nt tourism regions

Northern territory Travel Guide

We design our Northern Territory Travel Guide as a starting point for planning your visit to the Australian outback. We cover the basics you need to plan a trip to Darwin, Uluru, and all the other major towns of this magical part of the world.

There are many reasons to visit, among them:

• The awe-inspiring UNESCO sites at Uluru, Kuta Tjuta and Kakadu
• A culture dating back more than 40,000 years
• 24 National Parks  and over 70 conservation areas
• Offbeat cultural/sporting events like the Beer Can Regatta in Darwin and the Camel Cup in Alice Springs
• Cruise or kayak Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge 

At 1600km from top to bottom, if the Northern Territory were its own country, it would be the 20th largest in the world!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning!

Regions in Northern Territory

Unless you have a month or more to explore, you will probably only visit one or two of these regions on any trip. The state has so much to offer that it’s a good idea to get a lay of the land and see where the visitor hotspots are.

The NT is divided into seven regions; we have listed the key sites in each place if you are not exactly sure where everything is.

• Darwin and the Top End
• Arnhem Land
• Tennant Creek and Barkly Region
• Alice Springs
• Uluru and Kings Canyon

If you are not sure where to head, start with our guide to the regions of the Northern Territory.

Northern Territory Inspiration

How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Uluru in 2024

Northern territory travel planning.

Learn about the world’s oldest culture while visiting Australia’s ancient red centre. Experience the waterfalls of Kakadu and Litchfield and uncover some of the classic desert bush walks in Katherine and the McDonnell Ranges. Be sure to add a short stay in Darwin to learn about the Territory’s history and meet the local crocodiles!

How to get to the NT

There are a few ways to travel between the Top End and the Red Centre, but a flight will be your best choice if you are short of time.

The Northern Territory has three airports, but international flights only land in Darwin.

International Airports

• Darwin- Direct flights from Bali (2.5hrs), Singapore (5hrs) and Manila (5hrs), Dili (80mins)

Key   Domestic airports

• Ayers Rock (Yulara) – direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Cairns
• Alice Springs – direct flights from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Ayers Rock
• Darwin – all Australian capitals and Broome, Cairns and Townsville

Interstate Trains

There are trains from Adelaide and Alice Springs; these are luxury services chosen more for the experiences they offer than a way to get from A to B.

Interstate Buses

You can take a long-distance bus from Broome to Darwin or between Adelaide and Alice Springs, as well as from Alice Springs and Darwin. These trips are tests of endurance and only suited to the hardiest travellers.

highlights of The NT

Getting around the Territory

Driving distances by average time.

• Darwin to Katherine – 3hrs 10 minutes
• Darwin to Kakadu – 3 hours
• Darwin to Tennant Creek – 10 hours
• Alice Springs to Darwin – 15 hours
• Darwin to Yulara – 19 hours

Explore more of THe NT

The Best Uluru Holiday Packages 2024

6 Unforgettable Day Trips From Darwin

A Detailed Guide to Choosing Accommodation in ULURU 2024

Walks at Uluru – Everything you need to know

When is the best time To visit the Northern Territory

Where will you go next.

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia

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Privacy Overview

Northern Territory

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Climate
• 4.3 Tourist information
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By train
• 5.3 By road
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 6.3 By road
• 7.1 Itineraries
• 11.1 Outback

The Northern Territory (NT) is a federal territory of Australia , occupying much of the centre of the mainland continent, as well as the central northern regions. It is bordered to the west by Western Australia , to the east by Queensland and to the south by South Australia .

With a land area near Mongolia in size but with only a quarter million inhabitants, the Northern Territory is known as the "real outback", representing nature on a grand scale and containing some of the most recognisable natural icons in Australia. The NT is sparse, with only a population density of 0.17 people per km 2 , much lower than the rest of Australia or the world for that matter. The Northern Territory contains hundreds of rare species of flora, native wildlife and, of course, crocodiles in the territory’s 52 national parks and nature conservation reserves, while the outback offers vast wide-open spaces and pioneering journeys.

The NT is also renowned for the Aboriginal cultural experiences it offers. With 30% of the Territory's population being Aboriginal compared to 3% for the nation as a whole, the NT offers a rich array of Aboriginal culture with its 60,000-year-old traditions, including basket weaving, spear fishing, storytelling, rock art and bush tucker tastings on Aboriginal guided tours.

• -12.438056 130.841111 1 Darwin — the Northern Territory's tropical capital city and gateway to the area with a unique history and culture
• -23.7 133.866667 2 Alice Springs — Australia's famous outback town is the Territory's second largest city, and is surrounded by cavernous gorges, boundless desert landscapes, Aboriginal communities and charming pioneering history
• -14.466667 132.266667 3 Katherine — a regional town about 3 hours south of Darwin, gateway to the majestic Katherine Gorge
• -19.647222 134.190278 4 Tennant Creek — in the heart of the territory, this desert landscape is home to the Devil's Marbles, immersed in Aboriginal culture and has plenty of friendly outback pubs
• -20.795306 134.236639 5 Wycliffe Well — tiny roadhouse settlement and self-proclaimed UFO capital of Australia
• -25.240556 130.988889 6 Yulara — a purpose-built resort and service town adjacent to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Other destinations

• -12.73 134.59 1 Arnhem Land — experience the world's oldest living culture first hand in landscapes virtually untouched since the dawn of time
• -19.647222 134.190278 2 Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve — home to clusters of mysterious rock spheres in the middle of the Australian desert near the outback town of Tennant Creek
• -14.466667 132.266667 3 Elsey National Park — relax in warm, crystal clear thermal pools, close to Katherine in the township of Mataranka
• -13.005471 132.519512 4 Kakadu National Park — this World Heritage area sets the scene for outback adventure travel, Aboriginal culture and nature activities
• -15.88815 130.306897 5 Judbarra National Park — the Northern Territory's second largest national park, encompassing spectacular ranges, escarpments, gorges and eucalypt woodlands
• -13.0547 130.905 6 Litchfield National Park — explore lush monsoon forests, unusual rock formations and waterfalls, a 1½-hour drive from Darwin
• -25.322076 130.985732 8 Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park — also known as Ayers Rock and The Olgas, with the resort town of Yulara nearby
• -24.2517 131.632 9 Watarrka National Park — home to Kings Canyon, a mighty chasm reaching a depth of 270 m

The Northern Territory is blessed with diverse and contrasting environments, where change is the only constant. Intriguing and spectacular wildlife vary dramatically from the deserts of Central Australia to the tropics of the Top End. "The NT" is renowned for its colourful outback characters, the type you'd meet at one of the legendary outback pubs, cattle stations or country towns, larger than life and only too willing to share a yarn or two. Fly to remote areas in helicopters or other small aircraft and take in the spectacular scenery, 4WD tracks let you explore places of natural wonder like Uluru . Tours led by traditional landowners allow you to learn about a culture that has survived for thousands of years including dreamtime stories, bush tucker, and their iconic art and crafts. Extreme fishing tours take you out to places teeming with barramundi and other species. Birdwatching tours open up breath-taking moments usually reserved for film. You can also stay in one of the many resorts and experience the unique surroundings from the side of a pool, sipping on a cocktail.

Darwin is the tropical capital city of the Northern Territory, a small yet cosmopolitan city with more than 50 nationalities making up its population of 110,000. Modern Darwin is more open to Asia than perhaps any other Australian city. It plays an important role as the front door to Australia's northern region and as a centre for administration and mining. The port facilities have been upgraded, and the completion in 2003 of a railway link to Alice Springs and Adelaide has locals hoping Darwin will become the continent's transport hub with Southeast Asia.

In the heart of Central Australia is Alice Springs , surrounded by cavernous gorges, boundless desert landscapes, remote Aboriginal communities and charming pioneering history. It embodies the hardy outback of the Northern Territory's Red Centre, and is a travel hub for sights and hikes in the region including Australia's most famous natural icon Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park .

Sweeping from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border is Katherine , a small regional town with a population of less than 10,000 people. The diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set the scene for outback adventure activities like fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, birdwatching, camping and four-wheel driving. The township is situated on the banks of the Katherine River, which flows down from the world-renowned Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park).

171 km (106 mi) east of Darwin is Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land comprise more than 110,000 km 2 (42,000 sq mi) in the northeast corner of the Northern Territory. The landscapes of are diverse and set the scene for adventure travel, Aboriginal culture and nature activities. Kakadu National Park is the second largest national park in Australia. It contains one of the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art sites in the world; the most famous examples are at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr.

Tennant Creek is in the Red Centre of Australia, 500 km north of Alice Springs and 1000 km south of Darwin. The town is surrounded to the east by the Barkly Tablelands - a huge expanse of land that supports some of Australia’s premier outback cattle stations. Tennant Creek is in the middle of the outback, but the country is beautiful and anything but barren with open mallee scrubland, surrounded by rocky ranges and brilliant blue skies that give way to millions of stars at night.

The southern portion of the Northern Territory is home to UNESCO World Heritage area Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park . It is best known for the iconic Uluru (formerly known as "Ayers Rock"), a single massive rock formation, and also for Kata Tjuta (formerly known as "The Olgas"), a range of rock domes. Uluru and Kata Tjuta are considered sacred places by the Anangu people, the Aboriginal groups that have lived there for thousands of years, much of Kata Tjuta is off-limits and climbing Uluru has been illegal since 2019, with fines of up to $10,000.

The Victoria River Region is undoubtedly the most scenic and mesmerising region along the savannah way route. Victoria River is the longest river in the Northern Territory and is the lifeline to some of the biggest cattle stations in the NT. The region is also home to “Coolibah Station” where the reality television series Keeping up with the Joneses was filmed. Victoria River District offers a wide variety of opportunities for adventure, culture, history, and nature. Its captivating landscapes stimulate a deep connection to the land and its people. It is easy to find yourself in this enchanting part of Australia!

The Northern Territory is so large it covers two very distinct climate zones: The Red Centre and the Tropical North.

The Top End, which includes Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, has a tropical climate. Darwin has an average temperature of 32°C all year, with varying humidity. The tropical summer, from December to March, is considered by many to be the region's most beautiful time of year.

The summer rains bring the natural landscape to life and deliver the picturesque storms and sunsets the Northern Territory is renowned for. The dry season, from May to October, has warm, sunny days and cool nights. At the end of the year, the build up, or pre-monsoon season, begins and humidity levels start their rise.

The following chart outlines Darwin's monthly climate averages as an indicator for the whole northern region.

Jan - Feb Min average temperature - 24C (75F) Max average temperature - 31C (88F)

Mar - Apr Min average temperature - 24C (75F) Max average temperature - 32C (90F)

May - Sept Min average temperature - 21C (69F) Max average temperature - 31C (88F)

Oct - Dec Min average temperature - 25C (77F) Max average temperature - 32C (91F)

Central Australia

Central Australia, which includes Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, the Barkly Tablelands and Uluru/Kata-Tjuta regions, has a semi-arid climate. It experiences Australia's four typical seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. The Red Centre has hot summer days from December to February and surprisingly cold nights from June to August. Spring and autumn are warm throughout the day and cool at night.

The following chart outlines Alice Springs' monthly climate averages as an indicator for the Red Centre.

Mar - May Min average temperature - 12C (55F) Max average temperature - 27C (82F)

Jun - Aug Min average temperature - 3C (37F) Max average temperature - 20C (68F)

Sept - Nov Min average temperature - 14C (57F) Max average temperature - 30C (86F)

Dec - Feb Min average temperature - 20C (69F) Max average temperature - 35C (95F)

The Northern Territory has the sparsest population of any state or territory in Australia, with approximately 246,000 people (2019) spread over 1.4 million km², or 0.18/km². The region has a youthful and multicultural population, of which 30 percent are Aboriginal people and 15 percent were born overseas, with a lower average age than Australia as a whole.

Darwin alone is home to people from more than 60 nationalities and more than 70 ethnic backgrounds. A large proportion of the Aboriginal population lives in remote communities throughout the NT, from the Red Centre, through to Arnhem Land and across to the Tiwi Islands. Many of these communities boast thriving art centres, where you can visit to purchase works and meet the artists. Hundreds of different Aboriginal languages are spoken by the indigenous people in the Northern Territory, including Yolgnu Matha in Arnhem Land, which is the second most spoken language in the NT after English.

Permits are required to visit many of these communities. The largest Aboriginal groups are the Pitjantjatjara, Arrernte, Luritja and Warlpiri in the Red Centre, and Yolngu in east Arnhem Land.

Darwin has a significant population of people from the Philippines, India and Nepal, as well as smaller groups from across the Asian continent.

Tourist information

• Travel NT website

The small population of the region means that there are not so many routes into the Northern Territory, and prices for travel tend to be higher than other domestic routes.

There are regular interstate domestic flights from most state capitals to Darwin and Alice Springs . There are also direct flights to Ayers Rock (Uluru) from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Cairns.

Internationally, Darwin is served by flights from Singapore , Denpasar and Dili .

The Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin via Alice Springs and Katherine . Passengers may not end or begin their journey at Katherine, though the train stops there to allow for excursions. Motorail service (taking your car on the train with you) is available if you are travelling from Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa.

Driving into the Northern Territory is possible if you have your own car. However, if you are driving a rental car, keep in mind that most car rental companies do not permit their cars to be driven across the Northern Territory's borders.

• From South Australia , driving north you can take the Explorer’s Way (Stuart Highway) from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory.
• From Queensland, the most easily accessible route is the fully-sealed Overlander’s Way (Barkly Highway) from Mt Isa to the west.
• From Western Australia there are a few access points including the Savannah Way (Victoria Highway) and Butine Highway in the north and the Tanami Road that runs across the Tanami Desert in the south.

The schedules for several international cruises include a day stopover in Darwin .

• Qantas offers regular flights within the Northern Territory, connecting Darwin , Alice Springs and Yulara .
• There are scheduled flights between Darwin, Nhulunbuy and Groote Eylandt .
• Charter flights can also be organised to more remote destinations like the Cobourg Peninsula, Tiwi Islands and Borroloola, or to Tennant Creek .
• Airnorth , 4 Lancaster Rd Marrara , ☏ +61 8 8920-4000 . Airnorth is the major regional aviation operator in the Northern Territory, flying from Darwin to destinations such as Maningrida, Gove, Groote Eylandt and Elcho Island and also service areas of Western Australia and Indonesia. $112-1129 .  

The Ghan travels between Adelaide , South Australia and Darwin via Alice Springs and Katherine twice weekly during the dry season from March to November. Passengers may travel between Darwin and Alice Springs on The Ghan, but is more expensive than flying and slower than driving yourself, meaning that it is primarily intended for luxury travellers with a lot of time and money on their hand. Passengers may not end or begin their journey in Katherine; the stop is used only for off-train excursions.

There are five recognised themed drives in the Northern Territory, the Explorer’s Way, Savannah Way, Red Centre Way, Binns Track and Nature’s Way, and each has its own story. It also has countless four-wheel-drive tracks that snake through its various scenic landscapes. If opting to drive, 96% of the major attractions are accessible by sealed roads and the others are accessible via four-wheel drive tracks or charter flights.

Each of the 52 Northern Territory national parks and nature conservation reserves protect a variety of unique natural environments and native animals. View rare species of flora, native wildlife and go birdwatching around the many established walking trails, swimming holes and camping areas. The varied habitats, rare plants and animals, and spectacular landscapes of the Northern Territory are unmatched for an Australian nature holiday.

Darwin is the perfect place to begin or end your trip through the Territory. With its relaxed lifestyle and warm weather all year round this vibrant cosmopolitan city has all your creature comforts on offer with all the adventure you can handle on its doorstep! Experience part of Darwin's colourful history at Fannie Bay Gaol that operated as Darwin’s major prison for almost 100 years from 1883. The building’s grim and oppressive history can be felt as you walk through. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is a must see, its collections place the region's art, history and culture, and natural history in an Australian and international context. These collections encompass Aboriginal art and material culture, visual arts, craft, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art and material culture, maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history and natural sciences. Saltwater crocs, the most famous of the Territory’s creatures, can be seen in most rivers and billabongs in the Top End or at the wildlife parks around Darwin. Crocodylus Park, in Berrimah a short distance from Darwin, where you come face to face with the largest reptiles on the planet.

While the deserts of Central Australia may at first seem stark, closer inspection reveals a complex ecosystem, supporting some of the most unique flora and fauna on the planet. The Northern Territory has some world-famous natural and cultural attractions that can’t be missed, including Ulura/Ayers Rock , Australia's most recognisable natural icon. Premium four-wheel drive eco-certified touring programs offer a range of intimate travel experiences to locations like World Heritage–listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, and Alice Springs and its surrounds. Located in the middle of the largest land area without lights on earth, Alice Springs has an unmatched view of the Milky Way unless you're on a dark boat in the middle of the ocean. Perfect stargazing! Just outside of Alice Springs is the Desert Wildlife Park , truly memorable in its examples of local flora and fauna.

The second largest national park in Australia, Kakadu National Park contains one of the highest concentration of Aboriginal rock art in the world and amazing nature and wildlife. Ubirr is one of the two most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries in the Kakadu National Park. The galleries can be viewed by following an easy one kilometre circular walking track. During the dry season Park Rangers give free scheduled talks about the ancient rock art. The walls of the Nourlangie Rock Art Site in Kakadu National Park have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years providing windows to a rich spiritual tradition. Paintings such as Namarrgon, lightning man, explore the relationship of the people to their country and beliefs. Located in the centre of Nhulunbuy, the Gayngaru Wetlands Interpretive Walk surrounds a lagoon that is visited by over 200 species of birds. Along the path are two separate viewing platforms and a bird hide, which enable visitors to enjoy the birdlife. There are also interpretive signs near plants of significance showing bush food and bush medicine used by local Aboriginal people.

Katherine Gorge - located in Nitmiluk National Park about 30 minutes northeast of the town. There are many ways to experience the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) and its world-renowned gorge system - you can walk, swim, canoe, boat or fly. Take a refreshing dip in Katherine Hot Springs . These natural thermal springs are situated on the banks of the Katherine River, within the Katherine township, and comprise of a series of clear pools framed by native vegetation.

The Devils Marbles , situated in the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, are clusters of mysterious rock spheres located in the scenic Australian desert near Tennant Creek . The boulders are precariously balanced on top of one another, they were formed by millions of years of erosion. The local Aboriginal people (the Warumungu) believe that the boulders are the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. The ancient Aboriginal mythology surrounding this fascinating geological marvel can be explored through a short self-guided walking trail.

Itineraries

Load the car and hit the road, a driving holiday in the Northern Territory has all the elements of a great Australian road trip.

There are five recognised themed drives in the Northern Territory, each with its own story: Explorer’s Way, Nature’s Way, Red Centre Way, Overlanders Way and Savannah Way.

There are also countless four-wheel-drive tracks that snake through various scenic landscapes. The Binns track is the latest four wheel drive challenge, a seven-day adventure from Mount Dare in South Australia to Timber Creek. Not for the faint hearted, the track traverses 8-m-high sand ridges, rocky escarpment country and boggy marshes.

A driving holiday in the Northern Territory will link you to many of Australia’s best-known icons and give you the opportunity to explore lesser-known natural and cultural wonders of Australia's outback. Whether you want to go off road or on an outback Australia holiday, grab a map to explore your options in the NT. A driving holiday in the Northern Territory gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.

• Binns Track

Take an epic journey on the Northern Territory’s newest four-wheel-drive route, the Binns Track. Running from Mount Dare on the South Australian border to Timber Creek near Kununurra, the track covers 2,191 km and winds through many of the NT’s lesser-known nature reserves and National Parks. It passes through outback towns Alice Springs and Tennant Creek and traverses some of the NT’s most interesting landscapes in the western Simpson Desert, East MacDonnell Ranges, Davenport Ranges National Park and Judbarra / Gregory National Park.

• The Red Centre Way

An adventure into the heart of this ancient land, the Red Centre Way drive navigates through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , Kings Canyon, the West MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs . See the sights at your own pace or learn about the traditional Aboriginal land owners, the Arrente people’s, connection with this area on a guided tour. The Red Centre Way is the gateway to an abundance of natural and Aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart of the Australian outback. Allow a minimum of 5 to 7 days for this journey through red desert sands, spinifex and mulga forest.

• The Nature's Way

Eye candy for every driving holiday traveller, the Nature’s Way meanders through World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park , Litchfield National Park and Nitmuluk National Park. It’s a drive through the Territory’s stunning and lush northern tropics, steeped in nature, Aboriginal culture and outback pioneering history.

For the adventure traveller - canoe down the Katherine River, swim in waterfalls at Litchfield and discover the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal rock art at Kakadu National Park. Explore in your own time, but 5-7 days is best for this journey.

• The Explorer's Way

Follow the same route of famous Australian explorer John McDouall Stuart and travel through red desert country via the real Australian outback en route to the Territory’s lush northern tropics. This road links the territory from top to bottom, encompassing some of its best-known natural icons; the Devils Marbles, Litchfield National Park , Nitmuluk National Park, Cutta Cutta Caves and Bitter Springs. In the south, the road is straddled by the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. You can get a snapshot of the Territory in 7 days, but with so much to explore, it’s easy to stay much longer.

• The Savannah Way

Stretching coast to coast, from Broome in West Australia to Cairns in Queensland, the Savannah Way is an epic 3500-km adventure through the heart of Australia’s northern tropics. It snakes through some of the Territory’s best known natural wonders and links to barramundi and saratoga fishing hotspots. A four-wheel drive is recommended on this drive, as it traverses rugged and challenging country. The Savannah Way is a great Australian adventure drive, linking national parks, historic drives and outback Australian towns. Allow at least 14 days for the Northern Territory section or 30 days for the entire journey.

The Northern Territory offers the visitor an amazing array of activities to immerse yourself in, from the adventurous to the more subdued.

Canoeing, camping, four-wheel driving, hot-air ballooning or a ride on a camel. The Northern Territory is the place to be for adventure holidays in the outback. Many adventure tours leave from Darwin .

• Outback Ballooning - Take a balloon ride and see the sunrise, have a champagne breakfast in the middle of the desert. Alice Springs has ideal weather for ballooning and the tour operators run almost every day of the year.
• Helicopter Flights - Helicopter flights around all sorts of local attractions, from seeing town from the air to along the mountains to the gaps and gorges. Flights leave from Darwin and Alice Springs.
• Berry Springs - 45 minutes from Darwin city, Berry Springs Nature Park is a great spot for swimming with crystal clear pools, shaded picnic and barbecue areas and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for local birds and wildlife.
• Bush Walking - Feel the heat walking through the lush monsoon forests of the tropical north or challenge yourself trekking through the rocky red heart of the Northern Territory. There are very popular walking tours through Kakadu and the Red Centre . The Jatbula Trail and Larapinta Trail are extremely popular walking tours.
• Jim Jim Falls - Set in the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment, and boasting white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, it is worth the 900-m walk across rocks to appreciate this special area.
• Merl This site in northern Kakadu is perfect for campers who want to enjoy a famous sunrise or sunset at Ubirr. It's also an ideal base for bushwalking along the East Alligator River.
• Larapinta Trail - The trail runs for 223 km along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs to Mt Sonder. The grandeur and timeless beauty of the Ranges are the backdrop and setting for the Trail, which is divided into twelve sections, providing you with an opportunity to experience an ancient landscape at your own pace.

The Northern Territory is Australia's nature travel paradise. View rare species of flora, native wildlife and the most ancient reptile on the planet, the crocodile. Darwin, Litchfield National Park , Alice Springs, Nitmiluk , Tennant Creek and Kakadu offer monumental natural wonders that need to be seen to be believed.

• Territory Wildlife Park - A popular attraction home to monsoon and paperbark forests and a wetlands walk. You can stand nose-to-nose with a 3.7-m saltwater crocodile on a walk through the aquarium tunnel. Don’t miss the twice-daily birds of prey show or animal encounters presentation. Tours depart from Darwin.
• Aquascene , 28 Doctors Gully Road , ☏ +61 8 8981-7837 . You feed the fish by hand and they're not little fishies, so luckily they don't bite hard! Feeding is dependent on the tide, so check the website or call for the schedule. entry fee applies .  
• Fishing in the Northern Territory is world class and there are many diverse fishing habitats on offer. Most tours leave from Darwin, Arnhem Land is home to some truly adventurous fishing spots.
• Tiwi Island Tour - Many Tiwi Islanders are prolific artists who produce distinctive art, pottery, sculptures and wooden carvings. You can travel to the Tiwi Islands on a 20-minute flight or a two-hour ferry ride from Darwin Harbour to Bathurst Island. You must be part of an organised tour to visit Tiwi Islands.

Make sure you take in the culinary delights of multi-cultural Darwin while in the Northern Territory. There’s a great range of outdoor eateries, exotic local produce and a diversity of culinary choices on offer.

Great eating areas in Darwin include the local markets for something cheap made on the spot. Head to Parap for Chinese, Mexican or gourmet goodies, Cullen Bay has a barrage of seafood choices and expansive harbour views, or you could grab some picnic-style take away at Stokes Hill Wharf. The Fannie Bay area offers some great pub-style food or seafood, and Darwin CBD is brimming with restaurants, cafes and pubs – classy or casual but always relaxed.

In spite of its small size, Alice Springs has a good and varied restaurant scene. Heaps of little cafeteria style places serving everything from crepes to Chinese to sandwiches in the malls as well as the usual fast food outlets.

Katherine is a very small town, but there is a reasonable choice of places to eat there, think along the lines of home style dishes and traditional pub food.

Basic food is available at the sporadic rest stops and museums throughout Kakadu National Park . Being such a small town, there are only a couple of options to choose from in Tennant Creek , mostly pub food and home made.

The northern tropics of the Northern Territory are also famous for their Aboriginal bush tucker . The billabongs, woodlands, sandstone escarpments and coastal beaches provide a rich source of food and medicines used by Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years. What we know as "bush tucker" is a multitude of plants and animals that are used in a variety of ways to best extract their nutritional and medicinal values. The different environments of the tropical north feature plants endemic to each habitat, as well as some that thrive across the entire region.

The Northern Territory is famous for its legendary outback pubs. Every small town has somewhere you can drop by to chat with the local characters or learn some history. For some more sophisticated nightlife, head to the numerous clubs and bars in Darwin and check out some local music at Brown’s Mart.

Please note, within certain areas of the Northern Territory, there are restrictions on the consumption of alcohol in public places. More information on specific restrictions can be found at the Northern Territory government website .

The legal drinking age is 18 years . It is illegal either to purchase alcohol for yourself if you are under 18 years of age or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18 years of age. The only legally acceptable proof-of-age documents are an Australian drivers licence, state-issued proof-of-age card, Keypass card or a passport, and it would be wise to carry one if you want to purchase alcohol or tobacco and look under 25 - vendors will frequently ask for ID for anybody who looks to be 25 or younger. In the Northern Territory, foreign drivers licences and foreign ID cards are NOT legally acceptable as proof of age documentation, and people who are unable to produce a passport or valid Australian ID will be refused service. Only actual ID documents will be accepted - photographs or photocopies will NOT be accepted.

Most of the Northern Territory is part of the Australian Outback. Be prepared and plan your trip before you start it. Plan fuel stops and always carry extra fuel as on some highways fuel and towns can be up to 800 km apart. It is advised to carry a satellite phone or HF radio for emergencies if leaving the major highways. Water and food are also very important. If you become stranded in the outback stay calm and stay with your vehicle so emergency services are able to locate you. If you have communication devices use them. Mobile (cellular) phone coverage is limited to the regional centres.

Remember that you may not take alcohol into Aboriginal communities, even as a tourist passing through. Also, travellers are not permitted into residential parts of the communities. These areas are well sign posted, so if you are on a community, keep your eyes open.

