Why visit the NT?

Occupying nearly one sixth of Australia's landmass, the Northern Territory is abundant with a variety of contrasting landscapes and experiences. From Australia’s spiritual heart - the Red Centre, to the lush, green and tropical Top End…there is so much to explore in the NT.

Road trip through Australia’s heartland as you witness endless miles of red dirt and desert plains, or sit back and relax as you journey on Australia’s most iconic train, The Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs or Darwin return. The NT is the only Australian state with two World-Heritage listed National Parks - Kakadu National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, plus 73 nature and historical reserves, marine parks and conservation areas.   

The Red Centre is an extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Aboriginal Australia's most sacred sites.  Spend a few days admiring the world’s largest single rock monolith, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and treat yourself to a five-star dinner under the stars as you watch this incredible rock change colour at dusk. Dust off you hiking boots and spend a day trekking around the soaring rock domes of Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas) or tackle the Kings Canyon Rim Walk – an unforgettable experience with awe-inspiring views.

Located almost 450km from Uluru, fascinating Alice Springs is well worth a visit. Explore galleries, museums and numerous sites of cultural and historic significance and dine on outback-inspired menus or enjoy a drink in the town's interesting bars and cafes. You’ll easily fill in a few days visiting the many art galleries, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill and Alice Springs Desert Park. Explore the gorges, waterholes, desert landscapes and plenty of great walking trails through the mighty West MacDonnell Ranges. Take a camel ride, escape the heat with a refreshing dip in one of the refreshing waterholes or look out for black footed rock wallabies at Simpsons Gap.

One of Australia’s last true wilderness areas, Arnhem Land is located on the northeast coast of NT. A special place with unspoiled beaches, remote islands, abundant wildlife and rivers teeming with fish, it’s one of the Top End’s most stunning natural destinations.

NT’s quirky capital Darwin is a unique city famous for its fishing, markets, food, and thriving blend of Indigenous, European and Asian cultures. Witness Darwin’s history at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility and the Darwin Military Museum, soak up the laidback vibes of the lively Mindel Beach Sunset Market or enjoy the cafes, restaurants and swimming lagoons at the Waterfront – across the footbridge at the end of Smith Street.

A timeless place covering almost 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia and is located three hours outside of Darwin. A protected natural and cultural wonder and an Australian icon, Kakadu is a landscape of spectacular contrasts. See waterfalls cascade powerfully off the edge of towering escarpments. Witness millions of migratory birds visiting vast and scenic wetlands. Take a cruise through billabongs, cruising amongst lotus flowers, reeds and blue lilies while crocodiles menacingly pass by. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the story and culture of Kakadu’s traditional land owners, the Bininj people. Hike through beautiful gorges and amongst lush rainforest, admiring ancient rock art before cooling off in a natural plunge pool or waterhole.      

Explore the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and National Park by foot, canoe, helicopter or boat. A vast area 30 kms from Katherine, it includes 13 impressive gorges carved by the elements into ancient sandstone. With cliffs that spectacularly reflect the changing light of the sun, a sunrise or sunset cruise through the gorge is an incredible way to experience this beautiful part of the world. Cool of in natural swimming holes, paddle through the narrow chasms of Butterfly Gorge and learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of the gorge according to its tradtional owners, the Jawoyn and Dagomen people.