Northern Territory

Northern Territory (NT)

Often referred to as the Real Australian Outback, the Northern Territory is home to deep-rooted Aboriginal culture and history, abundant wildlife and giant crocodiles, the lively capital city Darwin, heritage listed Kakadu National park and Australia’s most famous landmark, Ayers Rock. Take a ride on the esteemed Ghan railway right through the centre of Australia, join an adventurous 4WD outback tour, discover Aboriginal dreamtime stories and ancient art, camp in the outback and give yourself the Australian experience of a lifetime.

Darwin

Not seeing much of winter, tropical Darwin is located in the very north of Australia and is the Northern Territory’s relaxed capital city. Its close proximity to nearby South East Asia makes it a colourful, multicultural city well-known for its easygoing lifestyle. Founded by the Larrakia Aborignal people, Darwin has an interesting history mixed with a modern day aura, adding to its intriguing diversity.


Points of Interest:

Central Darwin

Use your feet or hire a bike to get around lively central Darwin. There’s plenty to keep you busy; check out Smith Street Mall for fashion and shopping, Mitchell Street for night-time dining and entertainment, the weekend markets at Mindil Beach, Parap and Nightcliff, and the world-class South Sea pearls. Treat yourself to some of the local fare such as mud crabs, Barramundi, buffalo, kangaroo and crocodile.


Darwin Harbour

The place to try your hand fishing for barramundi, jewfish, golden snapper and threadfin salmon or dive amongst the numerous shipwrecks scattered around the coast. Tour companies offer splendid daytime and dinner cruises aboard pearl luggers as well as seaplane and helicopter flights. The local restaurants serve up mouth-watering seafood just in case you can’t get the catch of the day.


Regional Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park

The largest national park in Australia, Kakadu houses a wide range of habitats, animals and one of the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art in the world. The park is Heritage Listed, and joint managed by Parks Australia and its traditional owners, Bininj and Mungguy, who have lived in Kakadu for more than 50, 000 years. Kakadu is home to hundreds of different plant and animal species, some of which can be found nowhere else in the world. The traditional owners recognize Kakadu as having six different seasons, resulting in dramatically varying landscapes throughout the year.


Katherine

Just a three-hour drive south of Darwin, Katherine is the third largest city in Northern Territory and most known for its remarkable natural wonder, Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. The town itself is quaint and friendly, and a great place to base yourself for exploring the Gulf region, the southern part of Kakadu National Park and the Victoria River region. Activities in the area include fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, camping and 4WD tours.


Ayers Rock

Often referred to by Australians by its traditional Aboriginal name, Uluru, Ayers Rock is what most foreigners think of first when you talk about travelling Down Under. This unique sandstone rock formation stands an impressive 348 metres high, back dropped by the red dusty Australian desert and azure skies, making it one of the most photographed icons in the world. The local Aṉangu people do not climb the rock because of its spiritual significance, and request that visitors similarly refrain, however climbing the rock has become a popular tourist attraction despite prominent dangers.

Alice Springs

With desert charm and plenty of character, Alice Springs prides itself on being Australia’s favourite outback town. Visitors can delve into Australia’s cultural heritage and Aboriginal history without being distracted by the usual high-rise buildings and dramatic shopping complexes found in most major cities. The town’s remote location makes it a popular gateway for regional outdoor adventure tours, such as 4WD’ing, bush camping, mountain bike riding, trekking, swimming in outback water holes and camel trekking.


More Information on NT:

Tourism Northern Territory, en.travelnt.com
Kakadu National Park, www.kakadunationalpark.com
Katherine Gorge, www.katherinegorge.com
Alice Springs, www.tourism.thealice.com.au