The Australian Outback, although very beautiful is also very dangerous due to its extreme conditions. Take particular care in the following areas:

• Swimming The Northern Territory has many safe places to swim, including local nature reserves, public swimming pools and in some national parks. Swimming at Northern Territory beaches is not recommended due to the presence of box jellyfish. If you choose to swim at the beach, take vinegar as a precaution as it is known to soothe the sting. Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found in most Top End billabongs and rivers, and are occasionally seen on remote beaches. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don’t swim.
• Sun protection Travellers should always wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 30 sunscreen when outdoors. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water; a minimum of two litres per day is advised.
• Insects The Territory is home to mosquitoes and other biting insects, so a reliable insect repellent, mosquito coils and appropriate clothing will make travelling more comfortable. If camping, keep your tent zipped and tap your shoes out before putting them on.
• Cliffs Climbing rock ledges and cliffs and walking or standing near cliff edges can lead to serious injury or death, especially when rock surfaces are wet. Keep well away from all cliff edges.
• What to wear During the heat of the day, you will be most comfortable in loose covering clothing which is cool but protects you from sunburn and insect bites. Use sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as the Ross River virus, so if they are biting, use a repellent.
• Dehydration Early symptoms include feeling thirsty, excess sweating, headache, dizziness and nausea. If dehydration continues, it can result in seizures, a loss of consciousness and even death.
• Emergency Call Devices (ECD) are available in remote locations in some parks in the Territory. Instructions on use are written on the ECD. These are for emergency calls only.
• Cyclones - The wet season usually sees Cyclones on the Northern Territory coast, with some moving inland. Strong winds and flooding occur, if travelling at this time, always best to keep up with weather reports and locate community shelter locations.
• Flash flooding Sudden rises in the levels of waterways, which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls such as Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast flowing water can be deceptive, creating strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions.
• Driving hints Top End roads can be hazardous. Plan ahead and allow sufficient time for travel. Slow down and do not exceed 130 km/h (and 110 km/h on roads without shoulders)! Roads can become slippery in the wet. During the dry, dust from other vehicles can obscure your vision. When using 4WD tracks, put your vehicle into 4WD. Read your vehicle instructions: many vehicles need their front wheel hubs physically locked, before engaging four wheel drive from the driver’s seat. At flooded crossings read the signs, look at depth markers and observe how quickly the water is flowing, before deciding whether to cross. Sometimes it is safer to wait until the water recedes. Remember crocodiles may be present. In the event of fires, make sure you park your vehicle in cleared areas rather than in flammable long grass. Use vehicle headlights if driving through heavy smoke, and drive slowly. If stopping, park well off the road and use hazard lights. Do not park on bridges or causeways at any time. Drive slowly, look well ahead for animals on the road, and try to avoid driving at night. Sound your horn to alert wildlife on the road. Look carefully for large feral animals such as horses, pigs and buffalo.
• Keep away from the water’s edge and do not enter the water.
• Take extreme care when launching and retrieving boats.
• Do not reach into the water to bring up a fish; use a landing net.
• Do not clean fish or bleed fish in or near the water’s edge, as this may attract crocodiles.
• Remove all fish and food waste, which attract crocodiles.**Live bait fishing is not permitted in Kakadu. Recreational fishing, using a line with a single hook or lure is permitted in waters west of the Kakadu Highway except in the West Alligator River system. Contact the Bowali Visitor Centre, telephone ☏ +61 8 8938 1120 for latest information.
• Crocodiles Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles are dangerous. They have attacked and killed people. They inhabit most areas of water in Kakadu National Park including floodplains, freshwater billabongs, creeks, rivers and coastal areas. In most locations, crocodile warning signs tell you not to enter the water and to keep away from the water’s edge. Obey signs warning of crocodiles. If you do not see a warning sign, assume that crocodiles are present. Do not enter the water unless you are sure it is safe to do so.
• Some of the most poisonous snakes in the world inhabit Kakadu, but luckily for visitors they are all very shy and are very rarely seen, let alone confronted. These species include the Taipan , Death Adder , and King Brown . They are seldom active during the day, hunting at night. Do not hike off any trails after dark.

There are two important facts to keep in mind about travel in the outback: it has few inhabitants and little water.

• get good quality maps and plan your route.
• tell someone where you're going and when and where you should arrive; they should have instructions to raise the alarm if you do not appear soon after your intended arrival time;
• carry at least 10 litres of water (in several small containers) per person per day, including an allowance for any days you may be delayed or broken down.
• take food and any prescribed medication needed to last several days
• take matches or a lighter, which can be used in an emergency to provide warmth and indicate your whereabouts
• travel in a recently serviced, reliable, sturdy vehicle that has good ground clearance; and
• have clothes that can protect against cold, as well as clothes suitable for extremely hot weather.

Keep in mind also that the Outback is large, and you can easily end up twenty-hours drive away from emergency help, or isolated entirely in the case of rain.

In the event of an accident or mechanical problems, do not leave your vehicle , as it is easier to locate from the air than a person or people on foot. If you leave your vehicle you are likely to be the subject of a sad news story about the rescue services finding your car and not you. In any case, your vehicle is where you're storing your water.

You should also think about carrying a satellite phone or other means of contacting emergency services. Travelling in a group or in convoy with other travellers gives an extra vehicle in case of breakdown, and an extra set of hands to get you out of a tricky situation.

You should get local advice in each town about your journey and the condition of the roads ahead and the suitability of your vehicle, as road conditions can change. The police and roadhouses are good sources of information. Be careful - even locals die out there.

There can be a common misconception that "all of Australia is relatively safe"; this statement could not be more wrong. Crime rates in the NT are generally much higher than the rest of the country – in the towns Tennant Creek and Katherine the homicide rate is over 60 times the national average. Darwin and Alice Springs have both repeatedly been ranked as Australia's most dangerous city.

• Theft, break-ins, and random attacks are common throughout the territory.
• Knife crime, alcohol-fuelled violence and car thefts/vandalism can happen throughout the NT but is more prevalent in rural communities and Alice Springs .
• Youth crime is prevalent in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs, but also happens in smaller settlements like Tennant Creek and Katherine.

The bottom line: crime in the Northern Territory is very high. Take extra precaution in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, and rampant throughout more remote settlements (with the crime rate in Tennant Creek and Katherine higher than the US). Avoid walking alone at night, wearing valuables and try to avoid parking your car out in the streets. If you're renting a car, avoid choosing one that may attract vandals or thieves; cheaper and older models may be preferable.

The main roads in the NT do not have mobile reception, including the Stuart Highway. Only expect reception in the major towns along the route.

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• Coober Pedy — sleep in an opal mine cave
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15 Top Things to Do in the Northern Territory

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Welcome to Australia's most adventurous region, stretching from the capital city of Darwin on the country's northern coast to Alice Springs in the heart of the outback. In the Northern Territory (the Territory to locals), you can cage dive with crocodiles, swim under waterfalls and marvel at world-famous rock formations like Uluru.

With so much to do, the NT is ideal for road trips and slow travel, although there are flights available to the major attractions. In the Top End, the wet season that runs from November to April, but the Red Centre is warm and sunny almost all year round. Read on for our guide to the best things to do in the Northern Territory.

Hike the Larapinta Trail

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The 140-mile Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's top long-distance hikes, but it can also be tackled in smaller sections that only take a day or two. The track winds through the West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs, covering gorges, swimming holes, and mountains with incredible views across the unique landscape of Central Australia.

There are camping grounds along the trail, and each section can be accessed by road (although some require a four-wheel drive). The best time to walk the path is between May and August, to reduce the risk of heat stroke and sun exposure. Despite the sunny days, temperatures can fall below freezing at night, so make sure to prepare for the changing conditions if you plan on camping.

Watch the Sunset Over Uluru

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The world's largest monolith is the NT's biggest drawcard, located five-hours southwest of Alice Springs. (There is also an airport near Uluru for those on a tight schedule.) Visitors are no longer permitted to climb the rock, at the request of its traditional owners, the Anangu people, for whom Uluru is a sacred site.

There is still plenty to do and see in this iconic national park. Once you've hiked around the rock or taken a cultural tour, settle in to watch the sunset behind Uluru , either from your car or from one of the designated viewing platforms . As night falls, the rock appears to change color, glowing bright red and then fading to purple in the twilight.

Explore Kata Tjuta

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Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas) is a cluster of 36 domed red rock formations, around 20 miles west of Uluru. Kata Tjuta means "many heads" in Pitjantjatjara, and the site is sacred to the Anangu people.

We recommend visiting the  Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre  to get your bearings before heading out on a hike around the base of the rocks. (The Valley of the Winds is a popular option; make sure to get started before the sun gets too hot.) Like Uluru, Kata Tjuta is a fantastic place to watch the sunset.

Swim in a Waterfall at Kakadu

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Kakadu is Australia's largest national park, covering an area of over 12,000 square miles. It is the traditional country of the Bininj/Mungguy Aboriginal people. Visitors could easily spend a week taking in the natural wonders and ancient culture that make this a dual-listed World Heritage Site.

Kakadu has so many gorgeous waterfalls that it can be hard to choose which make it onto your itinerary, including Motor Car Falls, Boulder Creek, Gubara Rock Pools, Ikoymarrwa Rock Pool, and Maguk Gorge. Make sure to check with park authorities before swimming, as the park is home to around 10,000 crocodiles (both freshwater and saltwater varieties).

Cruise Nitmiluk Gorge

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Just north-east of Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park , covers 13 spectacular sandstone gorges that can be explored by riverboat, canoe, or on foot. Scenic flights are also available to take in the full expanse of this beautiful region. The traditional owners of Nitmiluk are the Jawoyn and Dagomen people.

Many tours leave at sunrise or sunset to catch the gorges at their most dynamic, but there are regular departures throughout the day during the dry season. Make a stop at the Visitors Centre for information about specific tours and other things to do. For more extended stays, camping and other accommodation can be found in the park.

Shop at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

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Darwin is known for its thriving markets, and Mindil Beach is one of the best. Running every Sunday evening during the dry season (July to September), this eclectic market features stalls with the city's favorite food, art, jewelry, fashion, and homewares, accompanied by local live music.

There are ATMs at the market, but we recommend bringing cash if possible to avoid the queues. Mindil Beach is a five-minute drive northwest of the city center near the Darwin Botanic Gardens. Adventurous eaters shouldn't miss the Roadkill Cafe , serving up kangaroo, crocodile, and buffalo burgers.

Fish for Barramundi

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The Top End is a world-class fishing destination, from the estuaries and open sea to the billabongs and rivers scattered across this rugged landscape. Barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, giant perch, or giant sea perch, is a prized fish that lives in freshwater and saltwater and is most active from March to May.

For the ultimate fishing adventure, book a tour from Darwin or stay at a fishing lodge on the Tiwi Islands or in Arnhem Land . The Top End is also home to plenty of other fish, including giant trevally, golden snapper, red emperor, coral trout, and marlin.

Take a Day Trip to Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park , an hour's drive south of Darwin, is an ideal day trip for nature lovers. Here, you'll find waterfalls, hiking trails, giant termite mounds, and a group of sandstone pillars known as the Lost City.

There are campsites available if you're planning on staying overnight and plenty of tour options leaving from Darwin and Katherine. Don't miss Batchelor Butterfly Farm outside the park, with a rainforest butterfly house and a petting zoo. Check for road closures before you leave if you're renting a car, especially in the wet season.

Wander the Devil’s Marbles

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Karlu Karlu/Devil's Marbles Conservation Reserve can be found south of Tennant Creek, around halfway between Darwin and Alice Springs. The rock formations are believed to be the fossilized eggs of the Rainbow Serpent by the Warmungu Aboriginal people. The Rainbow Serpent is a creator god in many First Nations cultures in Australia.

With some of the boulders standing up to 20 feet high, they offer shelter to native plants and animals, including goannas and finches. If you're planning on watching the sunset across the boulders, it's a good idea to camp overnight to avoid the drive back in the dark. Traditional owners ask that visitors do not climb the rocks.

Take in the Views from Kings Canyon

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Kings Canyon is another essential stopover on your trip to the Red Centre. Part of Watarrka National Park , the canyon is over 800 feet deep, with soaring sandstone walls and a lush green valley below.

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk offers unbeatable views over almost four miles, including the picturesque Garden of Eden. For a less strenuous hike, try the Kings Creek walk along the base of the canyon. Start your walk early in the day to beat the heat.

Relax at Mataranka Thermal Pools

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In Elsey National Park , an hour south of Katherine, the Mataranka thermal pools provide a welcome respite for weary travelers. The warm springs here run with clear blue water, with a consistent temperature of around 85 degrees F. There are two pools in the park, Mataranka Thermal Pool, which has ladders and concrete added to create a more traditional swimming pool, and Bitter Springs, which has stairs but no other additions.

In the town of Mataranka, check out the Never Never Museum to learn about this country’s traditional owners, the Mangarayi and Yangman people. The town has accommodation, as well as all the essentials to refuel for your trip.

Marvel at Traditional Rock Art

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Mineral pigments, such as ochre, are the oldest evidence of human occupation in Australia, with some sites found to be around 55,000 years old. First Nations people have long used these pigments for rock art, with some of the world's most significant collections found in Australia.

In the NT, rock art by the Eastern Arrernte people can be seen in the East MacDonnell Ranges , while Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) are the two most well-known sites in Kakadu. Join a tour with an Aboriginal guide to learn the story behind some of these ancient artworks. In many places, the traditional owners request that you do not touch or photograph the rock art, so please respect any signs.

Take a Scenic Flight

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The sheer scale of the Northern Territory, which covers an area bigger than Texas and California combined, can only really be comprehended from the air. Especially if you have just a couple of days in the NT during your trip to Australia, a scenic flight can be a great way to see some of the region's key attractions and reach extremely isolated areas.

Many providers offer flights over Uluru, the MacDonnell Ranges, and Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre and Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, and the Tiwi Islands in the Top End.

Meet a Saltwater Crocodile

Australia is home to two types of crocodiles: salties and freshies. In the NT, the colossal saltwater (or estuarine) crocodiles are the largest predator, coming in at up to 20 feet in length and weighing up to a ton. However, attacks are rare, and saltwater crocodiles have been a protected species since 1970.

You can cage dive with these terrifying animals at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin, or book a river cruise to see them in the wild.

Treat Yourself to Local Mud Crab

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Mud crab is a Top End delicacy, found in many of the Territory's creeks and rivers. The crabs are usually caught in the dry season, so you will have more luck seeing them on the menu in Darwin between May and October.

The crab is often combined with the Top End's Asian culinary influences, served with chili or a crispy batter. Try Cathy's Place on the Cullen Marina for the freshest seafood or Pee Wee's at the Point for top-notch views across the city.

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The 20 Best Things To Do In The Northern Territory

Embark on a journey to the heart of Australia’s outback, where the Northern Territory awaits with its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and untamed wilderness. This vast and varied region offers a tapestry of experiences that blend adventure with a deep connection to the ancient land and its people. From the iconic red sands of Uluru to the lush waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, and the vibrant cultural scene of Darwin, the Northern Territory is a treasure trove of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover the top things to do in the Northern Territory, Australia. Each destination we explore is a chapter in the region’s story, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty, mystery, and spirit of this extraordinary part of the world.

Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeker, a culture enthusiast, or simply in search of breathtaking natural beauty, the Northern Territory promises an adventure that will captivate your heart and enrich your soul. So, pack your bags, set your spirit of adventure free, and get ready to discover the wonders of the Northern Territory.

1. Kakadu National Park Tours: A Journey Through Ancient Landscapes

Nestled to the east of Darwin, Kakadu National Park stands as a testament to Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a mosaic of ecosystems, ranging from mangroves to floodplains, making it a dream destination for any adventure-driven soul. Kakadu is not just a park; it’s an open-air gallery showcasing some of the world’s oldest and most significant Aboriginal rock art. These ancient artworks tell stories of the land’s original inhabitants, offering a window into a culture that has thrived for thousands of years.

Visitors can embark on various guided tours, each promising an authentic experience. Whether it’s a wildlife safari to spot the elusive saltwater crocodile or a trek to the awe-inspiring Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu delivers. Costs vary, with options for every budget, from basic day trips to luxurious multi-day excursions. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is more forgiving, and the full splendor of the park is accessible.

2. Uluru Sunset Experience: Witness the Heart of Australia

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is more than just a colossal sandstone monolith; it’s a spiritual and cultural symbol deeply rooted in the heart of the Northern Territory. Located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, this iconic Australian landmark transforms at sunset, displaying a mesmerizing play of colors that is a photographer’s and nature lover’s delight.

The Uluru sunset experience is a must-do. As the sun dips below the horizon, the rock changes hues from fiery red to deep purples, a magical spectacle that attracts visitors worldwide. Beyond just watching, you can immerse yourself in the local Anangu culture through guided walks around the base of Uluru, where you’ll learn about the indigenous flora, fauna, and ancient stories.

Entry to the park is subject to fees, and there are various tours available, catering to different interests and budgets. While Uluru is a year-round destination, the mild weather between May and September offers the most comfortable experience.

3. Katherine Gorge Cruise: Discover the Jewel of Nitmiluk National Park

A cruise through the Katherine Gorge is an unforgettable way to explore the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park. Carved by the Katherine River, the gorge is a series of deep sandstone chasms stretching as far as the eye can see. Each turn in the river reveals a new vista of towering cliffs and lush vegetation, a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

The experience ranges from serene boat cruises that glide through the tranquil waters to adventurous canoeing trips for those who wish to navigate the gorge at their own pace. For the truly adventurous, hiking along the rim provides breathtaking panoramic views. The cost of these experiences varies, with options suitable for both budget travelers and those looking for a touch of luxury.

Timing your visit is crucial; the dry season, typically from May to October, is the ideal time for cruising as the water levels are lower and the weather is more amenable. This is when the gorge reveals its full majesty, making it a highlight of any trip to the Northern Territory.

4. Litchfield National Park Waterfalls: A Tropical Oasis

Just a stone’s throw away from Darwin lies Litchfield National Park, a true jewel of the Northern Territory. Renowned for its stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes, Litchfield is the perfect escape for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls are among the most popular spots, offering visitors the chance to swim in their serene waters, surrounded by lush tropical forests.

The park’s accessibility and free entry make it an attractive option for all types of travelers. Whether you’re picnicking near the water’s edge or embarking on a short walk to discover hidden cascades, Litchfield’s natural beauty is sure to enchant. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the roads are accessible and the waterfalls are at their most inviting.

5. Darwin Waterfront Precinct: Vibrant Urban Fun

The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is a bustling hub of activity, blending the laid-back charm of a beach town with the vibrant energy of a city center. This lively area is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a myriad of activities from leisurely swims at the beach to dining in stylish eateries. The Wave Lagoon is a standout attraction, providing a safe and fun environment for swimming and water sports.

Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, enjoy a meal with a view, or partake in some retail therapy, the Waterfront Precinct has something for everyone. With free access and a variety of experiences catering to different budgets, it’s a must-visit spot in Darwin. Its year-round appeal makes it a versatile destination, perfect for any itinerary.

6. Darwin Festival: A Celebration of Arts and Culture

Every August, the city of Darwin comes alive with the Darwin Festival, an annual celebration of art, music, and culture. This vibrant event showcases the best of local and international talent, offering an eclectic mix of live music, theatre, and art exhibitions. The festival atmosphere is electric, with a program that promises something for every taste and age group.

The Darwin Festival is a fantastic way to experience the city’s cultural diversity. With a range of free and ticketed events, it caters to various audiences. Whether you’re a hardcore art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, the festival’s colorful blend of entertainment and creativity is not to be missed.

7. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Alice Springs: The Outback From Above

For a truly unique perspective on the Northern Territory’s rugged landscape, a hot air balloon ride over Alice Springs is a must. As the sun rises, the balloon soars into the sky, offering breathtaking views of the vast outback below. The serene and gentle journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the region in a truly magical way.

Balloon rides are available year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm. The cooler mornings from April to September provide the most comfortable conditions. While the cost varies by operator, this activity offers exceptional value, giving you a bird’s-eye view of some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.

8. Tiwi Islands Cultural Visit: An Artistic and Cultural Retreat

Located just off the northern coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands are a hidden gem, offering a unique blend of culture and art. Known as the ‘Island of Smiles’, this destination provides an intimate glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Tiwi people. Visitors can participate in art workshops, where local artists share their techniques in painting and printmaking, or engage in interactive cultural tours that delve into the rich Tiwi heritage.

The islands are also a paradise for anglers, with opportunities to catch the renowned barramundi. Access to the Tiwi Islands is typically through organized tours, which often include round-trip transportation from Darwin. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the weather is more favorable for travel and outdoor activities.

9. Arnhem Land Aboriginal Art Exploration: A Cultural Journey

Arnhem Land, located in the northeast of the Northern Territory, is a vast and culturally rich area. It is home to the Yolngu people, who have maintained their traditions and art for millennia. Visitors have the unique opportunity to explore this heritage through visits to local art centers and galleries, where they can view and purchase authentic Aboriginal artwork.

The region offers more than just art; it’s an immersive cultural experience where visitors can learn about traditional hunting techniques, bush tucker, and the spiritual significance of the land. Access to Arnhem Land requires a permit, and guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the cultural and historical significance of the area. The dry season is the ideal time to visit, with more tours available and easier access to remote areas.

10. Larapinta Trail Hiking Adventure: Trekking the West MacDonnell Ranges

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most famous treks, winding through the stunning landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs. This trail offers a range of experiences, from short, scenic day walks to challenging multi-day hikes. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of rugged gorges, serene waterholes, and ancient geological formations.

Hiking the Larapinta Trail is a free self-guided adventure, but guided tours are available for those seeking a more structured experience with insights into the area’s flora, fauna, and geology. The winter months, from June to August, provide the most comfortable conditions for hiking, with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall.

11. Fishing in Daly River: An Angler’s Paradise

The Daly River, southwest of Darwin, is renowned as one of the best fishing spots in Australia, especially famous for its barramundi. Anglers from all over the world come to try their luck in these fertile waters. The river is not just about fishing; it’s a serene escape where nature abounds, with opportunities to spot unique birdlife and even crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Fishing in the Daly River can be experienced through guided tours or by setting out on your own. While a fishing license is required, the investment is worth it for the chance to catch the prized barramundi. The best time to visit is during the late dry season, from August to October, when water levels are lower, and fish are more concentrated.

12. Mary River Wetlands Bird Watching: A Birder’s Haven

The Mary River Wetlands, located east of Darwin, are a bird watcher’s paradise. This ecological haven is home to a diverse array of birdlife, making it one of the most important and spectacular birding destinations in Australia. The wetlands come alive with the sounds and sights of various bird species, including jabirus, sea eagles, and kingfishers.

Visitors can explore the wetlands through river cruises, which offer an up-close view of the birds in their natural environment. These tours vary in cost, providing options for every budget. The dry season is the best time to visit, as the lower water levels create ideal conditions for bird watching and photography.

13. Kings Canyon Rim Walk: A Spectacular Desert Odyssey

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park is a highlight for any adventurer. This majestic canyon, with its ancient sandstone walls rising dramatically from the desert floor, offers a hike that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The six-kilometer loop takes you to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the canyon and the surrounding desert landscape.

The Rim Walk is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of the Northern Territory. The best time to embark on this trek is during the cooler months, from April to September, when the temperatures are more forgiving. While the walk is free, guided tours are available for those seeking deeper insights into the canyon’s geology and history.

14. Alice Springs Telegraph Station: A Glimpse into the Past

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a historical gem, marking the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. This historic station played a crucial role in connecting Australia with the rest of the world in the 19th century. Today, it stands as a well-preserved museum where visitors can step back in time to explore the early days of communication.

The Telegraph Station is not just a historical site; it’s surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely walks. The station is open year-round, with a small entry fee, providing an affordable and educational outing suitable for all ages.

15. Devils Marbles Exploration: Marvel at Nature’s Sculptures

The Devils Marbles, or Karlu Karlu, are an extraordinary collection of huge granite boulders, precariously balanced and scattered across a wide, shallow valley. Located near Tennant Creek, these geological formations are one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic and photographed landmarks.

Visitors to the Devils Marbles can wander amongst these natural sculptures, marveling at their size and pondering the natural forces that shaped them. This site is a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise or sunset when the warm light accentuates their red and orange hues. The site is open year-round and is free to visit, making it an accessible attraction for everyone.

16. Mindil Beach Sunset Market: A Feast for the Senses

The Mindil Beach Sunset Market, located in Darwin, is a vibrant and bustling hub of activity and one of the city’s most beloved attractions. The market, operating during the dry season from April to October, is famous for its stunning sunset views over the Timor Sea. It’s a place where food, crafts, and cultures from around the world come together.

At the Mindil Beach Market, you can savor a wide array of international cuisines, shop for unique crafts and artworks, and enjoy live music and street performances. The atmosphere here is electric, with a mix of locals and tourists mingling and enjoying the balmy evenings. Entry to the market is free, offering a delightful experience that’s easy on the wallet.

17. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory: A Cultural Hub

Located in Darwin, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is a window into the region’s artistic, cultural, and natural history. The museum boasts a diverse collection, including Indigenous art, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art, and displays of the region’s marine biodiversity. Not to be missed is the Cyclone Tracy exhibit, which offers a poignant insight into the devastating impact of the 1974 cyclone on Darwin.

The MAGNT is more than just a museum; it’s a cultural hub where history, art, and science converge. With free entry, it’s an accessible attraction for everyone, open year-round. Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, the museum provides an enriching experience for all visitors.

18. Aboriginal Cultural Tours: Connecting with Ancient Traditions

The Northern Territory offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient traditions of its Indigenous inhabitants through Aboriginal cultural tours. These tours, available in various locations, allow visitors to engage with Aboriginal guides who share their knowledge of the land, art, and traditional practices.

These immersive experiences can include learning about bush tucker, participating in traditional ceremonies, or exploring sacred sites. The tours not only provide a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture but also support local communities. While the cost and availability of tours vary, they’re invaluable for those seeking an authentic and respectful insight into Australia’s Indigenous heritage.

19. Crocosaurus Cove Darwin: An Encounter with Prehistoric Giants

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin offers the chance to come face-to-face with some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in captivity. One of the most thrilling experiences is the ‘Cage of Death’, where you can dive in a transparent enclosure surrounded by these prehistoric giants.

But it’s not all about thrills; the cove also provides educational experiences about crocodile conservation and biology. With an entry fee and additional costs for experiences like the cage dive, Crocosaurus Cove offers a range of options for visitors. Open year-round, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in these fascinating creatures.

20. Uluru Astronomy Tours: A Celestial Adventure

Under the clear desert skies, Uluru offers a spectacular setting for stargazing. The Uluru Astronomy Tours give you the chance to explore the southern night sky, learning about constellations, stars, and planets. The tours, led by knowledgeable guides, provide insights into how the local Anangu people interpret the sky.

These tours are not just about astronomy; they’re a blend of science, culture, and storytelling, making for an unforgettable evening. While there are costs associated with the tours, the experience of stargazing in such an iconic location is priceless. The best time to join these tours is during the clear winter nights from May to September.

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The 20 Best Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Things To Do

May 27, 2024

Bangkok's Best: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems

Welcome to Bangkok , where timeless temples rub elbows with futuristic skyscrapers and old-world traditions blend seamlessly with electric street markets. It’s a city where the ancient meets the ultra-modern, offering an unmissable mix of history, culture, and raw urban energy.

Whether you’re a street food aficionado or a history buff, a night owl or a market hound, there’s something here that will light your fire. With our guide to the 20 best things to do in Bangkok, you’re in for an unforgettable journey through this thrilling, chaotic metropolis.

