Northern Territory Holidays Guide

Beautiful Australia Holidays

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From the World Heritage-listed tropical wetlands of Kakadu National Park, to iconic Ayers Rock and the deserts of the 'Red Centre', the Northern Territory is a nature lover's paradise. Discover the living cultural history of the Indigenous people of the region and learn of their connection to this vast unspoilt land.

Northern Territory Highlights

To many, the Northern Territory is synonymous with the real Outback of Australia. Containing some of the country's most recognisable natural icons, rare species of flora and native wildlife, it is more than just a vast open space. Renowned for the Aboriginal cultural experiences it offers, the Northern Territory is also an opportunity to gain insight into 40,000 year old traditions from storytelling to spear fishing. For many, a trip here is truly a spectacle of the Outback's natural beauty and history at its finest.

No trip to the Northern Territory is complete without a visit to the spectacular red rock that makes up Uluru. Nearby, Kata Tijuata or "many heads" is a similar collection which, when viewed at sunset, some consider even more impressive. Take a balloon ride over the expanse of the Outback and eat breakfast with the rising sun for an unmatched desert experience. Kakadu National Park is an adventure playground of towering waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal art. When day turns to night, go stargazing in Alice Springs for unmatched views of the Milky Way in an area where there is virtually zero light pollution.

The Top End of the Northern Territory is home to the city of Darwin and is a great base camp to explore more tropical areas of the region. The area offers spectacular wilderness dominated by diverse wildlife as well as historical sights of interest such as Darwin Wharf Precinct. With its boundless desert terrain, sacred Aboriginal sites and rock canyons, The Red Centre is the beating heart of the Outback and is home to the popular destination of Alice Springs.

The best time of year to visit is May to September, when the Darwin area experiences its Dry Season (long sunny days, low rainfall) and the desert areas enjoy cool nights and mild day time temperatures. The Festival of Darwin, featuring outdoor theatre and concerts, is held in August each year, and there are other outdoor events held throughout the peak season.

Northern Territory Holidays Planner

The capital city of Darwin, population 75,000, is surrounded by the tropical waters of the Arafura Sea. Once a dusty outpost, the city is now an attractive tropical town where visitors can experience a number of uniquely 'Territorian' attractions, such as Crocosaurus Cove, the Territory Wildlife Park and the Jumping Crocodile Cruise. Fishing is extremely popular here, with the chance to catch huge ocean and freshwater species including the mighty Barramundi. Experience the thrill of hauling in your catch while it is stalked by a large crocodile! "

Kakadu National Park is three hours east of Darwin and rewards visitors with magnificent wetlands, ancient Indigenous art and rugged waterfalls. Three hours south of Darwin is Katherine Gorge, a spectacular series of canyons carved over millennia by the mighty Katherine River. Tours of the vast regions stretching east and west of Katherine will reward visitors with a true Outback experience.

A monotonous two day drive south of Darwin through a mostly flat desert landscape (or a 2 hour flight) is Alice Springs, gateway to Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, one of the great natural wonders of the world. Experience the breathtaking majesty of this timeless monolith and learn the Aboriginal 'Dreamtime' stories carefully handed down to the local Anangu people by their ancestors.

Northern Territory Accommodation Search

Accommodation in the Northern Territory is incredibly varied. The centralised Ayers Rock Resort offers luxury hotel rooms, comfortable apartments and a budget caravan park, while in Darwin you will find 3, 4 and 5-star hotels and apartments in the city, and comfortable, well-equipped caravan parks and B&Bs in the suburbs and rural areas. The following Northern Territory hotels provide some of the best deals for a holiday in Australia – please search below to obtain the best available prices from over 100 booking sources:

Northern Territory Travel Info
Darwin has an international airport with connections from Singapore and Bali. Car and camper-van hire are available. Alice Springs is a full 24-hr drive from Darwin or a 2-hr flight and Uluru (Ayres Rock) is another 6-hrs drive west of Alice.