Northern Territory Travel Information

Welcome to the ‘real’ outback, the untamed mystique of the Northern Territory – home to some of the nation’s most iconic natural wonders, spectacular wildlife and spiritual history.

Following the success of Baz Lurhmann’s beautifully shot, sweeping epic Australia, the Territory has never been more firmly on the world map, and it is its unique mix of character, mystery, beauty and

unlimited potential, so perfectly captured in the movie, which leaves an indelible image in the minds of all who visit.

A journey from the tropical Top End to the desert landscapes of the Red Centre is sure to leave an everlasting impression upon all who travel here, as lush green rainforest and bustling town gives way to endless horizons of red earth and a strong sense of mystical wonder.

The Top End

The Top End of the Northern Territory surrounds Darwin and stretches east to Arnhem Land, south to Kakadu National Park and north to the Tiwi Islands. This is a truly spectacular region encompassing tropical wilderness, glorious coastline, abundant wildlife and authentic culture, and is the holiday that every Australian and every visitor must experience – a fascinating journey.

Darwin

Lively, cosmopolitan, brave and creative – Darwin is a beautiful tropical city where more than 50 different cultures share an easygoing lifestyle. It may be the city’s relaxed nature, its magnetic attractions, the

monsoonal storms or the smell of the tropics. With a warm year-round climate, you can do as much or as little as you like: explore its colourful history; enjoy the abundance of tropical flora and fauna in the many parks and reserves; dine alfresco and savour the city’s atmosphere; or, in the dry season, head to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, perfect for mixing with the locals and gaining a true appreciation of this relaxed and multicultural city.

Darwin is also a fabulous base from which to explore the Top End’s natural attractions. Choose between Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk national parks, Arnhem Land or the spectacular Tiwi Islands,

or if time allows, visit them all for unique and fascinating experiences.

Kakadu National Park

Stretching more than 200 kilometres south and 100 kilometres east to west, Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s most prized and fi ercely protected treasures. One of only a handful of designated

natural and cultural World Heritage areas, Kakadu National Park is truly breathtaking: its rugged escarpments carve through lush wetlands, savannah woodland and monsoon forest. One of the most concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art in the world, Kakadu National Park is also famed for its abundance of large saltwater crocodiles and is a wildlife-spotters delight. It is the perfect place to see kangaroos, dingoes, possums, goannas and a myriad of other iconic native animals.

Katherine

Katherine is 300 kilometres south of Darwin, the Territory’s third largest town and a unique place where the outback meets the tropics. Spoilt with numerous natural, cultural and historic attractions it offers

endless opportunities for outback adventure. Don’t miss the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park, home to the 13 criss-crossing valleys of the world-famous Katherine Gorge and River.

The Red Centre

If you’ve ever wondered about the true nature of ‘The Outback’, visit Central Australia and you’ll wonder no longer. With its endless stretches of red soil, the imposing desert-like terrain of the Red Centre region to the south, west and east of Alice Springs more than lives up to its name. Iconic and jaw-dropping Uluru, the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon and historic character-fi lled Alice Springs combine in a region which can truly be called the heart of The Outback – the landscape, the people, the history and the challenges, it has it all.

Alice Springs

Nestled between ancient ranges that glow red in the evening light is Alice Springs, widely known as the ‘capital of The Outback’, this is a town built on hard work and humour, courage and character. Where else would people hold boat regattas on a perennially dry river, race camels for fun and make the bold claim that it has “the closest proximity to every beach in Australia”?

Alice Springs is central to a diverse environment of stunning ranges and spectacular flora and fauna, flanked by the East and West MacDonnell ranges, and the town sits like an oasis in nature’s heart.

Kings Canyon

Watarrka National Park stands 310 kilometres west of Alice Springs and is home of the dramatic Kings Canyon. Situated on the edge of the George Gill Ranges, this yawning chasm of sandstone walls drops 270 metres into the desert and is one of the country’s most spectacular sights and popular walking areas. It’s also an important conservation area, home to more than 600 species of native plant and animal life, and the sheltered valley is lined with palm trees, ferns and cycads where the cool shade provides a welcome relief from the scorching desert conditions.

Uluru

For incredible iconic take-your-breath-away monoliths, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is in a class of its own. Approaching by road or air, it doen't matter how many spectacular pictures you’ve looked at, nothing will prepare you for the real thing as it rises from the desert landscape. Stand at its base, touch it and explore its mysteries, and you will understand why it’s not only a treasured icon to local Aboriginal people, but also one of the great wonders of the world. Standing 348 metres high, the monolith is in fact much like an iceberg, with most of its bulk below the surface, and the rock is home to a diversity of wildlife and vegetation at the base of its footprint.

Just 30 kilometres away stands the equally impressive, though less well known Kata Tjuta, the Aboriginal name for The Olgas meaning ‘many heads’. This massive rock domes dates back 500 million years and

is made up of 36 rounded domes, with the tallest one, Mount Olga, standing at 546 metres. Don’t miss it!