1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Nestled in the heart of Rattanakosin Island, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are Bangkok’s crown jewels, standing tall as a testament to the grandeur of Thai royalty. The dazzling golden spires, intricate murals, and lush gardens make this a visual feast.

But it’s the Emerald Buddha, meticulously carved from a single block of jade, that steals the show. As the spiritual heart of Thailand, this revered statue is worth the 500 THB entrance fee alone.

Be sure to dress modestly and soak up the history of this former royal residence, where every corner speaks of the ancient kingdom’s rich legacy.

2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Cross the Chao Phraya River to find Wat Arun, a temple known for its towering spires that seem to reach for the sky. Nicknamed the Temple of Dawn for the way it catches the first light of morning, Wat Arun offers unparalleled views over Bangkok, particularly when the sun dips below the horizon.

Climb the steep steps of its central prang (spire) to feel like you’re floating above the river, with the city’s skyline stretching in every direction.

For just 100 THB, you’ll not only score those postcard-perfect shots but also experience a calming retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

3. Chatuchak Weekend Market

Prepare to unleash your inner bargain hunter at Chatuchak Weekend Market, where over 15,000 stalls spill out in every direction, creating a labyrinth of treasures.

Spanning everything from clothing and antiques to plants and street eats, this is one of the best places to dive into Bangkok’s street shopping scene. Kamphaeng Phet Road comes alive on weekends with throngs of people scavenging for unique finds while sampling everything from grilled meats to fresh coconuts.

Arrive early to beat the midday heat and crowds, and bring a bit of cash (and patience) for the inevitable haggling over prices.

4. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

If you're mesmerized by impressive religious monuments, Wat Pho is a must-see. Nestled near the Grand Palace, this temple is famous for its gigantic reclining Buddha, draped in gold leaf and stretching 46 meters long. It’s one of those sights that simply can't be captured in a single frame.

Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and you can book a rejuvenating session from therapists trained right at the temple’s own massage school. For a 200 THB entrance fee, you'll explore ornate murals, intricately decorated chedis (stupas), and one of the largest collections of Buddha images in Thailand .

The temple grounds exude an otherworldly peace, making this a serene spot to escape Bangkok's frenetic pace.

5. Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Bangkok's Chinatown is a cacophony of sights and smells, with colorful temples and sizzling street food stalls crammed together in narrow alleyways. Centered around Yaowarat Road, this is where Bangkok's Chinese community congregates, and the energy is infectious.

Let your senses lead you as you navigate through vendors hawking everything from herbal medicines to dim sum. And when the sun sets, the street food scene really kicks into high gear with grilled squid, crispy pork belly, and mango sticky rice—foodies rejoice!

Add in vibrant temples like Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, and you've got a district that's unapologetically bold and bursting with character.

6. Jim Thompson House

A hidden gem near the National Stadium BTS Station, the Jim Thompson House is a collection of traditional Thai teakwood homes brought together by the legendary American silk merchant. Jim Thompson’s legacy is steeped in mystery (he disappeared in Malaysia without a trace), but his exquisite taste in Thai art and architecture is on full display here. The homes are connected by lush gardens and filled with antique artifacts, textiles, and sculptures he collected throughout Asia. The serene surroundings offer a stark contrast to the chaotic streets just beyond the gates. For 200 THB, this museum will have you wandering through history while uncovering the curious story of the “Silk King” who put Thai silk on the map.

7. Floating Markets (Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa)

For a slice of authentic Thai culture, the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa are essential stops. Picture yourself on a long-tail boat, gliding past wooden docks where vendors balance fresh fruits, local snacks, and colorful trinkets.

At Damnoen Saduak, a bit outside the city, you’ll experience an almost sensory overload with merchants cooking right on their boats, calling out to bargain-hungry tourists. Amphawa, a shorter drive from Bangkok, is a little more laid-back, perfect for sampling local seafood or scouting unique souvenirs.

If you want to beat the tourist rush, set your alarm early to catch these markets at their vibrant, bustling best.

8. Asiatique The Riverfront

Asiatique The Riverfront is a night market turned up a notch, mixing Bangkok’s love for street food and entertainment with modern shops and a riverside boardwalk.

It’s easily accessible by a free ferry from Saphan Taksin BTS Station, making the journey there as fun as the destination itself. A huge Ferris wheel gives you sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River, and the cabaret shows are a visual feast.

You’ll find unique boutiques alongside trendy eateries, so whether you’re hunting for quirky accessories or your next Instagram story backdrop, this spot offers an eclectic vibe wrapped in neon lights.

9. Erawan Shrine

Smack dab in the middle of Bangkok's commercial core, the Erawan Shrine stands like an oasis amidst the chaos of the city’s high-end shopping malls. It’s not unusual to see devotees performing ritualistic dances or offering flowers and incense to the Hindu deity Brahma, in hopes of good fortune.

The shrine is an interesting contrast to the polished surroundings, providing a cultural touchstone in the middle of the urban grind. Join the crowd and marvel at the traditional dance performances, which happen throughout the day, creating an immersive spiritual experience.

You might just find yourself enchanted by the blend of fervor and devotion in this tiny but mighty landmark.

10. Khao San Road

Known as the mecca of backpackers, Khao San Road is unapologetically chaotic, drawing budget travelers from every corner of the world with its promise of cheap thrills and raucous nightlife. By day, it's a bustling bazaar where vendors hawk elephant pants, woven bracelets, and counterfeit IDs.

As night falls, the street transforms into a neon-lit playground of dive bars, blaring music, and street food vendors serving everything from crispy insects to pad Thai. It’s a place to let loose and meet kindred wanderers over a Chang beer or two, and if you’re after a tattoo or an impromptu haircut, you can find that too.

Brace yourself—Khao San doesn’t sleep, and you shouldn’t either.

11. Terminal 21

In a city where malls double as entertainment hubs, Terminal 21 stands out with its world tour theme. Each floor represents a different global destination, from Rome’s Trevi Fountain to Tokyo’s neon-lit streets. It’s all topped off with a replica Golden Gate Bridge stretching across the San Francisco floor.

Connected to Asok BTS Station, Terminal 21 is a shopping paradise where you can score international brands and unique local finds. Don’t miss the top-floor food court, serving a variety of dishes to satisfy every craving.

And if you're tired from your travels around the world (or just the mall), take a breather at one of the many quirky cafes.

12. Lumphini Park

Escape Bangkok's urban jungle at Lumphini Park, a green oasis where locals gather for early morning tai chi or jogs around the scenic lakes.

Named after the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, the park offers shaded paths and paddleboat rides that will make you forget you're in the heart of a bustling metropolis. Keep an eye out for the resident monitor lizards that lazily bask on the banks or under the trees.

With fitness centers, outdoor gyms, and open-air concerts, it’s the perfect spot to recharge between temple-hopping and market-hunting. Pick up some street food and settle on the grass for a mini-picnic with views of Bangkok's striking skyline.

13. MBK Center

If your idea of retail therapy involves uncovering bargains, MBK Center is your playground. Connected to the National Stadium BTS Station, this eight-story shopping mecca features over 2,000 shops offering everything from trendy clothing and mobile gadgets to quirky souvenirs.

It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible, with shopkeepers ready to haggle on prices as you navigate through the labyrinthine aisles. Feeling peckish? Head to the food court for affordable Thai staples or international fast-food favorites.

The mall even has an entire floor dedicated to electronics, making it a haven for tech enthusiasts. Just make sure to bring some extra cash and patience as you hunt for the ultimate deal.

14. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

In Bangkok’s Chatuchak district lies a creative treasure trove: the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Here, five floors showcase a vibrant collection of modern Thai art, from thought-provoking sculptures to evocative paintings that reflect the country’s cultural identity and evolving political landscape.

Founded by businessman Boonchai Bencharongkul, MOCA brings the best of Thai contemporary art under one roof, giving you a deep dive into the local art scene. With rotating exhibitions and permanent installations, you’ll find work that’s bold, contemplative, and refreshingly diverse.

The museum’s minimalist architecture adds to the experience, creating a peaceful sanctuary where art and inspiration seamlessly converge.

15. Siam Paragon

Fancy a little more luxury with your shopping? Siam Paragon is your high-end retail escape, where international luxury brands jostle for attention alongside gourmet eateries and flagship stores. Connected to the Siam BTS Station, Paragon is a glitzy playground catering to upscale tastes.

After browsing through fashion, jewelry, and tech brands, take a deep dive into the ocean at SEA LIFE Bangkok, a sprawling aquarium with underwater tunnels and exotic marine life. For a culinary adventure, the food court boasts an impressive array of international cuisines.

Whether you're splurging or window shopping, the glitz and glamor of Siam Paragon are hard to resist.

16. Wat Saket (Golden Mount)

Rising above Bangkok's old town like a golden crown, Wat Saket, or the Golden Mount, offers panoramic views that will leave you awestruck. To get to the top, you'll need to climb around 300 steps, but the journey is peppered with serene statues, tinkling bells, and cooling mist sprays.

Once you reach the summit, the golden chedi shines brilliantly against the sky, providing an otherworldly view over the sprawling city below.

For just 50 THB, you get the perfect spot to capture both the old-world charm of Rattanakosin Island and the sleek skyline of modern Bangkok. It’s best visited at dusk when the city lights start to twinkle.

17. Bangkok National Museum

For a deep dive into Thai history and culture, the Bangkok National Museum is your go-to. Sitting near the lush Sanam Luang Park, the museum houses the largest collection of Thai artifacts in the country, ranging from ancient sculptures to traditional costumes.

The displays take you through various eras of Thai civilization, giving insight into the evolution of art, religion, and politics. The intricate wood carvings and gilded ceremonial carriages are particularly eye-catching.

If you can, join one of the free guided tours to make the most of your visit. It’s a peaceful oasis that contrasts with the city’s lively pace, offering a thoughtful exploration into Thailand's vibrant heritage.

18. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

Just opposite the bustling MBK Center is the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), a creative haven where artists, performers, and visionaries converge. The BACC's spiraling white corridors lead to diverse art exhibitions showcasing contemporary works from Thailand and beyond.

You’ll find everything from photography to street art installations, often accompanied by live music or poetry readings. This cultural hub also houses quirky art shops, indie cafes, and craft workshops where you can pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs or just soak up the creative vibes.

With free exhibitions and a buzzing atmosphere, BACC is a must-visit for anyone wanting to connect with Bangkok’s thriving artistic scene.

19. Soi Cowboy

Step into the neon-lit wonderland of Soi Cowboy, a nightlife district near Asok BTS Station that packs a lot of energy into its short, colorful street. Here, you’ll find a row of go-go bars and pubs that cater to tourists and locals alike, each blaring its own playlist and flashing vibrant lights to entice the adventurous. While it’s known for its racy entertainment, Soi Cowboy also has a surprisingly laid-back vibe where you can chat with friends over a drink or two. Think of it as a microcosm of Bangkok’s famed nightlife. Wander through, enjoy the atmosphere, and snap a few pics of the neon signage for your Instagram feed.

20. Rod Fai Night Market

Finally, the Rod Fai Night Market brings your Bangkok adventure to a perfect close. Located near Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station, this vibrant bazaar has all the eclectic, quirky energy you expect from the city’s best night markets.

From retro treasures and vintage clothing to modern streetwear and quirky antiques, this market has something for every kind of shopper. And the food? Street vendors whip up tasty local delicacies and international dishes that’ll keep you munching all night long.

Whether you’re after 1950s Americana or just a hip place to hang out with friends, the Rod Fai Night Market provides a colorful, unforgettable experience that captures Bangkok’s unique spirit.

Bangkok is a city that grabs you by the senses and doesn’t let go. With its heady mix of ancient temples, sizzling street markets, world-class shopping, and vibrant nightlife, it’s the ultimate playground for curious travelers.

From the serene spires of Wat Arun to the chaotic buzz of Khao San Road, each corner reveals another layer of its character, showing why it’s one of the world’s most exciting cities.

So, whether you’re floating down a market canal or getting lost in the art scene, the 20 best things to do in Bangkok will ensure your trip is nothing short of legendary. Pack your bags, get your camera ready, and immerse yourself in this thrilling city!

20 Awesome Things To Do In Dubai

May 21, 2024

Discover Dubai: The Ultimate Guide to the City's Top Attractions

Dubai, a glittering jewel in the United Arab Emirates, is a city of extremes—from sky-high skyscrapers and sprawling shopping malls to tranquil beaches and traditional souks. It's a place where the future meets tradition, offering a plethora of experiences that cater to any taste and thrill any visitor.

In this guide, we dive into the vibrant heart of Dubai, exploring the very best activities that promise to enrich your travel diary. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a shopping enthusiast, or a culture aficionado, Dubai has something special just for you.

Get ready to uncover practical tips, cost insights, and the can't-miss spots of this bustling metropolis.

1. Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

Where the City Meets the Sky

Reaching for the clouds at an impressive 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa stands as the tallest building in the world and is a marvel of modern engineering and architectural genius.

A trip to Dubai is incomplete without a visit to its iconic observation decks located on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. Here's why this should be at the top of your Dubai bucket list:

• Unparalleled Views: The observation deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline, desert, and ocean. It's a perfect opportunity to capture those Instagram-worthy shots of Dubai’s tapestry of architectural wonders and sprawling sand dunes.
• At the Top, SKY: For those seeking an even more elevated experience, the 148th floor boasts the highest observation deck in the world, providing a more intimate viewing experience.

Practical Tips:

• Best Times to Visit: To catch the splendid sunrise or the vibrant sunset, plan your visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Booking your tickets online in advance can save you time and often, money.
• Ticket Prices: Standard entry costs vary with peak times generally more expensive. Prices start around AED 149 for advance bookings to the lower decks during non-peak hours.

2. Dubai Mall

A Shopper’s Paradise and More

Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world. This mammoth complex is a shopper’s paradise, with over 1,200 stores ranging from high-end fashion labels to unique local boutiques. But shopping is just the tip of the iceberg:

• Beyond Shopping: Explore the massive indoor ice rink, catch a movie at one of the 22-screen cinemas, or marvel at the aquatic life in the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
• VR Park: Thrill-seekers should not miss the VR Park, a virtual reality indoor theme park that challenges reality with its adrenaline-pumping experiences.
• Highlights Not to Miss: The Dubai Dino, a genuine dinosaur skeleton, and the periodic Dubai Fountain Show just outside the mall are must-sees.
• Dining Options: With over 200 dining options, you’re never far from a delicious meal or quick snack. Try local delicacies or international cuisines to refuel during your shopping spree.

3. Dubai Fountain Show

Dancing Waters on a Grand Scale

Situated at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa and just outside the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain system. This spectacular show combines music, water, and light to create a truly mesmerizing spectacle:

• Free Entertainment: Shows occur every evening, making it a perfect after-dinner attraction. Each performance is unique, featuring a range of music from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.
• Best Viewing Spots: For the best views, find a spot along the waterfront promenade. Alternatively, several nearby restaurants offer views of the fountain, combining dining with entertainment.
• Show Timings: The fountain shows start in the late afternoon and run until late evening, with performances every 30 minutes. Arriving early can help you secure a prime spot along the crowded promenade.

4. Palm Jumeirah

Island Luxury and Panoramic Views

Palm Jumeirah, an engineering marvel, is the world's largest artificial island, resembling a stylized palm tree from above. This iconic Dubai landmark offers luxury hotels, posh apartment towers, and miles of sun-drenched beaches.

• Why Go: It’s not just about upscale living; it’s about experiencing the pinnacle of leisurely beachside sophistication. Take a monorail trip along the 'trunk' of the Palm for stunning skyline views or dine at one of its many world-class restaurants overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
• Activities: Water sports, beach clubs, and relaxation spots abound, making it a perfect getaway within the bustling city.
• Getting There: The Palm Monorail is the most scenic way to explore the Palm Jumeirah, with stations connecting the various districts.
• Cost: While the island is free to explore, activities and dining can range from moderately expensive to high-end luxury, depending on the venue.

5. Desert Safari

Adventure in the Arabian Dunes

A desert safari in Dubai offers an unforgettable adventure into the vast dunes just outside the city. This experience combines tradition with thrill, offering activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel rides.

• Why Go: Experience the essence of the Arabian desert with a sunset over the sands followed by an evening of traditional entertainment and a BBQ dinner under the stars.
• Must-Try: Don't miss the opportunity to snap photos in traditional Arabian clothes or try a short camel ride.
• Choosing the Right Tour: Numerous companies offer desert safaris, so select one that fits your schedule and includes all the activities you're interested in.
• What to Wear: Dress comfortably in loose clothing and bring a jacket as it can get chilly in the desert at night.
• Cost: Prices typically range from AED 150 to AED 500, depending on the level of luxury and inclusion of private tours.

6. Dubai Marina

Cosmopolitan Seaside Delights

Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city, built along a two-mile stretch of Persian Gulf shoreline. Here you find Dubai’s most picturesque skyscrapers and a vibrant promenade lined with restaurants, boutiques, and yachts.

• Why Go: Ideal for dining al fresco at one of the many cafes and restaurants that offer everything from gourmet meals to casual eats. The area also boasts a bustling nightlife and frequent social events.
• Activities: Take a yacht tour, enjoy a leisurely dinner cruise, or simply stroll along the Marina Walk for beautiful views of the water and skyline.
• Exploring the Area: Rent a bike or walk the length of the Marina to truly appreciate the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
• Dining Recommendations: Try to snag a waterfront table for dinner, particularly at sunset, for a truly scenic dining experience.
• Cost: Walking around the Marina is free, but dining and activities such as boat rentals vary in price from moderate to high-end.

7. Global Village

Cultural Extravaganza and International Flavors

Global Village is more than just an entertainment park; it's a cultural melting pot that brings together festivals, markets, and shows from around the world. During the cooler months, this park becomes a hive of activity with representations from over 75 countries.

• Why Go: It’s the perfect place to experience a variety of cultures through food, handicrafts, and performances. Each country’s pavilion offers unique goods and shows, providing a whirlwind tour of global traditions.
• Must-Try: Be sure to catch live performances and try foods from as many different countries as possible.
• Best Time to Visit: Visit in the late afternoon or early evening to enjoy cooler temperatures and stay for the nighttime shows and fireworks.
• Entry Fee: There's an entry fee that is generally quite affordable, with additional costs for purchases inside.

8. Old Dubai and Dubai Creek

Heart of Heritage and Traditional Charm

Stepping into Old Dubai and along the banks of Dubai Creek, you'll find yourself transported back in time. This area is the original heart of the city, home to the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and the Dubai Museum.

• Why Go: It's the ideal place to discover Dubai's history and traditional markets. A ride in an Abra (traditional boat) across the Creek offers a picturesque view of Dubai’s past and present merging.
• Must-Try: Haggle over prices in the souks and explore the alleyways filled with hidden treasures.
• Navigating the Area: The area can be crowded; it’s best to visit during the morning or late afternoon. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for some spirited bargaining if you shop.
• Cost: Abra rides are very inexpensive, and you might find good bargains in the souks if you're up for some haggling.

9. Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah

Adrenaline Rush with a View

For thrill-seekers looking for an unforgettable experience, skydiving over Palm Jumeirah offers a unique perspective of Dubai’s iconic palm-shaped island and the surrounding blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.

• Why Go: It’s an exhilarating adventure that combines the thrill of freefall with spectacular aerial views of one of the world’s most unique landscapes.
• Must-Try: Make sure to book a tandem jump if you're not an experienced skydiver, and opt for the photo and video package to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Booking Your Jump: Book in advance, especially during tourist season, as slots fill up quickly. Morning jumps are preferable for the best visibility.
• What to Wear: Wear athletic, comfortable clothing and sneakers. Gear will be provided.
• Cost: It’s on the pricier side, but the experience is well worth it for those seeking an unforgettable adventure.

10. Miracle Garden

A Floral Fantasy in the Desert

Dubai Miracle Garden is a spectacle of over 50 million flowers arranged in intricate designs and breathtaking sculptures. This expansive garden, open from November to March, transforms the desert landscape into a colorful floral wonderland.

• Why Go: It's the largest natural flower garden in the world, providing a vibrant and photogenic escape from the city's urban sprawl. The heart-shaped pathway, full-sized houses, and even an Emirates A380 aircraft covered in flowers are not to be missed.
• Must-Try: Explore the butterfly garden, which houses thousands of butterflies in a custom-built dome.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. The light is also ideal for photography during these times.
• Entry Fee: There is a nominal fee to enter, which is well worth the price for the unique photo opportunities and the experience of the garden.

11. Dubai Frame

Framing the City's Past and Present

Located in Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame is known as the "biggest picture frame on the planet," standing 150 meters tall. Visitors can walk across the glass bridge at the top of the frame, which offers panoramic views of Old Dubai to the north and the sleek skyscrapers of New Dubai to the south.

• Why Go: This architectural landmark offers a literal and metaphorical bridge between the city’s rich past and its futuristic present. The Sky Deck provides interactive exhibits about Dubai's history and the rapid transformation it has undergone.
• Must-Try: Don't miss the immersive experience on the Sky Deck where the past, present, and future of Dubai are brought to life through advanced technology.
• Getting There: Zabeel Park can be reached by metro, and the Frame is a short walk from the park’s entrance.
• Ticket Prices: Tickets are reasonably priced and can be purchased online to avoid waiting in lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.

12. JBR Beach and The Walk

Beachside Leisure and Retail Therapy

JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) Beach and The Walk offer a lively mix of beach activities and shopping in one of Dubai's most dynamic neighborhoods. This bustling waterfront promenade is lined with cafes, shops, street markets, and an outdoor cinema.

• Why Go: It’s the perfect spot for those looking to soak up the sun on white sandy beaches while having access to vibrant retail and dining options just steps away. The area is also famous for its outdoor fitness activities and water sports.
• Must-Try: Join a beach yoga session or try out paddleboarding. The cinema on the beach is also a unique experience.
• Exploring the Area: The area is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. There are plenty of rental options for bikes and scooters if you want to cover more ground.
• Dining Recommendations: The Walk features a range of dining options, from fast casual to gourmet, with many offering beach views.
• Cost: Access to the beach is free, though certain activities and dining will incur costs. Rental prices for sports equipment are generally reasonable.

13. Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Step Back in Time in Old Dubai

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood offers a glimpse into the Dubai of yesteryear, with its well-preserved traditional buildings made from stone, palm wood, and black coral. The area, once a bustling trading zone, now hosts art galleries, museums, and quaint cafés.

• Why Go: It's the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and cultural history of Dubai. Walking through its narrow lanes, you'll discover the Dubai Museum, housed in the ancient Al Fahidi Fort, and various cultural exhibits.
• Must-Try: Attend a cultural meal or a guided heritage tour, which often includes traditional Emirati cuisine and stories about the area’s history.
• Navigating the Area: The neighborhood is compact and best explored on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Cost: Entrance to most galleries and the museum is very affordable, with many free events and exhibits throughout the year.

14. IMG Worlds of Adventure

Thrills and Chills in the World’s Largest Indoor Theme Park

IMG Worlds of Adventure brings your favorite characters from Marvel and Cartoon Network to life with state-of-the-art rides in an air-conditioned space covering 1.5 million square feet.

• Why Go: It's a must-visit for families and thrill-seekers alike, featuring rides and attractions that cater to all ages. From high-speed roller coasters like the Velociraptor to gentler options for younger children, there’s something for everyone.
• Must-Try: Don't miss the opportunity to meet and greet characters from your favorite childhood cartoons and superhero films.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Arriving early can help you beat the crowds and enjoy more rides without long waits.
• Ticket Prices: Pricing varies, with options for additional fast-track access. It’s often more economical to purchase tickets online in advance.

15. Dubai Opera

A Cultural Hub with Architectural Elegance

Situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Opera is a stunning piece of contemporary architecture designed to resemble a traditional sailing vessel. This 2,000-seat multi-format venue hosts a range of performances, from opera and ballet to concerts and theatre productions.

• Why Go: Dubai Opera offers a sophisticated cultural experience with its diverse lineup of performances. The building itself is a marvel, with state-of-the-art acoustics and a striking design.
• Must-Try: Check the schedule and book tickets for a show during your visit. The venue’s architecture and interior design are also worth exploring on a guided tour.
• Dress Code: There is a smart casual dress code for performances, so dress appropriately to enhance your experience.
• Dining Options: The Opera has several upscale restaurants and bars, perfect for a pre-show meal or a post-show drink. Booking a table in advance is recommended.

16. Kite Beach

Sun, Sand, and Sports Kite Beach is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and active lifestyle, making it a hotspot for both locals and tourists. With its clear waters and consistent winds, it's an ideal place for kitesurfing and other water sports.

• Why Go: The beach is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor sports or just want to relax on the sand and soak up the Dubai sun. The beachfront promenade is also lined with cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite or a drink with stunning sea views.
• Must-Try: Engage in a game of beach volleyball, try kite surfing, or rent a paddleboard. If you’re more about relaxation, find a quiet spot to sunbathe and enjoy the lively ambiance.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essentials. If you plan to engage in water sports, appropriate gear is available for rent along the beach.
• Cost: Access to the beach is free, with various activities and rentals available for an additional charge.

17. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

A Deep Dive into Marine Life

Located within the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers an up-close look at thousands of aquatic creatures, from sharks and rays to vibrant tropical fish. The tank is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world.

• Why Go: It’s a fascinating experience for all ages, providing an opportunity to learn about marine life and conservation. The underwater zoo also allows visitors to see rare species like the King Croc, one of the largest reptiles in captivity.
• Must-Try: The shark feeding experience and the glass-bottom boat rides are unique activities that allow you to see the aquatic life from a different perspective.
• Best Times to Visit: Early morning or late evening are less crowded. Consider purchasing a combined ticket with other attractions in the mall to get the best value.
• Cost: Entry fees vary, with additional experiences like the shark encounter or the behind-the-scenes tour available at an extra cost.

18. Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)

Iconic Views from the World’s Largest Observation Wheel

Standing at an impressive height on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai offers spectacular views of the Dubai coastline and landmarks. It's the largest observation wheel in the world, providing a unique vantage point over the city.

• Why Go: A ride on Ain Dubai is a great way to see the city from a new perspective, whether by day or night. Each capsule is air-conditioned and offers panoramic views, making for an unforgettable experience.
• Must-Try: Consider booking a private cabin for a special occasion or choose a sunset ride for the most picturesque experience.
• Booking Advice: Tickets can be purchased in advance online, often at a discount. Check for any special promotions or package deals that might be available.
• Cost: Prices vary depending on the time of day and the type of experience (shared or private cabin).

19. Dubai Canal

Waterfront Innovation and Scenic Views

The Dubai Canal is a stunning example of modern engineering, cutting through the heart of the city and creating a new waterfront. The area around the canal features lush walkways, innovative bridges, and public places and spaces that are perfect for a leisurely evening stroll or a morning jog.

• Why Go: The canal offers a serene escape from the bustling city with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline, especially at night when the bridges and pathways are lit up.
• Must-Try: Take a water taxi for a scenic ride along the canal, or enjoy a dinner cruise for a romantic evening.
• Exploring the Area: The area is pedestrian-friendly with dedicated paths for walking and cycling. It’s a great way to explore the city from a different angle.
• Cost: Walking along the canal is free, but boat rides and cruises are available at various prices depending on the length of the journey and the services offered.

Beachfront Leisure with a Quirky Twist

La Mer is a vibrant beachfront district that blends sun, sea, and entertainment with eclectic style and casual chic. With wide open spaces, palm tree-lined boulevards, graffiti art and funky murals, La Mer draws a trendy crowd.

