that will improve your chances of both finding and identifying not just the Top End’s wildlife, but wildlife...

You can watch wildlife practically anywhere in the Top End. Rufous Owls have even been seen hunting flying-foxes along Mitchell Street in the Darwin Central Business District with crowds of late-night revellers partying on the street below. Although a visit to Mitchell Street at night would not be recommended as a good place to start your wildlife-watching adventure, the point is you can do it almost anywhere! Of course some places are better than others for wildlife-watching, and here is a selection of some of the best sites to enjoy the Top End’s wonderful wildlife. More information on all of...