Northern Territory Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Northern Territory

Explore wondrous rocks formation, swim under thundering waterfalls, chase adventures, discover Australia’s ancient Aboriginal culture and reconnect with nature.

The Northern Territory is frontier country. From the dry Red Centre, to the lush tropics of the Top End and to coastal Darwin, the Northern Territory will introduce you to wild Australia at its finest.

Fly to Alice Springs, an oasis at the very heart of Australia. In this desert city, learn about ancient Aboriginal culture before exploring the vastness of the Red Centre.

Take a four-wheel drive tour through the spinifex grass and dunes of theSimpson Desert and cool off in a waterhole in the rugged MacDonnell Ranges.

Set out for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and watch as the iconic Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) transforms from a speck on the horizon to a towering monolith. At the base of the rock is the Uluru Cultural Centre. Just over 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Uluru is the other mesmerizing rock formation, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). See rocks in a completely different way at Kings Canyon, which is 3 hours from Uluru.

Fly to Darwin in the Top End or travel by train on the historic Ghan Railway. Don’t miss Katherine on the way through for crocodile spotting inKatherine Gorge and cooling off at Leliyn (Edith Falls).

Perched on the central coast of the tropical north is the small Northern Territory capital of Darwin. Keep watch for the colorful fiddler crabs as you wander along the East Point Reserve Mangrove Boardwalk.In the cooler months, stroll around the Mindil Beach Sunset Market on a Thursday or Sunday night. Enjoy the nightlife of Mitchell Street on just about any other night in this youthful,fun-loving city.

Walk in the footsteps of Australian movie legend Crocodile Dundee on a tour to Kakadu National Park within the Alligator Rivers Region and marvel at the abundant birdlife. In the wet season, see the mighty Jim Jim Falls in full flow.

South of Darwin, roll outyour swag or enjoy a safari tent camping experience in the diverse Litchfield National Park.

The Northern Territory is vast and remote and you’ll have to come prepared, but with that remoteness comes truly breathtaking nature, and the real spirit of Outback Australia.

Popular cities in Northern Territory

Mindil Beach showing a sunset and a beach as well as a large group of people
Darwin
Known for Dining, Shopping and Family-friendly
Located in the tropical “Top End” of Australia, Darwin is a good base from which to explore the great outdoors and view Aboriginal rock art.

Reasons to visit

  • Cullen Bay Marina
  • Darwin Waterfront
  • Mindil Beach
Red Centre
Alice Springs
Known for Dining, Shopping and Tours
Whether you want to experience the natural beauty of Australia's Red Centre or explore the history of the area, this outback town offers a unique Aussie experience.

Reasons to visit

  • Larapinta Trail Trailhead
  • Alice Springs Desert Park
  • Alice Springs School of the Air
Uluru showing landscape views and desert views
Petermann
Known for Deserts, Hills and Sunrises

Reasons to visit

  • Uluru
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
  • Kata Tjuta
Kakadu National Park which includes a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Kakadu
Known for Excursions, Nature and Tours

Reasons to visit

  • Jim Jim Falls
  • Yellow Water Billabong
  • Twin Falls
Nitmiluk
Nitmiluk
Known for Dining, Sunsets and Relaxing

Reasons to visit

  • Nitmiluk National Park
  • Katherine Gorge
  • Edith Falls