• Why Go: It’s the perfect place to unwind with family and friends. You can sunbathe on the beach, shop in unique stores, and dine at stylish eateries. The area also features a waterpark, making it a fun day out for all ages.
• Must-Try: Don’t miss the chance to snap some photos with the colorful street art as a backdrop or enjoy the water slides at Laguna Waterpark.
• What to Wear: Beachwear blended with casual street clothes is perfect for transitioning from a relaxing day on the sand to an evening dining along the promenade.
• Cost: Access to the beach is free. Dining, shopping, and entertainment options vary in price, with something to suit every budget.

Dubai offers an endless array of activities that cater to every type of traveler, combining luxury, culture, adventure, and modern convenience in a unique desert metropolis. From the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa to the eclectic vibes of La Mer, this city never fails to impress. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, Dubai promises a world of experiences. Remember to check local travel tips, respect cultural norms, and most importantly, enjoy every moment in this dynamic city. Safe travels and unforgettable adventures await in the heart of the UAE!

This comprehensive guide to Dubai's top 20 attractions offers a little bit of everything, ensuring that your visit to the city is as full and exciting as possible. Whether you’re exploring the traditional charm of Al Fahidi or the futuristic allure of the Dubai Frame, each destination is sure to enhance your experience and leave you with lasting memories.

The Top 12 Places To See In Beijing, China

May 9, 2024

The Best Places to See in Beijing, China

Imagine a city that seamlessly blends an imperial past with the buzzing energy of modern urban life, where centuries-old traditions dance harmoniously with neon-lit nightlife. That's Beijing in a nutshell.

Whether you're diving into the enchanting palaces of ancient dynasties or seeking inspiration in contemporary art enclaves, Beijing delivers in ways both expected and surprising. This guide will explore twelve of the best attractions that span the spectrum from iconic landmarks to hip, edgy neighborhoods.

So buckle up for a journey that bridges the centuries and covers everything from the Great Wall to the legendary hutongs.

The Forbidden City

Let's start with the big one—the Forbidden City. When you're in the heart of Beijing, it's hard to miss this sprawling imperial palace that once housed China's emperors for nearly 500 years. The labyrinth of 900-plus buildings spread across 180 acres is a mesmerizing relic of the Ming and Qing dynasties, boasting intricate wooden architecture and opulent courtyards.

Legend has it that only those chosen by the emperor could tread these sacred grounds, and as you wander through the carefully curated halls, you can feel the weight of history that still lingers.

Situated right in the city's core, you can easily walk here or catch a subway. Don't sleep on booking an audio guide or hiring a local guide—there's nothing like hearing about the palace intrigues and ghost stories directly from a knowledgeable source. Tickets range from around 60 to 80 RMB depending on the season, and given the UNESCO heritage site's popularity, it's worth reserving your spot in advance.

This is a must-see place in Beijing if you want to marvel at its meticulously preserved artifacts and wander among the same halls where emperors made history.

The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section)

No trip to Beijing is complete without paying homage to the iconic Great Wall. And while there are multiple sections you could visit, the Mutianyu section is where it's at for breathtaking views without the tourist stampede. This well-preserved stretch, adorned with watchtowers and lush hills, provides a striking contrast to the wall's rugged grandeur.

You'll understand why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is often touted as one of the world's most impressive architectural feats.

Getting to Mutianyu is a breeze with several bus and tour package options from Beijing. It's roughly a 1.5-hour drive, making it a convenient day trip from the city. A basic entry ticket costs around 45 RMB, with an additional 100 RMB if you opt for the cable car—a worthy splurge for that effortless ascent.

Pro tip: pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a camera, because those uphill climbs are real, but so are the brag-worthy views. Whether you're snapping selfies atop the ancient watchtowers or soaking in the expansive landscape, this is one part of the Great Wall that won't disappoint.

Summer Palace

When you need a breather from Beijing's bustling city streets, the Summer Palace is your serene escape, nestled on the outskirts of the city. Originally built as a royal garden, this vast retreat sprawls across 700 acres, with Longevity Hill rising gracefully above the shimmering Kunming Lake.

The place radiates tranquility, with pavilions, temples, and bridges weaving seamlessly into lush landscapes. Once the playground of emperors, it's now a retreat where you can lose yourself in ornate gardens and find peace among classical Chinese architecture.

Getting here is simple—just hop on the subway, and you'll be strolling through the Palace gates in no time. Entrance costs a reasonable 30 RMB in the off-season and 60 RMB during the peak months, so you won't break the bank. A scenic boat ride across the lake is an absolute must, especially if you're chasing that sunset glow.

Empress Dowager Cixi was known for her lavish tastes and hosted extravagant feasts in the Great Hall. Walking the Palace's stone paths, you'll sense the opulence and grandeur that still whispers from the royal halls.

Temple of Heaven

Once a sacred ritual site for emperors, the Temple of Heaven is now a tranquil oasis in bustling Beijing. Circular and symmetrical in design, it's a marvel of sacred geometry, representing the ancient Chinese belief in the harmony between heaven and earth. The emperors came here to pray for good harvests and divine favor, and you'll understand why this spot was chosen as soon as you step inside.

The complex features the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Echo Wall, which carries whispers across its circular enclosure.

Located in the southern part of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is easily accessible via subway or bus. Entry is around 35 RMB, including access to the stunning inner temples. Make sure to time your visit right to catch locals practicing tai chi or dancing in the adjacent park. The hall’s blue-tiled roof and beautifully painted eaves will blow your mind, and don't forget to check out the Echo Wall, which lives up to its name.

If you want a peaceful retreat with a touch of divine history, this is the place to soak in Beijing's ancient past.

798 Art District

Get ready for a splash of creativity in the gritty-cool 798 Art District, where old military factories have morphed into Beijing’s vibrant epicenter for contemporary art. This area boasts galleries filled with cutting-edge exhibitions, graffiti-laden alleyways that exude creative energy, and quirky boutiques offering everything from vintage threads to avant-garde decor.

The vibe here is all about blending old industrial chic with new-age artistic flair, making it a must-see place in Beijing if you crave unique aesthetics. Cafes and street vendors line the streets, so grab a latte, meander through outdoor installations, and stop by edgy fashion boutiques to fuel your artistic soul.

To reach 798, take the subway and prepare to walk or grab a cab for the last mile. There's no admission fee to roam the district, but some galleries and exhibitions might charge a nominal fee. Between photo ops with the towering statues and street art that could rival Banksy, you'll find a café culture that fuels the art scene's inspiration with creative lattes and espresso shots.

Hutongs of Beijing

Navigating Beijing’s hutongs is like unraveling a story one alleyway at a time. These narrow, maze-like streets are remnants of ancient city planning and offer a peek into Beijing’s past, where life flows at a more relaxed pace than the high-rise downtown. Whether it's locals bargaining at the vibrant street markets, friends playing mahjong in a courtyard, or a noodle shop dishing out the city's best dumplings, the hutongs are where the heartbeat of old Beijing thrives.

Don’t miss Nanluoguxiang, the liveliest of them all, offering food stalls with street delicacies like fried scorpions and tamer snacks for the less adventurous. Trendy boutiques spill out into the street, and bars buzz with a nightlife that mixes traditional and hip vibes.

For those seeking a quieter experience, head to other hutongs, where you can take in traditional courtyard homes or rent a bike to explore like a local. Guided tours are highly recommended for a more in-depth understanding of the rich history and stories embedded in these alleyways.

Read Next: 10 Traditional Chinese Foods To Try in China

National Museum of China

Situated on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China is your all-access pass to the epic history of the Middle Kingdom. With over a million artifacts and exhibits spread across two colossal wings, it’s impossible not to be awed by the sheer scope of China’s 5,000-year-old civilization, meticulously laid out in galleries that range from ancient ceramics to relics from the Cultural Revolution.

The best part? Admission is free, though a valid passport is needed to enter. Start your journey chronologically through the exhibition halls that vividly illustrate China's long timeline, or focus on key themes like ancient bronzes or revolutionary artifacts. Make sure to stop by the hall showcasing the "Road to Rejuvenation," which vividly chronicles China's journey to modernization. Plan to spend at least half a day here, as the museum’s immense collection will leave you inspired and in awe of China’s cultural heritage.

Jingshan Park

Directly across from the Forbidden City lies Jingshan Park, a peaceful green space that offers one of the best panoramic views of Beijing and its sprawling cityscape. Originally an imperial garden, this park is famous for its central hill, which was built using the soil excavated to create the Forbidden City’s moat. At the top of the hill stands the Wanchun Pavilion, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City’s golden roofs and the bustling city beyond.

Entry is just a few RMB, making it an affordable escape from the city’s buzz. The hill isn't too steep, but wear comfy shoes for the climb, which will reward you with postcard-perfect photos. While you're there, check out the five pavilions scattered across the park, each offering its own unique charm. An interesting tidbit: the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen, took his life here after Beijing fell to the rebels, adding a poignant layer of history to the picturesque park.

Beijing Zoo & Beijing Aquarium

For a glimpse of China’s iconic wildlife, look no further than the Beijing Zoo. The star attraction is undoubtedly the lovable giant pandas, munching away on bamboo shoots and lazing around like absolute royalty. But that’s not all—you'll also find over 450 other species from across China and the globe, including rare golden monkeys, Siberian tigers, and exotic birds that bring a splash of color to your visit.

Next door, the Beijing Aquarium ups the aquatic ante with its remarkable collection of marine life. There's a separate admission fee, but it's worth it to witness the mesmerizing coral reef displays, massive shark tanks, and playful dolphin shows. Located just off the subway line, the zoo is best enjoyed early in the day when the crowds are smaller. Entry to the zoo alone costs about 20 RMB, and it's a few more to include the aquarium. Whether you’re snapping selfies with the pandas or diving into the ocean exhibits, this spot will charm and delight visitors of all ages.

Tiananmen Square

Few places carry as much historical and symbolic weight as Tiananmen Square, which has seen the birth of modern China and stands today as the world’s largest public square. Here, you're flanked by significant landmarks like the Monument to the People's Heroes and the massive Great Hall of the People, which houses China’s parliament. It's also the gateway to the Forbidden City, with the striking portrait of Chairman Mao dominating its southern gate.

The vast open space is impressive, and security checks at each entrance ensure everyone’s safety. Visits during early morning or late evening are ideal to avoid the crowds and see the daily flag-raising or lowering ceremonies performed by the Chinese military. Be respectful and aware of the site's historical significance, and don’t forget to explore the surrounding museums for a deeper understanding of this pivotal spot in Chinese history. Admission is free, and it's accessible by subway or bus, making it an essential part of any Beijing sightseeing tour.

Beihai Park

Step into Beihai Park, and you're instantly transported to a tranquil oasis of classical gardens and shimmering lakes. This picturesque escape, centered around a vast lake, is dotted with charming pavilions, historic temples, and elegant stone bridges. The centerpiece of this imperial-era retreat is the White Dagoba Temple, perched atop Jade Flower Island and offering stunning views over the lake.

For a few RMB, you can wander through the lush greenery and marvel at the blend of natural beauty and ancient architecture. But the true magic comes when you hop on a paddle boat and glide across the lake, especially at sunset when the golden hour light bathes the park in warm hues. A small fee applies for boating activities, but it's worth every penny to enjoy this peaceful ride. Centrally located just west of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park is perfect for relaxing walks and moments of reflection, making it one of Beijing's most soothing urban getaways.

Nanluoguxiang

Fancy a blend of ancient alleyways and modern chic? Nanluoguxiang is your go-to. This trendy hutong neighborhood combines history and hip vibes in a maze-like grid of narrow lanes, where quirky boutiques sell everything from funky accessories to vintage decor. Street vendors tempt you with fried scorpions and other daring snacks, while craft beer joints and creative cocktail bars promise a vibrant nightlife.

Don't miss the hidden courtyard cafes, perfect for sipping tea and watching the world go by. At night, the hutong transforms into a lively hotspot with colorful lanterns and music filling the air. The neighborhood is easily accessible by subway and is conveniently close to other hutongs, so you can explore them all in one go. A local favorite, Nanluoguxiang is the place to be for unique souvenirs, bold bites, and eclectic energy.

With Beijing's unbeatable combination of historical grandeur, modern creativity, and cultural charm, there's no shortage of incredible places to explore. From the iconic Forbidden City to the hip 798 Art District, each attraction brings its own flavor to this ancient city, whether you're hunting down the perfect Instagram shot or diving into millennia of Chinese heritage.

Take your time to fully immerse yourself in Beijing's layers, each one revealing a fresh perspective. Share your favorite spots with fellow travelers and suggest other must-visit places for those who haven't yet ventured to Beijing. Whether you're basking in the peacefulness of Beihai Park or tasting the unique flavors of Nanluoguxiang, let this city capture your imagination and fill your memory card with moments worth reliving.

From Luxe to Local: Discover the Best Shopping Centres in Paris

April 29, 2024

Insider's Guide: The Top Places To Go Shopping In Paris

Ah, Paris! A city that's as much about the flair of fashion as it is about the romance of its streets. When it comes to shopping, the City of Light offers more than just a retail experience; it's a chance to dive into a world where glamour meets history in majestic shopping centres.

Whether you're a serious shopper or a casual window browser, Paris has a shopping centre that caters to every taste and budget. So, let’s explore the top shopping destinations where style and sophistication are always in store.

Les Quatre Temps – La Défense

Standing proudly within the futuristic skyline of La Défense, Les Quatre Temps sets the standard for suburban shopping with a Parisian twist. As one of the largest shopping centres in France, it offers a vast array of options, from high-street to high-end.

With over 230 shops, this mall is a paradise for those who seek variety. Les Quatre Temps is not just about shopping; it’s a place where you can enjoy cinema, a rich selection of eateries, and seasonal events that add to the lively atmosphere.

Accessibility is a breeze with direct connections to the metro, making it a favorite for locals and tourists alike. If you're looking for a day out that includes shopping, dining, and entertainment, Les Quatre Temps is your go-to destination.

Forum des Halles – The Heart of Paris

Nestled in the historical belly of Paris, the Forum des Halles is more than just a shopping centre; it's a cultural hub. After extensive renovations, it has transformed into a modern architectural marvel, complete with a vast underground shopping area and the spectacular Canopée – a wavy glass and metal structure that dazzles under the Parisian sky.

This shopping centre hosts a wide variety of shops that cater to all, from tech enthusiasts and fashion lovers to gourmet aficionados. Beyond retail, Forum des Halles is a stone’s throw away from some of Paris’s iconic landmarks like the Centre Pompidou and the Louvre, making it an ideal stop during a day of sightseeing.

With its central location right above the Châtelet - Les Halles metro station, which is a nexus for multiple lines, accessibility couldn’t be better. Whether it's the latest fashion trends or just a cozy spot for a coffee break, Forum des Halles offers it all in the very heart of Paris.

Le Carrousel du Louvre – A Shopper’s Paradise in a Cultural Landmark

Located beneath the iconic Louvre Museum, Le Carrousel du Louvre is a shopping experience unlike any other. This high-end shopping center not only offers an array of exclusive shops and boutiques but also provides a unique cultural twist — imagine browsing for the latest fashion next to a genuine Egyptian obelisk or grabbing a bite near a replica of the famous Louvre Pyramid.

Le Carrousel du Louvre caters to an upscale clientele, featuring luxury brands and specialty shops that are perfect for picking up unique Parisian souvenirs. Additionally, its central location makes it an easy add-on to a day spent exploring the historic and artistic treasures of the Louvre Museum. It's not just about shopping; it’s about indulging in a luxurious environment where history and modernity blend seamlessly.

Galeries Lafayette – An Architectural Triumph of Retail

No shopping trip in Paris is complete without a visit to Galeries Lafayette. Located on Boulevard Haussmann, this legendary department store is a hallmark of Parisian shopping culture, famous for its stunning Belle Époque architecture and the mesmerizing stained glass dome that crowns the main hall.

Galeries Lafayette offers everything from high-end designer labels to more accessible fashion brands, making it a one-stop destination for fashion enthusiasts of all budgets. Beyond the extensive fashion offerings, the store also boasts a gourmet food hall that showcases the best of French and international cuisine — perfect for a delightful gastronomic break between shopping sessions.

During the holiday season, Galeries Lafayette transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with thematic window displays and a towering Christmas tree under its dome, drawing shoppers and admirers from around the world.

Printemps Haussmann – A Symphony of Style and Architecture

Printemps Haussmann, another jewel in the crown of Paris's department stores, stands just a stone's throw from Galeries Lafayette, making the area a veritable shopping district. This historic store is celebrated not only for its exceptional retail offerings but also for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

The entire building is a visual feast, especially the magnificent stained glass dome and ornate façade that epitomize Parisian chic and charm. Inside, shoppers can explore a vast selection of luxury goods, from the latest in high fashion to exquisite beauty products and fine jewelry.

Printemps is particularly known for its attentive service and personal shopping assistance, which makes every visit feel exclusive. Additionally, the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Paris, providing a perfect backdrop for a mid-shopping spree photo or a relaxing drink, making it as much a sightseeing destination as a shopping hub.

BHV Marais – The Creative Heart of Parisian Shopping

Situated in the trendy Marais district, BHV Marais (Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville) stands out for its eclectic mix of products and its appeal to both locals and tourists. This department store may not boast the grandeur of Galeries Lafayette or Printemps, but it makes up for this with its diverse offerings ranging from home decor and DIY tools to fashion and beauty products.

BHV is particularly popular among creative types and those looking for quirky, unconventional items that are hard to find anywhere else. The store's location is also a significant advantage, nestled as it is in one of Paris’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its cobblestone streets, chic boutiques, and bustling bistros.

After shopping, visitors can explore historic sites nearby such as the majestic Hôtel de Ville and the picturesque Place des Vosges, making BHV Marais a prime spot for those who want to combine shopping with cultural exploration.

Les Halles de Paris Saint-Omer – A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Les Halles de Paris Saint-Omer, though less globally renowned than some of its flashy counterparts, presents a charming blend of traditional and contemporary shopping experiences. Located in the bustling heart of the city, this centre is a favorite among those who appreciate a more down-to-earth shopping atmosphere.

The center features a mix of well-known international brands and smaller, artisan boutiques offering everything from trendy fashion to handcrafted gifts. What sets Les Halles de Paris Saint-Omer apart is its commitment to integrating local culture into the shopping experience, hosting various cultural events and pop-up shops that showcase local artists and craftsmen.

This approach not only enriches the shopping experience but also supports the local economy, making it a meaningful stop for those who wish to experience the authentic pulse of Parisian commerce.

Beaugrenelle – The Sleek, Contemporary Shopping Haven

If modern and sleek is what you're after, then Beaugrenelle is your go-to shopping destination in Paris. Situated on the scenic banks of the Seine, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, Beaugrenelle’s glittering glass façade mirrors the contemporary chic of Parisian architecture.

Inside, the shopping centre splits into three beautifully designed buildings connected by walkways that are themselves architectural feats. Beaugrenelle is perfect for those who seek a more refined and relaxed shopping atmosphere. It houses an impressive selection of international fashion brands, tech stores, and home decor boutiques.

Additionally, the center boasts a cinema and several fine dining restaurants, offering a well-rounded day out for family and friends. The panoramic terrace, with its stunning views of the Seine, provides a tranquil escape to reflect on your purchases or simply take in the beauty of Paris.

READ NEXT: THE MOST FAMOUS RESTAURANTS IN PARIS

Passage du Havre – A Cozy Shopping Retreat

Tucked away near the bustling Saint Lazare train station, Passage du Havre provides a serene escape from the typical hustle and bustle of Parisian life. This compact, covered shopping arcade is known for its intimate atmosphere and a focused selection of stores.

Shoppers can find everything from fashion and beauty shops to electronic stores and health services. Passage du Havre is particularly appealing to those looking for a quick and convenient shopping experience without the overwhelming scale of larger malls.

The center is also home to several cafes and casual dining spots, perfect for a refreshing break between shopping sessions. Its central location and direct accessibility from one of Paris’s major transport hubs make it an ideal stop for busy commuters or visitors on the go.

Italie Deux – The Neighborhood Shopping Gem

Located in the multicultural 13th arrondissement, Italie Deux adds a vibrant local flavor to Paris’s shopping scene. This shopping center caters to a diverse clientele, reflecting the varied demographic of the area.

It houses over 130 shops that offer a wide range of products from mainstream retail brands to specialized local goods. Italie Deux is especially appreciated for its friendly, neighborhood-like atmosphere, making shopping here a more personal and relaxed experience. Beyond retail, the center features a selection of eateries serving cuisines from around the world, mirroring the multicultural essence of the surrounding district.

Italie Deux is not just a place to shop; it’s a community hub where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a day filled with shopping, dining, and socializing.

READ NEXT: THE TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN PARIS

Montparnasse Rive Gauche – A Shopper’s Delight in an Artistic Enclave

Montparnasse Rive Gauche offers a shopping experience steeped in the rich artistic history of the Montparnasse district, once home to many of Paris's famous artists and intellectuals. Today, this center serves as a bustling hub where fashion, culture, and art intersect. Shoppers can explore a variety of stores from popular international brands to chic local boutiques.

Montparnasse Rive Gauche is not just about retail; it also features a number of cultural events throughout the year, including art exhibitions and musical performances, making every visit a new experience.

With its easy access and proximity to several Parisian cafes and historic sites, this shopping center is perfect for those who want to combine their shopping trips with a taste of Parisian lifestyle and history.

Le Bon Marché – The Epitome of Parisian Luxury Shopping

Le Bon Marché is not just a shopping center; it's an institution in Paris. Located in the sophisticated 7th arrondissement, it stands as the oldest department store in Paris, famed for its elegant, curated collections of high-end fashion, luxurious homewares, and gourmet foods.

The store’s refined atmosphere and exquisite interior design reflect its legacy of luxury and exclusivity. Shopping at Le Bon Marché is akin to browsing an art gallery, where each item is presented as a masterpiece. The Grande Épicerie de Paris, part of Le Bon Marché, is a food lover’s paradise, offering a vast selection of fine foods from around the world.

For those looking to indulge in high-quality shopping while experiencing a slice of Parisian history, Le Bon Marché offers an unrivaled, opulent experience.

The 20 Best Things To Do In North Iceland

April 25, 2024

20 Epic Things To Do In North Iceland

North Iceland is a realm where fire meets ice, crafting landscapes so dramatic and pure that you'll feel like you've stepped onto the set of a fantasy epic. Far from the bustling streets of Reykjavik, this part of the island whispers the ancient sagas through its whispering winds and roaring waterfalls.

Here, you'll find activities that not only dare you to explore but also challenge you to leave without falling deeply in love with the rugged wilderness. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or an adventure seeker, North Iceland has something spectacular in store for you.

1. Dettifoss: The Power of Nature

Prepare to be humbled by the raw power of Dettifoss, reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Here, water thunders down with such force that the mist surrounding the cascade can be seen several miles away.

For the best experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to dodge the tour buses and capture the perfect photo with the sun casting rainbows through the spray. Wear sturdy boots as the paths can be slippery and always stay within marked boundaries to keep safe while soaking in the awe-inspiring views.

2. Unwind at Mývatn Nature Baths

After a day of adventure, there’s no better way to relax than by soaking in the Mývatn Nature Baths. Less crowded than its southern counterpart, the Blue Lagoon, these baths offer tranquil waters rich in minerals, believed to soothe and rejuvenate tired muscles.

The waters maintain a blissful temperature of around 36-40°C (97-104°F), perfect for a leisurely dip against a backdrop of volcanic landscapes. Facilities are top-notch, with lockers, showers, and a café that serves up local treats. Visit during the evening to enjoy a sunset dip or, if you’re lucky, a magical Northern Lights display overhead.

3. Volcanic Adventures around Lake Mývatn

Lake Mývatn is a sanctuary for those fascinated by volcanic activity and its effects on landscapes. The area is dotted with craters, lava pillars, and fumaroles, making it a great spot for a day of exploration. Hiking around Lake Mývatn offers a firsthand view of Iceland's dynamic earth movements, with trails suitable for all fitness levels.

Don’t miss the Skútustaðagígar Pseudo Craters, formed by gas explosions when boiling lava flowed over the wetlands. For bird enthusiasts, the lake is a thriving bird habitat, especially in summer, teeming with ducks and other migratory species. Remember to bring your camera and a pair of binoculars to capture the bizarre beauty of this geothermal wonderland.

4. Whale Watching in Húsavík

Venture to the quaint town of Húsavík, often dubbed the whale watching capital of Iceland, where the chances of spotting these majestic marine giants are as high as the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The waters here are teeming with humpback , minke, and sometimes even blue whales .

Embark on a guided boat tour to witness these creatures in their natural habitat. Most tours are led by knowledgeable guides who not only help spot whales but also provide insights into their behavior and conservation.

For an added splash of adventure, try a rib boat tour for a faster, closer, and more thrilling encounter. Remember to dress warmly and bring a waterproof camera to capture this unforgettable experience.

5. Ásbyrgi Canyon: Iceland’s Hidden Gem

Ásbyrgi Canyon is a spectacular, horseshoe-shaped depression that legends claim was formed by the hoof of Odin’s horse, Sleipnir. This canyon is a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty, featuring sheer cliff faces and dense birch woods. Hiking through Ásbyrgi offers a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes that lead to expansive views from the canyon rim.

The Botnstjörn pond at the canyon's heart is a serene spot perfect for a quiet picnic. Nearby, explore other trails that weave through the Jökulsárgljúfur part of Vatnajökull National Park, enhancing your visit with rich tales of Norse gods and natural splendor.

6. Discover Krafla’s Lava Fields

Near the Lake Mývatn area, the Krafla Volcano offers another stark reminder of Iceland's volatile beauty. The area is marked by a series of eruptions throughout the 1970s and 1980s, which have created an otherworldly landscape of black lava fields, bright sulfur deposits, and steaming vents.

One of the most accessible and visually striking features is the Víti crater, a deep explosion crater filled with blue water that contrasts dramatically with the surrounding dark lava. Hiking around Krafla is relatively easy, but it’s essential to stick to marked paths to preserve the fragile ecosystem and ensure your safety.

The Leirhnjúkur area, where lava is still steaming hot, offers a walkable path through a moon-like terrain, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in geology and photography.

7. Step Back in Time at Glaumbær

Delve into Icelandic history at Glaumbær, a beautifully preserved farm made of turf, wood, and stone. This historical site provides a fascinating glimpse into rural life in Iceland centuries ago. The farm consists of a cluster of turf houses, which are among the few remaining examples of traditional Icelandic architecture.

The museum inside details the harsh but resourceful living conditions of Iceland's past inhabitants. Walking through these structures, you'll appreciate the ingenuity in using local materials to insulate and protect against the fierce Icelandic weather.

Visiting Glaumbær is not only a journey back in time but also a lesson in sustainability and adaptation.

8. Driving the Arctic Coast Way

Embark on a journey along the Arctic Coast Way, one of Iceland's most scenic routes. Stretching over 900 kilometers, this route winds through dramatic coastal landscapes, from rugged cliffs and remote beaches to charming fishing villages.

Along the way, stop at Siglufjörður to sample locally caught herring or visit the quaint village of Húsavík for a spot of whale watching. Driving the Arctic Coast Way is about embracing the freedom of the open road, with each turn and town offering its own slice of Icelandic charm. Make sure to check your vehicle’s readiness for gravel paths, and always keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid any unexpected challenges.

9. Goðafoss: The Waterfall of the Gods

Witness the stunning beauty of Goðafoss, an iconic waterfall steeped in history and legend. Known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods,' it is said to be the place where the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw the idols of the old Norse gods after Iceland converted to Christianity around the year 1000.

The waterfall’s impressive width and the sheer volume of water cascading over a semicircular arch make it a photographer's dream. For the best viewing experience, explore both sides of the falls to see how the light and angle dramatically change the scene.

