The burnt red earth of the Outback, the magnetic attraction of Kakadu and Uluru National Parks and the mystical Aboriginal culture makes the Northern Territory a most unique destination. This is the real Australia in all its raw, unspoilt majesty.
The Territory story unfolds through six main destinations, from the tropics of Darwin, Kakadu and Katherine, through to the yellow plains of Tennant Creek and the desert landscapes of Alice Springs and Uluru/Ayers Rock.
Each destination has its own appeal and offers an incredible range of experiences, people, places and history to uncover. Occupying an area of about one-sixth of Australia’s total land mass, it has a population of little more than 200,000 people. There are two very distinct climate zones. The northern region starts the year with warm, tropical rain then moves to warm and sunny days and cool nights. The central region is semi-arid and experiences Australia’s four typical seasons.
Aboriginal culture is integral to the Northern Territory experience. Artists such as the late Albert Namatjira, potter Robert Puruntatameri and sculptor John Martin Tipungwuti have made a lasting impact on the unique character of the Top End.
No trip to the NT is complete without a traditional bush tucker gathering tour with an Aboriginal guide. The Sounds of Silence – a five-star dinner under the stars on a sand dune at Uluru or Sounds of Firelight – provides an exclusive dining experience at Kings Canyon. It's designed for intimacy and romance with no more than ten couples dining on any one night.
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Nature’s Way (links Darwin with Kakadu National Park),
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Explorer’s Way (Adelaide to Darwin),
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Red Centre Way (links Alice Springs with the Red Centre landmarks, including Uluru and Kings Canyon),
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Savannah Way crosses the Territory in Katherine on its way from Cairns to Broome.
Exploring the Territory’s iconic national parks, including Kakadu, Uluru, Nitmiluk, Litchfield and Watarrka, with their diverse landscapes, are ‘must do’s on any visit to the NT.
To experience the NT’s art and culture offering, browse the renowned Aboriginal art galleries in Alice Springs, join a dot painting workshop at Uluru or visit the Tiwi Islands on an art tour and see screenprinters, potters, painters and sculptors at work.
Beach & Coastal Encounters
For a beach adventure, enjoy a thrilling sport fishing expedition off the coast of remote Arnhem Land or indulge in an eco wilderness resort on the Cobourg Peninsula. Watch the sun set over the water at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets or take a cruise around Darwin Harbour.
If you choose to take part in one of the many wildlife experiences available in NT, you might find yourself enjoying a crocodile cruise, hand-feeding hundreds of fish in Darwin, or meeting desert creatures at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Alternatively, you might find yourself on a relaxing sunrise cruise on Yellow Waters amid thousands of birds, or spotting freshwater crocodiles in Katherine Gorge.
Itineraries – Britz The Red Centre See the Outback’s rich history for yourself over a 7-day trip that takes in historic Alice Springs, spectacular Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park and the Northern Territory’s coastal capital of Darwin.
State Facts – Northern Territory The burnt red earth of the outback, magnetic attraction of Kakadu and Uluru and the Aboriginal culture, make the NT a must-see destination.
Australian Tourism Offices Head to the Britz Base for links to Australia’s official State Tourism websites for details on local events, attractions and must-sees.