While many associate winter in Australia with snow-covered slopes in the southern states, a growing number of smart travellers are setting their sights further north. In Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia, the dry season transforms the top end into a haven of warm weather and unique outdoor adventures, offering experiences that blend hiking, swimming, paddling, and cultural immersion.
Among the newest attractions is the Ngaro Track in Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands. Set to open mid-year, this 32-kilometre trail offers hikers a three-day journey beginning at the iconic Whitehaven Beach. Named after the Ngaro people, the First Nations custodians of the land, the trail leads adventurers across Whitsunday Island to destinations like Chance Bay and Torres Herald Bay before culminating at Whitsunday Craig, the island’s 348-metre high point. Two new campsites equipped with tent platforms and communal amenities will serve hikers, though capacity is capped at 45 people, requiring advance planning.
Far inland, in Queensland’s Gulf Savannah, Cobbold Gorge offers a unique stand-up paddleboarding experience. This geological wonder, long hidden from even local property owners, invites paddlers to explore its narrow, tranquil waters. Guided tours navigate the 800-metre gorge beneath soaring cliffs and even a glass bridge, with walls narrowing to within arm’s reach. The experience is serene, broken only by the sound of paddles against rock and the occasional splash.
Equally compelling is the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island, another 32-kilometre hike best enjoyed over four days. This trek through Australia’s largest island national park is known for its tropical waterfalls and pristine beaches, with stops at Zoe Bay and Mulligan Falls providing ample opportunities for swimming and relaxation. Campsites near these natural features create an intimate hiking experience, with numbers limited to 40 hikers. Access to the island is via ferry from Lucinda, run by Absolute North Charters.
For those drawn to coastal beauty, the Kimberley region in Western Australia promises an unforgettable experience. With no road access to the coast between Derby and Wyndham, expedition cruises are the only way to explore this untamed shoreline. These small-scale voyages, typically between Broome and Darwin, provide an up-close look at marvels like the Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef. Passengers hike to swim in secluded pools above King George Falls, investigate historic plane wrecks, and witness Wandjina rock art in its original setting.
Travelling with children is no barrier to adventure in the Northern Territory’s Litchfield National Park. Here, waterfalls tumble over the Tabletop Range, feeding a series of swimholes. While well-known spots like Florence and Wangi Falls attract crowds, those willing to explore can find quieter gems. Buley Rockhole offers multiple pools to disperse visitors, and the hike to Tjaetaba Falls rewards the determined with a cliff-top infinity pool. The remote campground at Tjenya Falls and the secluded Walker Creek, where each campsite comes with a private pool, highlight Litchfield’s allure.
Katherine Gorge, part of Nitmiluk National Park, delivers a more active water adventure. Beyond the reach of tour boats, a canoe is the key to exploring up to the ninth gorge in this 13-gorge system. Paddling deeper into the gorge reveals solitude and breathtaking views, especially near Smitt Rock. Overnight camping is possible at elevated sites between the cliffs. However, progressing between gorges requires dragging canoes across rocks – a laborious task that’s well worth the effort.
For dedicated hikers, the Northern Territory stands as Australia’s premier winter trekking destination. The Larapinta Trail, stretching 223 kilometres across the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder, provides a two-week journey through rugged landscapes, cooling gorges, and high ridges. The trail supports both guided and independent treks, with food drop facilities along the way easing logistics.
Those looking for a shorter hike may prefer the Jatbula Trail. Running 62 kilometres from the edge of Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls, this trail follows the Arnhem Land escarpment and features memorable campsites beside watercourses. Early starts are advised to allow for long, relaxing afternoons spent in natural pools. In nearby Kakadu National Park, shorter hikes dominate, including routes like the Gunlom trail, the Barrk sandstone loop, and the Yurmikmik walks to Motor Car Falls and Kurrundie Falls – the latter requiring a permit but rewarding visitors with quintessential Top End scenery.
After such exertions, Talaroo Hot Springs in Queensland’s Gulf Savannah offer a rejuvenating finale. These thermal springs, managed by the Ewamian people, are fed by rainwater that fell 20,000 years ago and has since been heated underground. Visitors can join guided tours to learn about the springs’ natural and cultural history, soak their feet in the 43-degree Foot Soak Pool, or enjoy private spa pools. The on-site campground includes four glamping tents, two of which feature outdoor bathtubs overlooking the springs. A short walk leads to the peaceful banks of the Einasleigh River, and for those still seeking movement, a newly opened eight-kilometre cycling trail winds through the landscape past scar trees and birdwatching hotspots.
From paddleboarding through ancient gorges to soaking in millennia-old hot springs, the northern regions of Australia are proving that winter doesn’t have to mean cold. For those in search of warmth, wild landscapes, and fewer crowds, the dry season in the Top End offers a bounty of unforgettable experiences.
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