Nearby facilities offer refreshments and souvenirs, making this an ideal stop for a mix of cultural heritage and natural splendor.

10. Cultural Vibes in Akureyri

Dive into the cultural heart of the north by visiting Akureyri, affectionately known as Iceland's 'Capital of the North'. This charming town not only boasts a vibrant arts scene but also harbors the northernmost botanical garden in the world, which showcases every species of native Icelandic flora as well as an impressive collection of international plants.

Stroll through the town's art galleries, and perhaps catch a performance at the Hof Cultural and Conference Center. For dining, Akureyri offers an array of cozy cafes and restaurants that serve up both traditional Icelandic fare and international cuisine.

Don't miss out on visiting during one of the town’s lively cultural festivals, which truly bring the local traditions to life.

11. Chasing the Northern Lights

Chasing the Northern Lights in North Iceland is a surreal and captivating experience. The region's latitude and minimal light pollution offer optimal conditions for viewing this spectacular natural phenomenon.

For the best chance of success, plan your visit between September and April when the nights are longest. Several local tour operators offer guided tours, which can be invaluable not only for finding the best viewing spots but also for ensuring safety and providing photography tips.

Dress warmly, be patient, and prepare for a truly mesmerizing display that dances across the Arctic sky, adding a mystical layer to the rugged Icelandic landscape.

12. Winter Sports on Tröllaskagi Peninsula

For those who crave a bit of adrenaline, the Tröllaskagi Peninsula offers some of the best winter sports opportunities in Iceland. The peninsula is renowned for its challenging ski slopes and abundant snow, making it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike.

The town of Dalvík, in particular, is a hotspot with its annual ski festival, which attracts enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond skiing, you can try snowmobiling across the frozen landscapes, offering another exhilarating way to explore the area's natural beauty. Local operators provide all necessary equipment and safety briefings, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all skill levels.

13. Hofsós: The Historical Geothermal Pool

In the quaint town of Hofsós, one of the oldest settled areas in Iceland, the historical geothermal pool stands out as a must-visit. This infinity pool, designed with minimalist architecture, offers breathtaking views over the Skagafjörður bay, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation.

The pool’s warm waters are inviting, particularly on chilly days, and provide a soothing soak while you take in the stunning North Atlantic scenery. It’s a less crowded alternative to more famous spots like the Blue Lagoon, giving you a peaceful experience immersed in history and natural beauty. Facilities are well-maintained, with changing rooms and showers available for a comfortable visit.

14. Remote Beauty in Siglufjörður

Experience the remote charm of Siglufjörður, once a booming herring fishing hub. This picturesque town is nestled in a narrow fjord and surrounded by mountains, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit the Herring Era Museum to learn about the town's golden age of herring fishing, which played a crucial role in Iceland's economic development.

The museum offers interactive exhibits, including boat rides and herring salting demonstrations. For a taste of local life, stroll along the marina, visit the small local shops, and enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the town’s restaurants. Siglufjörður is a gem that provides a glimpse into Iceland’s past and present, wrapped in stunning natural beauty.

15. The Mystical Dimmuborgir

Venture into the eerie landscapes of Dimmuborgir, a vast area of unusually shaped lava fields and volcanic caves located east of Mývatn. Known locally as the 'dark cities', Dimmuborgir's formations are the result of lava that solidified above ground, creating dramatic pillars and archways. The area is steeped in folklore, reputedly the home of trolls and elves. Walking paths of varying difficulty lead you through the striking formations, with informational signs providing insights into the geological and mythical aspects of the area. During winter, the snow-covered lava creates a particularly mystical atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

16. Birdwatching at Tjörnes Peninsula

The Tjörnes Peninsul a is a premier destination for birdwatching enthusiasts visiting North Iceland. The peninsula is famous for its rich birdlife, especially during the breeding season, when puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds come to nest along the cliffs.

The best times for birdwatching are from late spring to early summer, when the cliffs teem with life and the sounds of nesting birds fill the air. Pack your binoculars and a good camera with a zoom lens to capture close-up shots of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Respectful observation is encouraged to avoid disturbing the birds, making this an educational and enjoyable outing for all ages.

17. Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum

Located by Lake Mývatn, Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum stands as a tribute to Iceland's avian diversity. Founded from the personal collection of Sigurgeir Stefánsson, the museum now houses the largest private bird collection in Iceland, featuring specimens of nearly every bird species seen in the country.

The museum’s scenic location offers panoramic views of the lake, providing a perfect backdrop for learning about the local bird species and their environments. Interactive displays and knowledgeable staff enhance the visitor experience, making it a fascinating stop not only for bird lovers but for anyone interested in Icelandic nature and wildlife conservation.

18. Hiking at Hverfjall

For those who enjoy an active adventure, Hverfjall offers one of the most iconic hiking experiences in North Iceland. This massive tephra cone volcano boasts a uniquely circular shape, visible from miles around.

A hike to the rim provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Mývatn area and the opportunity to walk along the edge of a volcanic crater, a rare and exhilarating experience. The hike is relatively easy, making it accessible for most fitness levels, but always wear suitable footwear as the volcanic gravel can be loose underfoot.

Hverfjall's dramatic landscape serves as a reminder of the powerful natural forces that have shaped Iceland's extraordinary terrain.

19. Rauðasandur’s Dramatic Landscapes

Venture off the beaten path to Rauðasandur, a strikingly beautiful red sand beach unlike any other in Iceland. Located in the Westfjords, this expansive beach shifts from golden to orange and red hues, depending on the sunlight.

The contrast between the vivid sands and the turquoise waters makes Rauðasandur a photographer’s paradise. The area is also rich in birdlife, with frequent sightings of seals lounging along the shore. Access to Rauðasandur can be challenging due to its remote location and rough roads, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

Once there, the serene and almost surreal environment provides a perfect setting for long, reflective beach walks away from the crowds.

20. Ice Caving by Katla Volcano

For a truly unique adventure, explore the ice caves near the active Katla Volcano. These natural wonders are formed by the heat of the volcano underneath the glacier, creating stunning caves of ice with beautiful formations and colors.

Guided tours are necessary for safety and to fully appreciate the geological significance of these formations. Equipped with helmets, headlamps, and crampons, you’ll venture into another world, exploring the blue-hued interiors of Iceland’s dynamic geology.

The contrast between the cold ice and the heat from the earth creates an unforgettable experience, showcasing the powerful natural forces at work in Iceland.

North Iceland offers a breathtaking array of activities that cater to all tastes, from the tranquility of geothermal pools and the majesty of cascading waterfalls to the thrill of ice caves and the cultural depth of historical towns. Each destination and activity in this guide provides a window into the soul of Iceland, combining its raw natural beauty with a rich tapestry of history and culture.

Whether you seek serene solitude, educational enrichment, or adrenaline-fueled adventures, North Iceland invites you to explore its many wonders. So pack your spirit of adventure, respect for nature, and a hearty appetite for discovery to fully embrace the unparalleled experiences awaiting in North Iceland.

Tips For Visiting North Iceland

• Traveling to North Iceland : Akureyri Airport is the main gateway, with frequent flights from Reykjavik. Car rentals are available at the airport, offering a convenient way to explore the region.
• Best Time to Visit : Summer offers midnight sun and accessible roads, while winter boasts the Northern Lights and dramatic snowy landscapes.
• Local Customs : Embrace the Icelandic respect for nature. Stick to marked trails and roads, and always check weather conditions before heading out.

By weaving together the diverse attractions and practical travel tips, this guide not only prepares you for a journey to North Iceland but also ignites a passion to delve into its enchanting landscapes and captivating stories. So, lace up your boots, charge your cameras, and get ready to explore the untamed beauty of North Iceland.

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The Northern Territory is vast. Occupying about one sixth of Australia's total land mass, its boundaries encompass a variety of contrasting landscapes and experiences, best tackled by exploring a few key destinations - each with their own distinct personality, we urge you to experience the wonders of our region. We can help with all your tours, car hire and accommodation in Darwin, Kakadu, katherine, Litchfield and Arnhem Land.

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The Katherine Region incorporates Katherine, Douglas & Daly River regions, Timber Creek & Victoria River and Borroloola & The Gulf region. Explore famous Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, great fishing, hidden natural wonders and a rich indigenous and pioneering history. The region stretches from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australia border.

When journeying the Stuart Highway, you’ll find Tennant Creek and the Barkly Tablelands 1000 kilometres south of Darwin and 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs. Here, you can discover the iconic Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles as well as the gold mining history, Aboriginal culture and large cattle stations this outback region is known for.

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One of the great natural wonders of the world, Uluru towers above the surrounding landscape at 348 metres. Located approximately 460 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs, you’ll find this World Heritage-listed treasure right in the heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a place that speaks of timeless folklore, rich indigenous culture and great spirituality.

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35 Unmissable Things to Do in the Northern Territory, Australia

Looking for some amazing things to do in the Northern Territory? Australia’s most unique territory is one of my favourites – here are my suggestions for unmissable things to do and places to see.

The Northern Territory – Australia’s most unique and captivating state (well, territory, not a state).

With its laidback lifestyle, stunning scenery and rich culture, it’s no wonder that people come here for a few months and end up staying for years.

As someone who has visited the NT a handful of times and always finds something new to fall in love with each time, here’s a guide to my picks for what you MUST do when you visit. From natural wonders to cultural experiences, there are some pretty amazing things to do in the Northern Territory – and plenty to keep you coming back time and time again. 

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

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1. Drive the length of the Stuart Highway

One of the most iconic road trips in Australia, driving the length of the Stuart Highway will take you all the way through the heart of the Northern Territory, from South Australia and up to Darwin.

Spanning more than 3,000 kilometres, this highway is a great way to experience the vastness and beauty of the Australian outback. While the Stuart Highway technically starts in Port Augusta, South Australia, you should start your trip in the pretty capital city of Adelaide. Along the way, stop at remote towns, iconic Outback pubs and stunning national parks for a true taste of outback life.

Ideally you’ll have 10 days to 2 weeks to drive the entire length, but if you’re short on time you can tackle it in a week or less.

But this is the Outback – and it’s best travelled slowly.

2. Chase waterfalls at Litchfield NP

A favourite spot of both Territorians and visitors alike, Litchfield National Park is just a short drive from Darwin.

While you can visit on a day trip , I highly recommend spending a few days in this stunning park that’s home to countless waterfalls, swimming holes and walking trails.

Spend your days exploring the rainforest and cascading falls, cooling off in crystal clear pools and picnicking in picturesque spots. Don’t miss Florence Falls or Wangi Falls, both popular spots for a refreshing dip.

If you’ve got a 4WD and a sense of adventure, take a drive to the remote Surprise Creek Falls.

3. Explore Kakadu National Park

No trip to the Northern Territory is complete without a visit to the stunning Kakadu National Park . This World Heritage-listed site covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres and is filled with ancient rock art, breathtaking waterfalls and more than 10,000 saltwater crocs.

Take a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong to see dozens of species of birds, buffalo and far more crocs than you can count.

Rock art that’s thousands of years old fill shelters. At Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), you’ll see paintings of people, kangaroos and fish, as well as Namarrkon, the famous Lightning Man. At the Nanguluwurr art gallery, you’ll see the painting of a masted sailing ship – a representation of early contact between Aboriginal people and Europeans.

Wash off the dust in one of Kakadu’s natural swimming holes – Maguk Falls in the park’s south is my favourite.

Spend a sunset at Ubirr, where the views stretch out over the vast Kakadu floodplains all the way to Arnhem Land.

4. Drive the Red Centre Way

Take a road trip along the famous Red Centre Way for a meander through some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

The route starts and ends in Alice Springs and can be done in a week. If you’ve got a 4WD, it’s a 1,100-kilometre loop on both sealed and unsealed roads.

Only got a 2WD? The trip is still possible, but you will have to do a little backtracking to return to Alice.

As well as Uluru and Kata Tjuta, there’s the lesser-known but equally stunning Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. The canyon rim hike is undoubtedly one of the best in Australia.

5. Soak in natural hot springs

The NT has a lot of Instagram-worthy spots, but its hot springs must surely top the list. After a long day of exploring, nothing beats soaking in a natural hot spring.

The most easily accessible is Katherine Hot Springs. Katherine is one of my favourite Northern Territory destinations, and right in the middle of town, these hot springs bubble up from the ground at a refreshing temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius.

An hour from Katherine is the small town of Mataranka. Here, you’ll find my top pick for hot springs: Bitter Springs. In Elsey National Park, these natural springs are surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear, turquoise water.

Also in Elsey National Park, the Mataranka Thermal Pools are another great spot. They’re usually busier than Bitter Springs, but the setting is equally as divine.

As you can imagine, all these hot springs get pretty busy, so try to go early in the day to avoid the crowds.

6. Take a dip in a swimming hole

As well as hot springs and waterfalls, the NT has some incredible swimming holes.

In the Red Centre, head out along the West MacDonnell Ranges where you’ll find spots like Redbank Gorge (Yarretyeke). Prepare for a shock – the water here is cold, but if you bring an inflatable, you can float your way through the pools and caverns.

Nearby, also in the West Macs, are Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge. Both have deep, cold water that’s perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day (which is most days in the NT!).

Just 60km north of Katherine, Leliyn (Edith) Falls in Nitmiluk National Park is one of the most beautiful spots for a dip. The plunge pool at the Upper Pool is surrounded by red cliffs and plenty of shady (although rocky) spots for a picnic.

In Litchfield National Park, Buley Rockhole is a fantastic spot – find your own piece of chilly water in this set of tiered pools. If the crowds here get too much, you can hike to the Upper Cascades and Tjaetaba Falls for quieter spots for a swim.

7. Hike through Nitmiluk National Park

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Nitmiluk National Park , just outside of Katherine, has plenty of it. This series of 13 gorges has been carved out by the Katherine River over centuries, and is a special place to the Jawoyn people, the Traditional Owners.

The easiest trail is the Baruwei Lookout. This 1.8km return walk ends with beautiful views of the gorge from above.

For something a little more challenging, tackle one of the longer Southern Walks. Ranging from 9.1km to 23.8km – plus some multi-day hikes – these trails lead into the further gorges. I loved the Butterfly Gorge hike, which includes an optional swim at the gorge at the end.

Not up for a hike? You can also experience Nitmiluk by paddling a kayak down the river or taking a relaxing boat ride through a few of the gorges , with a guide to share interesting facts about the area.

8. Catch an epic sunset

The NT has some epic sunsets. I felt like every every evening I was proclaiming the best sunset I’ve ever seen – only to be outdone the next night.

Darwin’s beaches are a good place to catch one of them. The most popular place to catch the sunset is Mindil Beach, where there’s also a twice-weekly market during the dry season that’s worth checking out.

For a less crowded experience, head to East Point Reserve or Nightcliff foreshore. Both have stunning views and a chilled atmosphere to take in the beautiful colours of the sunset. Nightcliff is definitely my favourite – I just couldn’t believe how big and orange the sun could be as it sets.

Further south, Ubirr in Kakadu is famous for its sunsets. Looking out over Arnhem Land and the floodplains, you’ll see an incredible array of colours as the sun sets behind the escarpment.

And if you happen to be in Alice Springs, head out to Anzac Hill/Untyeyetwelye for a beautiful view of the sunset over the MacDonnell Ranges.

9. Watch Uluru change colour

Arguably Australia’s most iconic landmark, the sacred rock formation of Uluru is best viewed at sunrise or sunset when the rock changes colours.

As the sun rises or sets, the light reflects off the surface of Uluru, causing it to change from shades of red and orange to purple and even blue. It’s a mesmerising sight – and I think you should do both sunrise and sunset just to see how different Uluru can look.

Or take a helicopter tour to see her beauty and magnificence from the air.

During the day, take a walk around the base of Uluru to get up close with the rich red colour and intricate patterns of the rock. You’ll see paths ground out of the rock as rain has made its way down Uluru over thousands and thousands of years.

This is one of the most famous sights in Australia and can’t be missed.

10. Watch the sky light up at Uluru

As well as seeing a spectacular sunset or sunrise, there are so many things to do at Uluru , including the fantastic Field of Lights.

This stunning light installation by renowned artist Bruce Munro features more than 50,000 lights that change colour as the sky darkens. You can walk through these lights, with Uluru as the backdrop.

The newest experience at Uluru is Wintjiri Wiru, a drone show that tells the ancient Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. More than 1,100 drones light up the sky to share an ancient story using modern-day technology. It’s the first time an Indigenous story has been told in this way.

11. Hike through Kata Tjuta’s famous domes

Uluru may be Australia’s most famous landmark, but it’s not the only incredible rock formation in the area.

Just a short drive away, Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas) is another impressive formation made up of 36 domes that are over 500 million years old.

The most popular way to experience Kata Tjuta is on foot. There are several hikes you can choose from, varying in difficulty and length. The Valley of the Winds hike takes you through the heart of Kata Tjuta, offering breathtaking views of the domes and surrounding landscape. It’s a 7.4km loop in full, but there are shorter in-and-out sections.

Walpa Gorge is another great hike. This 3km walk takes you through a narrow gorge, surrounded by towering domes on either side.

And, like Uluru, seeing sunrise or sunset at Kata Tjuta is a must.

12. Walk the rim of Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is another stunning natural wonder in the Red Centre of Australia.

Located in Watarrka National Park, this massive sandstone canyon plunges more than 150 metres deep and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape.

One of the best ways to experience Kings Canyon is by walking along its rim. This 6km hike takes you through various landscapes, from lush vegetation to rocky cliffs. Along the way, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Lost City and the Garden of Eden. The walk can be challenging in some parts, but it’s worth it for the incredible views at the top.

Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as there’s little shade along the rim.

Can’t be bothered hiking? Take a helicopter ride to see this canyon in all its glory.

13. Visit Darwin’s famous markets

Darwin, the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory, is known for its vibrant and diverse markets.

The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is perhaps the most famous market in Darwin. Held every Thursday and Sunday evening during the dry season, there are more than 300 stalls selling everything from local produce to handmade crafts.

But the market isn’t just about shopping – it’s also a great place to try delicious food from around the world. From Thai street food to Greek gyros to deep-fried crocodile, it’s worth spending an evening sampling from the many vendors.

And as the name suggests, you can enjoy all of this while watching the stunning sunset over Mindil Beach.

Other popular markets in Darwin include the Parap Village Market, which also has some incredible food – including cult-like laksa soups.

The Rapid Creek Markets are another must-visit, with more of a local vibe.

14. Dine under the stars

Eating out under the stars with Uluru as a backdrop is a must-do experience when you visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

While the two dining experiences aren’t cheap, they are incredible.

Tali Wiru offers a luxury dining experience, where you can enjoy a gourmet four-course meal while surrounded by the rugged outback landscape. Canapes and drinks are served as a yidaki (didgeridoo) is played, and the meal ends with an Aboriginal astronomy lessons and hot chocolate and cognac by the fire.

For a (slightly) more budget-friendly option, head to Sounds of Silence – an open-air buffet dinner with stunning views of Uluru at sunset. You’ll also have the opportunity to stargaze and learn about Aboriginal stories and culture from a local guide.

15. See Karlu Karlu at sunset

Karlu Karlu, also known as the Devil’s Marbles, is a sacred site for the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarre and Warlpiri people.

Located about 105 kilometres south of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, this unique natural wonder is an incredible sight to see at sunset.

The red and orange boulders glow in the warm light, creating a surreal landscape.

Take some time to wander through the boulders and appreciate their unique shapes and formations. You can also learn about their cultural significance from the few interpretive signs along the short walking trail.

There’s also a campground here, so you can even spend the night and enjoy a sunrise view of Karlu Karlu. You’ll need to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly during peak season – we unfortunately missed out on staying here, but did get a spot at the Devils Marbles Hotel a few minutes’ drive up the road.

16. See ancient Aboriginal rock art

Australia is home to some of the oldest and most diverse Aboriginal rock art in the world. These ancient artworks can be found scattered throughout the country, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples.

One of the best places to visit in the Northern Territory to see this incredible art is at Kakadu National Park.

Here, you’ll find rock art sites dating back thousands of years, depicting everything from animals and landscapes to spiritual beings and Dreamtime stories. Some of the most famous sites include Ubirr, Nourlangie and Nanguluwurr.

17. Leave a memento at the Daly Waters Pub

If you’re looking for a unique way to leave your mark in Australia, head to the famous Daly Waters Pub in the Northern Territory. This iconic pub has been a popular stop for travellers heading up or down the Stuart Highway since the early 1900s and is filled with thousands of mementos left by visitors from all over the world.

From signed t-shirts and hats to license plates and business cards, bras to thongs, the walls and ceilings of the pub are plastered in quirky memorabilia. Leave your own belongings and become a part of the pub’s rich history.

The pub is a classic Aussie pub, with plenty of cold beer, good (if overpriced) pub food and live music during the peak seasons. The owner is a bit of a quirky celebrity himself, and you’ll no doubt see him rounding up the animals each night through the main street in his motorised wheelchair.

18. Visit the Pink Panther at the Larrimah Hotel

A remote pub on the Stuart Highway may not be the place you’d expect to see a giant pink panther statue – but it’s certainly helped to make the Larrimah Hotel famous.

Originally built in 1930 in a small town called Birdum situated on the railway line from Darwin, the pub was located to Larrimah in the late 1950s. It’s since become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

While the pub is no longer a pub, it is a good spot to break up your trip along the Stuart Highway and grab some snacks, including the famous pies and sausage rolls.

And if you’ve been reading, listening to or watching anything about the disappearance of Paddy and his dog, Kellie, don’t ask the staff about it…

19. See crocs in the wild

The NT is home to some 100,000 crocodiles and you’ll no doubt see one as you’re road tripping through the Northern Territory .

There are both saltwater and freshwater crocs, and plenty of tours to see them.

I highly recommend the Yellow Water Billabong cruises at Kakadu National Park . On the 1.5 hour cruise, you’ll see dozens of crocs sunning themselves on the banks or lurking beneath the water’s surface. I started out counting them, but gave up because we saw so many.

Another entertaining way to see a crocodile in the wild is on a jumping croc cruise , one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Northern Territory.

These tours take you out on the Adelaide River, where the crocs have grown accustomed to fish scraps being thrown into the water. As a result, they jump right out of the water to snatch their food – it’s quite a spectacle! Just be sure to keep your arms and legs inside the boat at all times.

But you don’t even need a tour to see a croc in the NT – keep an eye out as you’re driving and you may spot one lurking in a billabong or river by the road. Just make sure to keep your distance and never approach or feed a wild crocodile – they may look slow and lazy, but they can move incredibly quickly!

And never put your toe in any water body in the NT without first checking it’s safe!

20. Swim with a croc

If seeing a croc in the wild wasn’t enough for you, then take a trip to Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin.

Here, you can get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most fearsome creatures. Take a dive into the Cage of Death and watch these massive reptiles swim around you, or opt for a more relaxed experience by watching them from the safety of a platform.

21. See Sweetheart

Crocodiles are part and parcel of life in the NT, and there’s no more famous croc than Sweetheart.

This 5.1-metre-long, 780kg crocodile was known for attacking fishing dinghies in the 1970s. As his attacks became more frequent, authorities made the decision to capture and move Sweetheart to a crocodile farm. Sadly, as he was being caught, he drowned.

This massive croc is now preserved and on display at the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin. It’s incredible to see just how big he was!

22. Go fishing for barra

Fishing in the Northern Territory is a popular pastime, and one of the most sought-after catches is the barramundi (“barra” for short). This fish can be found in rivers, creeks and billabongs throughout the NT.

But it’s not just about catching these prized fish – its about the whole experience of fishing in the NT. From the tranquility of being out on the water to cooking up your catch for a delicious dinner, there’s nothing quite like it.

23. See a film outdoors

One of my favourite things to do in Darwin is catch a movie at the Deckchair Cinema.

Open during the dry season, this outdoor cinema is a fun way to see a movie with Darwin locals – as well as a few geckos scurrying across the screen as the movie plays.

There’s a bar and food available so you can make it a full night out.

It sells out pretty quickly, so book in advance.

24. Visit Alice Springs

Alice Springs is known as the heart of Australia and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone travelling around the Northern Territory. This outback town offers a unique mix of culture, history and stunning landscapes and, while it gets a bad rap in the media, I really enjoy spending time here.

There are so many things to do in Alice Springs (or Mparntwe, as Alice is known in the Arrernte language). I love the Alice Springs Desert Park , where you can learn about native animals as well as Indigenous survival skills.

The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is another great spot for learning about the local flora and fauna.

The Araluen Cultural Centre has a great Aboriginal art gallery as well as the Museum of Central Australia and the Central Australian Aviation Museum, so you really can spend hours here.

And to see the town and surrounding region from above, consider a sunrise hot air balloon ride .

There are also some fantastic festivals to time your visit around, including the Alice Springs Beanie Festival, fabAlice (celebrating drag and cabaret) and Parrtjima, an annual light festival.

25. Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges

The West MacDonnell Ranges are a series of spectacular gorges and waterholes just outside of Alice Springs.

Here, you can hike through stunning landscapes, swim in refreshing waterholes and learn about the rich Indigenous culture and history of the area. Visit jaw-dropping spots like Ormiston Gorge, Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm.

The best way to explore the West MacDonnell Ranges is by car, so rent one in Alice Springs . Camping is also possible at some of the gorges, so you can fully immerse yourself in the Outback.

26. Stay the night at a roadhouse

Roadhouses are the lifeblood of the Australian Outback, and staying at one is an experience not to be missed. These roadside stops, found on major highways, have accommodation, fuel and supplies for travellers passing through.

Staying at a roadhouse means you can truly experience the isolated and rugged nature of the Australian outback. The night sky in these areas is absolutely breathtaking, with little to no light pollution. The only noise you’ll hear is the passing of road trains through the night (and they are pretty loud!).

It’s also a great way to meet people along the road and pick up travel tips.

Some of the best roadhouses we’ve stayed at in the NT are the Erldunda Roadhouse , which sits on the corner of the Stuart Highway and the Lasseter Highway (which leads to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park).

The Devils Marbles Hotel, while not technically a roadhouse, also has a great free camping site out the front – and you’re welcome to use the pub’s toilet and shower facilities.

27. Learn about Indigenous culture

The Northern Territory is home to a rich and diverse Indigenous culture, with more than 100 different language groups and dialects.

Visit one of the many art galleries or attend a cultural event to gain insight into their way of life, beliefs and traditions. The Indigenous ranger-led talks at Kakadu are fascinating – and free. They cover all sorts of topics and locations around the national park during the dry season

In Katherine, Top Didj offers an interactive experience where you can learn about traditional hunting and gathering techniques, learn to throw a spear or try your hand at painting.

At Uluru, there are tonnes of free activities, including bush tucker talks and painting workshops. Maruku Arts is a popular (paid) class where you’ll undertake a hands-on dot painting workshop.

A 30-minute drive from Kings Canyon is Karrke, where you can participate in a one-hour Aboriginal Cultural Tour . It’s an immersive lesson in bush tucker, natural medicine and traditional art.

28. Experience a festival

The Northern Territory has some incredible festivals, and if you can time your visit with one of them, you won’t regret it.

The Darwin Festival is a 10-day celebration of art, culture and music held every August. It features local and international acts, dance performances, cabaret shows and delicious food stalls.

The quirky Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta sees boats made from beer cans compete in races on Darwin’s harbour – so very Darwin!

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival celebrates the humble beanie with a quirky three-day festival in June. You’ll find everything from traditional Indigenous beanies to avant-garde creations.

In Alice, another festival worth planning your visit around is  Parrtjima , an annual light festival that illuminates the desert and town with spectacular light installations. And fabALICE is a family-friendly celebration of drag and cabaret.

Barunga Festival is a three-day celebration of Indigenous culture, held in June. It’s a chance to engage with local communities and learn about their traditions through dance, music, art and sports.

