Introduction
Australia’s Northern Territory is a land rich in Aboriginal culture and epic, natural beauty. Soak in the warmth of tropical Darwin, exploring an eclectic mix of delicious food and vibrant culture. Step back in time to discover ancient rock art in Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, some of which is up to 20,000 years old. Kayak, hike, bird watch, camp and 4WD your way through Nitmiluk National Park. Head down into the Red Centre to experience the sacred solitude Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kings Canyon and discover the authentic and charming outback town, Alice Springs.
The Red Centre: Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon
Sandy plains that stretch far beyond the horizon provide the backdrop to some of Australia’s best-known natural wonders and Aboriginal stories, shared around a campfire under a star-studded sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light on Uluru’s surface creates such astonishing chameleonic displays that it’s easy to see why visitors travel far and wide to see it. There are over 100 activities to experience around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park including heading down the road from Uluru to visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a formation of dramatic domes some 200 metres taller than Uluru itself. Alice Springs is the Red Centre’s main hub. Trekking, camping and four-wheel driving tours to the Simpson Desert can all be organised in advance, as can trips to the nearby McDonnell Ranges, which run east and west out of Alice and are home to hiking trails, swimming holes and several aboriginal rock art sites.
The Top End: Darwin, Kakadu National Park & Katherine
Darwin, the Northern Territory’s tropical and vibrant capital city, offers balmy weather all year round and a surplus of outdoor festivals and markets. It’s also the gateway to the Top End’s incredible national parks. Litchfield National Park, an hour outside of Darwin, is famous for its, Monsoonal rainforests, towering termite mounds and beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes that are perfect for swimming at certain times of the year. To the east lies Kakadu National Park, which is packed full of nature and wildlife and famous waterfalls like the 250-metre-high Jim Jim Falls. Next to Kakadu you will find Arnhem Land: 91,000 sq. km of Aboriginal-owned beauty whose sprawling escarpments, untouched coastline, wildlife filled rainforests and ancient aboriginal rock art sites provide some of Australia’s most authentic adventures. Head south from Kakadu and you’ll reach Nitmiluk National Park, famous for Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a stunning series of sandstone gorges that can be explored by foot, canoe, or as part of a boat cruise.