Northern Territory Information

As well as a spectacularly stunning destination, the entire Territory is testament to the richness and complexity of indigenous Australian culture and the spiritual connection of the Aboriginal people with this land. Welcome to a true journey of physical, cultural and spiritual meaning.

Top End

Northern Territory's Top End takes in Darwin and extends out outh to Kakadu, east to Arnhem Land, and also north to include the Tiwi Islands. This spectacular part of Australia will treat you to tropical wilderness areas, a wild and wonderful coastline, profuse numbers of native wildlife species and authentic indigenous culture. It's a holiday that all Australians and every visitor should experience-an intriguing voyage into all that separates Australia from the rest of the world and makes this nation what it is.

Darwin

Tropical, lively, daring and creative- Darwin is the wild northern city that has transformed into a cosmopolitan centre where 50 plus cultures enjoy an easygoing lifestyle at the top of Australia. It may be Dawins's relaxed atmosphere, its unusual and unique attractions, the cooling tropical monsoons storms or the potent smell of nature in the tropics, but anyone who experiences Darwin never forgets it. The mix of character, beauty, mystery and unlimited potential leaves an indelible image in the minds of all who come.

This unique capital city offers endless opportunity for adventure or relaxation. Nature is ever present around the city and the immediate region and there are many parks containing an proliferation of flora and fauna. A great way to enjoy the tropical climate is with some AI fresco dining at one of the many fine restaurants and, in the dry season, the famous Mindil Beach Markets are the perfect way to meet some locals and gain an appreciation of this relaxed culturally diverse city. To the north the spectacular Tiwi Islands are just a half hour flight from Darwin. A visit to Australia's most northern capital presents an opportunity to enjoy a different kind of holiday, one full of opportunities to experience the tropics at it's finest, discover a multicultural society living alongside Australia's indigenous cultures and learn what Top End living is all about.

Kakadu & Arnhem Land

One of Australia's most fiercely protected and prized treasures, Kakadu is one of only a few World Heritage areas on earth listed for both cultural and natural values. Visually breathtaking, the rugged escarpments of Kakadu cut through profuse green wetlands, monsoon forests and savannah woodlands.

Perhaps most famous for it's saltwater crocodiles (Salties), Kakadu is also the place to see all manner of Australian native species including kangaroos, possums, dingoes, bats, frill-necked lizards as well as a myriad of other iconic native animals in their natural homes.

Aboriginal-owned Arhnem Land, which lies to the east, is a place where ancient culture can still be found. The population here is mainly aboriginal, and the history the indigenous from this land is told through ancient rock paintings. Arnhem Land is an region of wild and unspoilt natural beauty and also has some of Australia's best fishing, in particularly on the Cobourg Peninsula, known for its parks and pristine wilderness. Visitors may need a permit from the lands traditional owners for a visit to Arnhem Land.

After the capital Darwin and the famous Alice Springs, Katherine is the Territory's third largest town, with a population of only 10,000, it's a friendly Aussie outback town. Katherine is surrounded by natural attractions, the magnificent Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk national park, a collection of more than a dozen criss-crossing valleys and the amazing Cutta Cutta Caves.

Add to your itinerary an Aboriginal art gallery or two, the Mataranka thermal pools and charming historic sites such as Old Elsey Homestead and you'll soon marvel at just how much one big outback town can have going for it.

The Red Centre

So many visitors to Australia-and Australians themselves-wonder about the true nature of 'the outback'. Where does it start? Where does it end? What does it look like? Visit Central Australia and you'll wonder no longer. This is truly the heart of the outback-the wide, red landscapes, the characters that live here and the history and challenges of the region.

Alice Springs

Nestled between ancient mountain ranges that smoulder red in the evening light is 'The Alice', often held up as the capital of Australia's outback, this is a town constructed on humour and hard work, character and courage. Nowhere else would people hold boat races on a dry river bed, race camels in the red dust just for fun and make the claim that it is the closest town to every beach in Australia?

Alice Springs is central to a dramatic landscape of stunning ranges and unique plants and animals. It is flanked by the MacDonnell ranges and the town appears like an oasis in the middle of an unforgiving land. North of Alice Springs is a vast region of grassy plain-lands and huge skies featuring the historic gold-mining town of Tennant Creek, whose nearby Devils Marbles are said to the preserved eggs of the Rainbow Serpent according to Aboriginal legend.

Uluru

Despite being the subject of countless photos, most visitors are astonished at the site of Uluru when seen for real. Standing at the base, touching it and exploring it's mysteries, will give an understand why it is a treasured icon to local Aboriginals, and one of the wonders of the world. Although standing almost 350 metres high, amazingly most of the monolith exists below the surface giving it an astonishing scale.

Kings Canyon & Kata Tjuka

Kings Canyon is located within the Watarrka National Park and is a massive canyon of sand-stone walls dropping into the desert below. Take a three or fourhour walk at the base of the canyon to explore the tropical pools of the Garden of Eden as well as the astonishing 'Lost City', and the expansive views of the desert all around. Kata Tjuka is the Aboriginal name for The Olgas and means 'many heads'. Positioned within Uluru-Kata Tjuka National Park, just 30 kilometres from Uluru itself, this impressive collection of rock domes is around 500 million years old, and is composed of 36 round domes, the tallest one being Mount Olga, at just on 550 metres.