29. Visit the Tiwi Islands

Located 80km north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands are a must-visit for those looking to experience Indigenous culture in its purest form. The Tiwi people have inhabited these islands for over 7,000 years and their traditions and way of life remain strong today.

To protect this culture, tourism is largely restricted, but you can visit by joining a tour to one of the two islands: Bathurst Island and Melville Island.

To visit the Tiwi Islands, you can take a ferry from Cullen Bay in Darwin or fly from Darwin Airport to either Bathurst or Melville Island.

The well-regarded Tiwi by Design tour includes the 2.5-hour ferry ride each way, from which you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and sea turtles.

Once you arrive on Bathurst Island, you’ll be guided around the community, and welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony and totem dances.

The highlight of the tour is taking part in a screen-printing workshop, where you’ll choose Tiwi designs to print onto your own t-shirt or tea towel.

You can also book a stay at Tiwi Island Retreat. This beachfront property looks incredible!

BOOK THE TIWI BY DESIGN TOUR HERE

30. Learn about World War II history in Darwin

As one of the main bases for the Allied forces in the Pacific, the Northern Territory played a significant role in World War II.

The Darwin Military Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Here, you can learn about the bombing of Darwin in 1942 through interactive exhibits and displays of artefacts from the war. There are dozens of military vehicles, as well as displays about other wars around the world such as the Vietnam War.

I really enjoyed the Darwin Military Museum. And even though a lot of the artefacts are outside, it’s nicely shaded from the daytime heat.

You can also walk around nearby East Point Military Precinct to see remnants of gun emplacements and bunkers used during the war.

The oil storage tunnels are another fascinating spot. Built in 1942, they were once used to store oil and ammunition, but are now open for guided tours.

If you really want to dig into Darwin’s past, there’s a tour around the city in an old WWII army truck. We saw this truck at the Darwin Military Museum and my friend’s dad has taken the tour, which visits ammunitions storage bunkers, the Qantas hangar and the East Point Gun Battery and Military precinct. You can find out more about  The Darwin History and Wartime Experience online here .

31. See native wildlife

In the Northern Territory, you’ll have the opportunity to see unique and fascinating wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. I’ve seen (and heard) birds that aren’t found in my home state of Victoria.

The best place to start is at the Alice Springs Desert Park , where you’ll see everything from kangaroos to emus, dingoes and reptiles in their natural habitats.

This is a fantastic place to visit with kids – but adults will love it as well. My favourite part is the Nocturnal House, with habitats that mimic the evening and night so that you can see rare and endangered animals that only come out when it’s dark.

For an up-close experience with kangaroos, head to the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs. This sanctuary is home to rescued orphaned kangaroos. There are guided sunset tours where you can feed and interact with joeys and older kangaroos.

32. Go stargazing at Earth Sanctuary

The remoteness of the Northern Territory means lots of dark, clear skies, making it the perfect place for stargazing.

And there’s no better place to do it than at Earth Sanctuary, located just outside of Alice Springs.

At Earth Sanctuary, you can take an astronomy tour with a guide who will point out constellations and planets and share stories of the night sky. You’ll also get to use telescopes and learn about Indigenous astronomy and Creation stories.

As the Earth moves around the sun, the sky changes, so each night of the tour is completely different.

Or you can even stay the night in a “star bed” and gaze up at the stars all night long.

33. Go on a pub crawl – in a helicopter

There’s nothing more NT than taking a pub crawl around the Top End – in a helicopter!!

This one-of-a-kind tour will take you to some of the most iconic pubs in the region. Beats an Uber home from the pub!

There are two companies in Darwin that run the tours. On either tour, you’ll stop at various bush pubs. These pubs are known for their laid-back atmosphere and interesting locals, making for a fun and memorable pub crawl experience.

I haven’t yet done this but it’s on my Australia bucket list !

34. Try camel and croc

The Northern Territory has some great food to try.

Barramundi is a must, if you enjoy fish. It’s on practically every restaurant menu.

Darwin’s proximity to Southeast Asia means its cuisines have been influenced by countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. I’ve eaten chicken slathered in delicious satay sauce and slurped down creamy lakas. Laksas are so popular up here that there are laksa cult followings and even a month-long laksa festival!

But while you’re in the NT, why not try something a little more unique?

Camel and crocodile are two popular meats found on menus throughout the NT. Camel is a lean, healthy alternative to beef and has a similar taste. I’ve tried this in a burger at the Kings Creek Station .

Crocodile meat is also low in fat and high in protein. You’ll find it on menus throughout the Top End in spring rolls, deep fried or served as fish and chips.

35. Camp under the stars

With plenty of open space and minimal light pollution, the Northern Territory is the perfect place to camp out under the stars.

Spend a night in the outback and witness the expansive sky lit up with countless stars.

There are camping sites all across the state, some free, some paid. You can camp in national parks – but you often have to book well in advance to get a spot during the peak season (especially during school holidays).

Pack your tent and sleeping bag or upgrade your camping experience by renting a campervan or motorhome .

Best time to visit the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory has a tropical climate, meaning it has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. For most people, the best time to visit the NT will be the dry season, from May to October.

The dry season is typically the peak tourist season in the Northern Territory as it brings cooler temperatures and little rainfall.

The wet season, from November to April, brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, which can make it difficult for outdoor activities. However, this is also the best time to witness the stunning waterfalls in full flow and the lush greenery of the region.

How to get to the Northern Territory

The most common way to get to the Northern Territory is by flying into one of its major cities, such as Darwin or Alice Springs. These two cities have airports with the most connections around Australia (although the NT is still underserved by flights).

SEARCH FOR FLIGHTS TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY HERE

If you prefer a more adventurous route, you can also travel by road or rail. An Adelaide to Darwin road trip is epic – and one of my unmissable things to do in the Northern Territory! – covering 3,000 kilometres.

The famous Ghan train runs from Adelaide to Darwin and provides a scenic journey through the Australian Outback.

How to get around the NT

With such vast and remote landscapes, you’ll need a car to get around the NT.

Rent a car in Darwin, Alice Springs or Katherine. Most roads are sealed, so a 2WD will be fine for your trip. But if you want to get off-the-beaten-path, then a 4WD is best.

I’m also a huge fan of hiring a campervan in the NT . It’s a fun way to get around – and means you can combine your transport and accommodation in one. There are plenty of free and paid camping and caravan sites all around the state, as well as rest stops by the side of the road.

There are also several multi-day tours that cover the highlights of the NT.

What to pack for an NT trip

The Northern Territory is known for its extreme weather conditions, ranging from hot and humid summers to cooler desert nights. Pack clothes that can adapt to different temperatures.

Some must-pack items include:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Sun protection – sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt
• Good hiking or walking shoes ( these are my go-tos )
• Insect repellent
• Mosquito head net
• Swimwear – to take advantage of all the swimming holes and waterfalls
• Reusable water bottle
• Adapters and chargers – if you’re a visitor to Australia, the NT uses the three-prong, Type I standard plug
• A small first aid kit
• Cash – it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when travelling to more remote areas

Final thoughts: Roadtripping the NT

The Northern Territory is one of the most diverse and fascinating parts of Australia. If you’re visiting Australia, you might be tempted to sticcagek to the East Coast and visit Sydney and Melbourne. But if you make the longer journey up north, you’ll go home with memories and stories to tell your friends and family.

It’s one of my favourite parts of Australia and was an absolute highlight of our recent half-lap of the country.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Have you been to the NT? What are your favourite things to do in the Northern Territory?

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these Australia travel articles:

• An epic Adelaide to Darwin road trip itinerary
• 10-day Northern Territory road trip
• 19 spectacular things to do at Uluru
• How to spend a few days in Alice Springs
• The best things to do in Katherine, NT
• The best things to do in Nitmiluk National Park
• The ultimate guide to Litchfield National Park
• How to spend a few days in Kakadu National Park
• The best things to do in Darwin
• The ultimate Australia bucket list

AUSTRALIA TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book your flight to Australia online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find a great hotel in Australia. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Australia on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Australia will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
• Pack sunscreen (look for SPF50 or higher), a hat and sunglasses because the sun is hot!

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About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

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For most Australians the Northern Territory – known simply as “the Territory” or “NT” – embodies the antithesis of the country’s cushy suburban seaboard. The name conjures up a distant frontier province, and to some extent that’s still the case. Even today, a little over one percent of Australians inhabit an area covering a fifth of the continent, which partly explains why the Territory has never achieved full statehood. Territorians love to play up the extremes of climate, distance and isolation that mould their temperaments and accentuate their tough, maverick image as outsiders in a land of “southerners”. And beneath the grizzled clichés you’ll unearth a potent, unforgettable travel destination, serving up raw scenery, world-class national parks and a beguilingly strong Aboriginal heritage.

Alice Springs and around

Arnhem land, top end weather, kakadu national park, katherine and around, the macdonnell ranges, mereenie loop track, finke river route, arltunga to ruby gap, cattlewater pass, owen springs track, south to alice springs, south to kings canyon and uluru, along the stuart highway, the victoria highway to western australia.

The small but sultry city of Darwin , the Territory’s capital, is nearer to Bali than Sydney, with an unhurried tempo that regularly waylays travellers. Its location makes it the natural base for explorations around the Top End , as tropical NT is known. Most visitors make a beeline for the nearby natural attractions, most notably the photogenic swimming holes of Litchfield National Park and the World Heritage-listed, Aboriginal-managed Kakadu National Park , with its astonishing array of ancient rock art sites, waterways and wildlife: if croc-spotting’s a priority, you’re unlikely to leave disappointed. Arnhem Land , to the east of Kakadu, is Aboriginal land, requiring a permit to enter – some Darwinites think nothing of getting a permit every weekend to go fishing – while if you don’t want to go it alone, certain tours are authorized to visit the spectacular wilderness of scattered indigenous communities.

Around 100km south of Kakadu, the main attraction near the town of Katherine is the magnificent gorge complex within Nitmiluk National Park . Continuing south, a dip in Mataranka ’s thermal pools and some colourful “bush pubs” are the highlights of the 670km to Tennant Creek , by which time you’ve left the Top End’s savannah woodland and wetlands to travel through pastoral tablelands. The Stuart Highway continues to spool southwards, passing the rotund boulders of the Devil’s Marbles and rolling on into the central deserts surrounding Alice Springs . By no means the dusty Outback town many expect, Alice is home to more than 25,000, making it by some way the largest settlement in the interior. It’s an enjoyable base from which to learn about the Aborigines of the Western Desert and explore the region’s natural wonders, of which the stupendous monolith, Uluru – formerly known as Ayers Rock – 450km to the southwest, is just one of many. The West MacDonnell ranges, a series of rugged ridges cut at intervals by slender chasms and huge gorges, start on Alice Springs’ western doorstep. On the other side of town, the Eastern MacDonnells are less visited but no less appealing, while the remote tracks of the Simpson Desert to the south attract intrepid off-roaders. To the west, lush Palm Valley is accessible via a rough 4WD route and linked to the yawning chasm of Kings Canyon via a dirt track, the Mereenie Loop. These sights combined make for a memorable tour of the Outback. Renting a 4WD is recommended to get the most out of the trip; there many interesting off-road tracks.

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Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this self-drive adventure. Start in Adelaide and make your way over the Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs to the Kakadu National Park and ultimately Darwin.

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Cross Western Australia to Darwin

Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.

The bright, clear desert air of ALICE SPRINGS gives the town and its people a charge that you don’t get in the languid, tropical north. Arriving here is a relief after a long drive up or down the Stuart Highway. Its sights, notably the wonderful Araluen Arts Centre and the out-of-town Desert Park, are worth leisurely exploration, and a couple of nights is the minimum you should budget for. Timing your visit for one of the town’s quirky festivals, from dry river-bed regattas to the Camel Cup, is also worth considering.

The centre of town occupies a compact area between the Stuart Highway and Leichhardt Terrace, along the almost perennially dry Todd River, bordered to the north and south by Wills Terrace and Stott Terrace respectively. Bisecting this rectangle is Todd Mall , a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with cafés and galleries. Get an overview of Alice’s setting by nipping up Anzac Hill (off Wills Terrace) for 360-degree views over the town and the MacDonnell Ranges.

Brief history

The area has been inhabited for at least forty thousand years by the Arrernte (also known as Aranda), who moved between reliable water sources along the MacDonnell Ranges. But, as elsewhere in the Territory, it was only the arrival of the Overland Telegraph Line in the 1870s that led to a permanent settlement here. It was Charles Todd , then South Australia’s Superintendent of Telegraphs, who saw the need to link South Australia with the Top End, which in turn would give a link to Asia and, ultimately, the rest of the empire. The town’s river and its tributary carry his name, while the “spring” (actually a billabong) and town are named after his wife, Alice.

With repeater stations needed every 250km from Adelaide to Darwin to boost the OTL signal, the billabong north of today’s town was chosen as the spot at which to establish the telegraph station. When a spurious ruby rush led to the discovery of gold in the Eastern MacDonnells, Stuart Town (the town’s official name in its early years) became a departure point for the long slog to the riches east. The gold rush fizzled, but the township of Stuart remained, a collection of shanty dwellings serving pastoralists, prospectors and missionaries.

In 1929 the railway line from Adelaide finally reached Stuart Town. Journeys that had once taken weeks by camel from the Oodnadatta railhead could now be undertaken in just a few days, so by 1933, when the town officially became Alice Springs, the population had mushroomed to nearly five hundred white Australians. The 1942 evacuation of Darwin saw Alice Springs become the Territory’s administrative capital and a busy military supply base.

After hostilities ceased, some of the wartime population stayed on and Alice Springs began to establish itself as a pleasant if quirky place to live, immortalized in fiction by Nevil Shute’s novel, A Town Like Alice . In the 1980s the town’s prosperity was further boosted by the reconstruction of the poorly built rail link from Adelaide and the sealing of the Stuart Highway. The town’s proximity to Uluru, which became a global tourist destination in the 1970s and 1980s, saw the creation of the many resorts and motels still present today. This trade took a knock when direct flights to the rock were established, and businesses in Alice are still suffering from this bypass effect.

There are decent accommodation options scattered across the city, on both sides of the Todd River. Much of it is reasonably central, but be aware that Alice isn’t the safest city for a long wander at night. Booking ahead is advisable during the winter school holidays (June & July) and events like the biennial Masters Games in October (even-numbered years).

Eating and drinking

There are plenty of good places to eat in Alice Springs. Todd Mall boasts a handful of cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating. Nightlife is fairly low-key, though Friday and Saturday nights get lively; doormen and regular police patrols keep things from getting too hairy but it’s safest to get a taxi back to your accommodation if you have more than a five-minute walk. The twice-weekly Centralian Advocate ( alicenow.com.au ) carries details of live music and other entertainment.

These days a rail adventure of international renown, The Ghan – the train service which travels year-round between Adelaide and Darwin – is remarkable for several reasons, not least the fact that it exists at all. Work first started on a rail line that would join the two cities in 1877, but poor engineering practices coupled with a flimsy understanding of seasonal rains meant decades of failed attempts. The service takes its name from the Afghan cameleers who had nailed Outback travel rather more effectively.

A workable stretch of track from Adelaide to Alice Springs was in place from the 1930s, although it wasn’t until as recently as 2004 that it finally reached Darwin. It’s a blessing that it now does. There are three types of ticket available: Red Service , Gold Service and Platinum Service . Red Service gives you a “Daynighter” seat and a view of the plains rolling by – plump for anything higher and you’re treated to a smart private cabin, indulgent food and wine, off-train tours and a general sense of rail travel as it should be. Highly recommended. See gsr.com.au or call 1800 703 357 for more information.

Pristine ARNHEM LAND is geographically the continuation of Kakadu eastwards to the Gulf of Carpentaria, but without the infrastructure and picnic areas. Never colonized and too rough to graze, the 91,000-square-kilometre wilderness was designated an Aboriginal reserve in 1931 and has remained in Aboriginal hands since that time. In 1963 the Yirrkala of northwestern Arnhem Land appealed against the proposed mining of bauxite on their land. It was the first protest of its kind and included the presentation of sacred artefacts and a petition in the form of a bark painting to the government in Canberra. Their actions brought the issue of Aboriginal land rights to the public eye, paving the way for subsequent successful land claims in the Territory.

Independent tourists are not allowed to visit Arnhem Land without a permit , and the twelve thousand Aborigines who live here prefer it that way. Little disturbed for more then forty thousand years, Arnhem Land, like Kakadu, holds thousands of rock-art sites and burial grounds, wild coastline, rivers teeming with fish, stunning stone escarpments, monsoon forests, savannah woodlands and abundant wildlife. In recent years, the mystique of this “forbidden land” has proved a profitable source of income for Arnhem Land’s more accessible communities, and tours, particularly to the areas adjacent to Kakadu, are now offered in partnership with a select few operators.

Aboriginal festivals

Attending an Aboriginal festival can make for a high point of a visit to Australia. Here are some of the best, and most memorable, in the Territory. They are almost exclusively alcohol-free.

Ngukurr (June; ngukurrarts.com ) A three-day festival at a remote community on the Roper Highway, incorporating everything from footy matches and craft workshops to hip-hop competitions and family activities.

Barunga (June; barungafestival.com.au ) One of the best known of the NT’s indigenous festivals, with a focus on music, sport and culture. 80km southeast of Katherine.

Dancing with Spirits (July; djilpinarts.org.au ) Held by the Wugularr community in SW Arnhem Land, sharing songs, dance, stories and music in a spectacular waterside setting. 4WD recommended for access.

Walaman Cultural Festival (July; ntyan.com.au) A colourful celebration involving workshops, traditional dancing, bush games and fire sculptures. Takes place in Bulman, 400km southeast of Darwin. No charge for tickets, all welcome.

Garma (August; garma.com.au ) Rightly famed and hugely popular, drawing large numbers of non-indigenous visitors to the Gove Peninsula to immerse themselves in the music, ceremonies and bushcraft of the “First Australians”.

In spite of its modest size, torrid climate and often traumatic history, DARWIN manages to feel young, vibrant and cosmopolitan, a mood illustrated as much by the buzzing bars along Mitchell Street as by the joggers and cyclists making the most of the tropical parks and waterfront suburbs. Travellers accustomed to the all-enveloping conurbations of the east coast can initially be underwhelmed by its low-rise, laidback mood, but Darwin more than matches its billing as one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia, and its population of some 125,000 accommodates a jumble of different ethnic backgrounds. To fully appreciate Darwin you should allow a minimum of three days to absorb its heritage buildings and wildlife attractions, visit the gleaming new waterfront quarter and enjoy the steaming nightlife.

Day-trips from Darwin include the ever-popular Litchfield National Park as well as the Aboriginal-owned Tiwi Islands, a thirty-minute flight from town. Crocodylus Park, on the city’s edge, makes for a full day out when combined with the excellent Territory Wildlife Park. On paper, Kakadu is another day-trip option, but to appreciate it properly you’ll need longer, possibly on a tour.

Setting up a colonial settlement on Australia’s remote northern shores was never going to be easy, and it took four abortive attempts in various locations over 45 years before Darwin (originally called Palmerston) was established in 1869 by the new South Australian state keen to exploit its recently acquired “northern territory”. The early colonists’ aim was to pre-empt foreign occupation and create a trading post – a “new Singapore” for the British Empire.

Things got off to a promising start with the 1872 arrival of the Overland Telegraph Line (OTL) , following the route pioneered by explorer John McDouall Stuart in 1862 that finally linked Australia with the rest of the world. Gold was discovered at Pine Creek while pylons were being erected for the OTL, prompting a gold rush and construction of a southbound railway. After the gold rush ran its course, a cyclone flattened the depressed town in 1897, but by 1911, when Darwin adopted its present name (a legacy of Charles Darwin’s former ship, the Beagle , having laid anchor here in 1839), the rough-and-ready frontier outpost had grown into a small government centre, servicing the mines and properties of the Top End. Yet even by 1937, after being razed by a second cyclone, the town had a population of just 1500.

During World War II, Japanese air raids destroyed Darwin, killing hundreds, information that was suppressed at the time. The fear of invasion and an urgent need to get troops to the war zone led to the swift construction of the Stuart Highway , the first reliable land link between Darwin and the rest of Australia.

Three decades of postwar prosperity followed until Christmas Eve 1974, when Cyclone Tracy rolled in overnight and devastated the city. Despite the relatively low death toll of 66, Tracy marked the end of old Darwin, psychologically as well as architecturally, and most of the population was evacuated before the hasty rebuilding process began. Over the last couple of decades links with Asia, and an influx of Aussies seeking warmer weather and a slower pace of life, have transformed the city into a vibrant multicultural destination. In 2004 tourism and the mining industry were boosted by the completion of the Darwin rail link with Alice Springs (and Adelaide). More recently, the billion-dollar waterfront regeneration project and the discovery of vast amounts of natural gas offshore have attracted more migrants and money.

The modern city spreads north from the end of a stubby peninsula where a settlement was originally established on the lands of the Larrakia Aborigines. For the visitor most of the action lies between the Waterfront Area and East Point, 9km to the north.

Aboriginal people and tourism

More than a quarter of Northern Territory’s population are Aborigines, a far higher proportion than anywhere else in Australia, and half of the Territory is once again Aboriginal-owned land , returned following protracted land claims. As a tourist, however, meeting Aboriginal people and getting to know them can be difficult. Excepting the national parks, most Aboriginal land is out of bounds to visitors without a permit or invitation, and most communities and outstations, where the majority of Aboriginal people live, are remote even by Territory standards.

There’s a tendency for outsiders to think of “Aborigines” as a single mass of people, overlooking the fact that dozens of distinct indigenous groups have traditionally inhabited the NT region, many of them with very individual cultural beliefs and practices. But it’s true, sadly, that the most visible Aboriginal people in the main towns of Darwin and Alice Springs are those living rough on the streets, a sad sight that shows little signs of changing. Likewise, the extent of certain social problems – most apparently alcoholism – is unavoidable.

But while these issues might be real they’re far from all-defining, and for those interested in getting to the heart of the enigmatic Australian Outback and meeting indigenous Australians, the Territory provides an introduction to a land that’s sustained fascinating and complex cultures for at least forty thousand years. Some Aborigines have a new-found pride in their heritage and identity, demonstrated in superb museums, successful tourism projects , and a flowering of indigenous art, media, music and literature.

The most meaningful contact for the short-term visitor is likely to be from an indigenous tour guide, a knowledgeable non-Aboriginal guide, or – if you time things right – a visit to a cultural festival. Try to choose Aboriginal-owned tour providers, for example Northern Territory Indigenous Tours or Batji Tours. Keep in mind that most tours will only scrape the surface of a complex way of life – secrecy is one of the pillars that supports traditional society, so what you’ll probably learn is a watered-down version from people unable to give away some of the particulars of closely guarded “business”. But if you’re keen to learn about the meaning of the country for Aborigines, about languages, bushtucker, bush medicine and Dreamtime stories, these tours can be enriching.

Darwin has plentiful accommodation , most of it conveniently central. Rates in the town’s apartments and more expensive hotels can drop by half during the Wet from October through to April .

Buying and playing a didgeridoo

Authentic didges are created from termite-hollowed branches of stringybark, woollybark and bloodwood trees that are indigenous from the Gulf to the Kimberley. They’re most commonly associated with Arnhem Land, where they were introduced between 1500 and 2000 years ago and are properly called yidaka or molo by the Yolngu people of that region. “Didgeridoo” is an Anglicized name relating to the sound produced.

Tiny bamboo and even painted pocket didges have found their way onto the market, but a real didge is a natural tube of wood with a rough interior. Painted versions haven’t necessarily got any symbolic meaning; plain ones can look less tacky and are less expensive. Branches being what they are, every didge is different, but if you’re considering playing it rather than hanging it over the fireplace, aim for one around 1.3m in length with a 30–40mm diameter mouthpiece. The bend doesn’t affect the sound, but the length, tapering and wall thickness (ideally between 5mm and 10mm) do. Avoid cumbersome, thick-walled items that get in the way of your face and sound flat. For authentic didges visit the workshop run by Richard Williams ( 21firstst.com ), based at Coco’s Backpackers in Katherine. Sounds of Starlight in Alice Springs also has an extensive range.

The key to making the right sound is to hum while letting your pressed lips flap, or vibrate, with the right pressure behind them – it’s easier using the side of your mouth. The tricky bit – beyond the ability of most beginners – is to master circular breathing; this entails refilling your lungs through your nose while maintaining the sound from your lips with air squeezed from your cheeks. A good way to get your head round this concept is to blow or “squirt” bubbles into a glass of water with a straw, while simultaneously inhaling through the nose. Most shops that sell didges also sell CDs and inexpensive “how to” booklets that offer hints on the mysteries of circular breathing and how to emit advanced sounds using your vocal cords.

Some Aboriginal communities forbid women to play the didge – as actress Nicole Kidman found out after she played one on German television to promote the film Australia . Besides being criticized for cultural insensitivity, Kidman was later informed that some Aboriginal groups believe that playing it makes women infertile.

Drinking and nightlife

Darwin’s alcohol consumption is notorious and weekend nights can get lively. The main focus is along Mitchell Street where a cluster of terrace-fronted bars compete for trade with happy hours, big-screen sport and acoustic live music. For a more sedate evening head down to the Waterfront Quarter or catch a movie under the stars. There’s no mass-market NT-brewed beer, but for the ultimate hangover cure, try an omnipresent Pauls Iced Coffee (only sold in the Territory).

Darwin has a surprisingly sophisticated restaurant scene. Local favourites can often fill up, so try to book ahead. Look out for seafood, particularly barramundi , a sweet-tasting fighting fish which is near inescapable on the city’s menus. Mindil Beach and Parap markets boast a plethora of Asian food stalls, while there are inexpensive seafood takeaways on Stokes Hill Wharf.

There is a certain amount of misunderstanding about the Top End’s tropical climate , usually summed up as the hot and humid “Dry” and the hotter and very humid “Wet”. Give or take a couple of weeks either way, this is the pattern: the Dry begins in April when rains stop and humidity decreases – although this always remains high, whatever the season. The bush is at its greenest, and engorged waterfalls pound the base of the escarpments, although it may take a couple of months for vehicle access to be restored to all far-flung tracks. From April until October skies are generally cloud-free, with daily temperatures reliably peaking in the low thirties centigrade, though June and July nights might cool down to 10°C – sheer bliss for unacclimatized tourists.

From October until December temperatures and humidity begin to rise during the Build Up . Clouds accumulate to discharge brief showers, and it’s a time of year when the weak-willed or insufficiently drunk can flip out and “go troppo” as the unbearable heat, humidity and dysfunctional air-conditioning push people over the edge. Around November storms can still be frustratingly dry but often give rise to spectacular lightning shows. Only when the monsoonal Wet season commences at the turn of the year do the daily afternoon storms rejuvenate and saturate the land. This daily cycle lasts for two months or so and is much more tolerable than you might expect, with a daily thunderous downpour cooling things down from the mid- to low thirties.

Cyclones occur most commonly at either end of the Wet and can dump 30cm of rain in as many hours, with winds of up to 300kph. Frequent updates on the erratic path and intensity of these tropical depressions are given on the radio, so most people are prepared when a storm hits. Some fizzle out or head back out to sea; others can intensify and zigzag across the land, most infamously in the form of 1974’s Cyclone Tracy, which pulverized Darwin.

And if further proof were needed that the Top End’s weather patterns warrant more distinction than merely Wet and Dry, know that the region’s Aboriginal groups traditionally recognize no less than six distinct seasons.

