Northern Territory

About the Northern Territory

Outback meets tropical in the Northern Territory – at one end there are glorious beaches, clear waters and rugged beauty, while deep in the heart of the country it’s a true Australian desert adventure.

Home to some of the most amazing sights you’ll ever see, the Northern Territory offers world-famous, almost mythical landmarks as well as the vast and mysterious Outback. The intensity of its colours and surroundings paint a vivid picture – nowhere else in the world can rival its incredible beauty.

At the heart of the Outback, the Red Centre is home to many places of interest.Within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park sits one of the most famous natural wonders on earth, the dream-like monolith of Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it is most often referred to. Its neighbour, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) is just as impressive but less commonly known.

In the heart of Australia in the centre of the intense red desert, rests the town of Alice Springs, once a remote outpost and probably the country’s most recognisable outback town, with all the conveniences of a modern city. Take an awe-inspiring hot air balloon flight over Alice Springs and see the Outback from above.

The red soils of the surrounding Simpson Desert are another outstanding example of the beauty of the Northern Territory. Like Uluru and Kata Tjuta, they are sacred to the Aboriginal people. Those intrigued by the landscape can enjoy the stunning botanical gardens, home to a wealth of the territory’s native plants. Watarrka National Park is home to the immense Kings Canyon, although there are plenty of other places to see, such as the Lost City with its eerie, beehiveshaped rock formations.

In the north, or the ‘Top End’ as it’s known, the tropical climate and golden beaches attract the sunseekers, while beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities keep nature-lovers happy. The vibrant city of Darwin is a cultural destination in its own right and a great place to stay. There are bustling markets, a gorgeous harbour and fantastic nightlife. Kakadu National Park is 20,000 square kilometres of spectacular scenery and a wide variety of bird and animal life, including the ever-present saltwater crocodile and a rich, diverse plant life.

Katherine is an area abundant in history, tradition and scenic beauty, renowned for the spectacular scenery of its gorges, the most famous of which is Nitmiluk. See the rugged beauty of the Borrorloola Gulf Region, the vast Victoria River region, the wetlands of Kakadu and the beautiful barramundi filled fishing rivers: the Daly, the Roper and the Victoria.

What to do and where to stay in the Northern Territory - Red Centre, Top End

Other States - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, ACT