Northern Territory

The North and Central regions of the Northern Territory experience some of the country’s greatest extremes in climate and landscape, from searing desert heat to monsoonal rainfall. The breathtaking natural wonders found in these landscapes are unique to Australia and are a must-see for travelers who want a full picture of the land down under. June to July is a good time of year to visit the Northern Territory however it is really a year-round destination depending on your travel itinerary.

In the Northern ‘Top End’ of the territory is the famous Kakadu National Park, a vast expanse of wetlands, waterfalls and lush forest that is now World-Heritage listed for its natural and indigenous cultural significance. The land is safeguarded by the indigenous Bininj tribe who, alongside the Australian Government, ensure that the delicate natural balance of the area is respected and preserved for future generations and for visitors from around the world. Indigenous people have inhabited the area for thousands of years and Arnhem Land, located within the bounds of Kakadu, has a primarily indigenous population with a rich cultural heritage that has been passed on through art, stories and music.

Arnhem Land extends from the centre of Kakadu up to the north coast and, with sprawling wetlands, winding rivers and pristine coastline, is home to thousands of native birds, animals and fish. An organised tour into the region is recommended as there are some entry restrictions for visitors however experienced guides can lead you to some of the highlights, including the best fishing spots. Barramundi is considered the prize catch, however golden snapper, coral trout and marlin are just some of the many other species that live in the clear waters. For those feeling adventurous, a four-wheel-drive trek into the wilderness is a thrilling way to take in the scenery, finished off with a camp-out under the outback sky.

The Northern Territory capital of Darwin is a relaxed harbour city with tropical weather and a diverse multicultural population. This is the perfect stop-over on the way to other tourist attractions in the North, with plenty to see and do in the city itself. Darwin has a fascinating history, particularly with regards to the Japanese air raid of the city in 1942, the largest attack ever on Australia by a foreign power. Bunkers, tunnels and airstrips can be explored around the city that was once a major military base for troops during the Pacific conflict of World War II.

The Katherine region stretches from the south of Darwin across to the Gulf of Carpentaria, marking the beginning of the remote expanse of the outback. Rural towns, functional cattle stations, winding rivers and arid plains are all synonymous with this quintessentially Australian area. The historic town of Katherine is located on the shores of the majestic Katherine River, the perfect base for those keen to experience the surrounding great outdoors. Within the Nitmiluk National Park, visitors can marvel at the ancient splendor of the Katherine Gorge from a helicopter, boat or canoe on the Katherine River, and explore the surrounding valleys and hills on foot to discover an abundance of aboriginal rock art.

For a dip in a waterhole without the fear of crocodiles, the Douglas Daly Tourist Park in the Daly River region is home to the Arches, a natural rock formation leading to a pristine and safe swimming hole, and the Douglas Hot Springs, where warm and cool waters intermingle. Heading south toward the Kimberly region is the Victoria River, a good place for visitors to bushwalk, camp, four-wheel drive and of course fish in another of the Northern Territory’s famous Barramundi fishing spots.

Further south is Tennant Creek, a flat and grassy region that is perfect for the many cattle stations dotting the landscape. This area is known as the Northern Territory’s ‘Heart of Gold’ for not only the local gold rush history, but also the welcoming nature of the residents. Tennant Creek still relies heavily on these precious materials for the mining industry and eager visitors can try their own luck at panning for gold or gemstones. The Tennant Creek Township and surrounds is rich in pioneering history, with the first overland Telegraph Line in Australia being built from the nearby repeater station in 1872, originally the only building in the entire area. South of the Tennant Creek Township is the Devil’s Marbles, the area’s most famous landmark and a sacred site for the local indigenous Warumungu population.

The heart of Central Australia is known as the ‘Red Centre’ for its dramatic red and brown desert landscape and unimaginably immense sky. Visitors are often overwhelmed by the vastness of this region, which is inhabited not only by humans but also by an abundance of wildlife such as dingoes, emus, introduced camels and an array of reptiles. Alice Springs is the main town centre in the area and has progressed into a thriving tourist hub, with plenty of luxury resorts and fine restaurants for those seeking some creature comforts while exploring the harsh surrounds. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed pace of the local culture whilst learning about the town’s eclectic pioneering history and ancient indigenous history in one of the many cultural museums and galleries.

Alice Springs lies in the centre of the Macdonald Ranges, a photographer’s dream landscape of rocky gorges and escarpments. Tour guides can take you to hidden treasures in the landscape such as swimming holes, ancient aboriginal rock art sites and native rock wallaby haunts.  A four-wheel drive into the Tanami desert landscape north of Alice Springs or the vast Simpson Desert to the South is also an adventurous way to take in the quintessential imagery of the dry Australian outback.

A trip to Australia is not complete without visiting the World Heritage listed Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, South West of Alice Springs. This area contains the big two geological and spiritual wonders of the country – Uluru/Ayers Rock and Mount Olga/Kata Tjuta. Uluru is a place of great significance to the indigenous people of the region, and is best viewed from a respectful distance. West of Uluru is Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas), a 500 million year-old giant dome of rock that towers above the height of Uluru. Both these giant stone structures change colour in different light conditions, from reds to dusky blues, a truly breathtaking image to behold. 300 kilometres north east at the west end of the George Gill Range in the Watarrka National Park is Kings Canyon, a vast sandstone chasm that is Australia’s answer to the Grand Canyon. An early-morning bush walk around the constructed pathway above the canyon is the best way to take in the impressive vastness.