Some 150km east of Darwin lies KAKADU NATIONAL PARK , one of the most spectacular and varied wilderness areas in Australia, and World Heritage listed for both its natural and cultural riches. Kakadu derives its name from the Bininj/Mungguy people, the area’s traditional owners, who jointly manage the park with the Australian government.

Covering more than 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is a challenging place to appreciate in a short visit; aim to allow a minimum of three days , and consider either renting a 4WD or joining a 4WD tour. Try too to factor in a river cruise to get to more remote areas. The dry-season months are the most popular times to visit, with little or no rain, acceptable humidity and temperatures, and conspicuous wildlife. Towards the end of the Dry, birdlife congregates around the shrinking waterholes, while November’s rising temperatures and epic electrical storms herald the onset of the Wet. To see Kakadu during the Wet , which sees up to 1600mm of torrential rainfall between December and March, or the early Dry is, many argue, to see it at its best. While some major sights are inaccessible and the wildlife dispersed, the waterfalls are in full flow and the land possesses a verdant splendour that can be breathtaking.

You could easily spend a week visiting all the spots detailed here, ideally followed by a return visit six months later to observe the seasonal changes. All the places mentioned here are reached off either the Arnhem or Kakadu highways. Most roads are accessible to 2WDs, except where indicated; 4WD tracks are closed during the Wet when even the highways can be underwater at times.

Aboriginal rock art

More than five thousand known Aboriginal art sites cover the walls of Kakadu’s caves and sheltered outcrops, ranging in age from just 30 years old to more than 20,000. Most of the art sites are of spiritual significance to Aborigines who live in the park, and only a few locations, such as Ubirr and Nourlangie, can be visited by tourists. The paintings incorporate a variety of styles, from handprints to detailed “X-ray” depictions of animals and fish from the rich Estuarine period of six thousand years ago. At this time, rising sea levels are thought to have submerged the land bridge by which Aborigines crossed into Australia. It’s not unusual to see paintings from successive eras on one wall. Contact period images of seventeenth-century Macassar fishing praus and larger European schooners might be superimposed over depictions of ancient Mimi spirits or creation ancestors. For the indigenous people, the art sites are djang (dreaming places), depicting Dreamtime stories, and the images serve as prompts to communicate valuable lessons that are still passed down from generation to generation.

Kakadu’s wildlife

Kakadu’s 20,000 square kilometres encompass a huge range of habitats from sandstone escarpments topped with heathland to savannah woodlands, wetlands and tidal mangroves all changing throughout the seasons. Within these habitats an extraordinary diversity of wildlife thrives, including 2000 different plants, more than 10,000 species of insect, 68 mammals, and 120 different reptiles including thousands of crocodiles (the park’s main watercourse, the South Alligator River , was misnamed after the prolific croc population on its banks). You’ll also find a third of Australia’s bird species within Kakadu, including the elegant jabiru (black-necked stork), the similarly large brolga, with its curious courting dance, and white-breasted sea eagles, as well as galahs and magpie geese by the thousand. Mammals include kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, 26 species of bat, and dingoes.

With so many interdependent ecosystems, maintaining the park’s natural balance is a full-time job. Burning off has long been recognized as a technique of land management by Aborigines who have a safe, effective process that involves lighting small, controllable fires in a patchwork quilt-like pattern to stimulate new plant growth. Today, rangers imitate these age-old practices, burning off the drying speargrass during Yegge, the indigenous “cool weather time” season from May to June. Managing introduced species , from water buffalo to troublesome grass species and cane toads, is also a major priority in order to preserve the park’s environment.

Kakadu’s yellow gold

The land around Kakadu’s border with Arnhem Land contains fifteen percent of the world’s known uranium reserves , and mining and refining the ore produces millions of dollars in royalties for the park’s traditional owners (not to mention making a pretty penny for the mining company itself, multinational Rio Tinto). Environmentalists have long campaigned against mining in the park, arguing that it’s impossible to contain the low-level radioactive waste produced. There have been more than 150 leaks and spills at the Ranger Uranium Mine near Jabiru since it opened in 1981, and the vast open pit (surrounded by, but technically separate from, the national park) certainly makes for a sight deeply incompatible with the park itself. Until recently it was possible to take guided tours of the mine, although these were halted in 2013 after a transition began from open-cut mining to underground exploration. But subterranean or otherwise, and despite uranium still being touted as a catalyst for carbon-neutral power generation, mining in Kakadu won’t stop being a divisive issue anytime soon.

The small town of KATHERINE , 317km south of Darwin, is a worthwhile stopover, primarily for a sidetrip to the dramatic Nitmiluk Gorge (formerly Katherine Gorge) or to strike out along the epic Victoria Highway to Western Australia. The fast-flowing Katherine River , which runs through the gorge and town, must have been a sight for explorer John McDouall Stuart’s sore eyes as he struggled north in 1862. Having got this far, he named the river after a benefactor’s daughter, and within ten years the completion of the Overland Telegraph Line (OTL) encouraged European settlement, as drovers and prospectors converged on the first reliable water north of the Davenport Ranges. In 1926 a narrow-gauge railway line linked Katherine with Darwin and the town was established on the present site.

Katherine is essentially a “one-street” town, though in January 1998 when the river rose to 22m and broke its banks that street found itself under 2m of water – a crocodile was even spotted cruising lazily past the semi-submerged Woolworths.

The Stuart Highway becomes Katherine Terrace , the main street, as it passes through town. Along it lie most of the shops and services, while sprinkled around town are several excellent Aboriginal art and craft galleries. The town can be a good place to pick up casual work at the surrounding stations and market gardens (most readily during the main Nov–Dec mango season).

Nitmiluk National Park

The magnificent 12km Nitmiluk Gorge , carved by the Katherine River through the Arnhem Land plateau, is the centrepiece of the Nitmiluk National Park . The river, hemmed in by sheer ochre cliffs, makes for a spectacular cruise or canoeing trip (there are, in fact, thirteen gorges split by sections of rapids). Nitmiluk also has eight marked walking trails , including the renowned 36km Jatbula Trail. The local Jawoyn (pronounced Jar-wen) people own the park’s accommodation options and also run Nitmiluk Tours, which runs visitor activities in the park.

The MacDonnell Ranges are among the longest of the parallel ridge systems that corrugate the Centre’s landscape. Their east–west axis, passing through Alice Springs, is broken by myriad gaps carved through the ranges during better-watered epochs. It is these striking ruptures, along with the grandeur and colours of the rugged landscape – particularly west of Alice Springs – that make a few days spent in the MacDonnells so worthwhile. The expansive West MacDonnells are best appreciated with at least one overnight stay at any of the campsites mentioned here, while the often-overlooked East MacDonnells are a better bet if your time is limited. Both can be visited as part of a tour or with your own vehicle – a 4WD is recommended to get the most out of a visit, as some of the best spots are along corrugated dirt tracks. Take heed of off-road driving advice .

The East MacDonnells

Heading out of Alice Springs through Heavitree Gap and along the Ross Highway you soon reach tranquil Emily Gap , Alice Springs’ nearest waterhole, 10km from town. This is one of the most significant Arrernte sacred sites, being the birthplace of the ancestral Caterpillar beings who formed the surrounding landscape. There are some interesting stylized depictions of the caterpillars on the far side of a natural pool; and again at the equally peaceful Jessie Gap , a little further east. Corroboree Rock , 47km east of Alice Springs, is an unusual, fin-like outcrop of limestone with an altar-like platform and two crevices piercing the fin. The rock was once a repository for sacred objects and a site of initiation ceremonies, or corroborees .

The Old South Road and the northern Simpson Desert

Just 14km out of Alice Springs, shortly after the airport turn-off, a sign indicates “Chambers Pillar (4WD)”. This is the Old South Road , which follows the abandoned course of the Ghan and original Overland Telegraph Line to Adelaide; these days, the sandy route has become part of the Old Ghan Heritage Trail, which takes adventurous off-roaders all the way to South Australia. If you’re not an experienced off-road driver, some full-day tours from Alice Springs include Chambers Pillar.

Rainfall permitting, ordinary cars can normally cover the 35km to Ewaninga Rock Carvings , a jumble of rocks by a small claypan that is a sacred Aboriginal Rain Dreaming site, but after the store at MARYVALE (also known as Titjikala; has shop and fuel) you’ll need a 4WD and to be in the mood for a thorough shaking until Charlotte Ranges. After the ranges there are sand ridges all the way to Chambers Pillar (camping), a historic dead-end, 165km from Alice Springs. Named by Stuart after one of his benefactors, the 50m-high sandstone pillar was used as a landmark by early overlanders heading up from the railhead at Oodnadatta, SA. The plinth is carved with their names as well as those of many others, and can be seen from the platform at the pillar’s base.

Some 4WD tracks in the Centre

Renting a 4WD for a few days of off-road driving can get you to some beautiful corners of the central deserts. Here are some 4WD-only routes close to Alice Springs. Read the advice and carry the gear recommended in Basics. The Alice Springs Visitor Centre can provide maps and information on road conditions (1800 246 199, ntlis.nt.gov.au/roadreport). Beginners should also consider taking a 4WD course such as those offered by Direct 4WD (0408 485 641, direct4wd.com.au ) based in Alice Springs. Also make sure you are appropriately equipped for travelling in remote areas with plenty of food and water, tow ropes, a second spare tyre and spare jerry cans. All rental agents in the Alice Springs “Getting around” section can arrange 4WDs.

The main appeal of the 195km Mereenie Loop, linking Hermannsburg with Kings Canyon (allow 3–4hr), is that it avoids backtracking on the usual “Canyon and Rock” tour. It is a stunning drive with plenty of desert oaks, river crossings, wild horses, donkeys and dingoes. The corrugations can be fearsome; don’t even think about the trip if rain is forecast as it’s prone to flash flooding and inaccessible after rain. Obtain a permit at Alice Springs Visitor Centre, Glen Helen or Kings Canyon. Note that you’re not allowed to stop (except at the official “Jump-Up” lookout area, close to Kings Canyon) or camp.

With a day to spare and experience with a 4WD, following the Finke river bed from Hermannsburg down to the Ernest Giles Road offers an adventurous alternative to the highway and saves some backtracking. Rewards include stark gorge scenery, a reliable waterhole and the likelihood that you’ll have it all to yourself. Before you set off, check the road conditions.

The 100km track starts immediately south of Hermannsburg. After 10km of corrugated road you descend into the river bed. From here on driving is slow, along a pair of sandy or pebbly ruts – you should deflate your tyres to at least 25psi/1.7bar and keep in the ruts to minimize the risk of getting stuck. There’s just one designated campsite en route, Boggy Hole , which looks out from beneath river red gums to permanent reed-fringed waterholes.

Beyond, the track crisscrosses rather than follows the river bed before taking a roller-coaster ride to the Giles Road across some low dunes thinly wooded with desert oaks – beware of oncoming traffic on blind crests. Boggy Hole to the Giles Road is 65km, so allow three hours.

Call the Arltunga Ranger Station ( t 08 8956 9770), 101km east of Alice Springs, for the latest track conditions for this scenic, if bumpy, 47km drive (allow 2hr) through the Eastern ranges. It includes some steep creek crossings until you reach the sandy river bed of the Hale and the Ruby Gap Nature Park . From here, keep to the sandy ruts and inch carefully over the rocks for 5km, at which point you’ll need to stop and walk the last 2km to Glen Annie Gorge .

Another challenging track (impassable after the rain) heads north from Arltunga past Claraville station and up over the Harts Ranges through Cattlewater Pass to the Plenty Highway, 56km or three hours from Arltunga. It’s a scenic way of returning to Alice Springs from Arltunga and you’re bound to see some hopping marsupials along the way, but ensure you allow plenty of time, as it’s slow going in places.

A great option for those who want to combine 4WD touring with the region’s pioneering history. It’s a sandy but relatively short undertaking, running for 50km and forming a through-route from Larapinta Drive (50km west of Alice) to the Stuart Highway (66km south of Alice). Highlights along the way include old Aboriginal stockmen’s quarters and a log-hut homestead. There’s a detailed self-drive info sheet available online ( parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au ) or from the Simpsons Gap ranger station.

The West MacDonnells

Most of the ranges west of Alice are now part of the West MacDonnells National Park . The route described here follows an anticlockwise loop out along Larapinta Drive, then north along Namatjira Drive to Glen Helen Resort , a short while after which a 110km partly dirt road takes you south past Gosse Bluff to the Mereenie Loop and turn-off (east) for Palm Valley and Hermannsburg, and back to Alice Springs. A total distance of 370km, it can be slow-going depending on the condition of the road after Glen Helen and the Mereenie Loop, which is prone to flash flooding in rain and can be closed for weeks after. The Mereenie Loop (not part of the national park) passes through Aboriginal land ; get a permit from the Alice Springs visitor centre and check road conditions; do not attempt the route if rain is forecast.

Albert Namatjira

Born on the Hermannsburg Lutheran mission in 1902, Albert Namatjira , a member of the Arrernte tribe, was the first of the Hermannsburg mission’s much-copied school of landscape watercolourists . Although lacking much painting experience, Namatjira assisted white artist Rex Battarbee on his painting expeditions through the Central Australian deserts in the 1930s during which his talent soon became obvious to Battarbee, who later became Namatjira’s agent. Like all NT Aborigines at that time, Namatjira was forbidden to buy alcohol, stay overnight in Alice Springs or leave the Territory without permission. At the insistence of southern do-gooders – and against his wishes – he was the first Aborigine to be awarded Australian citizenship , in 1956. This meant he could travel without limitations, but needed a permit to visit his own family on Aboriginal reserves. Following the success of his first exhibition in Melbourne, he became a reluctant celebrity, compelled under Aboriginal tradition to share his wealth with his extended family. A shy and modest man, he died in 1959 following a sordid conviction and short imprisonment for supplying alcohol to fellow Aborigines.

Critics could never make up their minds about his work, but his popular appeal was undoubted: today his paintings remain among the most valuable examples of Australia’s artistic preoccupation with its landscape. Sadly, the Twin Ghost Gums in the West MacDonnell Ranges, which featured in some of his most famous works, were destroyed in a suspected arson case in 2013.

The Larapinta Trail

A wonderful way to experience the West MacDonnells is to trek the long-distance Larapinta Trail , which follows the ranges, beginning at the Telegraph Station north of Alice Springs and ending 223km to the west on the 1347m Mount Sonder summit. The walk is divided into around a dozen sections, but these don’t necessarily delineate a day’s walk. Trailside water tanks are situated no more than two days’ walk or 30km apart. The more impressive and more arduous sections are near town. Section 2 from Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek is 25km long – an overnight stop is advised, while the next section is a short but hard 14km to Standley Chasm with 350m of climbing. Pre-check weather conditions – it’s best tackled between April and October when the temperatures are lower. You can print a basic trail guide from the NT government website ( parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/walks/larapinta ) or, better, buy its comprehensive “Trail Package” ($44), which includes waterproof trail maps and notes. For those walkers looking for a touch of Larapinta comfort, it’s now possible to make use of rather stylish semipermanent campsites through World Expeditions ( worldexpeditions.com ).

The 1100km south from Katherine down “ the Track ”, as the Stuart Highway is known, to Alice Springs, is something of a no-man’s-land for travellers – taken up by a sparsely populated, flat, arid plain rolling all the way to the Red Centre. The bleak landscape can provoke a slight anxiety when looking at the fuel gauge. If you really have to drive straight through, allow a good twelve hours, though it makes sense to break the journey at Mataranka to visit the hot springs and overnight further south at Tennant Creek . Avoid driving in the dark, as there’s a strong likelihood of hitting kangaroos or dozy cattle, which often wander across the road.

West of the Track, the vast Aboriginal lands of the Warlpiri and neighbouring groups occupy just about the entire Tanami Desert , while to the east are the grasslands of the Barkly Tableland , a dramatic drought-affected pastoral region extending north to the seldom-visited coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria .

The Devil’s Marbles

Just off the highway about 130km south of Tennant Creek, the marvellous Devil’s Marbles are worth an hour or so of your time. Genuine geological oddities, the boulders are spectacular at sunrise and sunset, when they positively glow in the low-angled light. During the day, expect a steady stream of visitors striking elaborate between-rock poses for photos. The local Warumungu people believe the Marbles are the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent.

The tiny town of MATARANKA – just over 100km from Katherine – is the capital of “Never Never” country, named after Jeannie Gunn’s 1908 novel of a pioneering woman’s life set in the area, We of the Never Never . Nearby, the hot springs of Elsey National Park , Mataranka Homestead and the freshwater wetlands of the Roper River lure passing travellers from May to September. You’ll find accommodation, fuel, a supermarket and local museum on Roper Terrace (Stuart Highway).

The Red Centre: when to go and what to take

The aridity of the Centre results in seasonal extremes of temperature. In the midwinter months of July and August the weather is lovely and the light clear, although freezing nights , especially around Uluru, are not uncommon. In December and January the temperature can reach 40°C by 10am and not drop below 30°C all night. The transitional seasons of autumn (April–June) and spring (Sept & Oct) are the best times to explore the region in comfort, although in spring there’s the chance of rain. Although you may encounter floods and road closures, rain can transform the desert into a green garden with sprouting wildflowers, though generally it’s the midsummer storms that bring the most rain.

Out here a wide-brimmed hat is not so much a fashion accessory as a lifesaver, keeping your head and face in permanent shadow. A head net is also highly advisable – the flies can be maddening during the day, especially at Uluru. All walks require a water bottle and lashings of sun block . Australia’s venomous (but rarely seen) snakes, rocky paths and the prickly spinifex grass that covers a fifth of the continent, make a pair of covered shoes or boots essential too.

Tennant Creek

With its handful of shops, restaurants and sights, including an excellent Aboriginal cultural centre, TENNANT CREEK , 26km south of Three Ways, remains the best stopover on the long haul between Katherine (669km north) and Alice Springs (507km south). At the heart of the Barkly Region, Tennant is a hub for the mining and beef industries and the surrounding area is home to the NT’s oldest, and some of the world’s biggest, cattle stations.

Sadly, Tennant also has a dark side, with social problems and alcohol-related issues blighting sections of the Aboriginal community which makes up close to half the town’s population of around 3000. It can feel edgy when venturing out at night – taxis are a good idea if you’re taking more than a short walk – but the small town has for decades made efforts to shake off its reputation, and it deserves to be visited with an open mind.

John McDouall Stuart came through Tennant Creek in the early 1860s, followed by the Overland Telegraph Line ten years later. Pastoralists and prospectors arrived from the south and east, and in 1933 it was the site of Australia’s last major gold rush . Mining corporations continue to exploit the rich deposits here, with mineral exploration the most important industry alongside beef. The Stuart Highway becomes Paterson Street, the town’s main drag, as you enter Tennant.

Stunning Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, southwest of Alice Springs, is accessible by three different routes. Most take the circuitous four-hour 450km journey south from Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, then west on the Lasseter Highway (which continues on to Uluru), then north on the Luritja Road. Alternatively, a couple of 4WD routes, the Mereenie Loop and the Ernest Giles Road off the Stuart Highway, also access the park.

If you’re not self-driving, most tours of two days or more departing from Alice Springs include Kings Canyon on their itineraries, en route to or from Ayers Rock Resort . There are also daily bus transfers ($119 either way), with guided commentary, between Ayers Rock Resort and Kings Canyon with AAT Kings, with onward connections to Alice Springs.

Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park)

As you cross the boundary of the Watarrka National Park , you’ll see the turn-off to Kathleen Springs , where a walk (90min return) takes you to a sacred Aboriginal waterhole. Once used to corral livestock, it’s now a good place to catch sight of colourful birdlife.

Another twenty minutes’ drive down the road is the majestic KINGS CANYON itself, part of the magnificent George Gill Range. The big attraction is the three- to four-hour, 6km Rim Walk up and around the canyon, its scintillating views and complex natural history making it one of the Centre’s best hikes. Early morning is the most popular time, and for a couple of hours from sunrise, visitors swarm out from the car park along the track – if you don’t mind missing the sunrise, you might have the place to yourself in the late afternoon when the light is better, but avoid the heat of the middle of the day. The walk actually gets closed if temperatures are forecast to peak above 36°C (most commonly in Jan or Feb).

Undertaken in a now mandatory clockwise direction, the walk starts with a well-constructed stepped ascent (the toughest part of the walk), after which the trail leads through a maze of sandstone domes, known as the Lost City , where interpretive boards fill you in on the geology and botany. About halfway along, you clamber down into a cool, palm-filled chasm known as the Garden of Eden . Coming up the far side, there’s an easily missed detour downstream to a shady pool where you can swim. From here you get a blockbuster view of the sunlit south wall and the canyon below. Returning to the staircase, the walk comes to the very edge of the south wall and then descends gently to the car park. For a different perspective, the easy 2km return walk along the canyon bottom is also worthwhile.

Heading south from Darwin, the Stuart Highway passes old mining outposts and overgrown, but still commemorated, World War II airstrips. The highway itself snakes all the way down to South Australia, but along its most northern stretch are a number of attractions that can be visited either as excursions from Darwin or as diversions on the journey to Katherine, 320km to the south.

Litchfield National Park

“Kaka-don’t, Litchfield-do” is an oversimplified quip expressing many Darwin residents’ preference for LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK over its much larger near-neighbour. Situated just 100km south of Darwin, and roughly 16km west of the Stuart Highway, the park encompasses the Tabletop Range, a spring-fringed plateau from which several easily accessible waterfalls gush into swimming holes. The whole park is a laidback destination, great for bushwalking and lingering nature appreciation, without the hassle of long drives, permits or 4WDs. It offers comparatively little in the way of visible Aboriginal culture, but if you’re after a relaxed day or two in striking surrounds, it’s ideal. Pay attention to the signs warning of crocodiles .

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park encompasses Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock ) and Kata Tjuta (once known as the Olgas ). If you’re wondering whether all the hype is worth it, the answer is, emphatically, yes. The Rock, its textures, colours and not least its elemental presence, is without question one of the world’s natural wonders. While overt commercialization has been controlled within the park, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, it’s impossible to avoid other tourists, but this shouldn’t affect your experience.

In many ways just as spellbinding, Kata Tjuta (meaning “Many Heads”) lies 45km west from the park entry station. A cluster of rounded domes divided by narrow chasms and valleys, it is geologically quite distinct from Uluru and makes for a stunning early-morning hike spotting rock wallabies along the way.

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park

The entry fee for ULURU–KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK allows unlimited access for up to three days, though it’s easily extendable (an annual pass is just $32.50). Besides the two major sites of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the park incorporates the closed Aboriginal community of Mutujulu, near the base of the Rock, the site of the original caravan park before the resort was built. More than 400,000 tourists visit the park every year, and as many come in tour-bus groups, the place can sometimes feel crowded.

It is thought that Aboriginal people arrived at Uluru more than 20,000 years ago, having occupied the Centre more than 10,000 years earlier. They survived in this semi-arid environment in small mobile groups, moving from one waterhole to another. Water was their most valued resource, and so any site like Uluru or Kata Tjuta that had permanent waterholes and attracted game was of vital practical – and therefore religious – significance.

The first European to set eyes on Uluru was the explorer Ernest Giles, in 1872, but it was a year later that William Gosse followed his Afghan guide up the Rock and thereby made the first ascent by a European, naming it Ayers Rock after a South Australian politician. With white settlement of the Centre and the introduction of cattle came the relocation of its occupants from their traditional lands.

The first tourists visited the Rock in 1936, and in 1958 the national park was excised from what was then an Aboriginal reserve. By the early 1970s the tourist facilities in the park were failing to cope and the purpose-built township and resort of Yulara was conceived and completed within a decade. At the same time the traditional custodians of Uluru began to protest about the desecration of their sacred sites by tourists, who at that time could roam anywhere. After a long land-claim the park was subsequently returned with much flourish to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara peoples in 1985. A condition of the handback was that the park be leased straight back to the Department of Environment and Heritage, which now jointly manages the park with the Anangu.

Aboriginal people in the Red Centre

The Red Centre includes the lands inhabited by the “ Anangu ”, which simply means “Aboriginal people” in the languages of the Western Desert. Tribes include the Arrernte from the Alice Springs area, Luritja from the Papunya area, the Pitjantjatjara from the region stretching from Uluru/Yulara to Docker River, and the Yankuntjatjara and Antakarinja, from the areas in between. Notwithstanding massacres as late as 1928, the Aborigines of the central deserts were fortunate in being among the last to come into contact with white settlers, by which time the exterminations of the nineteenth century had passed and anthropologists like Ted Strehlow were busy recording the “dying race”. However, their isolation is thought to have made adjustment to modern life more challenging for them than for Aborigines of the northern coast.

At the centre of Anangu life and society is the concept of Tjukurpa , sometimes translated as “Dreamtime”. It’s a complex concept that encompasses the past, present and future; the creation period when the ancestral beings ( Tjukaritja ) created the world; the relationship between people, plants, animals and the land; and the knowledge of how these relationships formed, what their meaning was, and how they should be maintained through daily life and ceremony. In Aboriginal society their stories (which can sound simplistic when related to tourists) acquire more complex meanings as an individual’s level of knowledge increases with successive initiations. Read the interpretive signs at the base of the Rock to learn about Tjukaritja such as the Mala (rufous hare wallaby), Liru (venomous snake) and Kuniya (python).

Uluru geology

The reason Uluru rises so dramatically from the surrounding plain is because it is a monolith – that is, a single piece of rock, with most of its bulk hidden below ground like an iceberg. With few cracks to be exploited by weathering, and the layers of very hard, coarse-grained sandstone (or arkose) tilted to a near-vertical plane, the Rock has resisted the denudation of the landscape surrounding it. However, wind and rain have had their effects. During storms, brief, but spectacular, waterfalls stream down the rock forming dirty channels. In places, the surface of the monolith has peeled or worn away, producing bizarre features and many caves, most out of bounds but some accessible on the walking trails. The striking orangey-red hue is actually superficial, the result of oxidation (“rusting”) of the normally grey sandstone that can still be seen in some nooks and caves.

The Victoria Highway stretches for 510km southwest of Katherine to Kununurra in Western Australia. The two pit stops on the long journey west are the Victoria River Roadhouse , 194km west of Katherine, access point for the eastern sector of the remote and wild Gregory National Park, and Timber Creek, another 91km along the highway, near the entrance to the park’s western sector. More accessible and also worth a diversion is the Keep River National Park, just before the Western Australia border.

South of the highway, between Gregory and Keep River national parks, is the legendary Victoria River Downs (VRD) station, once the country’s biggest cattle station and the base of Australia’s biggest heli-mustering outfit ( heli-musternt.com.au ).

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia's Northern Territory

Written by Karen Hastings Updated May 26, 2022

A land of stark beauty, sacred Aboriginal sites, and sweeping wilderness, the Northern Territory has always stood apart from the rest of Australia. Vast deserts, wetlands, monsoonal rains, red-rock gorges, and raging rivers spark the spirit of adventure in those who visit, and wilderness adventures top the list of things to do.

"The Territory" is also rich in culture. The Traditional Owners of this land managed to preserve their way of life for much longer than other areas of the country, and today you can learn about how they thrived here for thousands of years.

The Red Centre , in the south of The Territory, is a land of parched deserts and striking rock formations. Uluru , the iconic red monolith, is one of the region's most famous tourist attractions. Northwest of here lies the legendary outback town of Alice Springs , a popular base for wilderness safaris.

The tropical Top End , or northern part of the state, encompasses the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park , famed for its Crocodile Dundee scenes; beautiful Litchfield National Park; Nitmiluk National Park; and the First Peoples settlements of Arnhem Land. Also in the Top End is multicultural Darwin , the capital of the Northern Territory.

Find the best places to visit in this rugged outback region with our list of the top tourist attractions in the Northern Territory, Australia.

