2 min summary Best time to visit Uluru Kakadu NP Wildlife Tips Responsible tourism All our Australia guides

Northern Territory travel guide

Sometimes mistakenly called the Northern Territories, this vast region of north and central Australia is singular rather than plural, despite boasting a wide array of landscapes. It is most definitely singular in the other sense of the word, however, as in remarkable. NT for short, the natural heritage and Aboriginal cultural heritage are totally intertwined and totally incredible, as our Northern Territory travel guide reveals.

Home\Oceania\Australia\Northern Territory

Northern Territory travel guide

So often associated with its stunning Red Centre, the Northern Territory is an explosion of so many other colours, colossal landscapes and creatures. NT for short, don’t be thrown by the word 'northern', because this federal Australian territory spreads well into the heart of central Australia, with Uluru as its crowning glory and the Aboriginal people being the rightful bearers of the crown, having settled in NT over 40,000 years ago.

Our land has a big story. Sometimes we tell a little bit at a time. Come and hear our stories, see our land. A little bit might stay in your hearts.

— Jacob Nayinggul, Manilakarr clan

Don’t miss the chance to take an Aboriginal guided tour through Kakadu and Watarrka National Parks or Arnhem Land to learn about the often painful history here, with a beautiful backdrop of sacred landscapes all connected by songlines. Aboriginal people regard all land as sacred, and songs must be continually sung to keep the land ‘alive’. By visiting and respecting the NT, you are contributing to this very special act of stewardship. Find out how, in our Northern Territory travel guide.

See all our Northern Territory Vacations

Give us a call

Our Northern Territory Vacations

IS/ISN'T

Northern Territory is…

vast and rich. Not just in terms of its landscapes, but also its Aboriginal heritage which is its beating heart.

Northern Territory is not…

for ‘cotton wool’ travelers. There is so much adventure to be had in NT.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Northern Territory or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

NORTHERN TERRITORY MAP & HIGHLIGHTS

You can travel through the heart of the Northern Territory on board the legendary Ghan railway, go on a wildlife tour or just take a four day tour to Uluru and Kings Canyon. The two gateways to NT are Darwin and Alice Springs; the former is the springboard to the Top End, and the latter to Uluru and the Red Centre. You can take a flight from Darwin or Cairns to reach Gove in the historic region of Arnhem Land, although you can also drive from Darwin. National Park musts are Kakadu up in the Top End, and two lesser known nirvanas of Watarrka and Mary River National Parks. The former is home to the Red Centre’s magnificence and the latter to a lot of crocodiles. The coastal crown is East Arnhem, where you will learn all about the maritime heritage of the Aboriginal people.

Give us a call to help with your itinerary

1. Bamurru Plains
2. East Arnhem
3. Kakadu National Park
4. Mary River National Park
5. Uluru
6. Watarrka National Park

Bamurru Plains

1. Bamurru Plains

A top experience in the Top End region this unique safari lodge is on the edge of Kakadu National Park, giving you access to a further 300km² of wetland, woodland and wildlife, waking up to the sound of kookaburras under the old bush tree. Explore by boat, on foot or just sit at your eco lodge and breathe in the timeless landscapes.

Bamurru Plains

East Arnhem

2. East Arnhem

We all know that Australia does beach time brilliantly, but welcome to a whole new level. Home to the Yolngu Aboriginal people for millennia, traditional fishing and sailing is still a way of life here. So you can combine a truly cultural trip in the Nyinyikay homelands with some beach time at the region’s magical spot of Bremer Island, aka Dhambaliya, in the Arafura Sea.

Kakadu National Park

3. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park at approximately 200km long by 100km wide, half of which is owned by the Bininj/Mungguy Aboriginals. They have been stewards of the park’s rainforest, spectacular escarpments, waterfalls, pools and wildlife for over 40,000 years. We are just mere guests in this spectacular, wild world, which is an utter joy to behold. Staying at Bamurru Plains on the outskirts is Oz bush bliss.

Kakadu National Park

Mary River National Park

4. Mary River National Park

Famous for fresh and salt water crocodile watching, as the park is home to some of the world’s largest. Travel with responsible wildlife guides to see them at a safe distance in specially constructed boats as well as a bevy of beautiful birdlife, including the iconic black-necked stork. Stay in a wilderness lodge and walk out to Couzens Lookout or along Point Stuart Coastal Reserve for superb views.

Uluru

5. Uluru

Uluru is located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park where there are actually 36 other rocks, known as the Olgas. Uluru and Kata Tjuta dominate the desert landscape and have done for millions of years. The park is now, after many years of struggle, back in the hands of the Anangu Aboriginal people (aka Pitjantjatjara), and all the rocks and landscapes are sacred.

Uluru

Watarrka National Park

6. Watarrka National Park

Camp here to experience the Red Centre in all its glory, surrounded by the rugged George Gill Range. There’s great hiking here, most famously around the rim of Kings Canyon where red walls soar 100m over Kings Creek, with natural highlights known as the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and North and South Walls. Watarrka is often combined with Uluru.

More about Northern Territory

Best time to go to the Northern Territory

The best time to visit Northern Territory depends on how you are traveling and what your main focus is. NT is open all year round…

Things to see & do at Uluru

Vacations to Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) give you the lowdown on one of the most famous places in Australia.

Things to see & do in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park slots into the northernmost tip of the Northern Territory.

Northern Territory wildlife

Nature is still sovereign in the Northern Territory, so you’ll be among 100,000 saltwater crocodiles, near-sacred black wallaroos, and the world’s largest camel herd.

Northern Territory travel advice

We’ve spoken to the experts to get you the very best Northern Territories travel advice.

Responsible tourism in the Northern Territory

Responsible vacations to the Northern Territory are powerful things.

More relevant guides

Written by Catherine Mack

Northern Territory travel guide