Top End

The Top End region encompasses the Tiwi Islands, Daly and West Arnhem regions, extending from Wadeye in the west to Maningrida in the east.

Around 18,400 people live in the Top End region with major population centres in Wadeye and Jabiru. The region’s population is relatively young, with around 37% aged 24 years and under, and only about 9% aged 65 years or older.

Major industries in the region include tourism, horticulture and forestry. Tourism is a significant contributor to economic activity in the Top End, with world-renowned attractions, such as Litchfield and Kakadu national parks, as well as the Daly River for recreational fishing and camping.

Remote housing

The 2025 Budget is reducing overcrowding and improving housing quality by delivering up to 2,700 houses over 10-years, and a comprehensive repairs and maintenance program, under the $4 billion remote housing agreement, co-funded by the Territory and Commonwealth governments.

In 2024-25, around 53 dwellings are expected to be delivered across communities in the Top End, including 17 in Gunbalanya. New subdivisions are also planned in 2025‑26 for Maningrida (stage 3).

Maningrida police complex

Maningrida is the largest Aboriginal community in the Territory with a population of over 2,600.

The 2025 Budget includes $35.7 million to construct a multipurpose police complex in Maningrida.

Stage 1 of the project includes a new police complex with capacity for 14 officers, holding cells, employee housing and visiting officer quarters, multifunction room/court house, secure vehicle compound, boat and storage sheds, and a communications tower.

Sealink ferry service

The government has signed a new five-year agreement with SeaLink to operate passenger ferry services between Darwin, Mandorah and the Tiwi Islands (Wurrumiyanga).

SeaLink has delivered the Darwin, Mandorah and Tiwi Islands ferry services for over a decade, providing safe and reliable transport services for residents, tourists and local businesses in the Top End region.

Gunlom Falls reopening

Gunlom Falls is set to reopen in May 2025, following a six‑year closure. A new lease between Kakadu Traditional Owners and the Commonwealth, including Commonwealth funding of $55 million over four years, was announced in the Commonwealth’s 2025 Budget.

Gunlom Falls, originally named UDP Falls and later Waterfall Creek Falls, features seasonal cascades from 85-meter-high cliffs, peaking after the wet season, into a plunge pool that is a popular swimming hole. There are also swimming holes at the top of the falls.

Jabiru Health Centre

The new Jabiru Health Centre officially opened in September 2024, with primary health services delivered by the Aboriginal community‑controlled health organisation, Red Lily Health Board Aboriginal Corporation.

The $20 million purpose-built health centre will increase access to medical services in the West Arnhem region. As the main health provider in Kakadu National Park, the health centre will serve both residents and tourists.

Road upgrades

The 2025 Budget continues to enhance accessibility across the Top End to improve freight efficiency, connectivity, road safety and economic productivity by investing $201 million in roads, including:

• $90 million for selected upgrades on Port Keats Road between Wadeye and Palumpa. The project is expected to commence in 2025 and will be completed by late 2027
• $66 million to upgrade roads within Kakadu National Park to encourage private investment, improve visitor safety and access, and increase the length of the main tourist season to support tourism growth
• $43 million to upgrade roads on the Tiwi Islands to connect communities, address access and safety issues, and improve flood immunity
• $2 million for road upgrades and modifications as part of Rum Jungle rehabilitation project stage 3.

Mandorah marine facility

Works on the $84 million project to construct new marine facilities to improve and maintain public transport services for residents and visitors to Mandorah, Wagait Beach and Belyuen are expected to be completed by July 2025.

The new facilities located at Mandorah will be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to improve safety and access for ferry users and people with disability to get on and off the ferry.

The project includes:

• two breakwater structures to provide protection from sea swells and wave action
• access improvements for people with disability and people who need mobility assistance, including wheelchairs and prams
• modifications to the car park layout to add car/trailer parking and additional bays for people with disability
• upgrade existing building to provide shade and toilet facilities for ferry passengers
• new boat ramp.

Works will be scheduled during daylight hours to minimise potential noise impacts. More than 73% of the subcontractors and suppliers engaged for the project are Territory businesses.

Major works overview

Printable fact sheet

Get a printable copy of the Top End region fact sheet PDF (765.9 KB).