1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

2. kakadu national park, 3. mindil beach & mindil beach markets, darwin, 4. nitmiluk national park, 5. darwin's waterfront & stokes hill wharf, 6. litchfield national park, 7. kings canyon (watarrka national park), 8. darwin's museums & galleries, 9. finke gorge national park, 10. alice springs, 11. karlu karlu (devil's marbles conservation reserve), 12. simpsons gap, west macdonnell national park, 13. larapinta trail, 14. the tiwi islands, 15. arnhem land, map of tourist attractions in australia's northern territory.

In the Red Centre, World Heritage-listed Uluru National Park, is one of Australia's most famous tourist attractions . The park's main features include Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) , the 348-meter-high red monolith rising from the desert, and the dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta ( the Olgas ), which lie 40 kilometers away from Uluru. Oxidation or rusting of iron in the rock gives the structures their beautiful red coloring.

Both sites hold deep spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners, the Anangu people, who manage the park jointly with Parks Australia. Around dusk, visitors gather at sunset viewing areas to photograph these impressive structures, when the play of color is at its finest. To really appreciate these sacred sites join a sightseeing tour led by an Indigenous guide.

Official site: http://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/

Kakadu's wild beauty will haunt your memory for a lifetime. Awarded dual World Heritage Status both for its outstanding natural and cultural value, this spectacular Top End wilderness area is Australia's largest national park and one of the top places to visit on a Northern Territory travel itinerary.

Landscapes range from lush wetlands to arid upland country. On the north coast lies the tidal zone, with river estuaries, mangrove swamps, and tall monsoon rainforests. Inland are the flood plains, where rivers pursue a winding course to the sea. Boat tours, like the Yellow Waters cruise and the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise take you through some of these waterways to view the unique plants and animals, including crocodiles and an impressive diversity of birds.

Waterfalls are among the many highlights of Kakadu. The escarpment of the Arnhem Land plateau runs diagonally through the park, from southwest to northeast. After heavy rain, water pours over its bare rocks and down the escarpment in magnificent tiers of thundering falls – Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are two of the most famous.

Hiking trails and the main access roads radiate through the gently rolling upland country, and this is the best way to explore the top attractions in this part of the park.

Wildlife mirrors the incredible diversity of habitats. Among the animals you can spot here are more than 70 different species of reptiles, the largest and most dangerous of which is the saltwater crocodile, as well as a vast array of fish, mammals, and birds.

In addition to all these natural attractions, the park is home to many sacred Aboriginal sites, and rock paintings dating back more than 20,000 years. Ubirr and Nourlangie hold Australia's most important collection of Aboriginal art.

You can visit Kakadu from Darwin , but this vast wilderness area deserves more than just a day trip. If you want to stay longer, consider basing yourself at Jabiru.

Note that seasonal flooding may close some sections of the park, especially during the wet season. For comprehensive information on the natural history and culture of this unique area stop by the National Park's Visitors Centre in Jabiru .

Official site: http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/index.html

Multicultural Darwin is the youngest of the Australian state capitals and the gateway to wilderness adventures like Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. But you'll find plenty of rewarding things to do in Darwin before you head out. Watching the sunset at Mindil Beach should be top on your list.

A mere five minutes from Darwin's city center, this rather unassuming stretch of sand and sea is the setting for a curious ritual. Every evening at sunset, throngs of tourists and locals plonk down on the shore to watch the sun dip into the tranquil Timor Sea. It's one of the best free things to do in the Northern Territory.

Mindil Beach also hosts the tourist-favorite Mindil Beach Sunset Markets . Come here every Thursday and Sunday evening to feast on tasty treats from around the world, buy souvenirs for your friends back home, or just soak up the scene of happy tourists. Live music adds an upbeat soundtrack, and the general vibe is one of a huge communal picnic catered by the many food stalls.

From Mindil Beach, wander along scenic waterfront paths to East Point Nature Reserve , where you can learn about Darwin's fascinating history at the Darwin Military Museum.

Formerly known as Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park is one of the most famous Top End tourist attractions. The main must-see site is the series of gorges. Up to 100 meters deep, they were carved by the Katherine River through the soft sandstone of the southern Arnhem Land plateau.

During the dry months, the river carries little water, leaving a series of pools separated by rocks and boulders. During the wet season, the river is at its most impressive as it surges tumultuously through the narrow gorges.

In contrast to the arid Arnhem Land plateau, the perennial flow of the Katherine River nourishes luxuriant vegetation and diverse wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles and more than 160 species of birds.

Boat trips through the gorges are one of the most popular ways to explore Nitmiluk National Park . But you can also explore the park on foot. Trails range from a two-hour hike to the viewpoint above the first gorge to a five-day hike to Leliyn ( Edith Falls ) in the park's northwest.

Kayak rentals and helicopter flights are other popular ways to experience the park.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/nitmiluk-national-park

Darwin's Waterfront Precinct is the best place to soak up the city's salt-tinged setting. Stroll along the waterfront promenade here, in the heart of the city, and see what piques your interest. You'll find everything from tourist attractions and art galleries to restaurants, parks, shops, and, of course, glistening water views.

Traveling with kids? Stop by the Darwin wave lagoon or water park for a cool dip, pop by the waterfront park for a clamber on the rock climbing wall, or relax with a picnic on the white-sand beach. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the World War II secret Oil Storage Tunnels. At night, take the family to the Deckchair Cinema to catch the latest flicks.

Just a few minutes' stroll across the bridge from Darwin Waterfront is Stokes Hill Wharf . Another tourist favorite, this working wharf is the departure point for harbor cruises, Jet Ski tours, and fishing charters. It's also a great place to visit for an alfresco seafood meal.

Prefer to catch your own fish? Cast a line from the free fishing platforms here. Stokes Hill Wharf is also home to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Darwin Tourist Facility, one of Darwin's top museums .

About a 90-minute drive from Darwin, beautiful Litchfield National Park is a popular day trip from the capital. It's great way to experience the Top End wilderness without traveling all the way to Kakadu.

Among Litchfield's main attractions are its beautiful waterfalls and freshwater springs, which flow from the escarpment of the Tabletop Range and tumble over steep cliffs.

The park scenery is also beautiful. It varies from patches of tropical monsoon forest around the waterfalls and ponds to open woodland and giant magnetic termite mounds. Don't miss the Lost City . This formation of large sandstone columns sits near Tolmer Falls in the park's west.

Bushwalking and hiking are particularly rewarding. You can also enjoy a dip in the park's plunge pools and swimming holes; explore the ruins of the Blythe Homestead ; and visit Wangi Falls , one of the most popular swimming and picnicking spots.

Sealed roads lead to most of the major attractions, but 4WD vehicles are recommended to access some of the park's more remote features.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/litchfield-national-park

Part of Watarrka National Park and located about midway between Alice Springs and Uluru, Kings Canyon has the deepest gorge in the Red Centre . The scenery is spectacular. Orange-red rocks glow against a typically deep blue sky, and the sandstone walls of the canyon rise to heights of 100 meters, almost looking like they were cut with a knife.

The park is also surprisingly lush in areas. On the bottom of the canyon are perennial waterholes, and ferns and palm forests line the upper part of the gorge – especially in the area called the Garden of Eden . More than 600 species of native plants and animals live in the region.

To the Luritja people, this area was sacred, and their dwellings and places of assembly are decorated with rock paintings.

One of the best ways to explore Watarrka National Park is on the network of scenic hiking trails. The steep six-kilometer Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the top hikes in Australia . Scenic flights and camel safaris are other ways to explore the park.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/watarrka-national-park

Despite its laid-back feel, Darwin has a turbulent history, and you can learn all about it at the city's excellent museums.

Darwin's World War II history shaped the country. This seemingly sleepy tropical city was the site of Australia's largest single attack by a foreign power, when the Japanese bombed the city and harbor on February 19, 1942. Learn more about this fateful event at the excellent Defence of Darwin Experience at the Darwin Military Museum.

For even more exhibits on the bombing of Darwin, save time to stop by the Darwin Aviation Museum . True to its name, the museum displays a collection of military aircraft, including a B52 Bomber on loan from the US Air Force.

A second key event in Darwin's history was Cyclone Tracy . On Christmas Day 1974, this ferocious storm slammed Darwin with wind speeds of up to 280 kilometers per hour, almost destroying the entire town. You can hear a chilling sound recording of the storm at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory . The museum also covers Darwin's maritime and natural history, and art lovers will enjoy the impressive collection of Aboriginal art. Keep a lookout for "Sweetheart," a 5.1-meter-long stuffed crocodile, one of the largest ever captured in the Northern Territory.

Prefer a feel-good museum? Head to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Darwin Tourist Facility on Stokes Hill Wharf. Here, you can learn all about the outback heroes who connect the Northern Territory's remote communities with life-saving medical care.

If gallery gazing is more your style, Mason Gallery (Shop 7/21 Cavanagh Street) displays and sells vibrant Aboriginal artwork with a focus on pieces from the Northern Territory.

Finke Gorge National Park is known for its prehistoric red cabbage palms, which grow in the valley of Palm Creek , a tributary of the Finke River . Extinct elsewhere, the palms are relics of a much wetter period. The imposing rock formations in the park are also of ritual significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Because of its inaccessibility, Finke Gorge National Park drew few visitors until a campground was established on Palm Creek, near Palm Valley. For visitors without an all-terrain vehicle, organized tours depart from Alice Springs.

An oasis in the red-earthed desert, Alice Springs is one of Australia's most famous outback towns. Affectionately called "the Alice" by Aussies, it's an important base camp for tours to Red Centre attractions, including Uluru , Kata Tjuta , the MacDonnell Ranges , Kings Canyon , and the boundless expanses of the outback.

Neville Shute's novel, A Town like Alice , and its film version nudged this unassuming town into the international spotlight. Once a dusty outback settlement, today Alice Springs brims with restaurants, hotels, caravan parks, entertainment venues, shops, and Aboriginal art galleries. At the Araluen Cultural Precinct , you can learn about the region's history and Aboriginal culture in a complex of museums and galleries.

Wildlife lovers can meet some famous Northern Territory animals at Alice Springs Desert Park and Alice Springs Reptile Park . And for a dose of local color, try to time your visit for the annual camel races at the end of April and the beginning of May. The greatest event of the year, however, is the Henley on Todd Regatta at the beginning of October. At this famous event, locals trundle boats along the dry riverbed and top off the day with a festival.

Adventures abound in the surrounding countryside. Travelers can hike the Larapinta Trail , one of Australia's most challenging walks, and drive the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon . Desert safaris on quad bikes, hot air balloon rides, and camel rides are other popular things to do.

The Northern Territory has no shortage of quirky rock formations, and Karlu Karlu (The Devil's Marbles) grace the list. These huge granite boulders, worn down and split by weathering, are striking landmarks in a flat sandy plain.

In Aboriginal mythology these massive rocks, lying tumbled on the ground or piled on top of one another, are the eggs of the rainbow serpent and are called Karlu Karlu. Their shade and the dew that settles around them provide a habitat for low-growing plants and many birds.

Karlu Karlu are a favorite subject for photographers; arrive just before sunset for the best light.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/karlu-karlu-devils-marbles-conservation-reserve

A visit to Simpsons Gap, near Alice Springs, is a great way to experience the rugged topography of the western MacDonnell Ranges . Deep gorges carved by prehistoric watercourses form a striking contrast to the wide desert-like plains and dunes. Areas of white sand, huge river eucalyptus trees, and white-barked ghost gums lead to a permanent waterhole in the shelter of rugged cliffs, which are particularly impressive in the slanting sun of late afternoon.

To the Aranda people who live here, the gorge is the home of their giant goanna ancestors. Walking trails lead to quiet spots where rock wallabies appear in the early morning and late afternoon, and Cassia Hill offers excellent views of the Larapinta valley .

A 24-kilometer hike from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap marks the first section of the famous Larapinta Trail , one of Australia's most famous outback walks.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/simpsons-gap

One of Australia's top hikes , the legendary Larapinta Trail takes you right through the heart of the Aussie outback. This tough 223-kilometer track follows in the footsteps of the First Peoples, crossing ancient desert landscapes and threading along the craggy spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Starting at the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the Larapinta trail is best tackled by experienced hikers. The entire hike takes about 14 days , but you can slice it up into shorter sections to suit your time and ability. Highlights include Simpson's Gap , Ormiston Gorge , Stanley Chasm , and the spectacular views from the summit of Mount Sonder.

Along the way, you'll sleep under the star-spangled desert skies in a swag, or you can pitch a tent at one of the wilderness camps. Guided group tours are the best way to tackle this epic hike.

Official site: http://www.larapintatrail.com.au

Aptly called the "Islands of Smiles," the Tiwi islands, about 80 kilometers north of Darwin, are among the top Northern Territory cultural attractions. If you look at a Northern Territory map, these unsung tropical islands sit just north of Darwin and offer a fascinating dose of Indigenous culture, as well as white-sand beaches, dense jungles, and fantastic fishing.

Bathurst and Melville Islands are the only two inhabited islands and are the top destinations for visitors, but the group also encompasses nine small uninhabited islands.

A popular way to visit the Tiwi Islands is on an organized day tour, which starts with a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Darwin. Famous for their vibrant art, the warm and friendly Tiwi people welcome visitors with a traditional song and dance ceremony, and demonstrate artistic techniques like painting, screen printing, and carving in the islands' galleries. Australian Rules Football is also a favorite pastime, and many footie fans visit during March to attend the annual grand final and local celebrations.

Besides aboriginal cultural and art tours, another way to experience the islands is on a fishing trip based out of either Melville Island Lodge, Clearwater Island Lodge, or Johnson River Camp. Barramundi, giant trevally, golden snapper, and jewfish are some of the species found in the rivers and coral reefs.

If you prefer to skip the ferry, flights to the islands take about 25 minutes, but you need to organize a permit well in advance for overnight stays.

Wondering about unique things to do in the Northern Territory? Add Arnhem Land to your Northern Territory itinerary and learn about one of the oldest living cultures on Earth. Rivaling the size of Iceland, this remote homeland of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lies about 500 kilometers from Darwin.

The Yolngu people are the Traditional Owners, and with their permission, you can visit here to experience their way of life, admire vibrant Aboriginal art, see ancient rock art sites, and learn how they live off the land.

Make sure you bring a camera. The striking landscapes here will linger long in your memory. Lush greens vibrate against the glowing red earth, and the turquoise Arafura Sea washes up on empty white-sand beaches. The wildlife is also a highlight. Crocs, birds, goannas, kangaroos, and dugongs are just some of the animals you can see here.

Fishing is another top thing to do in Arnhem Land. In fact, the Cobourg Peninsula is one of Australia's top fishing spots.

Visiting Arnhem Land requires some planning. First, you'll need to organize a permit in advance. Second, decide whether you want to do a DIY trip or join a guided tour. The latter is probably the best way to see all the highlights. No matter how you do it, this trip is one of the best ways to get an authentic taste of this fascinating ancient culture.

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Mindil Beach, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Best ways to enjoy the Northern Territory's tropical summer

Visit the Top End during the wet season to see cascading waterfalls, spectacular lightning storms and the wildflowers in bloom.

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By Stephanie Williams

The Northern Territory’s summer (November to April) is its wet season, characterised by epic thunderstorms, overflowing creeks and blossoming vegetation. Experience the magic of this season when you take in the spectacular experiences on offer.

Visit the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park

Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT, Dan Moore

The waterfalls of  Litchfield National Park  make for a dramatic sight during summer. See the twin cascades of  Florence Falls  and follow 160 steps down to the deep, cool plunge pool. Take the short walk to Buley Rockhole, a series of waterfalls and waterholes that teem with life in the wet season. Swim and picnic alongside thundering  Wangi Falls , where marsupial mice, frogs and frilled-neck lizards dart around the water's edge. Finally, stop to see the fields of Magnetic Termite Mounds, two-metre (6.6-foot) tall mounds built by termites during the wet season.

Take a helicopter over Nitmiluk Gorge

Nitmiluk Tours, Katherine Gorge, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

You won't forget the aerial view of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in  Nitmiluk National Park , which sits just northeast of  Katherine . On a helicopter tour you'll get an idea of its true scale and see it is actually part of a series of 13 interconnected gorges. They’re particularly spectacular during the tropical summer, when the Katherine River is brimming with water. Base yourself at  Cicada Lodge , a luxurious eco lodge inside the park. The lodge is a joint venture between the local Jawoyn people and Indigenous Business Australia and offers the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the ancient Nitmiluk landscape. Go deeper into the story on a rock art tour via helicopter or Nabilil Dinner Cruise and watch the sun set over the beautiful gorge. 

Walk, fly and cruise through Kakadu

Motor Car Falls, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT

In  Kakadu National Park , the local Bininj people have charted nature's cycle over six different seasons, rather than four. Late December to late March is the Gudjewg monsoon season, when heavy rains coax the landscape back to life. Native birds flock across the wetlands, tropical flowers bloom and spear grass sprouts across the floodplains. Follow the Yurmikmik Walks to surging waterfalls; Boulder Creek Walk, Yurmikmik Lookout Walk, Motor Car Falls and Kurrundie Creek Walk are open year round.  Cruise down the East Alligator River  with an Aboriginal guide, or take in the scope and scale of this lush landscape on a scenic helicopter flight .

Explore Nitmiluk National Park

Kayaking, Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Katherine is a three-hour drive south of Darwin and the gateway to Nitmiluk National Park. Visit galleries showcasing Aboriginal art and see the Katherine Outback Experience show with host Tom Curtain, who will enthral with his horse-breaking and musical skills. Depending on the weather, you can swim in pandanus-fringed plunge pools beneath Leliyn (Edith Falls) or take a bushwalk along the 2.6km (1.6mi) Leliyn Trail. For a peaceful paddle, hire a kayak or take an immersive canoe trip with Nitmiluk Tours .

Where to see crocodiles around Darwin

Watch the sunset over Darwin Harbour

Sail Darwin, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

By the end of a tropical day of touring, Darwin Harbour is a fantastic position from which to watch the sunset. You can take a seat on the shore or join a cruise and get out on the water. Sail Darwin will take you out on a three-hour  Champagne Sunset Sail  aboard their spacious 15m (50ft) luxury catamaran. Or jump aboard the  Spirit of Darwin  for a 2.5-hour cruise with antipasto platters and a glass of bubbles.

Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Northern Territory © Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours

In Darwin, explore the fascinating culture of the local Pudakul people with  Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours . On this experience, delivered by people of the Adelaide and Mary River region, you’ll learn about bush tucker and traditional medicine, try blowing a didgeridoo, throw a spear and see basket and dilly bag making demonstrations. Discover the significance of Dreamtime and the Rainbow Serpent before enjoying damper and tea.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Tourism NT’s role is to increase the desirability of the Northern Territory as a travel destination, inspiring more people to visit, stay longer and spend more.

We develop short and long-term marketing campaigns that promote the Northern Territory as a unique and must-visit holiday destination.

Our campaigns highlight the incredible natural beauty of our diverse regions from the tropical Top End to the rich outback of the Red Centre and the amazing adventures you can have here, focusing on the ease of access to the Northern Territory.

We show that the Northern Territory is truly unlike any other place in the world.

Tourism NT has been established as a commission by the Northern Territory Government under the Tourism NT Act 2012 . Tourism NT is responsible for marketing and influencing the development of the Northern Territory as a competitive visitor destination for the continuing benefit of Territorians.

Under the Tourism NT Act 2012 , the functions of Tourism NT are:

• Market the Territory as a desirable visitor destination.
• Facilitate the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the Territory.

Tourism NT works with the following main partners and stakeholders to achieve these outcomes:

• The tourism industry to market the Territory interstate and overseas as a visitor destination.
• The travel industry to influence and coordinate partnerships with wholesalers and retail agents to facilitate distribution of the Territory's tourism product.
• The Northern Territory Government, through the Minister for Tourism, by providing policy and other advice.
• The Tourism Board of Commissioners, on strategic issues facing the Northern Territory's tourism industry

Learn more about Our Vision .

Learn more about Who We Work With .

• Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
• Board of Commissioners
• Aboriginal Tourism Committee
• Annual Report
• Operational Plan
• Job opportunities
• Updated Tourism Industry Strategy 2030 (T2030)
• Cruise Tourism Strategy
• Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020 - 2030
• Long-term Business Events Strategy
• Drive Tourism Strategy
• Latest Visitor Data
• Regional Profiles
• Accommodation
• Industry Sentiment
• Value of Tourism
• Research Projects
• Alice Springs & MacDonnell Ranges region
• Barkly region
• Big Rivers region
• East Arnhem Land region
• Lasseter region
• Greater Darwin region
• Aboriginal tourism
• Business Events
• Drive market
• Education tourism
• Food and Drink
• History and Heritage
• Sustainable Tourism
• Northern Territory brand
• Territory Tourism Discount Scheme
• 2023 Summer done differently campaign
• Australian Traveller
• Seek Different Brand Awareness Campaign
• New Zealand Campaign
• Reconnect in the Territory
• Aboriginal Culture Campaign
• Tour the NT
• 2023 Events Campaign
• Livin Local photo competition
• 2023 Drive Campaign
• Different in every sense
• Territory Arts Trail
• Time to be a Territorian
• Territory Tourism Voucher
• The Territory is the Answer
• NT Summer Sale 20-21
• NT Summer Sale
• Territory Tourism Voucher Round 1
• Tourism Resilience Operator Advertising
• Amazing Race
• Million Dollar Fish
• Top End Wedding
• Tropical Light
• Trade Marketing
• Familiarisations
• Social Media & Public Relations
• Marketing Industry Toolkit
• Market fact sheets
• NT Global Connect
• Zoom Your Conference Call
• How to use our brand
• Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW)
• ATEC International Trade Ready Program
• Hosting Familiarisations
• Business Essentials
• Digital Marketing
• Social Media and PR
• Distribution
• Industry Connectivity
• Quality and Excellence
• Export Ready
• Program Partners
• Starting a tourism business?
• Working with Media
• What is Distribution
• Pricing, rates and commissions
• Booking systems
• Australian Tourism Data Warehouse
• Tripadvisor
• Online Travel Agents (OTAs)
• What is sustainable tourism?
• Become sustainable
• Measure and manage
• Seek accreditation
• Understand the policy
• Promote your actions
• Explore case studies
• Create your own sustainability strategy
• Minimum Tourism Amenity Standards
• Signage guidelines
• Pastoral and Agricultural Tourism
• Visitor Experience Enhancement Program
• Tour Guide Ready Program - Round 3
• Tourism Distribution Grant Program 2023/24
• Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program
• Aboriginal Tourism Development in NT Parks and Reserves Grant Program
• Aboriginal Tourism Development Support Grant Program
• Unlocking Aboriginal Tourism Development Funding
• Tourism Town Asset Program
• ATGP Round 1
• ATGP Round 2
• ATGP Round 3
• ATGP Round 4
• Accommodation Book Now Grant Program
• Book Now for Aboriginal Tourism Businesses Grant Program 2022
• Book Now - Digital Support Program
• International Restart Support Fund 2022
• KPMG Business Support
• New Visitor Experience Program
• Roadhouse to Recovery Grant
• Sustainability for Tourism Industry Grant
• Tourism Accessibility Improvement Grant
• Tourism Domestic Distribution Grant Program
• Tourism Evening Experiences Development Support
• Tourism Fast Track Support
• Tourism International Distribution Grant Program
• Round 7 recipients
• Round 6 recipients
• Round 5 recipients
• Round 4 recipients
• Round 3 recipients
• Round 2 recipients
• Round 1 recipients
• Sponsorship
• Program and speakers
• Important dates
• Nominations and submissions
• Support for entrants
• Judging panel
• 2023 winners
• 2022 winners
• 2021 Winners
• 2019 winners
• 2018 winners
• 2017 winners
• 2016 winners
• 2015 winners
• 2014 winners
• 2013 winners
• QATA 2023 winners
• 2022 QATA winners
• 2021 QATA winners
• 2019 QATA winners
• 2017 QATA winners
• 2016 QATA winners
• 2015 QATA winners
• 2014 QATA winners
• 2013 QATA winners
• Image gallery
• Case study videos
• 2022 Industry Update
• 2021 Industry Update
• 2020 Industry Update
• 2019 Industry Update
• 2018 Industry Update
• 2017 Industry Update
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darwin visitor guide

plan your visit

‘do it right’

The Northern Territory of Australia is an icon in itself.  Found within the borders of this vast region are a variety of stunning landscapes and ecosystems of World Heritage value.  There is also strong indigenous culture and a vibrant modern lifestyle for those lucky enough to visit the NT or to call the NT home.

Useful links

Darwin naturalist clubs.

• NT Field Naturalists
• Darwin Bush Walking Club

National Parks and Wildlife Service

• Kakadu Parks Service
• Kakadu Government Site
• Litchfield National Park

Darwin Time

• Darwin Weather
• Darwin Tides
• Darwin Tourism Information Centre

Darwin Flights

Darwin gig guides.

• Off the leash
• Darwin Live Guide
• Darwins weekend gig guide

visitor Guide to NT Tourism & Top End Touring

For those looking for a unique holiday destination that mixes modern with the ancient, country with the city and neuvo and retro lifestyle then NT tourism is for you. This guide to NT tourism is dedicated to helping you achieve your ultimate NT touring experience and guide you through the maze which is the planning stage.

The DARWIN ACCOMMODATION has Darwin hotels and apartment providers that have shown they have a high degree of care and diligence looking after their guests and are also offering mates rates for those that mention ethical adventures at the time of booking.

The SUGGESTED READING list contains a wide variety of sources and materials.  You will find text books on Australian plants, animals,  NT history, indigenous culture and people and a whole lot more.

Self-drive vs Organised tour .  All you need to know about the pro’s and con’s of self-driving and organised tours. This is a blog of what needs to be considered before you decide to self-drive or join an organised tour.  It will take you through some of the nuts and bolts (such as how to choose the right tour for you ) of what is required to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding time whilst on tour in the Top End.

Weather it is self-drive or on an organised tour each has it’s benefits and difficulties so have a look through and decide which you favour.

There is also a trip planner to help you organise your itinerary.

NT Fauna reviews are short casual reviews of animals that are found specifically on tours from Darwin with ethical adventures as the NT Flora reviews cover some of the useful plants.

For those that are interested in whats happening behind the scenes and some of the unusual things which occur up here then check out the TOP END NEWS page.

Enjoy your holiday.

Features of the Top End

World heritage parks.

An extensive park network which captures the variety of NT ecosystems including deserts, rainforests, mountains, floodplains, wetlands and everything in between.  These pristine ecosystems are home to a broad range of Australia’s unique wildlife some of which are endangered, threatened and endemic.  Some of these regions are inscribed into the United Nations World Heritage list as they contain such superlative natural values or cultural value that they are deemed worthy of protecting for the good and enjoyment of the rest of the world.  Of these Kakadu National Park is possibly the most well known.  Kakadu is one of select group world wide that meets all of the criteria both for natural and cultural value making it a modern day terrestrial version of Noahs ark.

Modern lifestyle and Darwin City

With a population of around 130,000 people Darwin is not a big city.  However it does have all the modern benefits of such without the negatives.  Cafes, waterfronts, restaurants, activities and attractions, quiet moments and more all delivered with the best sunsets Australia has to offer.

Indigenous Culture

The NT is also unique in that around 30% of the population are indigenous Australians with over 50% of the land being held or associated with Aboriginal people, land groups or trusts.  Aboriginal culture in Australia is considered the oldest continuous living culture on the planet and the Northern Territory is the perfect place to interact and learn about this ancient culture.

Ethical Adventures Regions of Operations

Kakadu national park, litchfield national park , fogg dam, mary river, adelaide river, daly river, katherine, territory wildlife park and berry springs, kakadu / arnhem land.

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